You don‘t need an expensive cable subscription to enjoy the upcoming 2021 Tokyo Olympics! There are tons of easy and affordable ways to cut the cord and stream every exciting event. Read on buddy – I‘ll show you exactly how it‘s done.
Let‘s start with an overview of the major streaming platforms that will be airing Olympics coverage this summer:
NBC
As the official U.S. broadcaster, NBC will be providing extensive live event and highlight coverage across their family of channels like NBC, USA Network, CNBC, and more. You can stream everything through the NBC Sports app available on mobile devices, media players, game consoles, smart TVs and pretty much any device you own.
The NBC Sports app is free to install and use. You‘ll just need to verify a cable/satellite subscription for access to live content. More on TV provider-free options shortly!
Peacock
NBC‘s own Peacock streaming service will also have tons of Olympics content available. Peacock offers a free ad-supported tier, or you can upgrade to the Premium plan for $4.99/month to access even more content ad-free.
You can watch Peacock on iOS and Android mobile devices, computers, Smart TVs from LG, Vizio, Samsung and others. Streaming players like Roku, Fire TV and Chromecast are supported too.
Since Peacock Premium is so affordable, it‘s a great cable-free option for streaming the Olympics.
YouTube TV
For $64.99/month, a YouTube TV subscription offers live streaming access to NBC, NBCSN, USA Network, Olympic Channel and more. There‘s also unlimited cloud DVR storage to record events and watch later.
YouTube TV supports streaming on phones, tablets, computers, Chromecast devices, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Smart TVs and gaming consoles.
They offer a free 2-week trial so you can sample the service during the Olympics.
Hulu + Live TV
A Hulu + Live TV subscription provides access to local NBC affiliates in most markets, allowing you to watch live Olympics coverage. Other NBC networks are included too. Plans start at $69.99/month.
Stream Hulu Live on iOS and Android devices, media players (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV), Smart TVs, game consoles and the web. Their enhanced cloud DVR lets you record live TV to watch later.
You can try Hulu + Live TV free for 7 days to catch some Olympic events.
Sling TV
Sling TV‘s Blue package offers both NBC and NBCSN for only $35/month. You can add the Olympic Channel for an extra $11/month during the Olympics.
Sling apps are available on iOS and Android, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast, XBOX, computers and more. Cloud DVR storage can be added to record live programming.
They have an ongoing special – get your first month of Sling Blue for just $17.50 to stream the Olympics on the cheap.
Okay, now that you know where you can stream the Olympics online, let me give you the step-by-step for accessing NBC and Peacock coverage on some popular streaming devices:
Fire TV Sticks/Fire TV Cube
I‘ll start with Amazon Fire devices because they‘re super easy to setup. Here‘s what to do buddy:
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From your Fire TV home screen, scroll down to the "Olympics" section. Select it to visit the Tokyo Olympics hub.
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You‘ll find links here to download the NBC Sports app and Peacock. Go ahead and get those installed.
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For Peacock, just enter your email and create a free account. Enjoy all that great Olympics content!
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For NBC Sports, you‘ll need to sign in with a participating TV provider if you want to watch live events. Read on for TV provider-free options.
Don‘t forget you can also install streaming apps like YouTube TV, Hulu, or Sling TV on your Fire device. Sign up for a free trial of one of those to stream NBC Olympics coverage without a cable subscription.
Here are direct links to download these apps on Fire TV:
Roku
Roku devices also make watching the Olympics without cable a breeze. Follow these steps:
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From your Roku home screen, find the "Tokyo Olympics" section and select it.
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Just like on Fire TV, you‘ll see convenient links here to download the Peacock and NBC Sports apps. Get them installed.
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Sign into Peacock using your free account. Enjoy live Olympics streams and highlights!
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For NBC Sports access to live events, you‘ll still need a participating TV provider. Keep reading for a workaround.
To stream Olympics coverage on Roku without a cable subscription, download these apps from the Roku Channel Store and start free trials:
Sign up to sample these services and get access to NBC live streams free!
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So in summary, here are the best ways to stream the 2021 Summer Olympics without cable:
- Peacock – Free access to Olympics hub, highlights, events and more
- 7-day free trial of YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV or Sling TV
- Locast app for select NBC local station streams
- HD antenna to watch local NBC channel for free
- Don‘t forget the official Olympics apps!
I hope this guide was helpful for you buddy. Let me know if you have any other questions! I want to make sure you can easily access all the great Olympics moments online without paying for expensive cable. Enjoy the thrill of victory and agony of defeat from Tokyo!
