Finding the right app to watch CBS used to be simple. You’d turn on the TV, flick to channel 2 (or whatever your local affiliate was), and boom—there’s Survivor or the NFL. Now? It’s a mess of rebrands, mergers, and "exclusive" streaming rights that make you feel like you need a PhD in digital media just to find a football game.
Honestly, if you're asking what app has CBS, the answer depends entirely on whether you want to pay $15 a month or $80, and whether you care about seeing your local news.
The Short Answer: It’s Paramount+ (Mostly)
Let's get the obvious one out of the way. Paramount+ is the "official" home of CBS. It’s owned by the same parent company (now Paramount Skydance after the 2025 merger), so it’s where all the furniture went.
But there’s a catch. Not every Paramount+ plan is created equal.
If you get the Paramount+ Essential plan ($8.99/month), you don’t actually get a 24/7 live feed of your local CBS station. You do get live NFL on CBS games and certain massive events like the UEFA Champions League. For everything else, you have to wait until the next day to watch episodes on demand.
To get the actual "live TV" experience where you can watch the local weather or The Late Show as it airs, you have to shell out for the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan. That one runs about $13.99 a month. It’s the closest thing to having a digital antenna inside your iPad.
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The "I Already Have Cable" Hack
You might not need to pay for a new subscription at all. If you’re still paying for a traditional cable package—think Xfinity, Spectrum, or Cox—you can just download the standalone CBS App.
It’s separate from Paramount+.
You just download it, click "Sign in with TV Provider," and enter your cable login. This gives you the live stream of your local affiliate for free (well, "free" because you’re already paying $150 a month for cable).
I’ve seen people make the mistake of paying for Paramount+ while they still have a massive cable bill. Don't do that. The CBS app is surprisingly stable, though the interface is a bit clunky compared to the flashy Netflix-style UI of Paramount+.
Big-Budget Alternatives: The Live TV Streamers
Maybe you’re a cord-cutter who hates the idea of a single-channel app. You want the whole "cable experience" but over the internet. There are four big players here that carry CBS:
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- YouTube TV: Currently $82.99/month. It’s the gold standard for most because of the unlimited DVR. You get your local CBS station included in the base package.
- Hulu + Live TV: Priced at $89.99/month. It’s pricey, but they bundle in Disney+ and ESPN+. If you were going to pay for those anyway, the math starts to make sense.
- Fubo: Great for sports nuts. They’ve had some carriage disputes recently (specifically with Warner Bros. Discovery), but CBS has remained a staple in their Pro and Elite plans.
- DIRECTV Stream: This is the one for people who want a remote with actual numbers on it. It feels like old-school cable but runs through an app.
Wait, Can I Get It for Free?
Kinda.
If you just want CBS News or some specific sports highlights, the Pluto TV app is owned by Paramount and is totally free. You won't get the live primetime shows like NCIS or Ghosts, but you can watch CBS News 24/7 and CBS Sports HQ without spending a dime.
In a surprising 2026 move, Pluto TV even started streaming 49 seasons of Survivor on a dedicated 24/7 channel. It’s a great way to rot your brain on a Sunday afternoon without reaching for your wallet.
The Antenna Factor
We’re talking about apps, but I have to mention the "original" app: the Digital Antenna.
If you live in a city or a flat suburb, a $20 leaf antenna stuck to your window will pick up CBS in crystal clear 1080p (and sometimes 4K if your local station has upgraded to ATSC 3.0). There is no monthly fee. There is no buffering.
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You can even "app-ify" this by using a device like Tablo or HDHomeRun. These boxes plug into your antenna and then broadcast the signal to an app on your Roku, Fire Stick, or phone. It’s a one-time cost that saves you thousands over a decade.
Why Does It Matter Which App You Choose?
The "broadcast wars" of 2026 are real.
Paramount+ has secured a massive deal with the UFC, meaning certain numbered events are now exclusive to the app and CBS. If you're a fight fan, you basically have no choice but to use the Paramount+ app.
On the other hand, if you're just trying to watch the NFL on CBS, the NFL's own app (NFL+) now carries live local games on mobile devices. However, you can't cast those to your TV easily. It's a "phone-only" experience unless you pay for their premium tier.
Actionable Steps to Get CBS Right Now
- Check your current bills. If you pay for YouTube TV, Hulu Live, or Fubo, you already have CBS. Search for it in your channel guide.
- Try the free route first. Download Pluto TV. If the "CBS News" and "CBS Sports HQ" channels are enough for you, stop there.
- Use your "Legacy" Login. If your parents or a roommate still have cable, use their login on the CBS App (not Paramount+).
- Pick Paramount+ for the cheapest "Pure" CBS. If you only care about CBS originals and don't want a $80/month bill, the $13.99 Paramount+ with SHOWTIME tier is your best bet for a live feed.
- Test your signal. Buy a cheap antenna from Amazon. If it works, you can delete all these apps and watch for free forever.
Streaming is supposed to be convenient, but the fragmentation is exhausting. Just remember: Paramount+ is for the "Plus" content and on-demand, the CBS App is for cable subscribers, and the Live TV streamers (YouTube/Hulu) are for those who want everything in one place.