How to Stream NBC in 2025: All Legal, Free, and Paid Options
NBC was the second most-watched TV channel in 2024 behind only CBS. The network has a strong lineup of news, entertainment, and sports. From Dick Wolf’s “Chicago” series to “Saturday Night Live,” “The Voice,” and “Dateline,” NBC keeps its audience entertained with a variety of shows.
Here’s everything you need to know about watching NBC in 2025.
How to Watch NBC for Free
There are multiple legal ways to watch NBC live without paying.
Free Trials of Streaming Services with NBC
You can watch NBC with free trials of multi-channel streamers like DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. Those services typically offer 1-5 days of free streaming. Cancel before the trial ends and you won’t be charged.
Watching NBC with an Antenna
If you have an antenna lying around, you can use it to watch NBC for free as long as you can access the signal from your local affiliate. I’ve attached my antenna to a HD Homerun so I can stream dozens of channels on all my devices at no additional cost.
Watching NBC Content with a Totally Free Streaming Service
Archival NBC shows may appear on free streamers like The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, and Freevee.
NBC News Now is one of the best free news channels and it’s available on The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Xumo, Tubi, LG Smart TV, and Samsung TV Plus, among others.
If you’re only interested in local news from NBC, many affiliates broadcast their newscasts on free streaming services like Zeam, Xumo, NewsON, Local Now, Tubi, Plex, Haystack News, and Very Local.
Paid Options to Stream NBC
There are 6 streaming services that offer the full NBC channel in 2025.
Watching NBC with Peacock
Peacock is a streaming service featuring on-demand access to current and former NBC hits like “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “The Office,” “Parks and Recreation,” “Chicago P.D.,” “Chicago Fire,” “Scrubs,” “30 Rock,” and “Community.”
If you upgrade to the $13.99 Premium Plus plan, you’ll also unlock access to your live, local NBC affiliate.
$13.99/mo.
Watching NBC with DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM is a great live TV option with several different channel packages. In fact, DIRECTV STREAM offers more channels than any other live streamer. NBC is available on the following packages: MyNews ($39.99), MySports ($69.99), Entertainment ($86.99), Choice ($114.99) Ultimate ($129.99) and Premier ($169.99).
You’ll get an unlimited DVR, unlimited streams at home, and a very friendly user interface. It’s my top choice for first-time cord-cutters.
$39.99/mo.+
Read our full DIRECTV STREAM review.
Watching NBC with Sling TV
I’ve used Sling TV extensively because it’s always been one of the least expensive live TV streamers. You won’t get every channel you may need, but you have the ability to flex your subscription up or down to save money or add more channels. Choose the Sling Blue or Orange + Blue package to access NBC.
One trick to watch out for is that NBC is only available with Sling in the following markets:
- Boston
- Chicago
- Dallas/Fort Worth
- Hartford/New Haven
- Los Angeles
- Miami/Fort Lauderdale
- New York
- Philadelphia
- San Diego
- San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose
- Washington, D.C.
If you don’t live near one of those markets, you’d need an antenna, Peacock, or another provider for NBC.
$45.99/mo. $23/mo.
Read our full Sling TV review.
Watching NBC with Fubo
I don’t normally recommend Fubo because its price is outrageous compared to its competitors. The channel lineup has some giant holes. Still, you can get your local NBC station with the following packages: Pro ($100.98) and Elite ($110.98).
$100.98/mo. $70.99/mo.
Watching NBC with Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV might be the best value in live TV streaming. Not only do you get a generous channel lineup, you also get free Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu on-demand. It’s a great package for families. Many users complain about the clunky interface. Still, it’s a ton of entertainment for a fair price and you will be able to stream NBC.
$82.99/mo.
Read our full Hulu + Live TV review.
Watching NBC with YouTube TV
YouTube TV is quickly becoming a dinosaur in the live TV streaming world. It was my go-to solution for several years, but I dropped it as the price climbed and the channel lineup remained stale. It’s the same price as Hulu + Live TV but without the free streaming services. YouTube TV does carry NBC.
$82.99/mo.
Read our full YouTube TV review.
Live TV Streaming Services That Do Not Carry NBC
Philo and Frndly TV do not carry NBC.
What Can You Watch with NBC?
NBC has something for everybody. It’s just a solid all-around channel. In addition to the programming listed below, your local NBC affiliate will supplement the schedule with syndicated programming.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Most people who want to watch NBC should choose a live TV streaming service that offers multiple channels.
DIRECTV STREAM would be my top recommendation for NBC. It offers the right mix of channel packages, features, and price.
Thankfully, NBC is widely available so you have several options to find the right provider for you.
