How to Watch Local Channels on Apple TV

 
You know how to use your Apple TV to watch movies and TV shows through on-demand services like Netflix. But do you know how to watch local channels on Apple TV? As it turns out, Apple's popular streaming box is just as good at showing you local news broadcasts and regional sports networks (RSNs) as it is at streaming movies on demand. All you have to do is decide how you're going to get local channels on your Apple TV — and we're going to make that easy by showing you your options below.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to stream local channels on Apple TV:

	Price	Channels	Free Trial
#1	$69.99 – $139.99	65+	None	See Offer
#2	$5.99 – $85.96	68 – 88	7 or 30 days	See Offer
#3	$64.99 – $33.00	220+	7 days	See Offer
#4	$35 – $50	30+ – 130+	3 days	See Offer
#5	$4.99 – $99.99	N/A	7 days	See Offer

One of the best ways to get local channels for free is to use an over-the-air antenna. But those plug right into your TV, right? So they're not for use with Apple TV — or are they?

Actually, you can use an antenna to get local channels on Apple TV, albeit with the help of some other devices. We'll show you how below. But there are also ways to stream local channels online with your Apple TV.

The streaming services that help you get local channels on Apple TV have a few things in common, so let's take a moment to talk about them together before we list them out. The first few items on our list of ways to watch local channels on Apple TV are what we call “live TV streaming services” or “skinny bundles.” They're pay TV services that work similarly to cable and satellite, except that they're more affordable and, in many cases, offer slimmed-down channel bundles. And they stream over the internet, which means you can watch them on your computer, your phone, and — yes — your Apple TV.

Most major skinny bundles offer live local feeds of some or all of the major networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC). Keep in mind, however, that such feeds are available in select markets only. You're likely to be covered, but double-check to make sure; or you can take advantage of a free trial to be sure that you're getting all of the channels that you want.

And there are still more ways besides these to get local channels on Apple TV, so read on!

DIRECTV Stream is a live TV streaming service owned by AT&T, and it's a great way to get local channels on Apple TV. People in eligible markets get live feeds of major networks with their DIRECTV Stream plan, and the service also offers some regional sports networks. You can read more about the service in our DIRECTV Stream review.

DIRECTV Stream is a live TV streaming service owned by AT&T, and it's a great way to get local channels on Apple TV. People in eligible markets get live feeds of major networks with their DIRECTV Stream plan, and the service also offers some regional sports networks. You can read more about the service in our DIRECTV Stream review.

fuboTV has a flair for sports, so expect solid coverage of RSNs here. It also offers some local affiliates of major networks in eligible markets, making it a great way to watch both regional and local channels on Apple TV. You can read our review of fuboTV to learn more, or you can test it out for yourself by signing up for the service's free trial.

Sling TV isn’t the first streaming service viewers think of when they think of “local channels.” But while Sling is still encouraging antenna usage, it also offers local streams of FOX and NBC in some markets. Our Sling TV review will tell you more about this service’s features.

CBS All Access worked with Apple TV, so it only makes sense that the rebranded Paramount Plus works with Apple TV as well. While you can’t watch multiple local channels on Paramount Plus, you can watch one important one: CBS. Some Paramount Plus viewers can view a livestream of their local CBS affiliate, though this feature depends on where you live. Since this is still a relatively new service, you may want to check out our Paramount Plus review for more info.

YouTube TV

Google's skinny bundle option is another great way to watch live TV on Apple TV, including local channels. Despite the sometimes tense relationship between Google and Apple, this app plays nice with Apple TV. You'll get live local feeds (in select markets) of the major networks, plus some RSNs. Check out our YouTube TV review to learn more or sign up for the service's free trial offer.

Free Over-the-Air TV

The antenna you'll need in order to watch free over-the-air TV will plug directly into your TV, with no streaming box required. But what if you want to use an antenna to watch live local channels on Apple TV? You don't necessarily need an Apple TV in this equation, but it's nice to have all of your content in one place (and on one input on your TV). Well, good news: you can watch local channels on Apple TV using an antenna, as long as you get a little creative with it.

You could choose to connect your antenna to a OTA DVR instead of directly to your TV, for instance. OTA DVRs allow you to record live TV from your OTA antenna. You can then stream that recorded OTA content — and, with most such devices, live OTA content — using your OTA DVR's app on a device like your Apple TV.

Another option is to use a computer or other device to set up a Plex media server. Plex's premium version allows you to DVR over-the-air content, which you can provide your server with by attaching an antenna (you'll need a TV tuner to do that, but there are plenty of affordable USB PC TV tuners out there). Plex's cloud DVR feature will then allow you to stream live and recorded OTA onto supported devices running the Plex app. Happily, Apple TV is among the supported devices.

Watch Local Channels on Every Type of Device

It's not just Apple TV: You can stream local channels online which these services on a whole range of different devices.

• How to Watch Local Channels on Chromecast
• How to Watch Local Channels on Fire TV
• How to Watch Local Channels on Roku
• How to Watch Local Channels on iOS
• How to Watch Local Channels on Android