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How to Watch ABC Without Cable in 2022 – Live News & Entertainment

ABC is one of the most popular broadcast networks in the United States, known for airing some of TV‘s biggest shows, sports, and news programs. However, a traditional cable TV subscription is no longer required to watch ABC live and on-demand. There are now multiple streaming options to access ABC without cable.

In this detailed guide, you‘ll learn the best methods to stream ABC on all your devices without paying for cable in 2022.

Overview of Ways to Watch ABC Without Cable

The good news is there are now many legal options to watch ABC live and on-demand without a cable subscription. Here are the main methods:

  • Live TV Streaming Services – Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV and DirecTV Stream allow you to stream ABC live and other popular channels without cable. Most offer free trials.

  • ABC App – Watch ABC programming on demand without cable by using the ABC app available on most devices.

  • TV Antenna – In areas with good reception, you can watch ABC free over-the-air with a digital antenna.

  • Locast – This free streaming service offers ABC and other local channels in some metro areas.

  • VPN – For viewing region-locked ABC content or live feeds available abroad.

Below we‘ll explore these methods in more detail, including how to set them up, pricing, and pros/cons of each option.

Live TV Streaming for Watching ABC Without Cable

Live TV streaming services have quickly become the most popular way for cordcutters to watch ABC live without cable TV. These over-the-top (OTT) providers stream ABC live along with many other popular channels over the internet.

Most services offer a free trial so you can evaluate them without commitment. Here are the top options:

YouTube TV

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is one of the best streaming services for watching ABC live without cable. Their base plan offers over 85+ channels including ABC, ESPN, Disney and more for $64.99/month.

YouTube TV also provides:

  • Unlimited cloud DVR
  • 6 account profiles
  • Available on most devices
  • 3 simultaneous streams

With YouTube TV you can stream ABC live from anywhere in the US. They offer a free 14-day trial so you can test it out risk-free.

Try YouTube TV free for 14 days

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu Live TV

Hulu‘s live TV plan comes with over 75 channels including ABC, ESPN, Fox and more for $69.99/month. Hulu + Live TV provides:

  • 50 hours of cloud DVR storage
  • 2 simultaneous streams
  • Access to Hulu‘s on-demand library
  • Available on most devices
  • Unlimited screens for home wifi

A free 7-day trial is available so you can evaluate the service. Hulu + Live TV is a great option for existing Hulu subscribers looking to add live ABC streaming.

Try Hulu + Live TV free for 7 days

fuboTV

fuboTV

fuboTV is another excellent live TV streaming choice with ABC and over 100 channels starting at $69.99/month. fuboTV offers:

  • Cloud DVR with 1000 hours storage
  • Lookback and Startover features
  • 4 simultaneous streams
  • Available on most devices
  • Family sharing options

fuboTV is a great option for sports fans since it includes ESPN, FS1, NFL Network and more. Try fuboTV free for 7 days.

Start fuboTV 7-day free trial

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV) provides ABC and over 65 channels starting at $69.99/month. Other features include:

  • 20 hours of DVR storage
  • 2 simultaneous streams
  • Access to loads of on-demand content
  • Contract-free, no-commitment plans

They offer a 5-day free trial to test out the service. DirecTV Stream is a flexible option with no long-term contracts.

Start DirecTV Stream 5-day free trial

Sling TV

Sling TV

Sling TV is one of the most affordable live TV streamers though ABC is only available in certain markets. Channel lineups start at $35/month and provide:

  • 10 hours of DVR storage
  • Access to extras like premium channels
  • Available on nearly all devices
  • Up to 4 simultaneous streams

Check availability for ABC live in your area before signing up for Sling TV. They provide a 3-day free trial.

Start Sling TV 3-day free trial

When choosing a streaming service, compare factors like channel lineups, cloud DVR, number of streams, and free trial length. All options above allow you to stream ABC live without cable.

Using the ABC App and Website

The official ABC app and abc.com allow you to watch ABC shows on demand without needing a cable subscription.

The ABC app is available on popular streaming platforms like:

  • Fire TV
  • Roku
  • Android TV
  • Apple TV
  • iOS and Android mobile

Through the app and website, you can watch:

  • Recent episodes of ABC shows
  • Live streams of ABC News programs
  • Local programming in select markets

The on-demand programming has limited commercial interruptions. Some live content requires proof of a pay TV subscription.

The ABC app won‘t provide access to ABC‘s full live channel stream. But it‘s useful for unlocking a library of ABC shows without cable.

Using an Antenna to Watch ABC Free Over-the-Air

In areas with good reception, you can watch ABC‘s live broadcast feeds over-the-air completely free with a digital TV antenna. ABC is available free as it‘s considered a public broadcast network.

To pick up ABC with an antenna, you‘ll need:

  • Outdoor/Indoor HDTV Antenna – Select an antenna that‘s appropriate for your location. Outdoor and attic mounts work best.

  • TV Tuner – Your TV will need to have a built-in ATSC digital tuner or you‘ll need an external tuner box.

Once connected to your TV, you can scan for ABC and other local channels. Picture quality is excellent as it‘s free HD over-the-air television.

Antennas have some limitations like being dependent on your location and broadcasting conditions. But it‘s a simple, cost-effective way to access ABC without monthly fees.

Using Locast (Where Available)

Locast.org is a free streaming service that offers ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and other local channels in some metro areas. It operates as a non-profit.

Here are the key things to know about Locast:

  • Only available in about 35 US media markets currently
  • Provides live streaming of ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and more
  • Totally free but has commercials
  • Streams via their website and apps

Locast is free and legal but does ask for donations occasionally. Try it if you live in one of the covered metro locations.

Using a VPN to Access More ABC Content

A VPN (virtual private network) routes your traffic through remote servers, spoofing your location. This allows you to bypass regional restrictions.

With a VPN, you may be able to:

  • Stream region-locked ABC content by changing locations
  • Watch ABC‘s live feeds from other countries like the UK or Canada

I recommend ExpressVPN which works seamlessly for streaming. Other top choices include NordVPN, Surfshark or PureVPN.

Follow these general steps:

  1. Sign up for a reliable VPN service
  2. Install the VPN app on your streaming device
  3. Connect to a server in your desired region
  4. Try watching ABC live or other exclusive content

VPN unlocking of content works on a best effort basis as streaming services actively block many VPNs.

Is Streaming ABC Without Cable Legal?

You may be wondering – is watching ABC without cable legal? The good news is yes, it is legal.

As long as you access ABC through legal streaming methods outlined above like YouTube TV, Hulu, official ABC apps, or an antenna, watching ABC without cable is allowed.

Streaming ABC from unofficial sites is generally prohibited, but all of the options covered in this guide give you legal access to ABC without cable.

Now let‘s go over some common questions about streaming ABC without cable TV.

FAQ

What‘s the cheapest way to watch ABC without cable?

The cheapest options are using an over-the-air antenna or Locast streaming service if available in your city. Both give you free access to ABC‘s live broadcast feed.

Sling TV is the cheapest live TV streaming service with ABC starting at just $35/month.

Does Roku offer ABC?

Yes, ABC‘s live feed and on-demand content are available on Roku through the ABC app or by adding live TV services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV.

Can I watch ABC on my Firestick without cable?

You can absolutely watch ABC on your Firestick without cable. Install the ABC app for on-demand shows or add live TV streaming services like fuboTV or YouTube TV.

Does Hulu include ABC?

The Hulu on-demand service does not include ABC. However, the Hulu + Live TV plan provides live ABC streaming along with 50+ other channels.

Does YouTube TV have ABC?

Yes! YouTube TV carries ABC and local ABC affiliates in nearly all US markets so you can stream ABC live.

Wrap Up

I hope this guide has provided everything you need to know on how to watch ABC without cable in 2022. The good news is streaming ABC legally is easy to set up.

The best options are live TV streaming services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV that provide ABC live streams along with many other popular channels. An HD antenna also gives you access to ABC‘s over-the-air broadcast for free.

Try out the free trials available on streaming services to find your favorite for ABC viewing without cable.

Happy streaming!

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