CNN is one of the most-watched cable networks, providing 24-hour news coverage for over 40 years. Whether you are an ardent news fan or are just looking for breaking news, CNN’s got you covered. Even if you want to ditch cable, there are plenty of ways to watch CNN without cable. Find out how with this guide.
In Short: It’s not news that a cable subscription is expensive. If you want the latest news coverage from CNN without cable, you have options:
Sling TV: At only $35 a month for 40+ live channels, Sling’s deal is hard to beat. Sling also lets you access some regional channels free of cost. Hulu + Live TV: If you’re looking for live coverage but want on-demand content too, Hulu + Live TV is an excellent option at $64.99 a month. Check it out with a free 7-day trial.DirecTV Stream: With 4 plans starting at $69.99 a month, you’ll get 80+ channels with broad coverage. They offer a 14-day money-back guarantee. How to Access CNN without Cable
CNN has built a brand out of the personalities of its news anchors and producers, creating uniquely flavored content, setting them apart from other networks. The 24-hour news coverage also plays a role in the cable network’s popularity. But what if you want to cut the cord?
Here’s how you can access CNN and get your daily fix of Anderson Cooper without a hefty cable subscription.
Streaming Services with CNN
The best streaming services provide you with your favorite channels at a comfortable price without the hidden fees and lengthy contracts typical of cable. But to have the best experience, you do need a reliable, strong Internet connection. The following streaming services let you access CNN and stay within your budget.
Hulu + Live TV
Starting plans for Hulu are pretty affordable at $5.99 per month ($6.99 starting Oct 8, 2021). But to live stream CNN, you need to subscribe to Hulu + Live TV, which costs $64.99 per month. In addition to CNN, you get 85+ top channels, including most news channels.
You’ll also get access to Hulu’s entire on-demand library, including exclusive episodes, top movies, and kids’ content. You can use two screens at a time and store up to 50 hours of your favorite content on the free cloud DVR. And you can purchase add-ons such as unlimited screens, better cloud DVR, and other channel and language options.
Check out our detailed reviews for more information:
Hulu + Live TV ReviewHulu On-Demand ReviewHulu + Live TV Local ChannelsHulu + Live TV Packages. Sling TV
Sling TV is one of the most affordable ways to stream CNN without cable. Simply choose from one of the two main channel packages or even combine them together.
The better plan for news junkies is the Sling Blue. It includes 40+ channels with Fox News, MSNBC, as well as the local Fox and NBC affiliates in most areas. If you want even more, you can get the News Extra add-on for $6/mo more. It includes BBC World News, CGTN, CNBC, Euronews, Fox Business, France 24, Law & Crime, HDTV 24×7, News 18, News Nation, Newsmax, RT America, Science Channel, and Weather Nation.
Sports fans may prefer the Sling Orange package, which includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 along with CNN.
Regardless of which plan you choose, with Sling TV, you’ll also get 50 hours of cloud DVR storage and access to a limited on-demand library with content provided directly by the channels. For more info, see our guides:
Sling TV ReviewSling TV Local ChannelsSling TV PackagesSling TV Devices. 
Sling TV offers CNN and other news channels. DirecTV Stream
Once known as AT&T TV, DirecTV Stream offers access to live TV without the annoying locked-in contract. The most basic package starts at $69.99 per month. This will give you access to local and the top cable news channels for roughly 80 total.
The basic DirecTV Stream package includes only 20 hours of cloud DVR storage but you can increase that to unlimited for $10/mo extra. DirecTV Stream allows you to stream on up to 20 devices at home and 3 away, which is great for large households.
See our DirecTV Stream review for more information.
Other Ways to Get CNN
Unfortunately, streaming services like Philo and Vidgo do not provide live streaming of CNN. However, there are some other ways you can watch CNN without cable.
The CNN App: This free app gives you access to CNN content. But to watch in real-time, you’ll need to subscribe. Our recommendation is to choose a streaming service that will let you log in to the CNN app directly. CNNGo: Stream CNN live at any time by going to CNNGo or clicking Watch Live on CNN.com. However, you’ll need to enter your streaming/cable service provider information for uninterrupted live streaming. YouTube TV: YouTube TV provides a streaming service very similar to Hulu + Live TV with 85+ live channels, including CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network, truTV, and others, for $64.99 per month.YouTube.com: CNN has a strong presence on YouTube, but you’ll have to wait for content to be uploaded. For breaking news, you’re better off choosing one of the streaming services listed above. TVs and Streaming Devices to Watch CNN
To use today’s streaming services, you need a TV or other device that can run their apps. Luckily, that includes most things these days. You should have no problem streaming CNN on the hardware you already own.
Most models of Samsung smart TVs are supported by all the streaming services we’ve discussed. Both Hulu and Sling support all Android TV-powered devices. And everyone supports the Android and iOS (iPhone, iPad) devices.
Popular TV “stick” devices like Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku are also universally supported.
You can also watch CNN via a web browser. If you run this from your laptop, you can use an HDMI cable to connect it to your TV.
Hulu and Sling allow you to stream on the Xbox One. And Hulu provides support for other gaming consoles.
The bottom line is that these streaming services support almost everything that is currently in use. If you have questions, see our device guides or contact the service directly.
Wrapping up
CNN is one of the most popular news networks. Not only do they report the latest news, but CNN offers personality-driven content. The network’s popularity is a driving factor behind why many streaming services offer a way to watch CNN without cable.
We are a bit disappointed that CNN isn’t available on FuboTV, Philo, and Vidgo. But there are still great options that will keep you from getting stuck with cable.
FAQs What shows are on CNN?
Several of CNN’s news anchors headline their own shows, providing unique personality-driven content. Here are some of the more popular shows you’ll find on CNN.
Anderson Cooper 360°Cuomo Prime TimeThis Is LifeReliability SourcesOutFrontAt This Hour with Kate BolduanWolfInside PoliticsCNN NewsroomThe Lead with Jake TapperThe Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer. Can I watch CNN for free?
Yes, CNN streams some coverage of breaking news and events on YouTube.com. But, to access specific shows, your free options will fall short. To access the full range of CNN content, you will need to choose a subscription to one of the listed streaming services that will save you from hidden fees and a fixed contract.
Is CNN available on FuboTV?
CNN is not available with FuboTV. As a cost-cutting measure, FuboTV ended its contract with WarnerMedia. As a result, it does not offer CNN or a number of other popular channels like Boomerang, Cartoon Network, TBS, TNT, and Turner Classic Movies. Additionally, HBO and Cinemax are unavailable as add-ons.
What other ways are their to watch live news without cable TV?
Looking for more info on how to watch the news without cable? Don’t miss these guides:
How to Watch Live News without CableHow to Watch Local News without CableHow to Watch FOX News without CableHow to Watch CNBC without CableHow to Watch MSNBC without CableHow to Watch Newsmax TV without Cable.