News-only streaming — cheapest paths in 2026
If you're cutting cable but need live cable news (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC) — here are the cheapest legal options, ranked by price.
The free options first
- Pluto TV (free): CBS News, NBC News NOW, Fox News-style coverage via Fox Weather and OAN partner channels. Free with ads.
- Roku Channel (free): ABC News Live, CBS News Live, NewsNation, Fox News-adjacent feeds. Free with ads.
- NBC News NOW (free on Peacock free tier): 24/7 news feed
- YouTube (free): CBS News, ABC News, Sky News, Bloomberg all stream live 24/7
If you only need news (no cable channels), free covers most of it.
Are there cheaper news-only bundles vs full live TV?
Yes — three paid options below $30/mo:
1. Sling Blue — $45.99/mo
The cheapest live TV service with CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, BBC. Add Sling News Extra ($6) for FOX Business, BBC World, Bloomberg, RT (where legal), and CGTN. Total: $52/mo for the full news lineup.
2. DirecTV Stream News+Sports — $99/mo
Has Newsmax, OAN, Bloomberg, CNBC, Fox Business — basically every news channel. Overkill for news-only.
3. Fubo News — $74.99/mo
Live TV with all major news. About 10% cheaper than YouTube TV. If news is your only need, Sling Blue is the cheaper answer.
Which streaming services have OAN, Newsmax, Bloomberg, CNBC?
| Service | CNN | Fox News | MSNBC | Newsmax | OAN | CNBC | Bloomberg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (ch 1115) | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hulu+Live | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | ✓ | — |
| Sling Blue | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | ✓ | News Extra |
| Fubo | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| DirecTV Stream | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
If OAN is required, DirecTV Stream is your only mainstream streaming option in 2026.
What about local news (channel 4, channel 7, etc.)?
Local news airs on your local ABC/CBS/NBC/FOX affiliate. Three ways to get them:
- Antenna ($30, free forever): Local ABC/CBS/NBC/FOX free over the air
- Any major live TV service: All include locals (YouTube TV, Hulu+Live, Fubo, DirecTV Stream)
- Local affiliate apps: Many local stations have free apps with their main newscasts (NBC Washington, WCBS, etc.)