Cable TV subscriptions can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on watching popular channels like HGTV. With streaming services and digital antennas, there are now many different ways to access HGTV without paying for a traditional cable package.
Streaming Services With HGTV
One of the most popular options for watching HGTV without cable is using on-demand streaming platforms. Several major services offer the HGTV live stream as part of their channel lineups.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV is one of the best ways to stream HGTV on-demand without a cable subscription. The Hulu live service offers over 75 channels including live and on demand access to HGTV, along with Food Network, TLC, Discovery and more popular cable stations.
Hulu’s base subscription starts at $69.99 per month and includes HGTV in its channel lineup. You can stream on up to 2 screens simultaneously and get unlimited DVR storage to record your favorite shows. Hulu works on smart TVs, media streamers like Roku and Fire TV, game consoles, iOS/Android mobile devices and more.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers 85+ channels for $64.99 per month, including live HGTV streaming. The cloud DVR lets you record unlimited hours of TV to watch on-demand later. YouTube TV works on most streaming devices, smart TVs, and mobile devices, allowing you to watch both live and recorded content anywhere.
With YouTube TV you get free unlimited DVR, 6 account profiles, and up to 3 simultaneous streams. You can easily search for HGTV shows and episodes or add the channel to your library for quick access.
Sling TV
Sling TV’s Sling Orange and Sling Blue plans both include HGTV and over 30 other popular cable channels. Sling Orange costs $40 per month and Sling Blue costs $35 per month. Add-on packs like Lifestyle Extra ($6 per month) offer more lifestyle and reality channels.
Sling TV offers 50 hours of DVR storage and the ability to stream on up to 3 devices simultaneously. You can use the Sling TV app on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, iOS and Android mobile devices, and more. Sling makes it easy to find and record HGTV shows with their on-demand library.
DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM has four channel packages to choose from, starting at $69.99 per month for the Entertainment package with 75+ channels including HGTV, Food Network, TLC and Discovery. The higher-tier packages offer more channel add-ons like STARZ and SHOWTIME.
DIRECTV STREAM offers 20 hours of free DVR storage and supports streaming on up to 20 devices in your home. You can watch both live and on-demand HGTV content from any supported device no matter where you are. DIRECTV STREAM also lets you stream on the go with their mobile app.
Philo
If you’re looking for a cheaper live TV streaming service, Philo offers 60+ popular cable channels starting at only $25 per month. The lineup includes HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, TLC, Discovery and more. Philo also includes unlimited 30-day DVR and supports streaming on 3 devices at once.
While Philo lacks local broadcast stations, it’s one of the most affordable ways to watch your favorite cable channels like HGTV without paying for an expensive virtual cable package. Philo works on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and most streaming platforms.
Other Ways to Watch HGTV
If you want to access HGTV on-demand content without paying for a live TV streaming service, there are a few other options to consider.
HGTV GO App
The HGTV GO app offers full episodes of many popular HGTV shows for free on-demand. However, it does require you to login with a participating pay TV provider like Sling TV or DIRECTV STREAM that offers HGTV access.
The HGTV GO app works on iOS and Android mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku. You can stream current seasons of hit HGTV shows like Love It or List It, Property Brothers, Fixer Upper and more. New episodes are typically added the day after they air on cable.
Hulu On-Demand Catalog
While the Hulu base plan doesn’t include the HGTV live stream, you do get access to many popular HGTV shows on-demand. Full seasons of Fixer Upper, Property Brothers, Home Town, Flip or Flop and other top HGTV programs are available in Hulu’s streaming library.
Hulu’s ad-supported plan only costs $7.99 per month, making it very affordable. Or you can upgrade to the commercial-free plan for $14.99 per month. Hulu offers the ability to download shows to watch offline too.
Use a Digital Antenna for Local HGTV Content
Another way to watch HGTV for free without cable is to use a digital broadcast antenna. An over-the-air antenna lets you tap into free local channel signals to access live stations.
In many cities, broadcast stations that carry syndicated blocks of HGTV shows are available with an antenna. For example, in the Washington, DC and Baltimore markets the CW and ION channels show HGTV marathons during the day and also air original HGTV primetime programming in the evenings.
What channels and shows are available over-the-air depends on your location and proximity to the broadcast towers. Websites like AntennaWeb.org let you enter your address to see which stations you should pick up with an antenna.
HD Antennas Under $50
Digital HD antennas have come a long way, with many compact and even multi-directional antennas under $50 that pull in signals reliably. Here are some top-rated affordable antenna options:
- Rabbit Ears Antenna – A simple but effective vintage-style antenna that sits on top of your TV for around $20.
- 1byone Amplified Antenna – A paper-thin antenna for under $30 with 35+ mile range.
- GE Attic Mount Antenna – Easy whole-home antenna install in your attic for under $40.
- RCA Multi-Directional Antenna – Compact $25 directional antenna with 40 mile range.
- Winegard Flatwave Antenna – Ultra thin antenna installs flat behind your TV. Under $50 at Amazon.
Once connected to your TV, you simply scan for channels to add free broadcasts from ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, The CW and other local stations streaming HGTV shows over-the-air in your area. Picture quality is free digital HD quality.
How to Connect an Antenna to Your TV
Hooking up an antenna is simple, much like connecting an external speaker or DVD player.
- Locate the “Antenna” or “RF” port on the back of your TV, which has a coaxial connector similar to cable TV ports.
- Connect one end of a coaxial cable to the Antenna Out port on the back of the antenna.
- Connect the other end to the Antenna or RF input on your television.
- Open your TV menu settings to Channel Scan. This scans available channels through the antenna tuner and adds them to your channel list.
- Enjoy free broadcast TV including any local HGTV syndicated shows and primetime programming.
Tip: You can also hook up your antenna to a DVR device, allowing you to record and rewatch local HGTV episodes on-demand. Amazon’s Fire TV Recast offers a subscription free DVR option made for antennas.
HGTV On Demand Options Compared
| Option | Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu + Live | $69.99/month | 75+ channels, full access to live streams and on-demand HGTV shows, unlimited DVR storage | No local channels, higher monthly cost |
| YouTube TV | $64.99/month | 85+ channels, unlimited DVR storage, wide device support | No Viacom channels, limited DVR hours for base package |
| Sling TV | $30-$45/month | Low starting prices, some packages include HGTV + other lifestyle channels | Limited DVR storage, no ABC/CBS/Fox, pricier add-ons |
| Philo | $25/month | Inexpensive, includes HGTV, DIY, Food Network and other top cable channels | No sports, local channels or CBS |
| Hulu On-Demand | $7.99/month | Huge on-demand library with full seasons of most HGTV shows | No live HGTV access |
| HGTV GO App | Free with participating TV provider | Full access to current HGTV episodes on-demand | Restricted to cable subscribers of providers with TV Everywhere access |
| Digital Antenna | $20-$50 for equipment | Completely free local broadcasts, HD quality | Limited channel selections compared to cable, channel availability varies by location |
As you can see, cord cutters have no shortage of options when it comes to streaming their favorite HGTV programs in 2024. Multi-channel live TV replacements like Hulu and YouTube TV offer the closest experience to cable with significant cost savings. Or choose more affordable on-demand routes like antennas and streaming apps to tune into top HGTV shows.
Frequently Asked Questions About Watching HGTV Without Cable
Here are answers to some common questions about how to access HGTV streaming content without a traditional cable subscription:
Is there a way to get HGTV without cable or satellite?
Yes! You have several options for streaming HGTV legally without paying for cable TV. This includes live TV streaming platforms like Hulu + Live, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. Additionally, on-demand services like Hulu provide access to many popular HGTV shows on-demand.
Does Hulu have HGTV shows?
Hulu offers many past seasons of popular HGTV shows like Fixer Upper, Love It or List It, Property Brothers and Home Town in the on-demand streaming library at hulu.com. Hulu’s higher tier live TV plan also includes access to the live HGTV channel feed.
Can I get HGTV on Firestick?
You cannot access HGTV directly on Amazon Fire TV. However, by subscribing to Hulu + Live, Sling TV, or another supported streaming TV provider – you can install the Fire TV app for that service and stream live and on-demand HGTV content on your Firestick.
What channels can I get with an HD antenna?
Your local channel availability varies depending on distance/direction from the transmitting towers. Antennas typically offer free access to major national networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and PBS. The CW and other independents also offer syndicated HGTV programming in some areas.
Can I watch HGTV live for free?
Watching the HGTV live stream legally does require a paid streaming TV subscription. Services like Hulu + Live and YouTube TV offer free trial periods however to test them out. An antenna also provides access to HGTV shows on local broadcast stations at no cost after purchasing the antenna.
Get Access to HGTV Streaming Content in Just Minutes
Thanks to on-demand platforms and live TV streaming services, HGTV fans no longer need an expensive cable subscription to access new episodes of their favorite remodeling shows.
It only takes a few minutes to sign up and start watching Fixer Upper, Property Brothers, or other popular HGTV programs on supported devices. Most streaming services offer free trials so you can test out the HGTV live streams and on-demand libraries risk-free.
Ditch cable in 2024 and opt for more flexible and affordable ways to tune into HGTV anytime. With streaming TV, you can pick and choose the channels you actually want to pay for rather than subsidizing a huge cable package. Take control of your TV entertainment budget today!