Option 1: An antenna (free)
Local stations broadcast over the air for free, and an antenna is all you need to pick them up on a TV with a digital tuner. AARP describes it as getting "crystal clear local network TV stations from the likes of ABC, CBS, NBC and PBS in full 1080-pixel high def," with no subscription (AARP). You also get the extra subchannels stations broadcast, listed on our networks page.
The catch is distance. How many channels you get depends on how far you are from the towers and what's in between. Each city page below shows every station, its signal rating, the direction to aim and the type of antenna to use.
Option 2: A live TV streaming service
Some live TV streaming services carry local stations, but which ones depends on where you live. Check each service's own lineup page with your ZIP code before you sign up:
- YouTube TV asks you to "enter your home ZIP code below to see your area's lineup" (YouTube TV). Its help center says "you may find different networks based on your home area or if you're traveling" (YouTube TV Help).
- DIRECTV says "local channel availability is based on your billing ZIP Code and market area," and its lineup page lets you search by ZIP code (DIRECTV Support; DIRECTV lineup).
- Sling TV has a local channels page for checking what it offers in your area (Sling TV locals).
We haven't listed prices, since they change. Other services may carry locals too; we've only listed those whose own lineup pages we could check.
Watching away from home
Streaming services tie your local channels to a home area. YouTube TV uses your home ZIP code and asks members to "use YouTube TV at least once every 3 months in your home area" (YouTube TV Help). DIRECTV tells streaming customers to "enable location services on your mobile device so you can stream" local channels.
An antenna works only where you are, but some network tuners let you watch your antenna channels on phones and tablets. Our antenna DVR guide explains which ones work in your home and which work away from it.
Antenna or streaming?
An antenna has no monthly fee and doesn't need internet, but it depends on signal and gets only the stations in range. Streaming needs internet and a monthly subscription, and your lineup follows your home ZIP code. If your city page shows the networks you want at Strong or Moderate, an antenna is the cheaper way to get them.
Free local channels in every city we cover
We cover 60 cities in 4 TV markets. Pick yours to see its channels:
Atlanta area
Alpharetta, GA, Atlanta, GA, Brookhaven, GA, Dunwoody, GA, Johns Creek, GA, Mableton, GA, Marietta, GA, Roswell, GA, Sandy Springs, GA, Smyrna, GA, South Fulton, GA, Stonecrest, GA
Denver area
Arvada, CO, Aurora, CO, Boulder, CO, Broomfield, CO, Castle Rock, CO, Centennial, CO, Commerce City, CO, Denver, CO, Greeley, CO, Lakewood, CO, Longmont, CO, Loveland, CO, Parker, CO, Thornton, CO, Westminster, CO
Phoenix area
Avondale, AZ, Buckeye, AZ, Casa Grande, AZ, Chandler, AZ, Gilbert, AZ, Glendale, AZ, Goodyear, AZ, Maricopa, AZ, Mesa, AZ, Peoria, AZ, Phoenix, AZ, Queen Creek, AZ, Scottsdale, AZ, Surprise, AZ, Tempe, AZ
Seattle-Tacoma area
Auburn, WA, Bellevue, WA, Bothell, WA, Burien, WA, Everett, WA, Federal Way, WA, Kent, WA, Kirkland, WA, Lacey, WA, Lakewood, WA, Marysville, WA, Olympia, WA, Redmond, WA, Renton, WA, Sammamish, WA, Seattle, WA, Shoreline, WA, Tacoma, WA