How you can watch CBS online without cable in 2025: The complete guide

What shows and events to watch on CBS 

CBS has become the home to some of the biggest crime dramas, family comedies, reality competition shows, and major live sporting events. Some of the most sought after shows and events on CBS include:

How can I stream CBS live for free?

Like we mentioned above, even more streaming services are offering free trials which makes it easy to find the one that works best for you. No need for a cable subscription or a contract. Sign up for one of the below free trials and get 3-7 days of free streaming before having to commit and pay your first monthly payment.

How to watch CBS without cable for free

There are a few options to watch CBS for free at home this year. With Paramount Plus as the home property for the CBS channel, you can stream everything on CBS as well as other channels on Paramount Plus including Comedy Central, MTV, BET, Nickelodeon and a few others you'll have lots to watch. 

With a 7-day free trial currently on Paramount Plus, you'll have plenty of time to try out the platform. Once the free trial is over you will be charged for the monthly price of the plan you selected.

• Paramount Plus Essential - $7.99 per month
• Paramount Plus with Showtime - $12.99 per month

Watch CBS on Hulu + Live TV with a 3-day free trial

The Hulu + Live TV free trial gives you 3 days free acess to CBS and the 95+ live channels on Hulu's channel list. You'll also get acess to Disney Plus and ESPN Plus with the Disney Plus Bundle giving you 3 services for the price of one. Once your free trial is over you'll be charged the price of your selected plan.

• Hulu + Live TV, Disney Plus, ESPN Plus - $82.99 per month
• Hulu + Live TV, Disney Plus (no ads), ESPN Plus - $87.99 per month
• Hulu (no ads) + Live TV, Disney Plus, ESPN Plus - $95.99 per month
• Live TV Only - $81.99 per month

Watch CBS on DIRECTV with a 5-day free trial

DIRECTV has launched their new smaller, more tailored channel packs that make it easy to pay just for what you need. When you sign up for the DIRECTV free trial, you are able to get the Sports Pack for free for 1 month. Get unlimited DVR, RSNs, 3 simultaneous streams, and more when you sign up for DIRECTV.

• Entertainment - $86.99 per month
• Choice - $114.99 per month ($25 off first 3 months)
• Ultimate - $129.99 per month ($25 off first 3 months)

Watch CBS on Fubo with a 5-day free trial

Fubo is a great option for those streamers who are looking for more than just CBS on their channel list. With hundreds of channels and a solid free trial offering, you can select one of the available Fubo plans and get a $30 discount on your first month after your trial period. Sports fans, be aware that Fubo is missing TBS, TNT, and truTV which broadcast upcoming major sporting events like the NBA and NHL Playoffs.

• Fubo Pro Plan - $84.99 per month ($30 off first month)
• Fubo Elite Plan - $94.99 per month ($30 off first month)

Watch CBS on YouTube TV with a 2-day free trial

YouTube TV keeps it simple but solid with their 1 base plan option. You'll get CBS as well as 100+ other live channels with a YouTube TV subscription. With quad box capabilities, this makes YouTube TV a great place to keep up with your favorite content. Get 2 days free to test the in's and out's of the service.

• YouTube TV Base Plan - $82.99 per month ($69.99 for first 6 months)

FAQ

How can I watch CBS for free?

Free Trials from Paramount Plus, DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV make it easy to watch CBS for free for a limited time. You can also watch select CBS content on the CBS App for free.

Is CBS free with Amazon Prime?

When you add Paramount Plus as a selected premium channel on Amazon Prime, you'll have access to live CBS content, including Spring/Summer 2025 show renewals.

Can I watch CBS without a TV provider?

The CBS app provides downloaders access to select CBS content within the app. You will need a valid streaming/cable subscription to access everything CBS.

Is CBS part of Paramount Plus?

Paramount Plus is the parent streaming service for everything CBS! Sign up to get full access to CBS content within the app.

Is CBS available on Fire TV, Apple TV, or Roku?

Yes, you can stream CBS through the app in each platform. Simply visit each app store, and install CBS from there.