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Your guide to streaming TV
How to Stream TV Without Cable
CW doesn’t offer traditional TV service. We provide the high-speed Internet that lets you stream live channels, movies and shows on your television.
Choose and pay for streaming services directly with each provider. TV subscriptions and streaming devices are separate from your CW Internet bill.
Your streaming TV guide in four steps
Choose a smart TV or Roku for streaming
Have a smart TV? Check for the apps you want. Otherwise, a Roku player plugs into a TV’s HDMI port.
Shop Roku players Explore Roku TVsRoku setup and home Wi-Fi
On a smart TV, open Network settings and join your Wi-Fi. With a Roku player, plug it into HDMI and power, select that HDMI input on your TV, then follow the onscreen setup and account instructions.
Have your Wi-Fi name and password handy. Check device and app compatibility before buying.
Pick a service. Open its app.
Subscribe using a link below, add the app to your TV or Roku, and sign in. Start with one service.
Try your setup and confirm your favorite channels before canceling an existing TV subscription.
Want something like traditional TV?
Meet YouTube TV.
Watch live channels, news and sports with a familiar channel guide and cloud DVR. It works over your Internet connection.
This is a separate paid service from regular YouTube and YouTube Premium. Local channels depend on your ZIP code; sports blackouts and add-on charges may apply.
YouTube TV main plan
$82.99/month + tax
Regular monthly price. Optional premium channels and other add-ons cost extra.
Check channels & sign upCompare cable TV alternatives
Live TV follows a channel schedule. On-demand apps let you choose a movie or episode whenever you’re ready.
Hulu + Live TV
$89.99/month
A cable-style option with live channels, DVR, Disney+ and ESPN Select. Check your ZIP code for local channels.
Visit Hulu + Live TV
Netflix
$8.99/month with ads
Standard with ads: $8.99. Standard: $19.99. Premium: $26.99 per month. A movie-and-series library, not a traditional channel lineup.
Visit NetflixDisney+ & Hulu
$12.99/month, both with ads
The regular monthly bundle combines Disney+ and Hulu libraries. This bundle does not include Hulu + Live TV.
Visit Disney+ & HuluPeacock Premium
$12.99/month with ads
Premium includes movies, originals and live sports. The cheaper Select plan excludes those categories. Sports availability varies.
Visit Peacock PremiumTubi
Freewith ads
Watch a free selection of movies and TV shows. Its library is different from paid services and it is not a cable-channel replacement.
Visit TubiYou don’t need them all.
Choose around the shows and channels you actually watch. Add Internet, subscriptions and any equipment costs to compare your total monthly budget.
Free services are a good way to get comfortable with streaming before paying for more.
U.S. regular monthly prices checked September 17, 2026. Promotional offers are excluded. Prices, plans, content and availability can change; taxes may apply. Confirm current terms on each provider’s site before subscribing.
Price sources: YouTube TV · Disney+/Hulu · Netflix pricing report · Peacock · Tubi
Compare your TV options
Cable vs streaming cost calculator
Use your actual bills for a fair comparison. If TV and Internet are bundled, enter the full total once and put $0 in the other field.
Check Comparison
Enter your costs, then select Compare my costs to see monthly, annual and first-year totals.
Estimate only. Compare equivalent channels and features. On-demand apps do not replace a full live-channel lineup. Internet availability and final charges must be confirmed. Subscriptions, taxes and prices may change.
Good questions
Questions about streaming TV without cable
Do I need to buy a new TV?
Not necessarily. A compatible smart TV can run streaming apps directly. If your current television has HDMI, a compatible streaming player can add those apps.
Can I still watch local news and sports?
Live TV services such as YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV offer local channels in many areas. Enter your ZIP code on their website and check your must-have channels and teams before signing up. Blackouts and separate sports subscriptions may apply.
Who do I pay, and who helps if I have a problem?
Pay CW for Internet. Subscribe to and pay each streaming provider separately. Contact CW for Internet or Wi-Fi help; contact the streaming provider for its account, billing or programming support.
Great TV starts with a good connection.
Find the CW Internet plan that fits your home.