News breaks at a dizzying pace, and it's just as important as ever to stay informed. You don't need to sign up for cable or a live TV streaming service to watch the latest TV news coverage for free. A wide array of services stream live news every day at no cost, from the latest on the war in Ukraine to COVID-19 to what's happening in the world of business and entertainment. All you need is a decent internet connection or data plan.
The services below, presented in alphabetical order, consist of standard broadcast-style and cable news as well as international and business-centric options. All of these services offer content on their own websites, but many are also available on streaming TV devices (Roku, Fire TV and Apple TV), smart TVs and mobile apps for phones and tablets.
Read more: Best Free TV Streaming Services
If you aren't using a news service's dedicated app, there are four main services which include news channels:
- Pluto TV
- Roku Channel
- Sling TV Free
- Peacock (NBC News Now)
All of the above apps offer a familiar TV experience with a program guide and on-demand content. Together they have the greatest number of news channels, and these are streamable via their collective sites as well as on video-streaming apps.
There are other sources of news available, including audio podcasts via the likes of Stitcher, institutions such as NPR or a wealth of radio stations. And if you want more local live TV options you could also hang an indoor antenna, a simple process that lets you watch news and other programming free from broadcasters in your area.
Read more: Best TV for 2021
ABC News Live
In addition to the latest on the Russian invasion and coronavirus updates, the website offers a number of other topical feeds, including a running tally of the Dow Jones and breaking national news.
Platforms: iPhone and iPad (iOS), Android, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku, Windows, Xbox, Apple Watch, Kindle Fire
Free TV services: Sling TV Free, Roku Channel
Al Jazeera
Despite closing its US office in 2016, it's still possible to watch Al Jazeera English online. The service offers world news with a Middle Eastern focus, and has been covering the Ukraine crisis and the coronavirus in the US and Europe.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku, Xbox, YouTube
Bloomberg
The financial news service, started by former NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg, offers free livestreaming each day via its website as well as on Pluto TV.
Free TV services: Pluto TV
CBSN
CBSN is the free, 24-hour arm of CBS News and is available on a variety of different platforms. The service is also streamed in localized versions for seven markets: Bay Area, Boston, Denver, LA, Minnesota, New York and Philadelphia.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku, Xbox, PlayStation
Free TV services: Pluto TV
Cheddar
It's been a tumultuous couple of years on the stock market, and if you want to keep up to date, business site Cheddar offers free streams on a multitude of platforms. The service offers three hours of free content a day.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku
Free TV services: Sling TV, Pluto TV, Roku Channel
CNN
CNN, along with Fox News, is one of the largest 24-hour cable news services, and the best way to watch it right now is via Pluto TV. You will need a cable subscription to watch CNN, but it is also accessible via the CNNgo app, which offers up to 10 minutes of free livestreams. The company will debut the paid CNN Plus streaming service in the Spring.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku
Free TV services: Pluto TV
ET Live
If you want the lighter side of news, ET Live is a welcome distraction from world events.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku
Free TV services: Pluto TV
NBC News Now
NBC News Now offers the "latest stories and breaking news on world news and US news" and also includes a wide range of entertainment and lifestyle programs. It's watchable on a decent range of devices and is also included as part of the free Peacock tier.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku
Free TV services: Pluto TV, Peacock
Newsy
Newsy is a streaming news service that's targeted at millennials and Gen Xers. It also supports a decent number of platforms.
Platforms: Android, iOS, Roku
Free TV services: Roku Channel, Pluto TV
