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Best Local Channel Streaming Apps

44+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.6 avg rating
20 free apps
Updated June 2026

The best local channel streaming apps on iPhone average 4.6★ across 44+ titles — we've ranked them by what real users actually keep on their phones. Updated June 2026.

Compare top Local Channel Streaming Apps (June 2026)

#AppPriceRatingAdsIn-App PurchasesUpdated
1PBS: Watch TV & DocumentariesPBS: Watch TV & DocumentariesFree4.9★ (356K)NoNoAug 2026
2Local News & Weather: HaystackLocal News & Weather: HaystackFree4.7★ (20K)YesYesAug 2026
3FOX LOCAL: Live News & WeatherFOX LOCAL: Live News & WeatherFree4.7★ (17K)YesNoAug 2026
4DIRECTV: TV & Movie StreamingDIRECTV: TV & Movie StreamingFree4.6★ (599K)YesNoAug 2026
5TV Guide: Streaming & Live TVTV Guide: Streaming & Live TVFree4.3★ (114K)YesNoAug 2026
6IPTV Smart PlayerIPTV Smart PlayerFree4.6★ (26K)YesYesAug 2026
7PlutoTV: Stream Free Movies/TVPlutoTV: Stream Free Movies/TVFree4.8★ (1.6M)YesNoAug 2026
8NewsBreak: Local News & AlertsNewsBreak: Local News & AlertsFree4.8★ (1.4M)YesYesAug 2026

Top Picks for Local Channel Streaming

PBS: Watch TV & Documentaries#1

PBS: Watch TV & Documentaries by PBS

Stream News, Movies, and Shows
Editor's Choice
🎬 Entertainment
4.9😐(356K ratings)
Free
PBS: Watch TV & Documentaries screenshot 1
PBS: Watch TV & Documentaries screenshot 2
PBS: Watch TV & Documentaries screenshot 3
PBS: Watch TV & Documentaries screenshot 4
PBS: Watch TV & Documentaries screenshot 5
PBS: Watch TV & Documentaries screenshot 6

Stream a vast library of award-winning documentaries, iconic series, and live local TV from your PBS station. Discover new shows and catch up on favorites across drama, news, history, science, and arts anytime, anywhere.

What We Love

  • 🎥 Excellent programming, especially documentaries
  • 🎨 High-quality, diverse content
  • 📺 Ability to watch shows on-demand
  • 🎬 Exclusive access to shows through Passport

Room to Improve

  • 🤖 Buggy app with frequent crashes
  • 🔍 Difficulty finding and resuming shows
  • 💰 Paywall for most content, even for donors
Local News & Weather: Haystack#2

Local News & Weather: Haystack by Haystack TV

Live TV Broadcasts Streaming
Strong Contender
📡 News
4.7😊(20K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#97in News
Local News & Weather: Haystack screenshot 1
Local News & Weather: Haystack screenshot 2
Local News & Weather: Haystack screenshot 3
Local News & Weather: Haystack screenshot 4
Local News & Weather: Haystack screenshot 5
Local News & Weather: Haystack screenshot 6

Stream over 400 news channels, including local and international coverage. Customize your news feed by categories, sources, and topics. Get breaking local news alerts and weather updates.

What We Love

  • 👍 Customizable news feed
  • 🚀 Efficient news aggregation
  • 🌍 Variety of news sources
  • ⏱️ Quick access to news updates

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Occasional crashes and freezes
  • 🔍 Difficulty filtering out unwanted content
  • 📺 Lack of portrait mode on iPad
FOX LOCAL: Live News & Weather#3

FOX LOCAL: Live News & Weather by Fox Television Stations, Inc.

Local News and Weather Alerts
Worth Considering
📡 News
4.7😐(17K ratings)
FreeAds
#22in News
FOX LOCAL: Live News & Weather screenshot 1
FOX LOCAL: Live News & Weather screenshot 2
FOX LOCAL: Live News & Weather screenshot 3
FOX LOCAL: Live News & Weather screenshot 4
FOX LOCAL: Live News & Weather screenshot 5
FOX LOCAL: Live News & Weather screenshot 6

Access live local news, breaking alerts, and weather updates from your city's FOX station. Stream 24/7 news coverage, traffic, politics, sports, and more, all tailored to your community. Stay informed about local events and weather anytime, anywhere.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Smooth live-streaming experience
  • 👍 Easy to navigate and find content
  • 🌟 Great for local news and sports
  • 💡 Ability to watch different local Fox stations

Room to Improve

  • 🚫 Lack of landscape mode on iPad
  • 🔀 Repetitive and outdated content
  • 🔍 No search or traffic reporting features

More Local Channel Streaming apps to explore

4
DIRECTV: TV & Movie Streaming
DIRECTV: TV & Movie Streaming
DIRECTV: TV & Movie Streaming
Live Sports, Shows & Channels
Free

Stream live TV, sports, movies, and thousands of on-demand titles on your mobile devices. Customize your lineup with genre packs or enjoy free streaming options. Watch local channels, news, and popular shows anytime, anywhere in the US.

Live TV streamingOn Demand movies and showsLive sports streaming (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, etc.)
🎬 Entertainment
(599K)
free with in-app purchases
5
TV Guide: Streaming & Live TV
TV Guide: Streaming & Live TV
TV Guide: Streaming & Live TV
Best Shows & Movies to Watch
Free

Discover what to watch on live TV and streaming services. Get personalized recommendations, track your favorites, and find where to stream any show or movie. Stay updated on new releases and upcoming episodes.

Personalized WatchlistShow and movie recommendationsStreaming and live TV availability
🎬 Entertainment
(114K)
free with in-app purchases
6
IPTV Smart Player
IPTV Smart Player
IPTV Smart Player
Watch TV channels, live stream
Free

This app acts as a versatile media player for your own content and live streams. It supports a vast array of video and audio formats, allowing you to organize and access your favorite channels and playlists easily. Enjoy a personalized entertainment experience on the go.

Plays user-added content and live IPTV streamsSupports a wide range of video and audio formatsOrganizes channels and playlists
🎬 Entertainment
(26K)
free with in-app purchases
7
PlutoTV: Stream Free Movies/TV
PlutoTV: Stream Free Movies/TV
PlutoTV: Stream Free Movies/TV
Watch films & Live Channels
Free

Stream thousands of free movies and TV shows on demand, plus live channels for news, sports, and entertainment. Enjoy a vast library of content across various genres, all accessible on any device without any cost.

Free live TV streaming channelsThousands of free movies and TV showsLocal and national news updates
🎬 Entertainment
(1.6M)
free with in-app purchases
8
NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts
NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts
NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts
Weather, Safety & Crime Alerts
Free

Stay informed with breaking news, local events, and personalized updates delivered directly to your device. Discover curated daily briefings, live news streams, and in-depth stories from trusted sources, covering everything from weather and traffic to national headlines.

Local news highlightsBreaking news alertsPersonalized news feed
📡 News
(1.4M)
free with in-app purchases
9
ABC 7 New York
ABC 7 New York
ABC 7 New York
Watch Live News & Local Shows
Free

Stay informed with breaking news alerts and local programming. Watch live and on-demand news, access detailed weather forecasts, and customize your news feed based on your interests and locations.

Watch live news 24/7On-demand video clipsPicture-in-picture viewing
📡 News
(49K)
free with in-app purchases
10
Local Now: News, TV & Movies
Local Now: News, TV & Movies
Local Now: News, TV & Movies
Stream Weather, Shows & More
Free

Stream local news and weather from over 400 channels, plus thousands of Hollywood movies. Discover a wide variety of content including national news, courtroom dramas, comedy, horror, and travel shows, all available for free.

Stream local newsWatch live weatherAccess 400+ channels
📡 News
(1.3K)
ad-supported
11
NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth News
NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth News
NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth News
24/7 Live News Stream, Weather
Free

Stay informed with local news and weather updates for North Texas. Access breaking news alerts, customizable weather forecasts, and a 24/7 live streaming news channel. The app also features investigative reports and lifestyle content.

24/7 Live News StreamCustomizable Weather AlertsLocal Breaking News
📡 News
(3.6K)
free with in-app purchases
12
LocalTV+
LocalTV+
LocalTV+
Local Boston TV Streaming
Free

Stream local Boston TV channels for free, including news, sports, and network shows. Enjoy features like AirPlay and background playback to enhance your viewing experience. Stay connected to your community's programming without any subscription fees.

Access to local Boston TV stationsLive sports broadcastsAirPlay support
🎬 Entertainment
(173)
free
13
TuneIn Radio: Music & Sports
TuneIn Radio: Music & Sports
TuneIn Radio: Music & Sports
Listen to News & FM Stations
Free

Access over 100,000 live radio stations worldwide, plus exclusive news, sports, music, podcasts, and audiobooks. Enjoy personalized streams and on-demand content across all your devices.

100,000+ live AM/FM radio stationsExclusive news, sports, music, podcasts, audiobooksApple Music Radio streaming
🎵 Music
(1.1M)
free with in-app purchases
14
ABC News: Live Breaking News
ABC News: Live Breaking News
ABC News: Live Breaking News
Live headlines & daily alerts
Free

Stay informed with 24/7 breaking news coverage, live streaming, and personalized alerts. Access national and global headlines, politics, weather, health, business, and local news from America's #1 news source. Watch original programs and listen to podcasts.

Live breaking news coverage24/7 live streamingPersonalized news alerts
📡 News
(6K)
free with in-app purchases
15
FOX News: US & World Headlines
FOX News: US & World Headlines
FOX News: US & World Headlines
Media, Politics & True Crime
Free

Access 24/7 breaking national and international news with expert analysis. Watch live streams and on-demand videos of your favorite shows, listen to podcasts, and stay updated on politics, business, tech, and more.

24/7 breaking news updatesLive stream and on-demand videoPodcasts and audio news
📡 News
(501K)
free with in-app purchases
16
FREECABLE TV: News & TV Shows
FREECABLE TV: News & TV Shows
FREECABLE TV: News & TV Shows
2000+ TV Channels & Movies App
Free

Stream over 2000 TV channels, movies, and live news without a subscription. Access a wide variety of programs including sports, TV series, and entertainment content directly on your phone.

2000+ TV channels and moviesLive news and sportsTV series and full episodes
📡 News
(43K)
free with in-app purchases
17
FOX Sports: Watch Live Games
FOX Sports: Watch Live Games
FOX Sports: Watch Live Games
Stream News, Highlights, & TV
Free

Stream live sports, game updates, and exclusive content from your favorite leagues and teams. Get personalized news, scores, and analysis, plus watch top studio shows and highlights.

Personalized news, stats, and scoresLive stream major games and eventsInstant game updates and real-time coverage
⚽ Sports
(70K)
free with in-app purchases
18
Indianapolis News from 13 WTHR
Indianapolis News from 13 WTHR
Indianapolis News from 13 WTHR
Breaking news, weather & video
Free

Access breaking news, personalized feeds, and live video from Indianapolis. Receive real-time alerts for local stories and severe weather. Stay informed with in-depth reporting and interactive weather tools.

Breaking news alertsPersonalized news feedLive newscasts
📡 News
(28K)
ad-supported
19
The NBC App – Stream TV Shows
The NBC App – Stream TV Shows
The NBC App – Stream TV Shows
Watch TV Episodes Online!
Free

Stream live TV, news, and favorite NBC shows, including classics and new episodes. Access content from Bravo and Telemundo. Continue watching across devices with a profile.

Stream live TV and newsWatch favorite NBC showsAccess classic TV episodes
🎬 Entertainment
(289K)
free with in-app purchases
20
Sling: Live TV, Sports & News
Sling: Live TV, Sports & News
Sling: Live TV, Sports & News
+ Freestream
Free

Stream live TV, sports, news, and popular shows without cable. Customize your channel lineup with flexible subscriptions and add-ons. Enjoy hundreds of free live TV channels with no credit card required.

Live TV streamingSports broadcastsNews channels
🎬 Entertainment
(246K)
free with in-app purchases

FAQ about Local Channel Streaming

What are the best local channel streaming apps for iPhone?
PBS: Watch TV & Documentaries tops our local channel streaming apps ranking as of June 2026, with a 4.9-star average from 356K App Store ratings, and it's free to download.
Yes — 20 of the top local channel streaming apps we rank are free to download, including PBS: Watch TV & Documentaries and Local News & Weather: Haystack.
PBS: Watch TV & Documentaries has no ads and has no in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of June 2026.
We track 44+ local channel streaming apps on the iOS App Store as of June 2026, ranked by rating, recency, and analysis of real user reviews.
The app offers a wide variety of content including award-winning documentaries, iconic series like British dramas and historical shows, the latest news programs, and live TV from your local PBS station. You can find shows across genres such as drama, romance, mystery, history, science, arts, and foreign language productions.
Yes, you can stream live TV from your local PBS station directly through the app. This feature allows you to tune in to your local community's programming and watch your local station's TV channel live anytime, anywhere.