Which Live TV Streaming Service is Best for Watching CNN?
With the 2024 U.S. presidential election just a few days off, you can see the best methods for streaming CNN here.
The world of cable news can get incredibly partisan, with Fox News and MSNBC representing the right and left, respectively. For the majority of voters who find themselves somewhere in between, it can be hard to find a trusted outlet to deliver important news, including coverage of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. CNN can be that haven, but with so many live TV streaming services available, it can be hard to know the best way to get the channel.
The Streamable is here to help, and I’ll run through every choice available for watching CNN’s election coverage and everything else you’ll find on the channel below!
Which Streamers Are Best for Watching CNN?
How to Stream CNN Without Cable
There are four live TV streaming services that allow viewers to stream CNN without a linear cable subscription: DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV and YouTube TV. I’ll point out the advantages and drawbacks of each option, so you can make the best pick for your needs.
| DTV STREAM | Fubo | Hulu | Philo | Sling TV | YouTube | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | Free Trial | Free 3-Day Trial | Free Trial | Get 50% OFF | Sign Up | |||
| $86.99 | $94.99 | $82.99 | $28 | $40 | $40 | $72.99 | ||
| CNN | ✓ | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Top Pick for Streaming CNN Without Cable: Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV is my top pick for streaming CNN as it offers a three-day free trial and includes CNN in all markets, as well as the fact that it is part of arguably the best value in streaming. Hulu + Live TV comes with more than 90 major cable channels and also includes local broadcast networks, sports and entertainment options, and more in addition to news channels. You can also use the service to stream the around-the-clock ABC News Live channel.
Hulu + Live TV costs $83 per month, which is a little pricey, but that includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. That’s right, the full Disney Bundle is thrown into your Hulu + Live TV account at no extra cost when you sign up at the $83 level, so if the election doesn’t go the way you hope you’ll have plenty of content to distract yourself with.
Best Alternative for Streaming CNN Without Cable: DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM is our very close No. 2 behind Hulu + Live TV specifically because of its five-day free trial. Signing up now will give you a chance to stream election night coverage at no cost, and once the trial is over plans start at $87 per month.
The free trial is a big part of why DIRECTV STREAM is one of my top picks, but it’s far from the only reason. The service has more of The Streamable’s top cable channels than any other live TV streamer, and its base ENTERTAINMENT package includes local channels for keeping track of state- and city-level races, live sports networks like ESPN and FS1, and a mountain of top cable entertainment networks.
Best Budget-Friendly Alternative for Streaming CNN Without Cable: Sling TV
Sling TV is a great choice for streaming CNN, especially if you’ve already used free trials to DIRECTV STREAM and Hulu + Live TV. Its packages start at $40 per month normally, but for a limited time, it’s offering 50% off your first month of service.
CNN is available in both the Sling Orange and Blue channel packages, so you can pick either (or both) and ensure you’ve got the network. If you opt for Sling’s Blue plan, you’ll get MSNBC and Fox News as part of your subscription as well.
Last Choice: YouTube TV
YouTube TV can also be used to stream CNN in all markets, with plans starting at $73 per month. That’s not a deal-breaking price, but it is bigger than that of Sling TV. YouTube TV doesn’t offer the same free trial to all new customers, and it doesn’t come with any free streaming services included in the price, which is why it’s last overall on our list.