Best Streaming Service for News: Free and Paid Picks Compared

The best streaming service for news for most people who want several cable news networks in one place is Sling Blue, which carries both CNN and Fox News for around $49.99 a month at the time of writing. YouTube TV is the best all-rounder if you also want local news and a DVR, while CNN All Access and FOX One are cheaper if you only follow one network. And if you just want headlines, free services cover a lot.

Rather than crown one winner, this guide groups options by the kind of news viewer you are.

News streaming options compared

Lineups vary by market and change over time. Check each service’s channel lookup before subscribing.

Best free option: news apps and FAST channels

All four broadcast networks run free 24/7 streaming news channels: ABC News Live, NBC News NOW, CBS News 24/7 and LiveNOW from FOX. They appear in the networks’ own apps and on free platforms like Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus and Tubi, alongside channels for weather and local news.

These are not the same as the cable channels, but for following a breaking story they are often enough. Our list of free live TV streaming apps shows where to find them.

Best for local news: an antenna

Local evening news is still one of the most watched kinds of TV, and it is free over the air. An antenna brings in your ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and PBS stations, which matters most during storms and emergencies when internet service may struggle. Our local channels without cable guide covers antennas and streaming alternatives.

Best single-network picks: CNN All Access and FOX One

• CNN All Access, at around $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year, streams most of the CNN US schedule plus CNN International blocks, with CNN’s paywalled articles and originals. A few hours are replaced with other CNN programming, so check the schedule for your shows.
• FOX One, at around $19.99 a month, includes the live Fox News Channel and Fox Business, plus your local FOX station in many markets and Fox sports channels.

Subscribing to both costs much less than a full live TV service, although you lose other cable news networks and a shared guide.

Best budget bundle: Sling Blue

Sling Blue is the cheapest package that gives you CNN and Fox News side by side, along with other news and entertainment networks. In some cities it can add local ABC, FOX and NBC stations, but since early 2026 those locals come with a monthly fee of around $4 for one or two and $9 for all three. It does not include CBS.

Our IPTV vs Sling TV comparison explains where Sling is strong and where it falls short.

Best overall: YouTube TV

YouTube TV costs much more, but it bundles the major cable news networks with business news, local stations in most markets and an unlimited cloud DVR. If you record evening shows or Sunday political shows, the DVR alone may justify the price. Hulu + Live TV is a close alternative if your household already uses Disney+ or Hulu.

Business and international news

If you follow markets, check that your service includes CNBC and Fox Business; YouTube TV carries both, and FOX One includes Fox Business. For world news, CNN All Access includes CNN International blocks, and free platforms carry several international news channels. Many international broadcasters also stream for free on their own websites and apps in the US.

How to choose the right news service

1. List the networks you actually watch in a typical week.
2. If it is one network, start with that network’s own app (CNN All Access or FOX One).
3. If it is two or more cable networks, compare Sling Blue against YouTube TV.
4. Add an antenna for free local news either way.
5. Use free trials around a big news event to test streaming quality on your devices.

A word on IPTV: internet-delivered TV is legal, but services that resell news channels without licenses are not, so check a provider’s rights before paying. If an annual all-in-one package is what you are comparing, our plan, IPTV Journal, is $89 for 12 months.

Our quick recommendations

• Free: network news streams plus an antenna.
• One network: CNN All Access or FOX One.
• Cable news on a budget: Sling Blue.
• News plus locals and DVR: YouTube TV.

FAQ

What is the cheapest streaming service with CNN and Fox News?

At the time of writing, Sling Blue at around $49.99 a month is the cheapest bundle with both. Buying CNN All Access and FOX One separately costs less but gives you only those two networks’ apps.

Are there free live news channels?

Yes. ABC News Live, NBC News NOW, CBS News 24/7 and LiveNOW from FOX are free, as are many local news streams on free platforms.

Which streaming service has the most news channels?

Full live TV services such as YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV usually carry the widest range of national, business and local news. Check each lineup for your ZIP code.

Can I get local news without cable?

Yes. An antenna picks up local newscasts free, and many stations stream their news in their own apps and in free news apps on streaming devices.

Is CNN All Access the full CNN channel?

It streams most of CNN’s US schedule live, but a few hours are replaced with other CNN programming. A live TV service gives you the uninterrupted channel.

Part of our guides: USA streaming guide