How to Watch PBS Without Cable for Free [2022]

How to Watch PBS Without Cable

PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) is an American television program distributor. PBS is an entertaining channel with a variety of content. It has multiple genres, including history, entertainment, cooking shows, kids’ content, documentaries, and other infotainment like technology, nature, science, and many more. You can even download and watch them later offline. You shall cut the cord and watch it for free without the cable TV or satellite provider. Considering the benefits like not dealing with messy cables or saving some bucks, many streaming services like TBS supports watching without cable. Thus, you shall watch PBS without cable via streaming service, PBS video app, or via OTA.

Cutting the cord doesn’t limit you with the content it is offering. So, you shall get access to local stations for streaming live TV in HD streaming quality. You can even stream more than 4000+ PBS on-demand content and local TV shows like Masterpiece, Frontline, Nova, Ken Burn Dcumentries, Poldark, PBS News Hour, etc., on your device.

How to Watch PBS Without Cable in 2022

You can watch PBS without cable in various ways.

  • Via Streaming Services
    • YouTube TV
    • DirecTV Stream
  • Via PBS Video App
  • Over the Air Antenna

YouTube TV

YouTube TV

If you want to stream PBS without cable, YouTube TV is the first option that anyone would think of. It streams live news, shows, and local sports from 85+ channels like PBS, TNT, ESPN, FOX, CBS, HGTV, CNN, and many more. YouTube TV monthly subscription costs $64.99, and is available only in the United States region. You can customize the plan with premium channel add-ons like Starz, Epix, Showtime, and more. YouTube TV is one of the services which offer unlimited cloud DVR storage. A 14-day free trial will be provided to the user to explore YouTube TV features. YouTube allows three streaming devices to stream at the same time.

Supported Devices:

  • YouTube TV is compatible with Android TV, Android, iOS, Samsung Smart TV, LG, Vizio SmartCast TV, Chromecast with Google TV, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, XBOX, PlayStation, and Google Nest Hub.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream

Another best option to stream PBS without using a cable is DirecTV Stream. It is formerly known as AT&T TV, one of the largest networks that offers 100+ live TV channels under various packs. You can access on-demand titles, live TV programs, sports, movies, and many more. The channels include A&E, BBC America, Hallmark, PBS, and many more. However, the channels lineup and on-demand content will vary based on your plan. You can get unlimited cloud DVR storage on all the subscription plans. It allows 20 streaming devices simultaneously inside the home network and 3 streaming devices outside the home network. A 5-day free trial will be provided to the user to explore the DirecTV Stream service.

The DirecTV Stream has four subscription packages. That includes

  • Entertainment – It costs $69.99 per month with 65+ channels.
  • Choice – Priced $89.99 per month with 90+ channels.
  • Ultimate – It costs $104.99 per month with 120+ channels.
  • Premier – Costs $149.99 per month with 140+ channels.

Supported Devices:

  • DirectTV Stream works on  Android or iOS devices, Roku, Amazon Firestick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Android TV ( LG and Samsung TV ), etc.

Both YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream is a geographically restricted streaming service. So you can’t access it outside the United States territory. To stream PBS in your region, you should enable VPN services. The best VPN services are NordVPN, PureVPN, CyberGhost VPN, Express VPN, Proton VPN, and Surfshark VPN.

Watch PBS without cable on PBS Video App

Watch PBS Without Cable on PBS Video App

PBS has a standalone app called PBS Video, and it is available for many streaming services. With the PBS Video app, you can create your playlist and add your favorite shows. However, you don’t need a PBS Passport to access the app library. It is free to download the PBS app, and you can access its content for free. Also, it has a premium tier with additional features called PBS Passport. PBS Passport costs $5 per month or $60 per year. If you have Amazon Prime, you can get PBS Passport for $3.99 per month. To access PBS on your streaming devices, you need to activate it on the PBS official website.

Supported Devices:

  • PBS Video app is compatible with many streaming devices like iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Samsung Smart TV, Vizio Smartcast TV, and Android Smart TVs.

Watch PBS Without Cable Over the Air Antenna

Watch PBS Without Cable Via OTA

Watching the local TV channels like PBS over the antenna is very cost-effective. It is cheaper than subscribing to streaming services. By using the antenna, you can access other free channels. So, choose the best antenna with a good OTA signal and good performance. You can watch the PBS content without paying any cost. It streams some live online programs for free. The channel includes PBS, PBS Kids, Create World, MHZ Worldwide, etc.

You can watch PBS without cable using any of the above methods. The PBS app lets you access the new series and your favorite PBS programs to the watchlist for quick access. Stream new episodes from favorite shows like PBS NewsHour, Frontline, Finding Your Roots, American Experience, American Masters, Independent Lens, Sanditon, Antiques Roadshow, Great Performances, and many more.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I watch PBS without cable for free?

Yes, you can watch PBS without cable for free by accessing some streaming service that offers a free trial.
1. YouTube TV – a 14-day free trial
2. DirecTV Stream – a 5-day free trial.
Or you can watch it via OTA and access some TV programs for free.

2. How to watch PBS without cable?

You can watch PBS without cable by using the best streaming service, the PBS Video app, or through the Air Antenna.