How to Watch CNN Without Cable: All Access, Sling and More

The simplest answer to how to watch CNN without cable is CNN All Access, CNN’s own subscription, at around $6.99 a month at the time of writing. If you want the complete, uninterrupted TV channel alongside other networks, a live TV service that carries CNN, such as Sling Blue, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV or DirecTV Stream, is the more complete option.

The difference between those two routes matters more for CNN than for most channels, so this guide explains exactly what each one gives you, what it costs, and which services do not carry CNN at all.

Ways to stream CNN at a glance

Prices change often. Check each service’s current price before subscribing.

CNN All Access: what you get and what you do not

CNN launched All Access in the US in October 2025. It lives inside the regular CNN app and website, so there is nothing new to install. At launch it was priced at around $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year, with an introductory annual price for new subscribers.

What it includes:

• A live CNN stream that runs from the early morning show through the late evening lineup on weekdays.
• Blocks of CNN International and CNN Headlines programming during some hours.
• CNN Original Series and CNN Films on demand.
• Unlimited access to CNN.com articles, video and audio behind the paywall.

What to know: reports at launch noted that a few CNN US hours are not streamed in the app and are replaced with other CNN programming. If you need to watch a specific show live, check that it is part of the All Access stream before you rely on it.

Live TV services that carry the full CNN channel

If you want CNN exactly as it airs on cable, every hour, pick a live TV service. Each one also lets you sign in to the CNN app with your provider account.

• Sling Blue is the cheapest full package with CNN. It also includes Fox News, so it works for households that like to compare coverage.
• YouTube TV adds local ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and, in many markets, PBS, with an unlimited cloud DVR.
• Hulu + Live TV includes CNN plus Disney+ and Hulu on demand.
• DirecTV Stream carries CNN on its main packages and has a wide regional sports lineup.

Our IPTV vs YouTube TV comparison is useful if you are deciding between a full live service and a cheaper all-in-one plan.

Services that do not carry CNN

Before you pay, double-check the channel list. At the time of writing, these popular options are not a way to get live CNN:

• FOX One, which only carries Fox-owned channels.
• Fubo, whose lineup has historically not included CNN. Check Fubo’s channel lookup for your ZIP code if this changes.
• Free antenna TV, since CNN is a cable network and not broadcast over the air.

Free ways to follow CNN

There is no legal free stream of the full CNN channel. Free options cover headlines and clips:

• Free articles and some free video on CNN.com and in the CNN app (All Access unlocks the rest).
• Official CNN clips on YouTube and social media.
• Free news channels from other networks on free live TV streaming apps such as Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus and The Roku Channel, if you just want rolling headlines.

Sites that promise free 24/7 CNN are rebroadcasting it without a license. IPTV as a technology is legal, but unlicensed channel resellers are not, so stick with services that clearly hold the rights. For readers comparing a bigger package, our own plan, IPTV Journal, costs $89 for 12 months.

Setting up CNN on your TV

1. Install the CNN app from the Roku Channel Store, Amazon Appstore, Google Play on Google TV, the Apple TV App Store or your smart TV’s store.
2. To use All Access, subscribe on CNN’s website or in the app on a phone, then sign in on the TV with the same account.
3. To use a live TV service, either watch CNN inside that service’s app, or choose the TV provider option in the CNN app and sign in.
4. For smooth live video, use Ethernet or a strong 5 GHz Wi-Fi signal, and restart the app if the stream stalls during a busy news night.

Which option should you choose?

• CNN fan on a budget: CNN All Access, as long as the hours you watch are included.
• CNN every hour, plus other cable news: Sling Blue.
• CNN plus local channels and DVR: YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.

FAQ

Does CNN All Access stream the live CNN channel?

It streams most of the CNN US schedule live, plus CNN International and CNN Headlines blocks. Reports at launch said a few hours are replaced with other programming, so check the schedule for the shows you care about.

How much is CNN All Access?

At launch it was around $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year, with an introductory annual offer. Check CNN’s site for the current price.

Is CNN on Fubo?

Historically, no. Fubo’s lineup has not included CNN, so choose Sling Blue, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV or DirecTV Stream if you need the full channel.

Can I watch CNN for free with an antenna?

No. CNN is a cable network and is not broadcast over the air. An antenna gives you free local stations and their news shows instead.

Can I watch CNN on Firestick or Roku?

Yes. The CNN app and every live TV service in this guide are available on Fire TV and Roku. Install the app, sign in with your subscription and open the live tab.