There are three official ways to watch Newsmax live. Most cable and satellite packages include it. Live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV, Sling TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream carry it too. And Newsmax+, the network’s own streaming subscription, costs $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year as of October 2026. There is also a free channel called Newsmax2, but it shows headlines and clips, not the full live Newsmax broadcast.
This guide explains each option, the difference between Newsmax, Newsmax2 and Newsmax+, and which devices work.
Key facts (as of October 2026)
- Newsmax is carried by most cable and satellite packages and by YouTube TV, Sling TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream.
- Newsmax+ is the network’s own streaming subscription: $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year.
- Newsmax2 is free, but it shows headlines and clips, not the full live Newsmax broadcast.
Newsmax in brief
Newsmax TV is a US cable news channel that launched on June 16, 2014. It is run by Newsmax Inc., a media company based in Boca Raton, Florida, which also runs the Newsmax.com website. Christopher Ruddy founded the company and is its chief executive. Newsmax Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker NMAX.
Newsmax presents news and commentary from a conservative point of view, and it is often compared with Fox News. Supporters see it as an alternative to mainstream outlets, while critics question its coverage. This guide stays out of that debate and focuses on how to watch. For another channel with a similar audience, our guide to watching One America News covers OAN Live and where the network is carried.
The weekday schedule includes hosted shows such as Greg Kelly Reports, Rob Schmitt Tonight and The Record with Greta Van Susteren. Schedules change, so check Newsmax’s own listings for times.
Newsmax, Newsmax2 and Newsmax+: what’s the difference?
The names cause a lot of confusion. Here’s how they fit together.
| Name | What it is | Cost (as of October 2026) | Full live Newsmax shows? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newsmax (Newsmax TV) | The main cable news channel | Included in cable, satellite and many live TV streaming plans | Yes |
| Newsmax+ | Newsmax’s own subscription streaming service | $4.99/month or $49.99/year, 15-day free trial | Yes |
| Newsmax2 | A free, ad-supported headline channel | Free | No, clips, best-of segments and documentaries |
Why the free stream changed
For several years, the main Newsmax channel streamed free on ad-supported platforms, including Roku. That ended in November 2023. Newsmax said it moved the main feed behind a paywall because of its cable agreements. The free platforms switched to Newsmax2, a headline service built from clips of Newsmax shows, documentaries and other content.
At the same time, Newsmax launched Newsmax+. If you used to watch Newsmax free and now see shorter segments instead of live shows, you’re watching Newsmax2.
Option 1: Newsmax+ (no cable needed)
Newsmax+ is the cheapest way to get the live Newsmax channel without a TV package. According to the Newsmax+ help center, it costs $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year, with a 15-day free trial. Subscriptions renew automatically unless you cancel before the next billing date.
A Newsmax announcement from June 2025 listed what the subscription includes:
- The live Newsmax channel feed
- Newsmax2
- Newsmax en Español
- World at War, a military history channel
- Classic TV series such as Bonanza, Dragnet and The Beverly Hillbillies
In June 2025, Newsmax+ also became available on Comcast devices: Xfinity X1, Xfinity Flex, the Xumo Stream Box and Xumo TV. The Newsmax app is listed on the Amazon Appstore for Fire TV, and Newsmax+ has its own help center page on supported devices. Check your TV’s app store before you subscribe.
How to sign up
- Go to the Newsmax+ website or install the app on your device.
- Start the free trial and choose monthly or yearly billing.
- Sign in on your TV, phone or computer with the same account.
- Set a reminder before the trial ends if you don’t plan to keep it.
Option 2: Cable and satellite
Newsmax is carried by most large US cable and satellite providers. Channel numbers vary by provider and area, so use your provider’s channel guide.
Carriage can change. DirecTV dropped Newsmax on January 25, 2023, during a fee dispute. The two sides reached a deal and the channel returned on March 22, 2023. If Newsmax ever disappears from your line-up, Newsmax+ works as a standalone backup.
Option 3: Live TV streaming services
If you want Newsmax plus other news networks, a live TV streaming service gives you everything in one app. Newsmax is carried by:
- YouTube TV: in the main line-up. The base plan was $82.99 a month as of mid-2026.
- Sling TV: in selected packages, so check before you sign up.
- Fubo, Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream: larger bundles that also include it.
- Vidgo: a smaller service that also carries the channel.
These services cost far more than Newsmax+, but you also get CNN, Fox News, MS NOW and NewsNation in most plans. Our guide to watching news without cable compares them.
Coming soon: the NewsLive streaming app. We’re building one subscription for live international news on Android, Roku, Fire TV and desktop. The service is under development — follow NewsLive for launch updates.
Which option is right for you?
| If you… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Only want Newsmax | Newsmax+ | Cheapest route to the live channel |
| Already pay for TV | Your cable or satellite package | No extra cost |
| Want several news networks | A live TV streaming service | One app for Newsmax, Fox News, CNN and more |
| Want headlines for free | Newsmax2 | Free, but no full live shows |
Watching Newsmax live on your TV
Newsmax2 is on free streaming platforms, so it is easy to find on most smart TVs. For the full live channel, you need either the Newsmax+ app or a live TV service app. Here are a few device notes:
- Roku: search the Roku Channel Store for Newsmax. If the full channel isn’t offered there, use your live TV service’s app. Our guide to news channels on Roku walks through setup.
- Fire TV: the Newsmax app is in the Amazon Appstore. Sign in with your Newsmax+ account.
- Xfinity: Newsmax+ is on X1, Flex and Xumo devices.
Watching Newsmax outside the United States
Newsmax is aimed at US viewers. We could not confirm from official sources which countries Newsmax+ is sold in as of October 2026. If you live abroad, check the Newsmax+ website from your country before paying. We don’t recommend VPNs or other ways around regional rules. For other US networks you can watch legally overseas, see our guide to US news channels abroad.
Want to compare the major US networks? Our CNN vs Fox News vs MSNBC comparison sets out the differences, and you’ll find more single-channel guides in our Channel Guides section.
Frequently asked questions
Is Newsmax free to watch?
The free channel is Newsmax2, which carries headlines and clips. The full live Newsmax channel needs a TV package or a Newsmax+ subscription.
How much is Newsmax+?
Newsmax+ costs $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year as of October 2026, with a 15-day free trial.
What is Newsmax2?
Newsmax2 is a free, ad-supported channel that launched in November 2023. It shows clips and best-of segments from Newsmax shows, plus documentaries, rather than the live broadcast.
Is Newsmax on YouTube TV?
Yes. Newsmax is part of the main YouTube TV line-up. Sling TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream carry it as well.
Why did Newsmax stop streaming free?
In November 2023, Newsmax moved its main channel to paid distribution, citing its cable agreements. The free platforms now carry Newsmax2 instead.
Who owns Newsmax?
Newsmax Inc., which trades on the New York Stock Exchange as NMAX. Christopher Ruddy is its founder and CEO.
Sources
- Newsmax+ Help Center: Subscription details
- Newsmax Investor Relations: Newsmax+ on Comcast devices (June 12, 2025)
- The Desk: Newsmax moves streaming channel behind paywall, launches Newsmax 2 (November 2023)
- Cord Cutters News: YouTube TV plans and channels in 2026
- Wikipedia: Newsmax TV (launch date and carriage history)
