11 Best Apps for Local Channels on Android and iPhone

Tired of missing your favorite local news, sports, or shows? Finding local channels on streaming services can be a challenge, but these 11 apps offer a solution. Whether you want free, antenna-based TV, live streaming services, or a mix of both, you'll find an app that fits your needs. We recommend Very Local for its free local content, YouTube TV for its live channels and DVR features, and FREECABLE© TV App for a wide range of antenna-friendly channels.

Top app for local channels

1. Very Local

Download:

Tired of scrolling through endless news feeds that don't relate to your town? Very Local is the app for you! It's basically your local news channel, but in your pocket. Unlike other news apps, Very Local focuses on what's happening in your neighborhood, from local news and weather reports to original series highlighting your community. With over 300,000 downloads and a 4.5-star rating, it's clear that Very Local delivers exactly what people are looking for: a personalized news experience that feels like a friendly neighbor sharing the latest scoops.

Very Local - Local news streaming, Original series, Community specials

Key Features:

  • Stream live local news broadcasts
  • Access original local content and series
  • Stay informed on local weather conditions

✨ Read more: app for live channels

2. YouTube TV

Download:

Cost: YouTube TV Base Plan ($72.99/month), YouTube TV Base Plan (First 4 months) ($64.99/month)

YouTube TV is my go-to app for watching local channels on my phone. It's way better than other streaming services because it has all the channels I want, including my local news and sports. Plus, it's super easy to use and I can record shows with unlimited DVR space. Forget about worrying about running out of storage! The app's interface is sleek and intuitive, making it a breeze to find what I'm looking for. YouTube TV is a clear winner when it comes to local channels – it's convenient, comprehensive, and affordable, and I highly recommend it!

YouTube TV - Cable-free live TV, Cloud DVR without limits, 6 accounts per household

Key Features:

  • Watch live TV from 100+ networks
  • Includes local sports & news channels
  • Stream on your smartphone, tablet, computer, and TV

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3. FREECABLE© TV App

Download:

Tired of the same old cable channels? FREECABLE© TV App is your answer! It's the only app that gives you access to local channels from all over the country, without the need for a cable subscription. With over 3,000 channels to choose from, including news, sports, movies, and TV shows, FREECABLE© TV App is truly the best way to get your local fix. And because it's free, you can ditch those expensive cable bills and still enjoy all your favorite local programs.

FREECABLE© TV App - Free TV & Movies, Live News & Sports, Unlimited Entertainment

Key Features:

  • Watch 3000+ live channels worldwide
  • Discover local news and weather updates
  • Enjoy on-demand movies and TV shows

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4. CBS

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The CBS app is a free app for watching local channels, but it comes with a hefty price: endless ads. Users are bombarded with commercials, even when trying to resume playback or use Chromecast. While the app offers free access to shows and live TV, it's plagued by frequent crashes, buffering issues, and inconsistent performance. Despite the occasional glitches and frustrating ad experience, many users still appreciate the free access to their local CBS programming.

CBS - Free episodes, no log-in, Stream live TV with cable sign-in

Key Features:

  • Stream live TV from your local station
  • Watch live news, sports, and entertainment
  • Access full seasons with cable provider sign-in

✨ Read more: app for local services

5. Haystack News

Download:

Cost: Free ($0), Premium ($4.99 per month)

Haystack News is a fantastic app for local channels, offering a diverse selection of news sources and the ability to tailor your news feed to your preferences. While the app shines in its curated content, it's marred by some frustrating usability issues. The app doesn't always remember your preferences, meaning you may find yourself re-watching items you've already seen or having to manually remove unwanted content. Additionally, the app can be buggy when used in split-screen mode on Samsung devices, limiting its usefulness for background viewing. Despite these hiccups, Haystack News remains a top contender for local news enthusiasts thanks to its vast selection of sources and the ease of creating personalized newscasts.

Haystack News - Personalized newsfeed, Live news channels, On-demand channels

Key Features:

  • Stream live and local news channels
  • Personalized news feed with chosen sources
  • Breaking news alerts and weather updates

✨ Read more: app for news

Other app for local channels

The most important factors when choosing a app for local channels

  1. Availability of your local channels: The most important factor is whether the app offers the specific channels you want to watch.
  2. Pricing and features: Consider the cost of the app, whether it offers free content, and what additional features it provides, such as DVR, cloud storage, or on-demand content.
  3. User interface and experience: Choose an app that is easy to navigate, has a clean interface, and provides a smooth streaming experience.
  4. Device compatibility: Ensure the app is compatible with your smartphone or tablet (Android or iOS).