CNN has become one of the most popular cable news channels out there when it comes to world affairs and politics. Fortunately, you don't need cable to watch it. We've put together everything you need to know about how to watch CNN, including how to live stream the channel online from anywhere.
Since its launch in the 1980s, CNN has become known for its global news coverage, particularly regarding the American political landscape. The channel airs 24/7, combining a mix of standard news coverage with its flagship, commentary-based shows helmed by individuals like Jake Tapper, Anderson Cooper, Van Jones, Dana Bash, and Wolf Blitzer, among others.
The network hosted the first presidential debate of 2024 and has become a marquee broadcaster for election cycle news. Top shows include Fareed Zakaria GPS, Anderson Cooper 360, and Erin Burnett OutFront, among others. The network is also known for its travel, food, and culture programming, like the late Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown and Stanley Tucci's Searching for Italy.
While CNN+, the CNN streaming app that emerged in 2022, was short-lived, there are still a couple of ways to stream the network without cable. Keep reading to learn how to stream CNN online.
How to watch CNN in the US
CNN is available to live stream through several live TV services in the US, including Max, Sling TV, or DirectTV Stream. Max will be the cheapest option for you today, with subscriptions starting at just $9.99 a month. CNN Max, a live stream from the network, is available to all Max subscribers for no additional cost beyond the base subscription. Coverage sometimes differs between CNN Max and the cable channel, but much of the network's programming will be available live on Max, including its breaking news coverage. You can also catch certain CNN programs, like the first presidential debate of 2024, on-demand here.
Max is a premium service for fans of prestige television, iconic films, and unscripted programs like Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Succession, House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, and more. The ad-supported tier is $9.99 a month, but you can upgrade to ad-free for $16.99 or view your programming in 4K for $20.99.
If you're looking for a more elaborate live TV package, you can subscribe to Sling TV for $40 a month (although there's usually a half-off your first-month promo). Both Sling Orange and Sling Blue carry the network for the same price, so you can pick a subscription that caters to your other interests beyond CNN. Sling Orange's lineup includes a suite of ESPN channels, while Sling Blue is more news channel-friendly and carries USA, Bravo, and FX.
For just the essentials without any extra fluff, Sling TV is the streaming service you're looking for. It's more customizable than other plans, with three options you can choose from, so you pay for only what you need. New members often get a chunky discount on their first month.
DirecTV Stream offers an even more elaborate live TV option, with 90+ live channels (including CNN) in its base plan. The streaming service carries everything you might find in a standard cable subscription minus the need for long-term contracts or hardware (unless that's what you want). Subscriptions start at $86.99/month, and the service offers a five-day free trial to new customers.
Previously known as AT&T TV, DirecTV Stream offers streaming access to a large selection of live channels, including most key networks typically found in traditional cable packages.
How to watch CNN in the UK
CNN is available to live stream in the UK via the CNN live website, where viewers can pay for access to the feed. Subscriptions cost £1.99 a month or £19.90 a year. CNN is also available through Sky in the UK, where pricing varies from plan to plan.
How to watch CNN from anywhere
If you're planning to travel abroad but still want to watch your usual news options, you can keep up with the above subscriptions via VPN (virtual private network). VPNs let you temporarily change your device's virtual location, allowing you to access your go-to websites or apps from anywhere. Since the services we've highlighted require country-specific forms of payment, this option will be best for people who are just traveling away from home at the moment. Our go-to recommendation is ExpressVPN since it has a 30-day money-back guarantee and tons of other perks, which we outline in our ExpressVPN review.
With its consistent performance, reliable security, and expansive global streaming features, ExpressVPN is the best VPN out there, excelling in every spec and offering many advanced features that make it exceptional. Better yet, you can save more than 60% right now and get up to four months free.
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.
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