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Quick response: You can watch CNN online for free, with trial versions for DirecTV Stream, fuboTV and Hulu + Live TV.
CNN is one of the most prominent news channels in the United States, with extensive coverage of major events from the presidential election to breaking news and investigative reports on the business sector. CNN is a go-to source for the latest information, but even those who have canceled their traditional cable TV service can still stream and tune in whenever they want.
Want to stream CNN online? Here’s a quick guide to accessing CNN across digital platforms, including the option to enjoy CNN content for free.
note: Tonight, CNN hosts the first presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden. Use the streaming services below to watch the debate on CNN without cable.
How to watch CNN without cable
If you want to watch CNN without cable, a live TV streaming service that carries the channel is your best option. Below are some of our favorite live TV streaming services that have CNN in their channel lineup.
Editor’s note: All of these streaming services allow you to connect to live streams from CNN.com. Simply visit the website, log in with your streaming service credentials, and enjoy CNN live streams online at no additional cost.
1. Stream CNN on DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream is our top pick for live TV streaming. Known for its excellent streams and impressive channel lineup, it’s ideal for sports fans. Its entertainment package, which includes CNN and over 75 popular channels like Fox News and MSNBC, starts at $79.99 per month after a five-day free trial.
2. Stream CNN on Sling TV Blue
Sling is the budget choice for live TV streaming and offers CNN in its Sling Blue package. Sling Blue starts at just $45 per month and includes 42 channels in total, including local channels in most areas and other news channels like NBC and MSNBC. And the best part is that Sling is currently running a tempting promotion. For the first month, you can enjoy Sling Blue at 50% off, meaning it’s available for just $22.50. This is a fantastic opportunity to access CNN and a host of other channels without breaking the bank.
3. Stream CNN on fuboTV
Another outstanding live TV streaming service, fuboTV offers CNN in all of its subscription packages. The cheapest option, the Pro package, offers an impressive selection of 194 channels, including favorites like Fox News, CNBC, and MSNBC. With a generous seven-day free trial to get you started, the Pro package costs $79.99 per month. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a wide range of channels, and makes an excellent addition to your streaming options.
4. Stream CNN on Hulu + Live TV
You can also watch CNN without traditional cable TV via a Hulu + Live TV subscription. We’re big fans of Hulu + Live TV because of its comprehensive streaming package, where a single $76.99 per month subscription gives you access to over 95 live TV channels, the entire Hulu on-demand library, plus ESPN+ and Disney+. It’s an all-in-one streaming solution that offers great value for your entertainment needs. Bonus: It comes with a three-day free trial.
How to watch CNN online for free
All of the streaming services above (except Sling) offer free trials that let you access CNN live streams for free for a limited time. DirecTV Stream’s free trial lasts five days, fubo’s seven, and Hulu + Live TV’s three days. All of these services let you watch CNN for free — as long as you cancel before the trial ends — and they’re a great option for individual events on CNN like presidential debates.
