Streaming services have made it easier than ever to watch MSNBC without cable. All you need is a subscription to one the services listed here and a device like a Roku or Amazon Fire TV.
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Which Streaming Services Offer MSNBC?
If you’re looking for a cheaper way to go All In With Chris Hayes, or catch the latest episode of The Rachel Maddow Show, the streaming services we cover here will help you get it done.
1. Sling TV
This dependable streaming service is an affordable way to watch MSNBC live.
Sling TV has two channel packages – Sling Blue and Sling Orange – each for $35 per month. You can stream MSNBC without cable by choosing the Blue package.
Other channels in Sling Blue include A&E, AMC, Fox Sports, and HGTV.
Channels in the Sling Orange package include: A&E, Cartoon Network, CNN, Disney Channel, HGTV, History Channel, and TBS.
The difference between the two tiers is Orange includes ESPN, and Blue has Fox Sports.
Learn more in our review of Sling TV.
2. fuboTV
If you love sports as much as you enjoy watching Morning Joe, fuboTV is worth trying. The fuboTV channel lineup includes a wide range of live sports, entertainment, and news content.
*Related: Love sports? Check out our guide on how to watch ESPN without cable and save $50+ per month.*
In addition to MSNBC, it also gets you popular channels like: AMC, Bravo, E!, Food Network, FX, FXM, FXX, Hallmark Channel, Nat Geo Wild, National Geographic, and the Travel Channel.
You can start streaming MSNBC today with its basic package.
3. Hulu With Live TV
There are many things to like about this way to watch MSNBC online. Hulu Live includes an unlimited cloud DVR, local channels, multi-screen viewing, and customizable profiles.
But what really sets Hulu apart is its channel lineup and extensive on-demand content library, including all of its original titles like the popular Handmaid’s Tale.
Explore more in our full review of the streaming service.
4. DIRECTV STREAM
This isn’t the cheapest way to get MSNBC without a TV provider, but it is cheaper than cable. Formerly known as AT&T TV Now, DIRECTV STREAM’s ‘Entertainment’ Plan gives you anytime, unlimited access to MSNBC for about half the cost of cable.
*Related: Do you like to watch NBC News but don’t want cable? Read our guide here on how to get NBC without cable.
Its user interface is intuitive, and its channel list includes all the major networks. You can learn more about the price options, streaming quality and channel guide in our review of DIRECTV STREAM.
5. YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a major player on the streaming scene. With an abundance of popular channels and everywhere access, it’s quickly becoming a top competitor for streamers.
What really makes this service shine is its unlimited cloud DVR. That’s right, unlimited. You can record as much as you like at no extra cost.
Learn more in our review of the popular streaming service.
Use the MSNBC App
Access to the MSNBC live stream is gated behind a login. However, signing up with any of the streaming services mentioned here will provide you access to the MSNBC app.
The app is full of live and on-demand content from the cable news channel.
This is a terrific way to stay current with the news regardless of where you’re at. If you’re at home, you can watch MSNBC on Roku, or on your mobile device when on the go.
Is MSNBC Available on Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, or Fire TV?
Yes, it is possible to watch the news station on your Roku device any major streaming platform.
You only need two things to watch MSNBC without cable:
- A subscription to a streaming service (like Hulu Live, FuboTV, Sling TV, etc.)
- A streaming device like AppleTV, Roku or Amazon Fire Stick
All of the popular streaming services have apps on AppleTV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast.
If you have an internet connection and a streaming platform, you’re set. Just set up the device, add the streaming service app and start watching.
Can I Watch MSNBC without a TV Provider?
It’s easy to think that you need a cable subscription to watch major news networks. However, you don’t need a TV provider to watch MSNBC or any other cable news networks.
Many live TV streaming services carry the news giant. Use a free trial to find the best service to meet your needs and you can watch free of a contract.
If you want to want to watch MSNBC live on Roku, or any other device, just select the streaming service you use and start watching your favorite show.
What is the Cheapest Way to Stream MSNBC?
While fuboTV or YouTube TV are true cable replacements, Sling TV is the most inexpensive way to stream MSNBC. You will need to choose the Sling Blue package to get the news channel.
Sling Blue also includes CNN and Fox News so you get the full spectrum of cable news. The Blue package carries roughly 45 other live TV channels.
*Missing out on your local channels? Read our guide on how to watch FOX shows without cable to learn how to get your local station.
Both fubo and YouTube TV cost $65 for a month whereas Sling TV costs $35 a month for the respective base packages. Choosing Sling Blue provides an instant savings of $30.
You can use those savings for an on-demand service or some other need you may have in your budget.
Summary
If watching MSNBC or any other channel is keeping you in an overpriced cable contract, there are cheaper ways to watch the news.
Try one of the services today and start saving money. Just think of what you could do with the money you save!
What other channels keep you in your cable contract? How much money do you spend on cable or cable alternatives each month?
Heidi Green says
All of the options mentioned are just ‘cable light!’ You’re still getting a chunk of stations you don’t want and paying high prices for them.
This article shows how to pay a little less, but as cable providers always do, I’m sure these services will jack up their prices. Some already have from when I first checked them out when we went off cable almost 4 years ago. I just want MSNBC without 40 or 70 or how many other useless channels, and I don’t want to pay $30 (Sling), $45 (Hulu), $50 (YouTube), $55 (FuboTV), etc. every month just to watch one station.
These services are just pretending to be part of the anti-cable revolution, but are really just doing the same thing cable does, without the cable. If you can find out how to watch MSNBC without cable OR ‘cable light,’ THAT’S an article I’d really appreciate reading.
John Schmoll says
I understand your frustration, but here’s the thing – we’re likely never going to see channels sold individually, or al a carte. So, this begs the question of if you want to pay $110+ and be forced to deal with a contract…leaving you little to no freedom. Or, would you rather pay half, or less, of that and come and go as you wish. The latter is certainly preferable to the former. Would I love to just get the 3 – 4 channels I want and pay for that? Of course, but that will likely never happen.
Vic says
Not so. You can get CBS live streaming direct from them for $59/yr with ads and $99/yr without ads.
NBC/MSNBC just need to do the same. Maybe if enough people ask for it, they’ll do it.
John Schmoll says
That’s one channel. Hardly worthy to base an argument on IMO. While I’d love to see it happen, it’s won’t happen anytime soon, if at all.