What History Channel offers and how to watch it
History Channel is a cable network owned by A&E Networks that shows documentaries, historical series, and reality programming focused on American history, engineering, and survival topics. You can watch it three ways: through a traditional cable or satellite TV package, through a live TV streaming service, or through the History Channel's own streaming app if you already have cable login credentials.
The network does not sell a standalone subscription the way Netflix or Disney+ does. If you want to watch History Channel without cable, you need a live TV streaming service that includes it in their channel lineup. If you have cable or satellite already, History Channel comes as part of your package at no extra cost.
Key Takeaways
- History Channel is included free with most cable and satellite TV packages, but you cannot buy it as a standalone streaming subscription.
- Live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV include History Channel, though the cost and channel selection vary by service.
- If you have cable login credentials, you can watch History Channel content free through the History Channel app or website.
- Prices for live TV services range from roughly $40 to $75 per month depending on the service and how many channels you want.
Live TV streaming services that include History Channel
If you do not have cable or satellite, the main way to watch History Channel is through a live TV streaming service. These services stream dozens of channels over the internet, including History Channel, and work on phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV.
YouTube TV includes History Channel and costs around $72 per month. Hulu + Live TV includes it and costs around $77 per month. Sling TV includes History Channel in its Sling Orange package, which costs around $40 per month. Fubo includes it and costs around $80 per month. All of these services offer a free trial period (usually 3 to 7 days) so you can test the service before paying.
The main trade-off is price versus channel count. Sling TV is the cheapest option but has fewer channels overall. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV cost more but include more channels and often have better streaming quality and fewer buffering issues. Check the current channel lineup on each service's website, because the channels included can change.
Using the History Channel app with cable credentials
If you already pay for cable or satellite TV that includes History Channel, you can watch History Channel shows free through the History Channel app or at history.com. You will need to sign in with your cable provider login — the same username and password you use to access your cable account online.
This method works on phones, tablets, computers, and some streaming devices. You can watch current episodes and a library of past episodes. The app is available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and other platforms. This is the cheapest option if you already have cable, because there is no extra cost beyond what you already pay.
Comparing costs: cable, satellite, and streaming
| Option | Typical Cost | How to Access History Channel | Other Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cable TV | $60–$150/month | Included in package; watch on TV or app with cable login | Includes many channels; often has promotional rates that expire |
| Satellite TV | $60–$140/month | Included in package; watch on TV or app with satellite login | Works in rural areas where cable is unavailable |
| YouTube TV | ~$72/month | Included in live TV lineup; stream on any device | Includes 70+ channels; free trial available |
| Hulu + Live TV | ~$77/month | Included in live TV lineup; stream on any device | Includes 90+ channels plus Hulu on-demand; free trial available |
| Sling TV | ~$40/month | Included in Sling Orange package; stream on any device | Cheapest option; fewer channels than competitors; free trial available |
| Fubo | ~$80/month | Included in live TV lineup; stream on any device | Sports-focused; includes 200+ channels; free trial available |
What to check before signing up for a live TV service
Before you pay for a live TV streaming service, confirm that History Channel is actually included in the package you are considering. Channel lineups change, and some services offer different tiers with different channels. Visit the service's website and search for "History Channel" in their channel list, or call their support line to confirm.
Also check whether the service works on the devices you own. If you want to watch on your TV, make sure the service has an app for your TV's operating system (Roku, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, etc.). If you only have an older TV without built-in streaming, you may need to buy a streaming device separately, which adds $30 to $100 to the upfront cost.
Test the free trial on at least one service before committing to a month. Streaming quality, buffering, and the user interface vary between services, and what works well for one person may frustrate another. Most services let you cancel during the trial period without being charged.
Watching History Channel shows without a subscription
History Channel posts some full episodes and clips free on its website and YouTube channel, though the selection is limited and changes regularly. You can watch these without paying anything, but you will see advertisements. This is not a reliable way to watch specific shows or keep up with a series, but it works if you want to sample the network's content before committing to a paid service.
Some History Channel shows are also available through other streaming services you may already have. For example, certain shows appear on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or other platforms. Search for the specific show title on the streaming services you subscribe to before paying for a new service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy History Channel as a standalone streaming service?
No. History Channel does not offer a standalone subscription. Your options are cable or satellite TV (which includes it), a live TV streaming service, or watching free clips on history.com and YouTube if you have cable login credentials.
Do I need cable to use the History Channel app?
Yes. The History Channel app requires you to sign in with cable or satellite TV credentials. If you do not have cable, you need a live TV streaming service instead.
Which live TV service is cheapest?
Sling TV is typically the cheapest at around $40 per month for the Sling Orange package that includes History Channel. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV cost more but include more channels and generally have better streaming performance.
Can I watch History Channel on my phone?
Yes. If you have cable, use the History Channel app or website with your cable login. If you use a live TV streaming service, download that service's app (YouTube TV, Hulu, Sling, etc.) and stream through it.
Do live TV streaming services have contracts?
No. Most live TV streaming services are month-to-month with no contract. You can cancel anytime, though you will lose access immediately. Check the service's cancellation policy before signing up.