ABC is a must-have channel in almost any TV fan’s lineup. It’s home to live sports and news, and popular shows like “Abbott Elementary,” “American Idol,” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” It’s also available to watch for free! Follow along and we’ll get up to speed.
Watch ABC on a Free Trial of a Live TV Streaming Service
In 2024, five live TV streaming services carry ABC: DIRECTV STREAM, DIRECTV Via Internet, Fubo, Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. You can start watching with a free trial. There is no contract required - you can cancel anytime. You can access these services on a smart TV, a streaming device like a Roku or Amazon Fire Stick, or your phone, tablet, or computer. As long as you have an internet connection, you can get TV.
Of all the available services, we recommend a 5-day free trial of DIRECTV STREAM. The service includes 20 simultaneous streams, an unlimited DVR, and a huge channel lineup. ABC is included with 31 of the top 35 cable channels channels offered by this service. If you max out your options, you can get as many as 283 channels.
We like DIRECTV STREAM for its great picture and an unbeatable lineup of regional sports networks.
Another top option is Hulu Live TV. You can try it free for 3 days. In addition to 33 of the top 35 cable channels, you’ll also get the great on-demand libraries of Hulu, Disney+, and the live sports of ESPN+. That’s a fantastic value for 3 free days.
Thanks to those free services, this is the best overall entertainment value available right now.
If you want to save money over the long haul, we recommend Sling TV. This ultra-flexible live streamer offers lots of different channel packages, but there’s a catch for ABC fans. Sling only provides access to ABC in eight markets: Chicago, Fresno, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham, and San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose. If you live outside those markets, Sling does not offer ABC.
Sling is still a great money-saving option for most people, even if you live outside those ABC markets. We recommend pairing it with an antenna for full TV coverage (see below).
There is no free trial, but you can get your first month of Sling for just $20. No other live streaming service offers more ways to save money.
Sports fans may prefer to watch ABC with Fubo. This live TV streamer provides 19 of the top 35 cable channels and an unlimited DVR. While we like Fubo for its regional sports networks, its channel lineup isn’t really worth the premium price.
Another option to watch TV is YouTube TV. Users get 32 of the top 35 cable channels and an unlimited DVR. While we love YouTube TV’s mobile app, its channel lineup pales in comparison to DIRECTV STREAM, you won’t get the great freebie streamers you’d get with Hulu Live TV, and you don’t save money the way you do with Sling.
How to Watch ABC on ABC.com or the ABC app
If you visit abc.com or download the ABC app to your phone or streaming device, you can view some programming for free. This includes some news from ABC-owned-and-operated stations, primetime shows, game shows, and Nat Geo content.
Importantly, you will not be able to see live sports or events like the Academy Awards with this method.
It’s not a perfect option, but it’s worth checking to see if the show you want is available.
How to Watch ABC With an Antenna
If you want a long-term solution to watch ABC for free, we recommend investing in an antenna. Yes, there’s a small upfront cost, but it’s a great tool in any cord-cutter’s arsenal. Simply plug the antenna into the back of your TV, scan for channels, and you should get access to dozens of options, though those depend on where you live. In most places, you can get PBS, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Telemundo, The CW, and Univision for free over the air.
One For All HDTV Indoor Antenna
Up to 25 Mile Range
Mohu Leaf 50
Up to 60 Mile Range
If you want to supercharge the antenna option, consider upgrading with a device like the HDHomeRun Flex Duo. You can grab it at Amazon for $109.99. Plug your antenna into this small box and you’ll be able to access your antenna signal over Wi-Fi with any TV, computer, mobile phone, or tablet in your home.
You can even run the HDHomeRun through Plex and enjoy an unlimited DVR, accessible anywhere.
No matter which way you choose to watch ABC, it’s worth considering all these options to find the one that’s right for you. Happy viewing!