13 Best local channels on mobile

1. Live Channels

Watch local TV channels, Easy channel navigation, Integrated program guide

Download:

Android

Application information

• Tags:
• Live TV streaming
• IP-based tuners support
• Complete program guide

The Live Channels app, a true game-changer for cord-cutters, brings the convenience of local TV directly to your Android TV device. This app makes navigating your favorite local channels a breeze, with a responsive interface that lets you quickly jump between channels using the channel number. While it delivers a smooth viewing experience for the most part, some users have noted occasional frame drops on specific channels, a minor hiccup that the developers are working on addressing. The app also offers a robust DVR feature and the ability to source channels from various providers, though support for specific tuners, like the Hauppauge WinTV-DualHD, is still being developed. Overall, Live Channels offers a user-friendly way to access your local channels on your Android TV, and with ongoing improvements, it's poised to become a five-star favorite.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

I love Live Channels for watching local TV! It's super easy to use and has a great selection of channels. The guide makes it easy to find what's on and I can even record shows to watch later. Plus, it works with my antenna, so I don't have to pay for cable!

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2. YouTube TV

Live local channels streaming, Cloud DVR, no storage limits, Multiple accounts per household

Cost:

Free Trial (Free for 14 days), YouTube TV ($64.99/month)

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Live TV streaming
• Cloud DVR storage
• Multiple user accounts

YouTube TV promises a cable-free way to access your favorite local channels, but recent updates have left some users feeling frustrated. While the app offers a wide range of channels, including news and sports, users are complaining about a new interface that makes it difficult to find specific shows. Additionally, the app has been plagued by technical issues, including black screens, station switching errors, and lower volume compared to other apps. These issues make it challenging to fully enjoy the experience of watching local channels on the go.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

You know how much I love catching my local news and sports, and YouTube TV is my go-to app for that! It has tons of channels, including all the major networks and even my local favorites, and records everything for me so I can watch whenever I want. Plus, it's super easy to use and lets me watch on my phone, tablet, or TV - talk about convenient!

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3. Spectrum TV

Stream live local channels, On-demand content library, DVR recording management

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Live TV streaming
• On-demand content
• Personalized Guide

The Spectrum TV app brings your local channels right to your mobile device, allowing you to watch live TV on the go. While users appreciate the convenience of accessing their favorite local programming, the app has faced some criticism for its commercial load, even on premium channels. Some users have found the app’s integration with the DVR to be frustrating, with issues like limited recording capabilities and a lack of app accessibility. However, the app’s core functionality of delivering local channels remains a key draw, despite the challenges.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

As a Spectrum TV user, I'm always impressed by its smooth performance and vast selection of local channels. I love that I can watch my favorite shows live, on demand, or even record them with the DVR feature. The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find what I'm looking for, and the ability to cast to my TV is a real bonus!

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4. FREECABLE© TV App

Free live TV channels, Stream local news updates, Variety of program genres

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Free TV & Movies
• No Subscription Fee
• Live News & Sports

FREECABLE© TV App promises a world of free local channels on your mobile device, but the experience can be frustratingly inconsistent. While users appreciate the wide variety of programming, many report encountering a barrage of ads, with attempts to skip them often leading to a loop of frustration. Additionally, video playback issues, including freezing and buffering, are common complaints, leaving viewers feeling like they're wasting more time troubleshooting than enjoying their favorite shows. While the app offers a potential alternative to paid streaming services, these persistent technical glitches and the constant interruption of ads might make you wish you'd just stuck with Netflix or Hulu.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

FREECABLE© TV App is a fantastic choice for local channels! I love that it offers a huge selection of channels, including local news, weather, and sports, all in one place. Plus, it's completely free, so you don't have to worry about any hidden fees or subscriptions. And with its user-friendly interface, it's super easy to find and watch what you want.

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5. CBS

Free access to live channels, Stream local news and sports, Watch on-demand content anytime

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Free full episodes
• No subscription needed
• Stream live TV

The CBS app offers access to your local CBS station right on your mobile device, providing a convenient way to catch up on your favorite shows. While the app boasts free access to new episodes and live TV, users have expressed frustration with the excessive ad load, frequent app crashes, and occasional glitches affecting streaming quality. Despite these drawbacks, many users still appreciate the free access to local programming, highlighting the app's value as a resource for staying up-to-date on local news, sports, and entertainment.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

You'll love the CBS app for local channels! It's free, easy to use, and offers live streaming of your local CBS station. You can watch the latest news, sports, and entertainment shows right on your phone, and it's all available without any extra subscriptions. It's a must-have for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date with local happenings.

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6. TV Guide

Personalized local channel guide, Live TV streaming integration

Download:

Android

Application information

• Tags:
• Personalized Watchlist
• Expert Content Curation
• Streaming and Live TV

The TV Guide app has undergone a revamp, boasting a sleek dark blue aesthetic and a streamlined design. While many users applaud the improvements, some lament the loss of the "My Channels" feature, which allowed them to customize their local channel lineup. The app now forces users to choose between antenna or streaming services, making it less convenient for those using both, like many with Sling. While the app strives to be a hub for all your streaming needs, its core functionality with local channels feels less robust than before. Users have reported issues with time accuracy, making it difficult to plan viewing schedules, and the inability to view listings for future or past days is a significant drawback for those who rely on it for programming information.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

If you're looking for the best app for local channels, TV Guide is a fantastic choice! It's packed with personalized recommendations and a user-friendly interface that makes finding your favorite shows a breeze. Plus, with its comprehensive local listings, you'll never miss a local news update or your favorite game.

7. Haystack News

Local news, live and on demand, Curated channels, personalized news feed

Cost:

Free (Free), Haystack Pro ($3.99/month)

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Personalized newsfeed
• Live news channels
• Local news coverage

Haystack News is a fantastic app for staying up-to-date on local news, offering a vast selection of channels and topics tailored to your interests. While users praise the app's extensive coverage, they also express frustration with its persistent bugs, especially in split-screen mode on Samsung devices. Despite these technical hiccups, Haystack News stands out as a go-to source for local news, providing a diverse range of content that caters to different preferences. The app's ability to curate news based on individual interests makes it a valuable tool for staying informed about local happenings, although improvements are needed to optimize the user experience across devices.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

Haystack News is my go-to app for local news because it's packed with tons of channels from all over the country, so I can always find something relevant to me. I love that I can customize my feed to only show the news that interests me, and I get breaking news alerts so I'm always in the loop. Plus, it's completely free and super easy to use, which makes it a winner in my book!

8. Local News

Personalized local news updates, Traffic and weather alerts, Local event listings

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Local news curator
• Up-to-the-minute updates
• Personalized news feed

Local News is your one-stop shop for all things happening in your community. It aggregates news from multiple trusted sources, delivering a mix of serious and lighthearted stories, just like your favorite local TV channels. While some users have expressed frustration with the app's ad format, others find it a valuable resource for staying informed. With a diverse range of content, Local News keeps you connected to what matters most in your neighborhood.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

Local News is the app for me because it pulls from tons of trusted local sources, so I know I'm getting a well-rounded view of what's happening in my area. Plus, the algorithm personalizes the stories I see, so I'm not bogged down with stuff that doesn't matter to me. And the best part? It's 100% free!

9. Spectrum News

Hyperlocal news and weather, Personalized content by location

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Hyperlocal News
• In-Depth Reporting
• Original content

Spectrum News is a fantastic app for staying connected to your local community. With a clean and intuitive design, it offers a wealth of information, including breaking news, weather updates, and even original podcasts. While some users have experienced initial hiccups with logging in, the app provides a smooth experience once you're signed in. This is particularly valuable for those who rely on Spectrum News for their daily local news and weather updates, like the user who considers Klystron 9 their go-to radar. However, some users have raised concerns about the app requiring a TV provider login, even if they access Spectrum News through an antenna. This raises questions about accessibility and potential limitations for viewers who aren't Spectrum subscribers.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

I absolutely love Spectrum News! It's so much more than just your typical local news app. Not only does it deliver hyperlocal coverage with original reporting, videos, and podcasts, but it also lets you customize your feed to focus on the stories and issues that matter most to your community. If you're looking for a truly engaging local news experience, Spectrum News is the one to beat.

10. Local Now

Free local news and weather, Hundreds of free channels, Thousands of free movies

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Free local news
• 400+ free channels
• 1000s of free movies

Local Now promises a world of free local channels right on your mobile device, offering a clean and sleek interface. However, while the app strives to be a one-stop shop for news and entertainment, it often falls short on true local relevance. The user experience, while visually appealing, struggles to deliver on its promise of local news, with a heavy focus on weather and a lack of truly local content. The inclusion of a vast library of movies and TV shows, while seemingly diverse, feels diluted and lacking in quality, detracting from the core focus of local channels.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

Local Now is my go-to app for local channels because it's completely free and offers a huge variety of content from news to entertainment. I love having hundreds of channels at my fingertips, with everything from live courtroom programming to classic movies, all without paying a dime!

11. Very Local

Live local news & weather, Original series & specials, Community focused content

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Local News and Weather
• Original series and specials
• Live programs 24/7

Very Local is a mobile app that brings the familiar comfort of local channels right to your fingertips. It features live programming from stations across the country, offering a window into the news, weather, and happenings of your community. While the app boasts a decent start to its content, users have expressed a desire for more local-specific content, particularly highlighting the potential for showcasing unique regional stories. Though some users have encountered glitches with features like Chromecast streaming, the app's core mission of connecting viewers with their local news remains strong.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

Very Local is the perfect app for anyone who wants to stay connected to their community! It offers a unique blend of local news, original programming, and live streams from trusted stations. I love that it's more than just news, with fascinating series that explore the history, culture, and people of my area. Plus, the app is incredibly easy to navigate, so I can quickly find what I'm looking for, whether it's the latest headlines or a fun show to watch.

12. Channels

DVR for local channels, Watch on multiple devices, Easy to use interface

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Cross-platform viewing
• Unified TV experience
• Mobile DVR and playback

Channels is a local channels app that delivers a seamless DVR experience on your mobile device. Unlike other options, Channels boasts lightning-fast performance, eliminating frustrating delays and providing an immediate viewing experience. While it might cost a bit more than some competitors, many users, like those who've compared it to Plex DVR, find the speed and reliability well worth the investment. Channels seamlessly integrates with your existing TV setup, letting you watch your favorite local channels on the go and enjoy a comprehensive guide, even when watching TV in multiple rooms.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

Channels is a fantastic app for local channels! It's packed with features like a DVR that lets you record shows and watch them on any device, and it seamlessly integrates with your existing streaming services. Plus, with a user-friendly interface and an extensive channel selection, it's a breeze to find what you're looking for.

13. FreeCast

Compiles all streaming apps, Over 700 free channels, Access free and paid services

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Free live TV
• 700+ free channels
• Unlimited movies

FreeCast is a mobile app that provides access to a wide variety of local channels, offering a convenient way to watch your favorite programming on the go. While some users have encountered occasional app loading issues, many praise the app's overall performance and find it a superior option to similar services like Pluto and Tubi. The app's customer support is highly regarded, with users commending their responsiveness and helpfulness in addressing any technical difficulties. While the channel guide could benefit from some improvements, the vast selection of local channels and user-friendly interface make FreeCast a worthwhile option for those seeking a reliable source of local content on their mobile devices.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

FreeCast is my go-to app for local channels because it gathers everything in one place! I love that it brings together all my streaming services and lets me easily browse through live TV, movies, and shows. The interface is super user-friendly and I can quickly find what I'm looking for, whether it's the local news or a new movie to watch.