Cutting the Cord: A Guide to Free CBS Streaming
CBS is one of the most popular sources of news, sports and entertainment in the United States. For streaming enthusiasts who enjoy watching CBS news, shows, and sports, there was a time when cable TV was the only option. However, in the era of cord-cutting, that is no longer the case.
The problem with accessing CBS content without cable is that it comes at a cost. CBS All Access, the broadcaster’s streaming service, has a subscription fee of $5.99 per month and requires a credit card. This is understandable since CBS needs to monetize its broadcast content to make it viable, but what if you don’t want to pay for yet another subscription service?
Fortunately, CBS provides free streaming options that allow you to access a selection of shows, news programs, and sports content without needing a subscription or a credit card. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to stream CBS for free without resorting to shady or illegal means.
CBS All Access: Is It Really Free?
The first step in accessing CBS’s free streaming option is to understand the company’s premium offering, CBS All Access. CBS All Access is a streaming platform that has over 20,000 episodes and movies to watch, and it lets you stream live TV much like a regular cable subscription.
The benefits of subscribing to CBS All Access include access to exclusive content, ad-free streaming, and access to live programming, including live sports and news programs. All Access offers a free trial period that can range from seven days to a month, depending on promotions and subscription levels.
Although it requires a credit card to start the free trial, some people might leverage the trial period to access CBS shows and sports programming for free by canceling their subscription before the end of the trial period. However, this method is time-consuming, and unless one is willing to be charged, it’s important to remember to cancel before the trial period ends.
The Pros and Cons of CBS’s Free Streaming Option
The CBS free streaming option, allows viewers to watch CBS live and on-demand shows and sports programming at no cost, but it’s worth weighing the pros and cons before making a shift completely. One of the major pros to CBS’s free option is that you don’t need a credit card to start streaming. Additionally, depending on your TV provider, you can stream CBS as part of the package for free.
The downside to using CBS’s free streaming option is that it’s not all-encompassing. CBS provides only a selection of programs and sports events for free streaming, which might not include the latest shows and content. For example, the free streaming option typically lags behind the broadcasts on CBS All Access, and there is usually a delay before new episodes and sports events are released on the free version.
Another limitation of CBS’s free streaming option is that it comes with commercials. Although not as many as a regular cable TV broadcast, you might feel like the commercials are disruptive to the streaming experience.
CBS Free vs CBS All Access: Which One Is Right for You?
When considering the choice of whether to opt for CBS’s free or paid option, there are several factors to consider. One factor may be how much time the user spends streaming CBS content. For those who watch CBS programming occasionally, it may not be necessary to pay for another streaming subscription.
Another factor may include the users’ budget, the number of commercial interruptions one can tolerate, and the types of programming they enjoy watching. If the user is a fan of new shows or live sports, a CBS All Access subscription might be the better choice. CBS’s free streaming option, on the other hand, might be the best choice for cord-cutters who want access to free, on-demand programs that they can watch at their leisure.
Unlocking the Secrets of CBS’s Free Streaming Service
CBS’s free streaming option isn’t entirely limited when compared to a subscription service. The free version does have some hidden, high-quality features that can be advantageous to the viewer. One of the best features of CBS’s free streaming option is the “catchup” feature, which allows users to catch up on missed episodes of their favorite shows.
Additionally, CBS Free’s mobile app provides a more user-friendly interface that offers access to more shows and content with less obtrusive advertising. Mobile users can watch CBS live TV, ad-supported episodes, and even stream a selection of affiliate local CBS channels.
How to Stream CBS for Free with Limited Commercials
CBS’s free streaming option does come with commercials, but they’re not as intrusive as on cable TV. If you want to minimize the impact of commercials while streaming free CBS content, there are several tips and tricks that can help. These include:
- Watch on a laptop/desktop and use an ad-blocker plugin. You can also use a Chrome extension to skip ads.
- Use a DVR to record CBS shows and skip advertisements during playback.
- Watch CBS shows through on-demand streaming services like Hulu that allow fast-forwarding through ads.
The Truth About CBS Free: What You Need to Know
There are few myths surrounding CBS’s free streaming option. One of the most common is that it only offers access to older television shows. However, CBS’s free streaming option offers access to a range of new programming, news broadcasts, and live sports programming.
Another misconception is that CBS free is illegal and an infringement on copyright. This is not the case. CBS makes some of its content available for free under the model of ad-supported streaming. As a user, it’s important to ensure that you’re accessing CBS content in an authorized way and don’t engage in piracy.
Conclusion: CBS Is Free After All!
CBS’s free streaming option is an excellent way to enjoy premium content at no cost while freeing yourself from having to pay for cable TV or a subscription service. Although there are limitations to the content available in the free option, it is still a valuable resource for anyone who wants access to great programs and live sports without paying.
With the tips, guides, and insights provided in this article, viewers can gain access to CBS’s free streaming option with limited commercials and a better viewing experience overall.
