How to Watch HGTV Without Cable

Independently owned and reader-supported, The Cord Cutting Report offers in-depth, hands-on testing of TV-related products and services. Learn about our ethics and review process in our review policy and how we may earn affiliate commissions.

You can watch HGTV without cable on six live TV streaming services.

DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Philo, Sling TV, and YouTube TV all stream HGTV live without a cable or satellite subscription.

You can also watch some older HGTV shows on Discovery+ or Max. There is no dedicated HGTV streaming service, but there are plenty of options for cord-cutters to use.

HGTV has been a cable network since 1994, creating hit shows “House Hunters,” “Fixer Upper,” and “My Lottery Dream Home.”

How to Watch HGTV Without Cable

Your favorite TV channels aren’t exclusive to cable or satellite TV companies anymore.

Thanks to millions of people cutting the cord from cable, you don’t need Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, or anything else that comes with a triple-digit bill every month.

Live TV streaming services carry HGTV and other popular cable TV channels. These services offer more flexibility and don’t require anyone to install equipment.

ServiceFree TrialMonthly PriceKey Channels
DIRECTV STREAMYes$79.99A&E, ACC Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CNN, FOX News, USA Network
FuboYes$74.99ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, AMC, Bravo
Hulu + Live TVYes$76.99Discovery, ID, HGTV, ESPN, FS1, TBS, A&E, Disney+, ESPN+
PhiloYes$28HGTV, Hallmark Channel, A&E, Discovery Family, MTV, History
Sling TV (Orange)No$40ESPN, AMC, CNN, TNT, Disney Channel
Sling TV (Blue)No$40NBC, FOX, FX, NFL Network, USA, Bravo, Food Network
YouTube TVYes$72.99HGTV, CMT, Discovery, FS1, CNN, Golf Channel, FX
Now TVNo$20A&E, Discovery, HGTV, Hallmark Channel
MaxNo$9.99Shows from HGTV

Streaming services have apps for supported Smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast with Google TV. You can watch TV on an iPhone or iPad with current iOS.

If you’re a fan of original TV shows on HGTV, you may want a live TV streaming service that carries other networks such as A&E, Discovery, History, Lifetime, Nickelodeon, SyFy, and Paramount Network.

Some of these streaming services offer local channels such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. But you should expect to pay more if you want them in your channel lineup.

When it comes to streaming HGTV, services like DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Philo, Sling TV, and YouTube TV offer a variety of options.

Here are all of your streaming services that carry HGTV.

Philo

Philo is the cheapest way to watch HGTV live without cable. It keeps its price low by offering strictly entertainment channels such as HGTV, Hallmark Channel, A&E, Discovery Family, MTV, and History.

You will be able to stream the latest seasons of “My Lottery Dream Home,” “Flip or Flop,” and favorite shows from the “Property Brothers” era.

A Philo subscription is $28 per month. Subscribers also get AMC+, which carries movies and series from AMC+, Sundance Now, and Shudder.

There is unlimited Cloud DVR to record shows and a huge catalog of TV shows and movies on-demand. You can watch TV on three screens at once. If you miss a new episode of a favorite HGTV show, you can either set the DVR to record, or see if the episode is already available on-demand.

Philo is a budget-friendly option tailor-made for viewers who prioritize entertainment channels like HGTV and Hallmark, and Great American Family.

For those who also seek comprehensive sports coverage or local news, Philo might fall short compared to a more inclusive service like Fubo, which delivers a broader range of channels, including sports and local networks.

Philo has no contracts or obligations. If you don’t like the service, you can easily cancel online whenever you want.

Philo Channels watch-nfl-games youtube-tv-channels directv stream local channels

PLANPRICECHANNELS
Entertainment$79.99/month75+
Choice$108.99/month105+
Ultimate$119.99/month140+
Premier$164.99/month150+

Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, Sony Bravia

Now TV for Xfinity Internet Customers

Xfinity internet customers can get the Now TV and Peacock Premium bundle for just $20 per month.

Now TV carries 40 live TV channels, including A&E, Discovery, HGTV, and Hallmark Channel, making it a comparable service to Philo.

The bundle also offers 20 hours of cloud DVR and allows streaming on three concurrent screens.

This package includes a selection of films and TV shows from Universal, NBC, Bravo, Hallmark, History, and AMC, along with 24/7 live channels like BBC News, NBC News Now, Food Network, Discovery, and IFC. The bundle covers news, entertainment, sports, and on-demand content, making it a comprehensive choice for cord-cutters.

With no additional requirements beyond an Xfinity internet subscription, this bundle is a steal for those looking to maximize their entertainment options.

PLANPRICECHANNELS
NOW TV$20/month40+ live TV channels

Device support: Xfinity Stream app on Xfinity Flex, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, VIZIO SmartCast, Sony Bravia, PlayStation, XBox, and Xumo TV.

Max with Discovery+

Max is the streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery that weaves HBO and Discovery+ together with shows from HGTV.

Max has a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original programming from HBO, as well as additional content from Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). Much of what you will find on Discovery Plus is now part of a Max subscription.

Shows from HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, Animal Planet, and the Discovery Channel are on Max.

Discovery+ is an affordable way on its own to get a huge library of HGTV shows, and some originals you won’t find on cable TV. A subscription costs $4.99 per month. But the service does not carry a live TV feed of HGTV or its latest episodes of new shows.

Max combines the HBO and Discovery+ catalog while adding roughly 40 new titles and TV shows per month. An Ad-Lite subscription costs $9.99 per month. The ad-free costs $15.99 per month.

PLANPRICECHANNELS
With Ads$9..99/monthSports from TBS, TNT and TruTV (with B/R Add-on)
Ad-Free$15.99/monthSports from TBS, TNT and TruTV (with B/R Add-on)
Ultimate Ad-Free$19.99/monthSports from TBS, TNT and TruTV (with B/R Add-on)

Device support: Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Cox device, LG Smart TV, PlayStation, Roku, Samsung TV, VIZIO Smart TV, Xbox, XClass TV/Xumo TV, Xfinity X1 and Flex.

HGTV Go app

Subscribers to live TV streaming services, cable or satellite can activate the HGTV app and website. Activating the HGTV app and website allows you to watch live TV shows or on-demand programs.

You can activate the HGTV Go app with DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu Live TV, Philo, and YouTube TV. Sling TV currently does not have TV Everywhere support for the HGTV Go app.

You can start watching a number of live TV channels from your subscription, including HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Discovery, Travel Channel, ID, Cooking Channel, Animal Planet, OWN, and others.

There is a library of on-demand shows with the HGTV Go app.

Is HGTV free on Amazon Prime?

No. HGTV is part of the Warner Bros. Discovery family of cable TV networks. The network can be found on live TV streaming services. HGTV shows can be found on-demand through two streaming services, Discovery Plus, and Max.

Is HGTV available on Fubo?

HGTV is no longer available on Fubo as of April 30, 2024 as a result of a dispute between the streaming service and Warner Bros. Discovery. Part of the dispute centers on Fubo being unable to reach a separate deal to bring WBD’s Turner sports networks TNT, TBS and truTV back to its service.

Where to watch HGTV for free

Philo, DIRECTV STREAM, and Fubo all have HGTV in their channel lineups and offer free trials that last up to a week. The exact time span of each free trial varies from service to service.

How can I watch HGTV on my Smart TV?

You can sign up for a live TV streaming service and start watching HGTV as a live TV channel.

DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu Live TV, Philo, Sling TV, and YouTube TV all offer HGTV as a live TV channel. Supported Smart TVs include sets made by Samsung, LG, and Sony. Roku TVs and sets that run on Android TV or Google TV support most major streaming apps.

What is the Best Way to Watch HGTV Without Cable?

After considering the price, number of channels, and features mentioned in the article, Philo and Sling TV stand out as the top choices for watching HGTV without cable.

Philo is the most economical option at $25 per month, offering unlimited Cloud DVR, streaming on three devices simultaneously, and a focus on entertainment channels, including HGTV and Hallmark Channel. However, it lacks local and sports channels.

Sling TV provides flexibility with its Orange and Blue bundles at $40 per month each, or combined for $55. It includes 50 hours of Cloud DVR and a first-month discount. However, Sling Orange limits users to one screen, and the combined package can be pricier.

Methodology

I spend hundreds of hours throughout the year conducting hands-on testing of streaming services, including Peacock, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV. I do the same rigorous testing for TV antennas and TV-related hardware. Check out the review policy to see how I compare products and services. The Cord Cutting Report is a reader-supported publication, and may earn affiliate commissions when you pick a streaming service through a recommendation. Read our affiliate policy for more information.

Jim Kimble is a seasoned industry expert with over two decades of journalism experience. He has been at the forefront of the cord-cutting movement since 2016, testing and writing about TV-related products and services. He founded The Cord Cutting Report in 2016, and serves as the editor.

Major publications, including MarketWatch, Forbes, and South Florida Sun Sentinel, have interviewed Kimble for his years of expertise. He gives advice on the complexities consumers are navigating with streaming options, and over-the-air TV. Kimble has been a staff writer or correspondent for several award-winning, daily newspapers, including The Boston Globe.