How to Get Local Channels Without Antenna on Smart TV

Today smart TVs boast lots of streaming apps, like Netflix, Max, Hulu, and so on, that offer vast fantastic films and series. However, local content, like local news, weather reports, traffic updates, sports, educational programs, local arts and culture, and more, seems far away from our lives, and restoring them on a smart television becomes what we urgently demand. Well, this post shows you how to watch local channels on a smart TV even though there is no antenna, and let’s dive into the full guide on how to get local channels without antenna on smart TV.

Does Smart TV Need Antenna for Local Channels?

Using an antenna is often the most straightforward and cost-effective way to access local channels on a smart TV without a subscription. However, most of us prefer a wireless option to access local channels for the sake of convenience and a cleaner setup. So, can you get local channels without an antenna? Fortunately, yes!

You don’t have to purchase an HD TV antenna, connect the cable to your smart TV, run a channel scan, and adjust the antenna for optimal reception. You can access local channels on your smart TV without an antenna. How to watch local TV without cable? Refer to the next section.

How to Get Local Channels Without Antenna on Smart TV?

You can get local channels on your smart TV in many different cableless methods, and here are several free and paid wireless methods to make this a breeze, such as using free local TV apps and paid live TV streaming services.

Option 1. Watch Local Channels Through Free Local TV Apps [Free]

You can access local channels directly through dedicated apps from networks because a lot of cable channels do have their own apps, such as ABC, CBS, The CW, Fox, and NBC in the United States. So, to get local channels on a smart TV without an antenna, just search for those apps in your smart TV’s app store, then watch real-time local content.

In addition to those apps, you can access local news and weather for free through NewsON, HaystackNews, Local Now, The Roku Channel, and Zeam:

How to get local channels on Samsung Smart TV without antenna? For example, get the NewsON app on Samsung Smart TVs, which gives you easy access to various channels alongside local news offerings.

NewsOn is a free app that provides access to news broadcasts, clips, and breaking news from over 200 local TV stations across 100+ U.S. markets. Available on streaming devices like Samsung Smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV, NewsOn makes it convenient to follow local news right from your living room.

The HaystackNews app is another free news streaming app available on devices such as Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV. It offers access to over 400 local, national, and global news channels, providing a personalized news experience based on your interests. The app might be a great option if you’re looking for a simple, free way to access local news and stay informed without an antenna.

How to get local channels on Roku without antenna? You can view local news and weather from FOX, CBS, ABC, and NBC without installing their specific applications and an antenna if you reside in a large city and own a Roku TV or streaming device.

On your streaming device, choose the Live TV tile on the home screen, or open The Roku Channel, press the Left button on your remote, and select Live TV.

The Zeam app also answers questions about how to watch local news without cable. It is a free streaming service that provides access to nearly 300 local TV stations across various networks, including Gray and CBS. The service is compatible with many streaming devices, and they are Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Android TV, Sony Smart TV, and Vizio Smart TVs.

How to watch local channels on smart TV for free? Just download one of the mentioned apps above to step into the world of local news and weather without any subscription or antenna.

Option 2. Watch Local Channels Through Live TV Streaming Services [Paid]

Some live TV streaming services provide thorough local news and sports and help you access local content without cable. Those streaming services are paid (most of them with a membership from $5 to $70 per month), including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling, DIRECT Stream, Paramount Plus, and Peacock Premium Plus. Most of them feature major broadcast networks, namely ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX.

YouTube TV: YouTube TV provides comprehensive access to local channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, and more, depending on your location. It offers a reliable lineup with many local stations, which is comparable to Hulu + Live TV. You can stream YouTube TV on many devices, such as Amazon Fire TV, Roku (check YouTube TV on Roku), Apple TV, LG TV, and Samsung Smart TV.

Hulu + Live TV: Hulu + Live TV allows you to access local channels through its live TV service, which covers major networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and Telemundo across most of the U.S., and these local channels have a range of content, from news and sports to entertainment and shows. The service can be added to various devices, including smart TVs, streaming sticks, and consoles.

Fubo: Fubo enables you to watch local ABC, CBS, FOX, CW, Telemundo, and Univision channels, depending on your location. These local channels are accessible in over 210 regions across the U.S., making it a great option for accessing local content without the need for an antenna. The streaming service is also available on various devices, including smart TVs, streaming boxes like Roku, and mobile apps.

Sling: Depending on where you are, you may be able to watch local channels (e.g. ABC, FOX, and NBC) with a Sling subscription without an antenna. In certain areas, you might need an additional Sling TV add-on to access local networks. If local channels aren’t available, Sling will send you a free HD antenna when you sign up.

DIRECTV Stream: DIRECTV Stream carries a variety of local channels (e.g. ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC), depending on your region. If you are a sports fan, the service could be a good choice as it also includes 30+ regional sports networks. For example, channels like Bally Sports and AT&T SportsNet are available. If you’re using a smart TV or a device like Roku or Apple TV, you can stream DIRECTV Stream.

Paramount+: Paramount+ offers access to local live TV channels, particularly through its CBS station streaming. Depending on your subscription plan, you can watch live content including news, sports, and popular CBS shows. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, and gaming consoles.

Peacock Premium Plus: Peacock Premium Plus carries a single local channel option, offering you access to your local NBC affiliates, which includes live news, sports, and regional events, depending on availability in your area. Currently, the Premium Plus plan covers over 200 markets across the U.S., allowing access to local NBC content 24/7. Peacock is available on Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and most major smart TVs.

How to get local channels on smart TV without antenna? Pick up one of the paid streaming services above, search for it in your TV’s app store, download and open it, and subscribe to it, then you can watch local channels on your smart TV even though it is not connected to an antenna.

Access Local Channels on Smart TV Quickly

After installing NewsOn or YouTube TV on your smart TV, you can launch them to watch local news and weather and other local content you prefer. How to access your local channels quickly on your smart TV?

BoostVision provides you with a quick solution. Its Universal TV Remote app features an app shortcut that lists all installed apps on your smart TV and pins your favorite apps to the top for quick access. It also provides a search bar to help you locate an app on your smart TV in seconds and stream local channels.

In addition, the app integrates many convenient and useful features, including a touchpad and keyboard, making TV control a breeze.

How to use the remote app? Here are the steps:

Step 1. Get the app on your mobile device and ensure the device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your smart TV.

Step 2. Launch the remote app and tap the connect button to connect it to your TV.

Step 3. Enter the code displayed on your TV screen if required.

Step 4. Once connected, you can enable the app shortcut to access your local channels quickly or tap the buttons on the remote interface to control your TV without remote.

How to Get Local Channels on Smart TV with Antenna?

You may have mastered how to access local channels on a smart TV without an antenna. Here I would like to briefly introduce antenna setup in case local channels aren’t available through the above apps. With an antenna, you can access a wide range of local channels like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS without any monthly fees.

As you see, antennas aren’t as big or expensive as they used to be since indoor antennas were introduced. Indoor antennas are designed for TVs that have built-in tuners, and connecting one to the TV enables you to watch all your area’s local programming. If your TV is manufactured after 2007, the TV should have a built-in tuner, and you can purchase an indoor antenna for local channels.

After getting an HD antenna, position it in the right place. It doesn’t have to be near your smart TV, and positioning it higher is better. However, if it’s too far away, you may connect a coaxial cable between your smart TV and the antenna, or use your Wi-Fi network to distribute signals.

The antenna setup process is generally the same across most smart TV brands, such as Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio. Here’s how to get local channels on smart TV with antenna:

Step 1. Turn off your smart TV and attach your antenna to the ANT or RF In port on the back of the TV securely.

Step 2. Turn on your smart TV and choose TV or Antenna as the input source.

Step 3. Scan for channels on your smart TV. For example, scan for channels on Samsung TV.

Step 4. Once the scan is complete, your smart TV will save the available channels. Then you can browse your local channels through your TV’s regular guide or channel list. Reposition your antenna if some channels are weak or missing.

Conclusion

How to get local channels on smart TV without antenna? There are two options: use free local TV apps like NewsOn or live TV streaming services like YouTube TV. If you want to watch local channels for free, try the first option. After getting these apps, you can launch them with the Universal Remote app for quick access.

If you eventually access local channels with an antenna, you can consider using a small and affordable indoor antenna, which enables you to access ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS without any monthly fees.

How to Get Local Channels Without Antenna on Smart TV FAQ

Q: Is there an app to get local TV channels?

Yes, there are several apps that allow you to access local channels on a smart TV or streaming device, often without needing an antenna. They are NewsOn, Local Now, HaystackNews, Zeam, The Roku Channel, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Peacock Premium Plus.

Q: Do smart TVs have a built-in antenna?

No, smart TVs are primarily designed to connect to the internet and support streaming services and do not have a built-in antenna for picking up OTA signals. However, all TVs manufactured after 2007 have a built-in digital tuner, which allows you to connect an external antenna to receive free local channels like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS, depending on your location.