Fox News has grown to become one of the most widely viewed and influential cable news channels since it first launched in 1996 under the leadership of Roger Ailes. With its lineup of high-profile conservative hosts like Sean Hannity, Tucker Carlson, and Laura Ingraham, Fox News has redefined the cable news landscape, providing an alternative viewpoint to the historically left-leaning mainstream media.
During the peak of its popularity in the mid-2000s, Fox News attracted over 2 million primetime viewers, consistently beating out rivals CNN and MSNBC. However, cable news viewership has declined in recent years as more consumers opt to "cut the cord" in favor of streaming alternatives. Despite this industry-wide trend, Fox News still pulls in some of cable‘s largest audiences, averaging over 1.3 million total day viewers.
This guide will show you how to stream Fox News for free without a cable subscription using the resources below:
- Fox News App
- Fox News Website
- Sling TV App
- OTA Antenna
- Free Streaming Apps
Having easy access to live news coverage is especially crucial in times of crisis, like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Back in March 2020, Fox News announced free streaming options so viewers could stay informed on the latest pandemic developments from home:
Keep up with all the latest COVID-19 news, including tips on keeping safe and stories of survival, struggle and inspiration, at https://t.co/m6O9czFdVU and watch Fox News Channel on television or online – no authentication required.
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 18, 2020
Let‘s explore the various methods for accessing Fox News through free live streaming.
Stream Fox News with the Fox News App
The Fox News app allows you to watch Fox News live without a cable subscription. It is available for most streaming devices including:
- Fire TV
- Roku
- Apple TV
- Android TV
I‘ll walk you through step-by-step how to install the Fox News app on two of the most popular streaming platforms – Fire TV and Roku.
Install Fox News App on Firestick/Fire TV
Here is how to download and start streaming Fox News on your Firestick or Fire TV:
- From the home screen, hover over ‘Find‘ and select ‘Search‘.
- Type in "Fox News" and select the Fox News channel app from the search results.
- Choose "Get" to begin downloading the app.
- Once installed, select "Open" to launch the app.
- Fox News will load on your screen.
- Agree to the terms and you‘ll be able to start watching live Fox News for free on your Fire TV device.
It‘s really that simple! The Fox News app provides a free 24/7 live stream of Fox News programming without needing a cable package or TV provider login.
Install Fox News App on Roku
Roku users can also access the Fox News live stream through the official channel app:
- From the Roku home screen, select the ‘Search‘ option.
- Search for "Fox News" in the channel store.
- Select the Fox News Channel app from the search results.
- Choose ‘Add Channel‘ to begin installing the app.
- Once installed, select the Fox News icon from the Roku home screen.
- Start watching the live Fox News stream for free!
The Fox News Roku app provides the same free access to the live cable channel without any login or subscription required.
Pro Tip: Check out our guide to the Best Roku Channels for even more great free and paid streaming options.
Access Fox News through the Fox News Website
Don‘t have a streaming device? You can watch the Fox News live stream directly through your web browser at FOXNews.com.
Simply visit their website and you‘ll find the live news feed front and center on the homepage. You can also access live streams for Fox Business, Fox News Radio, and Fox Nation.
There are some limitations to web streaming vs the app experience:
- Video quality may be worse
- Navigation can be clunkier
- Limited to viewing on a laptop/desktop rather than TV
But for some, the website may be the easiest option if you just want quick access to live Fox News on your computer.
Use the Sling TV App
Sling TV is a popular streaming service that offers a variety of different channel packages. Their basic Orange and Blue plans provide 30+ live channels for $35/month.
However, Sling also makes select channels available for free streaming through their app, including Fox News.
This free Sling TV content is part of a special initiative launched during COVID-19 to help keep viewers informed and entertained during quarantine.
You can install the Sling app on most devices without an account or subscription. Once logged in, you‘ll have free access to Fox News plus other channels like ABC News, Local Now, and more.
It‘s a great way to stream live news for free on your streaming player or smart TV.
Watch with an OTA Antenna
Over-the-air (OTA) antennas can receive broadcast television signals to view channels like Fox, CBS, NBC, ABC, etc for free.
The major downside is that an antenna will only get you local affiliate stations, not the full Fox News cable channel. But if you‘re able to receive the local Fox station, it‘s a good way to watch some national news programming without paying for cable.
You‘ll need an antenna like the Amazon Basics Flat TV Antenna connected to your TV in order to pick up the over-the-air signal. Be sure to position the antenna near a window facing the direction of the TV broadcast towers for best reception.
Some streaming devices also have OTA tuners built-in like AirTV and HDHomeRun. This allows you to stream the local channels you receive through an antenna on your streaming player or mobile device.
For more details, see our guide on How to Get Local Channels without Cable.
Utilize Free Live TV Streaming Apps
There are many free streaming apps that provide live news channels, potentially including access to Fox News.
Some popular free IPTV services include:
- Pluto TV – 200+ live TV channels
- Xumo – 100+ live channels
- The Roku Channel – 150+ free live channels
- Plex – stream free live TV including news and sports
- Tubi – 200+ local news channels
I recommend installing a few of these apps to give yourself more free options for streaming live news.
While access to specific channels, including Fox News, varies across services and regions, having multiple apps increases your chances of finding a free Fox News live stream.
For more details, see our Best Free IPTV recommendations.
Pros and Cons of Cutting the Cord for News
Streaming Fox News for free rather than paying for a cable subscription certainly saves money. But there are some drawbacks:
Pros
- Saves $50-100+ per month in cable fees
- Easy access on streaming devices without contract
- More flexibility to change or cancel anytime
Cons
- No access to full on-demand library
- Limited channel selections
- Restricted to web browser/mobile on some services
- Video quality limitations on internet streaming
Here is a chart summarizing the key differences between accessing Fox News by streaming vs cable/satellite:
Feature | Cable/Satellite | Streaming |
---|---|---|
Price | $50+ per month | Free |
Channels | 200-500+ | Limited free options |
Picture Quality | HD and consistent | SD or HD, less reliable |
On-Demand Library | Full access | Only live viewing |
Device Support | Set top box | Mobile, web, streaming players |
Contract Commitment | Typically 12-24 months | No contract, cancel anytime |
When determining whether it‘s worth ditching cable for free streaming alternatives, consider factors like your must-have channels, desire for on-demand access, and streaming technical setup.
For example, streaming Fox News for free makes the most sense for someone interested solely in live news who already owns a Fire TV Stick or Roku. But those wanting a broader channel lineup, DVR access, and premium video quality would be better off paying for cable/satellite or a streaming service like YouTube TV.
Stream Fox News Free on Any Device
Now that you know the various methods for accessing Fox News through free live streams, let‘s go over how to get set up on the most popular devices.
Firestick/Fire TV
On Fire TV, your best option is to install both the Fox News app and Sling TV app from the Amazon Appstore.
Between these two apps, you should have a free live stream of Fox News. If one isn‘t working, simply try the other.
For optimal performance, use a newer 4K Fire TV Stick model if possible. This will provide faster loading and better video quality. Connect your FireStick to the internet via ethernet instead of WiFi whenever available.
Roku
As with Fire TV, I recommend installing the Fox News Roku Channel along with the free Sling TV app on your Roku player.
This gives you two options for accessing a free live Fox News stream. Make sure you have a Roku Express or higher for smooth streaming.
Apple TV
Apple TV owners can download the Fox News app from the App Store. As of now, Sling TV is not available.
If you have issues with the Fox News app, try using AirPlay to mirror the website from your iPhone or iPad to the TV.
Android Phone/Tablet
On Android mobile devices, you can install both the Fox News app and Sling TV app from the Google Play store.
For the most reliable live stream, connect your device to WiFi rather than mobile data.
You can also simply visit FoxNews.com in your mobile browser if the app isn‘t working.
iPhone/iPad
Similar to Android, iPhone and iPad users can download the Fox News app from the App Store.
The website foxnews.com is also an option. Make sure to connect over WiFi whenever possible for best performance.
Smart TVs
Most smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Vizio, and other brands have apps for Fox News and Sling TV available.
Install both apps, if possible, to ensure you always have a free live news stream available. Use the built-in Ethernet port for the fastest internet connectivity.
Web Browser
If you don‘t have access to any streaming devices or smart TVs, you can watch Fox News live directly through your web browser at foxnews.com.
This should work on any computer – Windows, Mac, or Chromebook. Just go to the Fox News website and the live video stream will be on their homepage.
I recommend using Google Chrome or Firefox browser rather than Safari or Internet Explorer. And always watch over a wired Ethernet connection if possible for highest video quality.
Additional Tips for Streaming Fox News Free
Here are some final recommendations for getting the best streaming experience:
-
Use wired internet – Connect your Fire TV, Roku or smart TV to your router via Ethernet rather than WiFi whenever possible. This will provide faster speeds and more reliable connectivity for smooth live streaming.
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Minimum internet speeds – Aim for internet download speeds of at least 25 Mbps, especially if you‘ll be streaming on multiple devices. Fox News requires 5-10 Mbps for smooth HD streaming based on their support site.
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Test different apps – Install both the Fox News app and Sling TV on your streaming device or smart TV if available. This way you can switch between apps to find the best quality feed.
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Adjust quality settings – If experiencing buffering, try lowering the video quality in the app settings to reduce bandwidth needs. 720p HD should be sufficient for most.
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Watch on mobile over WiFi – When streaming Fox News on smartphones/tablets, be sure to stay connected to WiFi rather than burning through mobile data.
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Use an amplifier/extender – If WiFi is spotty, consider adding a signal amplifier or WiFi extender to boost connectivity in the room where you stream the most.
More Ways to Cut the Cord and Save
Looking to make further reductions in your monthly bills? Here are some additional tips:
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Check out our list of the Best Cable TV Alternatives to replace your cable package entirely. Options like YouTube TV, Hulu Live, Sling, and Philo offer popular channels for $20-65 per month.
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Consider switching to a discounted cell phone plan like Mint Mobile to save up to 50% each month.
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Trim your internet bill with Spectrum Internet deals from CableTV.com.
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Take advantage of special offers on internet + TV bundles from providers like AT&T, Verizon, and Xfinity.
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Lower your home electricity costs by comparing rates on websites like Electricrate.
Every dollar counts! Follow these tips to save big when cutting cables and streaming Fox News for free.
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