IPTVMAX 
Start with your market, not your state
Local channels belong to a TV market (Nielsen calls them DMAs). Two towns in the same state can sit in different markets and get different stations. Find yours on our local channels map: each market page lists the call sign and channel number for every network.
1. Antenna: free, and the picture is excellent
Broadcast TV is uncompressed by streaming standards, so a good antenna signal often looks sharper than the same station streamed. Enter your address on the FCC map: stations shown in green should come in with an indoor antenna, yellow and orange usually need an attic or roof antenna. Run a new channel scan whenever a station moves frequency.
The limits: hills, tall buildings and distance. If you live more than 40 or 50 miles from the transmitters, reception becomes unreliable, and an antenna only gives you local stations, not ESPN or cable channels.
2. The networks’ own streaming services
- CBS: the Premium tier of Paramount+ includes your CBS affiliate live in most areas.
- NBC: Peacock Premium Plus includes your local NBC station live.
- FOX: Fox One, launched in August 2025, carries the FOX network and many local FOX stations.
- PBS: the free PBS app streams many member stations live.
- ABC: no stand-alone live option for most markets without a TV-provider login.
Stack all of these and you pay several subscriptions and still miss ABC in many places.
3. Live-TV streaming bundles
Local stations come bundled with cable networks in most cities on services like YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, Fubo and Hulu + Live TV. They renew monthly and their prices have risen most years.
4. IPTV services
A service like IPTVMAX delivers local stations, grouped by market, together with national channels over your internet connection. Read our guide to the law and compare honestly before paying anyone.
What readers want to know
What is the cheapest way to get local channels?
An antenna. A decent indoor model costs $20 to $60 and there is no monthly fee. Check the FCC map first to see whether your stations are close enough.
Do smart TVs get local channels without cable?
Yes: US law has required built-in digital tuners in new TVs since 2007. Connect an antenna to the coaxial input and run a channel scan.
Why can't I get ABC on an app?
Most ABC stations are owned by station groups, not Disney, and their live streams are tied to cable or streaming-bundle logins. An antenna, a live-TV bundle or IPTV are the usual routes.
Sources we checked
- FCC: DTV reception maps · read October 15, 2026
- FCC: Antennas and digital television · read October 15, 2026