How to Watch Hallmark Channel Without Cable: Cheapest Ways

If you are looking up how to watch Hallmark Channel without cable, start with the budget services: Frndly TV carries Hallmark Channel and its sister networks live from around $8.99 a month, and Philo from around $28 a month at the time of writing. Bigger bundles such as YouTube TV, Fubo and DirecTV Stream carry Hallmark too, but cost far more.

Hallmark is a cable network, so there is no antenna option. The upside is that it is carried by some of the cheapest live TV services in the US, which makes it ideal for holiday movie season.

Where to stream Hallmark live

Prices and lineups change, especially before the holidays. Confirm on each service’s site before signing up.

Frndly TV: the cheapest live option

Frndly TV is a small, family-focused live TV service built around channels like Hallmark, so it is often the lowest-cost way to get the live feeds. At the time of writing it has three tiers:

• Basic, around $8.99: SD picture, one screen.
• Classic, around $10.99: HD, two screens and unlimited DVR with recordings kept for a few months.
• Premium, around $12.99: HD, four screens and longer DVR storage.

For most Hallmark fans, Classic is the sweet spot, since HD and DVR make a big difference with movie marathons.

Philo: Hallmark plus lifestyle channels

Philo costs more than Frndly but adds a wider set of entertainment networks such as AMC, A&E, HGTV, Food Network and Lifetime, with unlimited DVR. It does not carry local stations, news or major sports, which keeps the price down. Prices reported for Philo vary between its base plan and bundles, so check the current price on Philo’s site.

Full live TV services with Hallmark

If someone else in your home wants local channels, news or sports, a full service can cover everyone at once. YouTube TV and Fubo’s Pro plan include all three Hallmark channels, and DirecTV Stream carries Hallmark on its entertainment-focused packages.

Note that at the time of writing, Sling TV and Hulu + Live TV are not the obvious picks for Hallmark, so check their channel lists before choosing them for this purpose.

Hallmark+ and on-demand options

Hallmark+ is Hallmark’s own streaming app for on-demand movies and series, including exclusive originals. It does not stream the live Hallmark channels, so it suits viewers who would rather pick a film than tune in to the schedule. It was priced at around $7.99 a month at the time of writing; check Hallmark’s site for current pricing.

Some Hallmark series and movies also appear on Peacock on demand, so it is worth checking there if you already subscribe. Free services also run movie channels with older made-for-TV films; our list of free live TV streaming apps shows where to look. Between Hallmark+ and Peacock, a viewer who never watches live TV may not need a live service at all, but you will miss the live premieres and the always-on holiday schedule that many fans enjoy.

Tips for Hallmark holiday movie season

Hallmark’s holiday programming is the main reason many people go looking for the channel, and a few habits help you get the most from a short subscription:

• Time your sign-up. Monthly plans have no contract, so you can subscribe for the holiday weeks and cancel afterwards.
• Look for trials. Frndly TV, Philo, YouTube TV and Fubo have all offered free trials to new customers at times. Check the sign-up page, since offers change.
• Use the DVR. Premieres often air in the evening and repeat later, so recording them lets you watch on your schedule.
• Check the sister channels. Hallmark Family and Hallmark Mystery run their own movie lineups, and Frndly, Philo, YouTube TV and Fubo Pro carry all three.

Getting Hallmark on your TV

1. Pick a service and sign up on its website.
2. Install its app on Roku, Fire TV, Google TV, Apple TV or your smart TV. Frndly TV and Philo both support the main streaming platforms.
3. Open the live guide and add Hallmark Channel to your favorites.
4. Before the holiday schedule starts, set series or movie recordings on the DVR so you do not miss premieres.

New to cutting the cord? Our cord cutting guide walks through devices, internet speed and budgeting.

On IPTV: the technology is legal, but services that rebroadcast channels like Hallmark without licenses are not, so check what any provider has the rights to. If you prefer an annual all-in-one plan, our plan, IPTV Journal, is $89 for 12 months.

Which option should you choose?

• Hallmark on the smallest budget: Frndly TV.
• Hallmark plus home, food and drama channels: Philo.
• Hallmark for one person, locals and sports for others: YouTube TV or Fubo.
• Movies on your own schedule: Hallmark+.

FAQ

What is the cheapest way to watch Hallmark Channel live?

At the time of writing, Frndly TV is the cheapest, with plans from around $8.99 a month that include Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Family and Hallmark Mystery.

Does Hallmark+ include the live Hallmark Channel?

No. Hallmark+ is an on-demand service with movies and series. For the live channel, use Frndly TV, Philo, YouTube TV, Fubo or DirecTV Stream.

Can I watch Hallmark with an antenna?

No. Hallmark is a cable network, so it is not broadcast over the air. You need a streaming service that carries it.

Is Hallmark on Philo?

Yes. Philo carries Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Family and Hallmark Mystery, along with many other entertainment networks and unlimited DVR.

Can I record Hallmark Christmas movies without cable?

Yes. Frndly TV’s Classic and Premium plans, Philo, YouTube TV and Fubo all include a cloud DVR you can use to record movies and premieres.