The cheapest official way to watch CNN without cable is CNN All Access, CNN’s own streaming subscription at $6.99 a month. If you want the full CNN TV channel exactly as it airs on cable, you need a live TV streaming service such as Sling Blue, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV or DIRECTV’s MyNews pack.
Key facts (as of October 2026)
- CNN All Access costs $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year and includes a live CNN stream, CNN Original Series and a library of more than 1,000 hours.
- Fubo, Philo and Frndly TV do not carry CNN, so they are not options for live CNN.
- CNN Headlines, a separate free ad-supported channel, streams on Pluto TV, with some live hours from CNN Headline Express.
What are the ways to watch CNN without cable?
There are several official routes, and they differ a lot in price and in what you actually get. Here is the quick comparison:
| Option | Price (as of Oct 2026) | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| CNN All Access | $6.99/month or $69.99/year | Live CNN newscasts (not an exact copy of the cable feed), originals, films, archive |
| Sling Blue | From $45.99/month | The CNN cable channel plus other Sling Blue networks |
| DIRECTV MyNews pack | $44.99/month | CNN and CNN International plus other news networks |
| YouTube TV | $82.99/month ($59.99 for the first 2 months for new members until Nov 16, 2026) | CNN plus local channels and 100+ networks |
| Hulu + Live TV | Check Hulu for current pricing | CNN and CNN International, bundled with Disney+ and ESPN Select |
| CNN Headlines (FAST) | Free with ads | Headlines channel with some live hours, not the main CNN channel |
For most people the choice comes down to one question: do you only want CNN, or do you want a full cable replacement? If it is just CNN, All Access is far cheaper. However, if you also want local channels and sports, a live TV service makes more sense.
Can you watch CNN without cable using CNN All Access?
Yes. CNN All Access launched on October 28, 2025, and it streams live CNN newscasts from morning to night. According to CNN’s FAQ, some hours are filled by CNN International and CNN Headlines programs instead. So it is very close to the cable channel, but it is not an identical feed.
All Access also includes CNN Original Series and CNN Films the day after they air on TV. In addition, it has a library of more than 1,000 hours and some digital-only shows. A cheaper Basic plan at $3.99 a month exists, but it covers articles only, so it does not include video.
You can sign up in the CNN app on Fire TV, Roku, Android TV and Google TV, Apple TV, LG TVs, Xumo devices, phones and the web. Amazon also sells All Access through Prime Video Channels at the same $6.99 monthly price, according to an Amazon announcement from June 2026.
Does CNN All Access include HLN?
It does not appear to. CNN lists HLN only under the TV provider sign-in option. So for live HLN you still need a pay-TV or live TV streaming login.
Which live TV services carry CNN?
Four big services carry the full CNN channel as of October 2026. Each one replaces cable entirely, so you also get dozens of other networks.
- Sling Blue starts at $45.99 a month. Sling also sells Blue with a News Extra add-on from $51.99.
- DIRECTV’s MyNews genre pack includes CNN and CNN International. It costs $44.99 a month after a June 2026 price change, and DIRECTV has offered it bundled with MyEntertainment for $59.99 for the first two months.
- YouTube TV costs $82.99 a month and offers a 5-day free trial. New members can get $59.99 a month for two months until November 16, 2026.
- Hulu + Live TV carries both CNN and CNN International, and it now comes bundled with Disney+ and ESPN Select. Hulu lists a short free trial, but check its site for the current terms.
On the other hand, Fubo, Philo and Frndly TV do not carry CNN. Our guide to CNN vs Fox News vs MSNBC shows how the three main cable news channels compare on these services. If you also want Fox News, our Fox News streaming plans comparison shows which services carry it.
How do you sign in to the CNN app with a TV provider?
If a family member or your live TV service gives you a provider login, you can unlock the full CNN channel in the CNN app for no extra cost. That login also unlocks CNN International and HLN, according to CNN’s help center.
- Open the CNN app and choose Network TV.
- Select Connect TV Provider.
- Scan the QR code, or go to CNN.com/activate on a phone or computer and enter the code shown on your TV.
- Pick your provider and sign in.
Once linked, the app streams CNN live 24/7. Device-specific steps are in our CNN on Roku guide and our CNN on Fire TV guide.
Is there a free way to watch CNN without cable?
Not for the main channel. However, CNN runs a free ad-supported channel called CNN Headlines. After its July 2025 relaunch, it added live hours from CNN Headline Express, from 7 to 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET, according to Axios. You can watch CNN Headlines free on Pluto TV, and Axios also listed Prime Video as a carrier.
CNN also has a free CNN Originals channel with documentary series. Neither channel replaces live CNN during big breaking stories, though. So if you want free live news during an event, see our list of free news streaming options.
You can no longer get live CNN on HBO Max, by the way. That stream ended on November 17, 2025, although CNN Originals and CNN Films stayed on HBO Max.
For the full channel overview, read our main CNN live stream guide, see every network on our channels page, or browse more channel guides.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to watch CNN without cable?
CNN All Access, at $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year as of October 2026. For the full cable channel, DIRECTV’s MyNews pack ($44.99) and Sling Blue (from $45.99) are the cheapest live TV options.
Can I watch CNN without cable for free?
Not the main CNN channel. Instead, the free CNN Headlines channel on Pluto TV offers headlines and some live hours.
Is CNN on Fubo or Philo?
No. As of October 2026, Fubo, Philo and Frndly TV do not carry CNN.
Is CNN All Access the same as the CNN channel?
Not quite. It streams live CNN newscasts, but some hours carry CNN International or CNN Headlines programs instead of the cable schedule.
