How to Watch Local Channels Without Cable

You don't have to pay your cable company $8+ per month to watch your local channels. They are free* with an HD antenna. 

Top shows and events you can watch

ABC

Stumptown

Emergence

The Bachelor

Station 19

Grey's Anatomy

and more...

CBS

60 Minutes

All Rise

Carol's Second Act

The Unicorn

Evil

and more...

FOX

Prodigal Son

Last Man Standing

Deputy

Outmatched

Bless the Harts

and more...

NBC

The Voice

Chicago Fire

Chicago Med

New Amsterdam

Chicago P.D.

and more...

THE CW

The Flash

Supernatural

Batwoman

Supergirl

Arrow

and more...

and many more...

Source: https://tvseriesfinale.com; https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/top-ten/. Local channel signal availability varies based on location.

Get the facts and free your TV

What is the cost?

Over-The-Air signals are free and anyone with an antenna and a good signal can watch their favorite network TV shows and live sports.

Why AirTV?

Cable TV companies can charge over $8 per month for these same channels that are being broadcast for free.

What we do

AirTV, combined with Sling integrates these local channels in HD on TVs throughout your home, and even on your mobile devices with no monthly fees.

Watching local channels requires an HD antenna.

Find available local channels

Local broadcast channel availability varies by geographic location.

All fields Required*
Watching local channels requires an AirTV, AirTV2, or AirTV Player, AirTV Adapter and antenna (sold separately). Local channel signal vary based on location.

What's the best antenna for me?

Every home and every antenna are different. Having the proper antenna in the proper location is critical for getting the best signal strength possible.

indoor antenna

Indoor Antenna

AirTV recommends

RCA SLIVR Amplified Flat Antenna

This low profile antenna can be placed flat or in windows for the best signal placement.

  • Small, lightweight antenna for indoor use
  • Antenna has a range of up to 50 miles
  • Patented, 360° multi-directional design eliminates need for constant adjustments
  • Hang it or lay it flat
Antenna information
outdoor antenna

Outdoor Antenna

AirTV recommends

Televes DigiNova BOSS Antenna

This high gain antenna can be mounted almost anywhere like, homes, boats and vehicles.

  • Multi-directional design for high-quality TV reception
  • Antenna has a range of up to 60+ miles
  • Rejects LTE signal interference
  • Automatically controls the level of the received signal
Antenna information

Antenna signal tips

omni-directional antenna

Multi-directional vs. Omni-directional antennas

You'll want an Omni-directional antenna if the TV broadcast towers are scattered around the home. An Omni-directional antenna is typically round-shaped like a disc and receives TV signals equally from all directions (360 degrees). If the TV broadcast towers are in the same general direction from the home (example: all towers are located north of the home), then a directional antenna can be used instead. An advantage of a multi-directional antenna is that it is usually rated for greater distances from the TV towers, and it can be pointed to receive maximum reception of these signals.

digital antenna

Placement

The general rule for digital antennas is the higher, the better. Structures such as floors, cabinets, and walls may impact TV signal reception, so placing your antenna high in a window is ideal, as long as it's free from exterior obstructions (trees, buildings, billboards, and so on). Indoor antennas should not be installed behind a TV or electronic equipment, next to metal objects, or near high-traffic areas, as TV signal reception may be impacted.

outdoor antenna

Indoor vs. Outdoor antennas

In general, an Outdoor antenna is always recommended over an Indoor antenna, since TV signal reception can be reduced by as much as 50% when TV signals enter a home. However, an Indoor antenna may be suitable if you live close enough to the TV broadcast towers.

amplified antenna

Amplified antennas

Antennas with an amplifier that can be powered on or off are generally recommended; if you live very close to the TV broadcast towers, the amplifier may overpower some of the TV broadcast ignals, so turning off or removing the amplifier may help.

Local channels and AirTV

Whether you watch on a single TV or a mobile device, AirTV is the best way to cut the cord and watch TV on your terms.

tower
cloud
house diagram of single tv with AirTV

For single TV viewing

With AirTV Player, you can cut the cord without losing access to your favorite programs. AirTV Player lets you watch Netflix, Sling, and your local channels all in one seamless experience.

Ways to watch:

Sling in television
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antenna icon HD antenna required
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cloud
house diagram of multiple tv's and devices with AirTV

For multiple TVs and mobile devices

With AirTV, you can finally get your local channels without worrying about where to put the antenna! AirTV streams your local channels throughout your home and on the go so you can keep watching, no matter where you are.

Ways to watch:

multiple TV's with AirTV
tablet with AirTV
phone with AirTV
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HD Antenna icon HD antenna required
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*Free Local Channel availability varies based on location.

If you need help with your antenna, we're here for you.

Our professional partners at DISH can take care of all your installation needs.

Learn More

Indoor Antenna

  • Indoor antennas are used inside the home, and typically feed 1 TV
  • They are easy to self-install, and are typically hung high on a wall or can be placed on a TV stand
  • They are recommended when homes are not too far from the TV broadcast towers
  • Many indoor antennas are rated up to 50 miles from the broadcast towers, but signal reception must be very strong to work reliably between 25-50 miles away
  • TV signal reception can be reduced by as much as 50% when signals enter a home, so you may need to try different placement and positions of the Indoor antenna to receive the best signals
  • If your neighborhood is in a valley or blocked by a hillside, this may impact the ability to receive TV broadcast signals with an Indoor antenna
  • UHF/VHF rated antennas should be used to receive the most important channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, etc.)
  • Indoor antennas with an amplifier that can be powered on or off are generally recommended; if you live very close to the TV broadcast towers, the amplifier may overpower some of the TV broadcast signals, so turning off or removing the amplifier may help
  • Indoor antennas should not be installed behind the TV, next to metal objects, or near high-traffic areas, as TV signal reception may be impacted
  • During installation, as you test different placements and positions of the antenna, you should stand at least 5 feet away from the antenna each time you move as you test if it is receiving optimal signal reception
  • Some markets have TV broadcast signals that utilize a special frequency called "Low-band VHF," and these require a special type of Outdoor Antenna; an Indoor Antenna will not receive a Low-band VHF channel

Outdoor Antenna

  • Outdoor antennas are installed outside the home or in the attic, and typically can feed multiple TVs
  • Typical installations outside the home include roof, chimney, or elevated decks
  • They require a professional installation and must be pointed towards desired TV broadcast towers (AirTV offers professional installations, call 1-888 to learn more)
  • An Outdoor antenna is always recommended over an Indoor antenna, since TV signal reception can be reduced by as much as 50% when signals enter a home
  • Outdoor antennas are rated between 50 to 100 miles from the broadcast towers
  • UHF/VHF rated antennas should be used to receive the most important channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, etc.)