CNN Livestream: How to Watch CNN Online Without Cable
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Keeping up with the news is as crucial as ever, especially on Nov. 3 as the 2026 midterm election results roll in. CNN remains an authoritative source of information, and tonight, the network is broadcasting live coverage of the polls.
Anderson Cooper and Jake Tapper will lead Election Night in America, the network’s official event broadcast, which promises in-depth analysis, expert panels, and commentary. They’ll be joined by fellow anchors Kaitlan Collins, Dana Bash, and more.
At a Glance: How to Watch CNN Online
- Stream: DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling
Looking to stream CNN online? Here’s a brief guide on how to access CNN through digital platforms, including an option to enjoy CNN content for free.
How to Watch CNN Without Cable
If you don’t have cable, the best way to watch CNN online is to get a live TV streaming service that carries the channel. DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling are three of our favorite streaming services that offer CNN livestreams. Here’s a breakdown of pricing and free trial information for these services.
Note: All of these streaming services will let you connect to CNN.com livestreams. Just head to the website, log in with your streaming service account credentials, and watch CNN livestreams online at no additional cost.
Editor’s pick
DirecTV
➤ Five-day free trial
➤ Packages with CNN starting at $39.99/month
DirecTV is our top pick for live TV streaming without cable, offering a range of packages for different viewing needs. Packages with CNN start at just $39.99 a month, and you can get a five-day free trial on all plans. DirecTV also carries all other major news networks, including MSNBC, Fox News, and local channels.
Hulu + Live TV
➤ Three-day free trial
➤ Packages with CNN starting at $99.99/month
You can also watch CNN without cable using Hulu + Live TV. We’re big fans of Hulu + Live TV’s comprehensive streaming package, which costs $99.99 a month and provides access to over 95 live TV channels, the entire Hulu on-demand library, as well as ESPN and Disney+. Plus, it starts with a three-day free trial. Other news channels on Hulu + Live TV include Fox News, MS Now, and local networks.
Sling
$45.99
➤ Packages with CNN starting at $45.99/month
➤ No free trial
Sling is the budget-friendly choice for live TV streaming, and it offers CNN as part of its Orange, Blue, and Orange + Blue packages. Monthly pricing starts at $45.99. Just like the two above, Sling offers other news channels, including MSNBC, local networks, and Fox News
How to Watch CNN Online for Free
DirecTV and Hulu + Live TV both offer free trials, which you can use to access CNN livestreams for free for a limited time. DirecTV’s free trial lasts five days, and Hulu + Live TV’s lasts for three. Both of these will let you watch CNN for free — as long as you cancel before the trial ends — and make a great option for individual events or specials on CNN.
CNN’s Election Night in America: Date and Start Time
Election Night in America, CNN’s 2026 midterm election coverage, kicks off Nov. 3 at 4 p.m. ET. Anderson Cooper and Jake Tapper will co-host the live broadcast from Washington, D.C. You can stream CNN’s coverage for free with a trial from a live TV streaming service, including DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV.