Streaming Services With Local Channels (And How They Compare)

For homes looking for a live TV plan that includes local channels like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, there are options. While it is pretty easy to sign up to a live TV streaming service, or switch to a different one if unhappy with a provider, local channels can be a real issue for some homes. Generally speaking, most live TV streaming services offer access to local channels, but few include all local channels, and in all areas.

Right now, YouTube TV is considered to be the most popular live TV streaming service in the United States, based on the number of subscribers. This is followed by Hulu Live TV in second place and Sling TV in third. Other popular options for streaming live TV over the internet include DirecTV Stream, fuboTV, and Vidgo.

All of these services offer various options to customize a live TV plan. In some cases, they offer multiple plans to choose from, with each offering a different selection of channels. In other cases, there is the option to bundle additional add-ons which can improve the channel lineup. When it comes to local channels, however, these tend to either be included with the base plans or not available.

Live TV services with locals

Below is an overview of how these popular live TV streaming services compare on the main local channels. The comparison table doesn’t take into account different plans and just highlights whether a service actually carries a local channel or not.

Streaming services with local channels comparison:

Locals on DirecTV Stream

With access to ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, DirecTV Stream is a pretty good option for local channels. Furthermore, access to these locals are available with all of DirecTV Stream’s live TV plans. However, with the cheapest plan currently priced at $69.99 per month, DirecTV Stream is not exactly the cheapest option around.

It is also worth noting that Choice and higher plans not only include the locals listed above, but also Regional Sports Networks like Bally Sports as well. The Choice plan, currently priced at $89.99 per month, is the cheapest way to get access to these RSNs through DirecTV Stream.

Locals on fuboTV

fuboTV is another good option for local channels thanks to the availability of ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. fuboTV offers more than one plan to choose from and all of them include access to the same locals. At present, the cheapest fuboTV package is Pro, which costs $69.99 per month, and unlocks access to more than 130 channels in total.

Locals on Hulu Live TV

Compared to DirecTV Stream and fuboTV, Hulu Live TV is slightly more limited in terms of local channels. However, it is still a solid option for those looking for access to ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. Hulu Live TV only offers one main live TV package, priced at $69.99 per month. In addition to more than 85 channels, a Hulu Live TV subscription also comes bundled with basic Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus as well.

Locals on Sling TV

When it comes to local channels, Sling TV is one of the most limited live TV services overall. At present, Sling only offers access to Fox and NBC local channels, so it won’t be an option for those looking for ABC or CBS. Of course, Sling TV is also significantly cheaper than many of the other live TV services, so the lack of additional channels is reflected in the lower price.

It is also worth pointing out that Sling currently doesn’t offer local Fox and NBC in all areas. Due to this, those thinking about signing up to Sling TV for locals will want to verify whether Fox and NBC are currently available in their area before paying for a subscription.

Locals on Vidgo

Similar to Sling TV, Vidgo is not the best option for local channels either. Vidgo offers three base plans, ranging in price between $59.95 and $99.95 per month, and all of them come with ABC and Fox. However, that is the extent to the local channel support. In other words, Vidgo won’t be a good option for homes in need of access to CBS and/or NBC.

Locals on YouTube TV

On paper, YouTube TV is probably the best option for local channels considering it checks all of the boxes in the table above. Not only do subscribers get access to ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, but they also get PBS, Telemundo, The CW, and Univision as well. While this is only one more local (The CW) than DirecTV Stream and one more (PBS) than fuboTV, YouTube TV is cheaper than both of these live TV services with the base plan priced at $64.99 per month.

Peacock and Paramount Plus have locals

If a home only really wants access to NBC or CBS, or these channels are missing from a home’s current live TV plan, Peacock and Paramount Plus might be able to help. Specifically, Peacock provides subscribers with access to their local live NBC station. Peacock offers two paid plans to choose from, but access to a subscriber’s local NBC station does require a Peacock Premium Plus subscription, priced at $9.99 per month.

Paramount Plus offers a similar solution for CBS. Just like Peacock, Paramount Plus offers two paid plans for homes to choose from, but the $9.99 Premium plan is the one that unlocks access to a subscriber’s local CBS station.

Streaming Services with locals summary

Pretty much all of the main live TV streaming services offer access to local channels, but the exact selection varies depending on the service. In general, YouTube TV, fuboTV, and DirecTV Stream are the best options overall, with all three services providing access to the most locals. However, they are all relatively expensive services with YouTube TV the cheapest at $65 per month.

If only in need of access to local Fox and NBC, and are based in a supported area, then Sling TV at $40 per month may be worth checking out. Another option for NBC is Peacock and this route totally removes the need for a live TV plan, reducing the cost down to $9.99 per month. Similarly, a $9.99 per month Paramount Plus subscription offers direct access to local CBS stations, also removing the need for a live TV plan.