Locast Review
Locast is a live TV streaming service offering access to local TV affiliates in 36 markets. The service has been suspended because of a legal fight with broadcasters. Whether or not it returns, viewers have other options to watch local channels for free.
While the service could be used for free, users who didn’t pay for the membership tier would get a prompt to donate every 15 minutes. After the prompt, users were kicked back to the home screen and booted off the channel they were watching.
Locast could be viewed within Sling TV on select devices.
Review
We tested Locast and other live TV streaming services for more than 100 hours. Locast is compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TV, iPhone/iPad, LG Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Sony Smart TV, and VIZIO Smart TV.
Features
No Cloud DVR
Locast does not offer a DVR.
Up to 4 Devices
Locast allows you to stream on up to 4 devices simultaneously.
No Parental Controls
There are no parental controls for Locast.
Only DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu Live TV, and Sling TV have parental control features.
Compatible Devices
Locast is compatible with these devices:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast (Google Cast)
- Roku
- Android TV
- iPhone/iPad
- LG Smart TV (AirPlay)
- Samsung Smart TV (AirPlay)
- Sony Smart TV
- VIZIO Smart TV (AirPlay/Google Cast)
Locast is not compatible with Android Phone/Tablet, Mac, Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo devices.
Channels
Local Channels
Locast offers access to 34 markets as of June 2021:
- Atlanta
- Baltimore
- Boston
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Los Angeles
- Madison
- Miami
- Minneapolis
- New York
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Portland
- Phoenix
- Puerto Rico
- Rapid City
- Raleigh-Durham
- Sacramento
- San Francisco
- Scranton
- Seattle
- Sioux City
- Sioux Falls
- Tampa Bay
- Tri-Cities
- Washington DC
- West Palm Beach
Local Channel Restrictions
Locast uses a strict geo-fencing technology to prevent access to channels outside the local market boundary (the “Designated Market Area” as defined by Nielsen).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does Locast cost?
Locast is available starting at $0 / month. See the full list: Locast Pricing & Plans
Does Locast have a free trial?
Locast is free to try or use on a regular basis, but users will need to pay a fee to remove interruptions every 15 minutes.
Does Locast have a DVR?
Locast does not have a DVR.
What channels are on Locast?
Locast includes channels including No top cable channels. See the full list: Locast Channels.
How many streams are allowed at once on Locast?
Locast allows up to 4 devices at the same time. See more details: Locast Simultaneous Streams
Does Locast have local channels?
Locast includes ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Telemundo, The CW, and Univision in most, but not all markets. See the full list: Locast Local Channels.
Does Locast have live sports?
Sports channels are not available on Locast.
Does Locast offer premium channels?
Premium channels are not available on Locast.
Does Locast offer on demand content?
On Demand content is not available on Locast.
Does Locast support TV Everywhere apps?
You cannot access TV Everywhere apps with Locast.
Does Locast have a TV Guide?
Locast includes a TV Guide similar to what you would get with your cable or satellite set-top box.
Does Locast have ads?
Locast includes ads during live viewing of shows. Users who do not pay for a membership will have their stream interrupted by a prompt to donate every 15 minutes.
Does Locast offer 4K streaming?
Locast does not include 4K content as part of the service.
Does Locast offer Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound?
Locast does not include Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound as part of the service.