Watch CBS Live: Free Apps, Antenna & Streaming Guide

Cutting the cord but still want your local CBS affiliate — or “60 Minutes” and “Survivor” — without a cable login? The good news: there are at least six legitimate ways to get a CBS live stream in 2025, ranging from completely free to full cable-replacement services, and this guide breaks down every method with the catches.

CBS network affiliates in the U.S.: 200+ ·
Paramount+ subscribers (2024): 63 million ·
Year CBS All Access rebranded to Paramount+: 2021 ·
CBS live streaming options: 6 methods

Here is the key background on CBS live streaming.

How can I watch CBS live for free?

There are a handful of genuinely free ways to access CBS content — but not all of them deliver the full live CBS feed. Here’s how each works.

Using the CBS app for free on-demand

• The CBS app (available on iOS and Android) lets viewers watch the latest CBS episodes for free without a login. No credit card required.
• Live TV from a local CBS station, however, requires signing in with a cable provider or a Paramount+ subscription (CBS Help Center).

Using an over-the-air antenna

• A digital antenna picks up your local CBS affiliate broadcast over the air — completely free, no internet needed. One-time hardware cost.
• Antenna Land reports that an antenna provides the local CBS channel live without any subscription (Antenna Land guide).

Using Paramount+ free trial

• Paramount+ offers a 7-day free trial that includes live CBS streaming in most markets (Paramount+ live TV). After the trial, the ad-supported plan costs $5.99/month.

Using CBS News 24/7 free stream

• CBS News provides a free 24/7 live news stream at CBSNews.com/live and through the CBS News app (CBS News Mobile). This is a separate service from general CBS entertainment programming.

The implication: free methods are limited in scope. Antenna gives you one local station; the CBS app withholds live unless you authenticate. For the full live CBS lineup, you’ll eventually need a subscription.

What app to watch CBS live?

Several apps can stream CBS live, but they differ in cost, device support, and whether they require a cable login.

CBS app

• The official CBS app (on iOS, Android, smart TVs) provides free on-demand episodes but requires TV provider authentication for live CBS. No subscription needed for on-demand.

Paramount+ app

• Paramount+ is the direct streaming home of CBS live. Subscribers get a live feed of their local CBS station, plus on-demand library (Paramount+ CBS brand page).

YouTube TV

• YouTube TV carries CBS live in select markets. Billboard notes that live TV services like YouTube TV include CBS and often offer free trials (Billboard).

Hulu + Live TV

• Hulu’s live tier includes CBS affiliate streams in most areas. Like YouTube TV, it’s a full cable replacement with a monthly fee.

FuboTV

• Fubo offers CBS in most major markets as part of its sports-oriented bundle. Fubo’s CBS-access package includes DVR and no contract (Fubo).

The pattern: for cord-cutters, the decision hinges on how many channels you need beyond CBS.

Can I stream CBS without a provider?

Yes — but the method determines whether you get the full live CBS experience or just news and on-demand.

Using Paramount+ standalone

• Paramount+ is a standalone streaming service that includes live CBS without any traditional cable or satellite subscription (Paramount+ sign-up). $5.99/month (with ads).

Using an over-the-air antenna

• An antenna provides free live CBS broadcast without internet or any provider. It’s a one-time hardware purchase.

Using CBS News 24/7 free stream

• CBS News 24/7 is a free ad-supported live stream that does not require any subscription or provider login (CBS News Live). However, it covers news only, not CBS’s entertainment lineup.

The pattern: the only way to get the full CBS live channel (including prime-time shows, sports, and local programming) without a provider is through Paramount+ or an antenna. Free options are news-only or on-demand.

Where can I stream CBS shows?

CBS shows are available across several platforms, but access to the latest episodes and live feeds varies.

Paramount+

• Paramount+ streams all current CBS shows on demand and provides a live feed of the local CBS station (Paramount+ CBS).

CBS.com

• CBS.com offers limited episodes without login — typically the most recent episodes. Full-season access requires authentication (CBS Help Center).

Amazon Prime Video Channels

• Amazon Prime subscribers can add Paramount+ as a premium channel. Billboard confirms that the Paramount+ add-on delivers CBS content through Prime Video (Billboard).

Apple TV Channels

• Apple TV Channels also offers Paramount+ as an add-on, providing the same CBS live and on-demand content.

YouTube TV

• YouTube TV includes live CBS and on-demand episodes from CBS shows, though availability depends on your local market.

The trade-off: each platform ties CBS access to a broader subscription, so your existing services influence the best choice.

Here is how the main options compare on cost and live access.

The catch: free trials are great for a week, but the recurring cost of live TV bundles quickly adds up. For CBS-only viewers, an antenna plus a Paramount+ on-demand subscription is often the cheapest long-term combination.

Why can’t I watch CBS live?

Common issues include geographic blocks, subscription gaps, device limitations, and technical glitches. Here’s what to check.

Geographic restrictions

• CBS live streams are geo-blocked outside the U.S. Even with a Paramount+ subscription, you may need a U.S.-based IP address to access the live feed.

Subscription issues

• Most CBS live streams require either a cable TV provider login or a Paramount+ subscription. The CBS app’s live TV feature is locked behind authentication (CBS Help Center).

Device compatibility

• Not all devices have the CBS or Paramount+ app. Check the app store on your Roku, Fire TV, or smart TV. The CBS News app is widely available on iPhone, Android, PlayStation, and smart TVs.

Technical problems

• Clear the app cache, update to the latest version, and ensure a stable internet connection. Restarting the device often resolves streaming errors.

Why this matters: most “can’t watch” issues come down to authentication or geography. If you’re in the U.S. with a Paramount+ subscription, the live stream should work. If not, check your local market — some affiliates may have separate streaming rights.

Quotes from the field

Viewers can stream the latest episodes of primetime, daytime, and late-night shows for free at cbs.com or in the CBS app.

CBS Help Center (official support)

Stream live TV shows, sports events, and on-demand episodes without programming delays.

Paramount+ live TV sign-up page

The CBS app lets users watch the latest CBS episodes for free without a log-in, but live TV from a local CBS station requires signing in with a cable provider.

Apple App Store listing for CBS

The takeaway from these sources is consistent: free access exists, but it is limited to on-demand or news. Live CBS entertainment almost always requires authentication or a subscription.

For cord-cutters in the U.S., the choice narrows to a trade-off between antenna (free, local-only) and Paramount+ ($5.99/month, full live and on-demand). For those looking to watch a specific game or show without a long-term commitment, free trials from live TV services can bridge the gap. For anyone in the U.S. who wants CBS live without cable, the recommendation is clear: get an antenna for local news and network shows, and add Paramount+ if you need on-demand access to the full library.

For sports fans, the same apps that let you watch CBS live also work for watching CBS Sports live, including Paramount+ and the free CBS Sports HQ stream.

Frequently asked questions

The bottom line for any cord-cutter: an antenna covers local CBS for free, and a Paramount+ subscription unlocks the full live and on-demand library without a cable login.

If you’re looking for where to watch other live sports, check out our guide to watch Pacers game live tonight or find out if there’s an NFL game on TV tonight.