How to Watch NBC Without Cable: Peacock, Antenna and More

The quickest answer to how to watch NBC without cable: use an HD antenna for free, or subscribe to Peacock Premium, which streams NBC live in most markets for around $12.99 a month after its 2026 price increase. Live TV services including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream and Sling Blue (in select cities) also carry NBC.

NBC is a broadcast network, so like ABC and CBS it has a free option. What makes NBC different is how much sport now sits on Peacock, which changes the math for some households.

NBC streaming options and prices

Peacock’s prices rose on August 18, 2026 for new customers, with existing subscribers moving to the new prices from September 17, 2026. Check Peacock’s site for current offers.

Option 1: watch NBC free over the air

An antenna gets you your local NBC station in HD at no cost: local news, NBC primetime, Sunday Night Football and other sports your station airs. Most viewers in or near a metro area can use a simple indoor model. Our guide to the best indoor TV antennas explains what range to look for.

Tip: Telemundo and other local stations usually come in on the same scan, so one antenna often covers several networks.

Option 2: Peacock Premium

Peacock is NBCUniversal’s own streaming service. The Premium tier includes a live stream of your local NBC station in most markets, which is the cheapest way to stream NBC live without an antenna.

• Live NBC: Premium and Premium Plus, in most markets. Select does not include live NBC.
• Sports: Sunday Night Football, Premier League matches, NBA games and other events stream on Peacock, depending on the season.
• News: NBC News NOW, a free streaming news channel, is also available in Peacock and elsewhere.

If you check Peacock’s app and your local station does not appear, your affiliate may not be part of the live feed. In that case, use an antenna or a live TV service.

Option 3: a live TV service with NBC

• Sling Blue is the cheapest bundle with NBC, but only in select cities. Since 2026, Sling charges a monthly fee to add local channels, around $4 for one or two locals and $9 for all three.
• YouTube TV carries NBC in most markets and is strong for recording.
• Hulu + Live TV, Fubo and DirecTV Stream also carry NBC in most markets.

Comparing a live service with an IPTV package? Our IPTV vs YouTube TV article walks through channels, DVR and price.

Watching NBC sports without cable

NBC and Peacock now share a big sports schedule, and where a game airs decides how you watch it:

• Games on NBC itself, such as Sunday Night Football, are on your local station, so an antenna, Peacock Premium or a live TV service all work.
• Peacock-only events stream only in the Peacock app and are not on the antenna broadcast.
• USA Network and other NBCUniversal cable channels need a live TV service rather than Peacock or an antenna.

Check the listing for each event before game day. Football fans can also see our guide to the cheapest way to watch college football.

Free NBC content

• NBC News NOW, a free live news stream.
• Free local NBC news channels in the Fire TV News app and the NBC local station apps in many cities.
• Some NBC episodes in the NBC app and website, with a wider library on Peacock.

Device tips

1. Peacock, YouTube TV, Sling, Hulu and Fubo all work on Roku, Fire TV, Google TV, Apple TV, smart TVs and consoles.
2. On Peacock, find the Channels or Live section and choose your NBC station. Allow location access if prompted.
3. For big live events such as football, update the app first and use a wired connection where possible.
4. If you mainly watch with an antenna, a networked tuner lets you watch NBC on phones and streaming sticks around the house.

Internet-delivered TV (IPTV) is a legal technology, but sellers without rights to network channels are not legal. Check licensing before paying anyone. If you want to compare an annual package, our plan, IPTV Journal, is $89 for 12 months.

Which option should you choose?

• In range of a tower: antenna, free.
• No signal, NBC and sports fan: Peacock Premium.
• NBC plus cable news on a budget: Sling Blue, if your city is covered.
• Everything in one app with DVR: YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.

FAQ

Does Peacock have live NBC?

Yes, Peacock Premium and Premium Plus include a live NBC feed in most markets. The cheaper Select plan does not include live NBC.

How much is Peacock in 2026?

After the August 2026 increase, Select is around $8.99 a month, Premium around $12.99 and Premium Plus around $19.99. Annual plans are also available.

Can I watch NBC for free?

Yes. An antenna picks up your local NBC station free if you are in range, and NBC News NOW is a free live news stream.

Is NBC on Sling TV?

In select markets on Sling Blue. Sling now charges an extra monthly fee for local channels, so check availability and cost for your ZIP code.

Can I watch Sunday Night Football without cable?

Yes. It airs on NBC, so an antenna works, and it also streams on Peacock Premium and on live TV services that carry your NBC station.