You can watch The CW live without cable with one of these streaming services: Hulu with Live TV, fuboTV, AT&T TV NOW and YouTube TV. In this article, we’ll help you decide which streaming option is best for you.
Before we get started, want to find out what’s playing on CW right at this very moment? Our live CW TV guide will let you do exactly that, and it’s totally free. There aren’t any ads on the page, either. Check it out if you’re unfamiliar with CW’s programming schedule.
Before we start, we want to highlight a particularly relevant stream in these uncertain times. Sling TV is one of the best options for streaming in 2021 with a rich catalogue of 50+ live channels and 50k+ on-demand movies and episodes. Sign up below to start watching Sling TV.
Watch The CW on Hulu with Live TV
Hulu with Live TV offers the best of what on-demand and live TV services bring to the table. For a reasonable monthly fee, you can get both live TV streams and on-demand movies and TV shows.
Hulu with Live TV Pricing and Packages
Hulu with Live TV’s main subscription is competitively priced compared to other streamers, especially if you take into account the fact that it gives you access to the notoriously massive on-demand vault.
| Hulu + Live TV 7-Day Free Trial $64.99/ month | 67 Channels 2 simultaneous streams ESPN and Disney | SIGN UP |
For more information about Hulu with Live TV’s plans, click here.
Hulu with Live TV Channels
When Hulu with Live TV first came out, it only offered on-demand content from The CW. But in March of last year, Hulu with Live TV added a live stream of The CW to its roster of supported live TV channels. The base subscription package comes with a strong mix of channels of all genres.
-
Hulu Live TV
$54.99 / month
- 97 Channels See all channels Hide all channels
- Cooking Channel
- VH1
- FXX
- Here TV
- FX
- Science Channel
- FOX News
- IMax
- MHz Networks
- Freeform
- Bloomberg Television
- HBO Max
- pocket.watch
- MTV
- Food Network
- Hulu Originals
- Nickelodeon
- Disney Junior
- Cartoon Network
- Disney Channel
- Disney XD
- Discovery Channel
- Bravo
- ANIMAL PLANET
- A&E
- NBC
- FOX
- CBS
- ABC
- Lifetime
- Fuse
- HGTV
- History Channel
- NASA
- Tastemade
- National Geographic Channel
- NBC Sports Network
- ABC News Live
- E!
- Complex
- Comedy Central
- CMT
- SYFY
- TBS
- BET
- Telemundo
- TLC
- TNT
- Travel Channel
- Cheddar
- Universal Kids
- AMC
- Adult Swim
- Nat Geo Wild
- Investigation Discovery
- Fox Sports Oklahoma Plus
- BBC America
- TV Land
- NBC Sports Bay Area
- NBC Sports Boston
- NBC Sports California
- NBC Sports Chicago
- NBC Sports Northwest
- NBC Sports Philadelphia
- NBC Sports Washington
- AwesomenessTV
- FOX Sports Sun
- FOX Sports Florida
- FOX Sports Arizona
- FOX Sports Carolinas
- FOX Sports Detroit
- FOX Sports Indiana
- FOX Sports Kansas City
- FOX Sports New Orleans
- FOX Sports North
- FOX Sports Ohio
- FOX Sports Oklahoma
- FOX Sports San Diego
- FOX Sports South
- FOX Sports Southeast
- FOX Sports Southwest
- FOX Sports Tennessee
- FOX Sports West
- FOX Sports Wisconsin
- FOX Sports Prime Ticket
- NBC Sports Washington Plus
- FOX Sports Arizona Plus
- FOX Sports Detroit Plus
- FOX Sports Indiana Plus
- FOX Sports Midwest Plus
- FOX Sports New Orleans Plus
- FOX Sports North Plus
- FOX Sports Southwest Plus
- FOX Sports Wisconsin Plus
- NBC Sports Bay Area Plus
- NBC Sports Philadelphia Plus
- Epix
Hulu with Live TV Supported Devices
Whatever TV device you use, Hulu with Live TV probably has an app for it:
- Living room devices: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and Roku.
- Smart TVs and Blu-ray players: Certain Samsung and LG televisions as well as some devices based on Amazon Fire TV or Roku.
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android and iOS.
- Game consoles: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Xbox 360.
- Desktop browsers: Most browsers.
Click here to learn more about devices that work with Hulu with Live TV.
Hulu with Live TV Simultaneous Streams
The two-stream simultaneous stream limit can be upgraded with the Unlimited Streams feature expansion. Unlimited Streams costs $10/month extra and lets you stream to an unlimited number of devices on your home network simultaneously. Hulu with Live TV is the only streamer that offers this kind of flexibility.
Click here to learn more about Hulu with Live TV’s simultaneous streams.
Hulu with Live TV DVR
You can’t fast forward when you watch a recording that you made with Hulu with Live TV’s DVR without another paid upgrade: Enhanced Cloud DVR. It costs extra, which makes the final cost a bit pricey. However, it also expands the DVR’s storage capacity from 50 to 200 hours.
Click here to learn more about Hulu with Live TV’s DVR.
Hulu with Live TV On-Demand Library
Hulu is probably the second brand name behind Netflix that comes to mind when you think of on-demand content. The combination of live TV streams and a massive library of shows and movies means that you may be able to get all your entertainment through one app if you go with this service.
Watch The CW with fuboTV
fuboTV has support for live 4K streams, sports channels that no other streaming service offers and more local CW affiliates compared to the competition. This combination of features makes it one of the most unique streaming services on the market right now.
fuboTV Pricing and Packages
fubTV’s subscriptions start at reasonable price point and the base subscription plan comes with The CW and a wide range of sports and family friendly channels.
Learn more about fuboTV’s subscription plans here.
| Family 7-day free trial $64.99/ month | 114 channels 3 simultaneous streams 500 hours of DVR space ESPN SHOWTIME Sports Plus add-on | SIGN UP |
| Family Plan with Showtime 7-day free trial $74.99/ month | 114 channels 2 simultaneous streams 500 hours of DVR space ESPN SHOWTIME included Sports Plus add-on | SIGN UP |
| Ultra 7-day free trial $84.99/ month | 196 channels 3 simultaneous streams 500 hours of DVR space ESPN SHOWTIME included Sports Plus add-on | SIGN UP |
fuboTV Channels
According to a recent press release, fuboTV recently expanded its support for The CW into nine markets– and it improved coverage for many other local broadcast stations, as well. As a result, the streaming service now has better support for local TV stations than many of its competitors.
You can see a full channel list here.
fuboTV Supported Devices
Except for game consoles, fuboTV has apps for most TV devices. Supported TV devices include iOS and Android mobile devices, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and more.
You can learn more about fuboTV’s supported devices here.
fuboTV Simultaneous Streams
fuboTV used to be weak here, but not anymore. A paid upgrade gives you the ability to tune into this streamer from five devices at once. Three streams is the default limit.
You can learn more about fuboTV simultaneous streams here.
fuboTV DVR
All fuboTV subscribers can record up to 30 hours of programming to fuboTV’s cloud DVR. A paid upgrade expands that capacity to 250 hours. Recently, fuboTV added support for a third DVR upgrade: one that gives you 1000 hours.
You can learn more about the fuboTV DVR here.
fuboTV On-Demand Library
fuboTV offers 72-hour Rewind, which lets you stay current with many popular TV shows. The library also has movies, but not as many as Netflix, Hulu and other services that specialize in on-demand content..
Â
Watch The CW on AT&T TV NOW
Even though AT&T’s AT&T TV NOW recently raised its subscription prices, it’s still worth a look if you’re in the market for a streaming service that supports The CW.
AT&T TV NOW Pricing and Packages
Plus– AT&T TV NOW’s cheapest plan– is about the same price as budget plans offered by other streaming services. Max comes with the new HBO Max on-demand service, which is similar to Netflix. All the plans come with CW.
| Plus 7-day free trial $55/ month | 45+ channels 3 simultaneous streams 500 hours of DVR space Add-ons like HBO and Showtime | SIGN UP |
| Max 7-day free trial $80/ month | 60+ channels 3 simultaneous streams 500 hours of DVR space HBO Max Included | SIGN UP |
For more information about AT&T TV NOW plans, click here.
AT&T TV NOW Channels
A live stream of The CW comes with all the main AT&T TV NOW Plus subscription packages. No matter which one you choose, CW will be part of the lineup if it’s available in your local area.
Click here to see the full list of AT&T TV NOW channels.
AT&T TV NOW Supported Devices
With the exception of game consoles, AT&T has created AT&T TV NOW apps for all the most popular TV devices:
- Living room devices: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and Roku.
- Smart TVs and Blu-ray players: None.
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android and iOS.
- Game consoles: None.
- Desktop browsers: Chrome and Safari.
Click here to learn more about devices that work with AT&T TV NOW.
AT&T TV NOW Simultaneous Streams
All customers now get three streams for free. The previous limit was two streams and there was a paid upgrade that boosted the limit to three streams.
To learn more about AT&T TV NOW’s simultaneous streams, click here.
AT&T TV NOW DVR
Now that all customers get 500 hours of recording time, AT&T TV NOW is near the top of the heap when it comes to DVR features.
Click here to learn more about how AT&T TV NOW’s DVR works.
AT&T TV NOW On-Demand Library
AT&T TV NOW has a fairly large on-demand library for a live TV streaming service, but its’ selection of titles isn’t quite as deep compared to Netflix, Hulu and other similar on-demand specialists.
Watch the CW on YouTube TV
Google’s YouTube TV features excellent local broadcast station coverage, above average features, a user-friendly interface and a solid lineup of channels.
YouTube TV Pricing and Packages
YouTube TV recently increased their base subscription price and as a result it’s not as competitive here as it once was. The amount of channels you can get varies depending on where you reside.
To learn more about YouTube TV’s pricing options, click here.
YouTube TV Channels
Along with The CW, YouTube TV has a great sports lineup that includes all the major ESPN channels, FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports 2, NFL Network, NBA TV and many others. Premium channels that are available as add-ons include Showtime, Epix and Starz.
To learn more about YouTube TV’s channel list, click here.
YouTube TV Supported Devices
Until recently, an ongoing feud between Google and Amazon prevented Amazon TV device users from using YouTube TV. Now that the dispute is finally over, YouTube TV is no longer lacking when it comes to TV device support.
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and Roku (most models).
- Smart TVs: Android TV (select models), Samsung TV (2016+ models only), LG TV (2016+ models only), Vizio (select SmartCast models), Hisense (select models), Sharp (select models).
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (5.0 and up), iOS (9.1 and up).
- Game consoles: Xbox One (all versions).
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers.
Click here to learn more about YouTube TV supported devices.
YouTube TV Simultaneous Streams
You can stream to up to three devices simultaneously through one YouTube TV account.
To learn more about YouTube TV’s simultaneous streams, click here.
YouTube TV DVR
YouTube TV’s unlimited DVR lets you record as much TV as you want and save your recordings for nine months. Plus, you can create up to six individual profiles and each profile gets its own separate, unlimited DVR.
Click here to learn more about YouTube TV’s DVR options.
YouTube TV On-Demand Library
Many TV shows that air on YouTube TV live are available on-demand. This lets you stay up to date with your favorite shows, even if you forget to use your unlimited DVR to record them. Some movies are available on-demand as well.
How to Watch The CW on Amazon Fire TV
You can watch The CW on Amazon Fire TV with one of these streaming services: fuboTV, Hulu with Live TV, AT&T TV NOW and YouTube TV. Simply go to the Amazon Fire TV app store and click whatever live TV service appeals to you the most– or try them all.
How to Watch The CW on Roku
You can watch The CW on Roku with one of these streaming services: fuboTV, Hulu with Live TV, AT&T TV NOW and YouTube TV. The process of installing a Roku app is the same as installing a smartphone app. Just look up the app you want to try and complete the sign-up process to get going.
How to Watch The CW on Apple TV
You can watch The CW on Apple TV with one of these streaming services: fuboTV, Hulu with Live TV, AT&T TV NOW and YouTube TV. Apple’s app store has them all, so try them out for yourself and compare.
The CW Over-the-Air
If you live near a station that broadcasts The CW, you may be able to get The CW broadcasts for free via your TV antenna. Check this FCC website to find out the exact channels you can get in your location.
With a TV antenna, you get:
- Dozens of channels in addition to The CW
- No monthly fees
- 1080p picture quality (better than cable)
The two best TV antenna makers
Amazon and Mohu both make excellent HDTV antennas. Mohu’s are a bit more stylish and generally more powerful than Amazon’s, but you may actually be better off with a low-powered antenna if you live close to a major city. Extra power can cause interference issues.
Amazon Basics
AmazonBasics antennas are grouped into several different ranges: 25 mile, 35 mile, 50 mile. All 3 varieties can pull in 1080p HD feeds of The CW and other broadcast channels.
Mohu
Mohu antennas come in 3 different models: Leaf, Sky and Curve. Leaf antennas are extra thin and can be mounted on windows. Long range Sky Mohu antennas are designed to be mounted outside and can pull in feeds from 65 miles away. The Curve line of antennas are for people who live closer to cities.
Add next-generation TV features
The two devices listed below let you record over-the-air broadcasts from the CW and other local TV stations.
HDHomeRun
The most popular device for recording broadcast TV channels right now is HDHomeRun.
Cord-cutters love SiliconDust’s HDHomeRun because it’s cheap and easy to set up. A basic HDHomeRun device costs $100, and its DVR feature is just $35 a year.
First, you connect your HDHomeRun to your TV antenna. Then, you connect it to your WiFi router — and that’s it. HDHomeRun’s many apps let you watch and record TV on every popular platform.
HDHomeRun apps:
- Living room devices: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Android TV.
- Smart TVs and Blu-ray players: Sony TVs with Android TV.
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android, iOS and Windows Phone.
- Game consoles: Xbox One
- Desktop browsers: macOS and Windows 10.
Tablo
Tablo devices start at $220. You have to buy a $50 annual subscription to unlock the programming guide and stream content to your devices outside your home network.
Tablo apps:
- Living room devices: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Chromecast and Roku.
- Smart TVs and Blu-ray players: LG (based on WebOS) or devices running the Roku or Android TV platforms.
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android and iOS.
- Game consoles: Xbox One
- Desktop browsers: Chrome and Safari.
The CW App & Website
If you can’t get The CW from a TV station, you can watch The CW shows via The CW’s app or website instead.
The CW has free apps for Roku, Chromecast, AirPlay, AppleTV, XBox One and Amazon Fire TV.
No, YouTube TV does not carry the NFL Network. Unless you know something I don’t. (Wishful thinking? 🙂
None of these services carry the CW live in the Phoenix market, and I suspect, many other markets (there’s no reason we would be singled out). The CW has it’s own “space” on YouTubeTV, but you cannot watch anything live – it is on demand with commercials. That may indeed be the only (and best) way to catch CW content, but you should just say that instead of trying to sell people on streaming packages that won’t actually solve their challenge.
I reached out to YouTube TV via live chat, and was informed that The CW is an On-Demand feature only, not live.
Very disappointed!