How To Watch NFL Games Without Cable
Watching NFL games without cable is easier than ever thanks to several streaming services and digital platforms that offer access to live broadcasts, including games from the NFL, and much more. Here's a guide to help you watch NFL games without a cable subscription:
1. NFL+ (Official NFL Streaming Service)
NFL+ is the NFL’s official subscription-based service, designed to let fans stream games on their phones, tablets, or select other devices.
Features:
- Live Preseason Games: NFL+ offers live streaming of preseason games.
- Out-of-Market Regular Season Games: NFL+ allows you to stream out-of-market games on your mobile devices (phone/tablet).
- NFL Game Pass (Upgrade): NFL Game Pass offers replays of every game for the regular season and playoffs. However, it doesn't allow live regular-season games.
How to Watch:
- You can subscribe directly on the NFL+ website or via the app on your mobile device (iOS or Android).
- Cost: Starts at $4.99/month for the NFL+ plan and $9.99/month for the NFL+ Premium plan (the latter offers more features, including full replays and condensed games).
2. Streaming Services with NFL Coverage
Several popular streaming platforms offer access to live NFL games without the need for cable. Here's a breakdown of the top services:
YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers all the major networks that broadcast NFL games, including CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network.
- Features: You can stream games live, access cloud DVR for recording, and watch on multiple devices.
- How to Watch: After subscribing to YouTube TV, you can watch live games from all the major networks.
- Cost: $72.99/month (includes over 85 channels, with no contracts).
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu’s Live TV plan provides access to NFL games on major networks like ESPN, FOX, NBC, and CBS.
- Features: Includes the Hulu on-demand library (TV shows, movies, etc.) along with live game streaming.
- How to Watch: Stream games live through Hulu's app on any supported device.
- Cost: $69.99/month (includes access to the Hulu on-demand library and live TV channels).
Sling TV
Sling TV is an affordable option with NFL coverage through its Sling Blue and Sling Orange packages. It gives access to channels like FOX, NBC, and ESPN (depending on your plan).
- Features: Sling is one of the most affordable live TV streaming services and supports streaming on most devices.
- How to Watch: Subscribe to Sling TV and stream NFL games live via the app.
- Cost: Starts at $40/month for Sling Blue or Sling Orange. Add Sling Blue + Orange for $55/month.
FuboTV
FuboTV is a streaming service designed for sports enthusiasts and offers a wide variety of sports channels, including all the networks that air NFL games.
- Features: Includes channels like CBS, NBC, FOX, and ESPN. FuboTV also offers an impressive cloud DVR feature for recording games.
- How to Watch: After subscribing, you can stream NFL games live from multiple networks.
- Cost: Starts at $74.99/month.
DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM offers packages with the networks broadcasting NFL games, including CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN.
- Features: Cloud DVR, multi-device support, and a variety of sports channels.
- How to Watch: Subscribe and stream NFL games on your preferred device.
- Cost: Starts at $74.99/month.
3. Free Streaming Options (Limited)
While there are few truly free options for live NFL games, there are some ways to catch limited coverage for free.
NFL Website and App
- The NFL’s official website and NFL app offer highlight videos, scores, and occasional free live streams for certain games, but these are typically limited to game highlights or shorter clips.
Local TV Stations (Over-the-Air Antennas)
If you live in an area with good reception, you can use an over-the-air (OTA) antenna to watch local channels that broadcast NFL games for free.
- Channels: CBS, FOX, and NBC all broadcast NFL games and can be received using an OTA antenna.
- Cost: The only cost is the one-time purchase of an OTA antenna (usually between $20–$50).
Yahoo Sports App
- The Yahoo Sports app offers free live streaming of local NFL games on mobile devices. You can watch select games for free in your area if you’re on a mobile device.
Tubi
Tubi, a free streaming service, occasionally offers NFL-related content, but it does not provide live games. You may find documentaries or highlight shows that keep you up to date on the NFL.
4. Watch on Social Media
While you cannot watch full games, social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook offer NFL-related content, including live game highlights, clips, and news updates.
- The NFL's official social media accounts often post game highlights, breaking news, and key moments from games.
5. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video streams Thursday Night Football games live, which are a great way to watch select games without cable.
- How to Watch: Simply log into Amazon Prime Video and search for Thursday Night Football to watch live games.
- Cost: Requires an Amazon Prime subscription ($14.99/month or $139/year).
6. Watch via NFL RedZone
NFL RedZone offers a channel dedicated to showing live highlights and touchdowns from all NFL games as they happen. It's often available through YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV.
- How to Watch: If you have a subscription to a streaming service offering NFL RedZone, you can watch all the top plays and live action from multiple games.
- Cost: NFL RedZone is often available as an add-on to some streaming services.
Conclusion
There are plenty of ways to watch NFL games without a cable subscription. Your best options for full-game streaming include services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, Sling TV, and DIRECTV STREAM. For more casual viewers, free options like local TV stations (OTA), the Yahoo Sports app, and Amazon Prime Video can offer access to select games. If you're a dedicated NFL fan, NFL+ can provide you with the best value for mobile streaming, including game replays.
Choose the service that fits your budget, preferred device, and viewing habits!
