In the United States, HISTORY currently lists five streaming-TV services that carry The HISTORY Channel: DIRECTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Philo, Sling TV, and Frndly TV. The best choice depends on whether you need the live network, access to the HISTORY app, a DVR, or only an on-demand documentary catalog.
Frndly TV is the cheapest verified live option at $8.99 per month. Philo is the clearest low-cost choice if you also want to sign in to HISTORY’s app and website. Prices and channel lineups below were checked on August 18, 2026, and can change.
Quick comparison
| Service | Live HISTORY | HISTORY app sign-in | Price signal | Best for | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frndly TV | Yes | No, according to HISTORY’s specific streaming-provider guidance | $8.99/month Basic; $10.99 Classic; $12.99 Premium | Lowest-cost live access | Basic is SD and supports one screen |
| Philo | Yes | Yes | $25/month Essential; $33/month Bundle+ | Affordable entertainment bundle | Limited sports and local-channel coverage |
| Sling TV | Yes, according to HISTORY | Guidance is inconsistent; watching through Sling may be required | Verify current checkout price | Existing Sling customers and customizable packages | Confirm package and app access before subscribing |
| Hulu + Live TV | Yes, subject to lineup and location | Yes | $89.99/month for Hulu With Ads + Live TV | Broad household bundles | Check availability by ZIP code |
| DIRECTV Stream | Yes, according to HISTORY | Yes | Verify current plan and price | Traditional pay-TV replacement | Usually a more expensive option |
HISTORY’s provider pages are not perfectly consistent: one older support article mentions Vidgo, while newer provider lists identify Frndly TV, Philo, Sling, Hulu + Live TV, and DIRECTV Stream. The five services in the table are therefore the principal current options, but check the provider’s live lineup before payment.
Cheapest way to watch HISTORY live
Frndly TV Basic costs $8.99 per month and includes The HISTORY Channel, live TV, and on-demand access. It provides SD video and one simultaneous stream. Classic costs $10.99 and adds HD, two screens, unlimited DVR, and three-month recording retention. Premium costs $12.99 and provides HD, four screens, unlimited DVR, and nine-month recording retention. Frndly TV displays a seven-day trial, although promotional terms can change.
#1 Best Overall
- 𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹: Watching local channels with this HD digital tv antenna for smart tv indoor 4K, you can watch crystal HDTV channels without cable service and enjoy local tv channels.
- 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆: This digital indoor tv antenna for local channels is made of eco-friendly flame-retardant dual PC soft material (not ordinary PVC), providing moisture resistance and lightning protection for indoor use.
- 𝗢𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶-𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲: The indoor HDTV antenna brings omini-directional Reception; Whether hd digital tv antenna indoor is installed on the TV stand or on the table, you can receive the crystal clear picture
- 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: The indoor antenna for tv without cable features a compact and slim design, making it easy to hide without taking up space. The lightweight build allows you to move it conveniently and adapt to different living environments effortlessly.
- 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 : Read the manual first, set up your TV properly, and scan for channels. 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. Mount the antenna high, near a window facing local broadcast towers (Check "dtv gov maps" for available channels), to avoid obstacles and interference. Actual Reception depends on location, terrain, and weather, always re-scan for channels after moving the antenna. If you have any issues, please contact us. We will provide professional service and a satisfactory solution for you.
The important catch is authentication. HISTORY says Frndly TV subscribers can watch its programming through Frndly TV, but Frndly credentials do not currently unlock the HISTORY apps or History.com. If using HISTORY’s own app matters, Philo is the clearer budget choice.
Best balance of price and HISTORY access: Philo
Philo Essential costs $25 per month and includes 70-plus live channels, 75,000-plus on-demand titles, three simultaneous streams, and one year of unlimited DVR storage. Philo displays a seven-day trial and lists History among its channels. HISTORY also identifies Philo as a provider that can unlock episodes on History.com and in the HISTORY app.
Philo is a strong fit for viewers who want HISTORY plus entertainment and documentary channels without paying for a full sports-oriented bundle. It is not the best substitute for cable if your household needs extensive live sports or comprehensive local broadcast channels. Bundle+ costs $33 per month and adds HBO Max Basic with Ads and discovery+ access, according to Philo’s current site.
Broader live-TV alternatives
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu lists Hulu With Ads + Live TV at $89.99 per month, after a three-day trial when applicable. The plan includes unlimited DVR, with recordings retained for up to nine months, and supports two simultaneous screens; an Unlimited Screens option is available.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #2
- Enjoy More Tv antenna for Local Channels: Get more channels by antenna for smart TV, receive local broadcasting, ABC, CBS, NBC, CPS, FOX, CW, ION, UMAS, etc.
- HD Antenna for TV: Our digital TV antenna indoor adopts an upgraded Smart IC Chip, receives TV broadcasts including 4K, UHD and 1080 HDTV for the hd picture.
- 16FT Coax Cable: Coaxial cable is composed of a solid center conductor, dielectric insulation, three aluminum shielding layers, and a durable outer layer. so that you will never lose signal or suffer distortion even in bad weather.
- Compatibility and Usage Tips: Not suitable for older analog televisions; supports smart TVs and digital TVs. For optimal signal reception, try placing the antenna near a window or in other locations, and test both vertical and horizontal orientations.
- Easy to Install: Plug the coaxial cable from your digital indoor HDTV antenna into the ANT/IN connector on the back of your TV, point the TV antenna toward your local TV tower and scan for channels. (Check "dtv gov maps" for available channels).
Hulu + Live TV makes more sense for a household that wants HISTORY alongside local channels, sports, Hulu programming, and Disney-related content. Because Hulu’s lineup varies by ZIP code and location, confirm that HISTORY appears for your address before subscribing. HISTORY lists Hulu + Live TV as a supported provider.
DIRECTV Stream
DIRECTV Stream is another HISTORY-recognized provider and a reasonable choice for viewers seeking a larger, traditional pay-TV replacement. It also belongs among the clearer options for HISTORY app authentication. DIRECTV’s current plan price and exact channel lineup should be checked on its signup page, since package details can change.
Sling TV
HISTORY lists Sling as carrying its programming, but its guidance says Sling customers may need to watch through Sling.com or Sling’s apps rather than use Sling credentials to unlock the HISTORY app and website. Verify the exact Sling package, current price, and authentication behavior during checkout.
Live TV, provider on-demand, and the HISTORY app are different
“Carries HISTORY” can describe three different experiences:
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRank #3
- This HD antenna is compatible with both smart TVs and older models.
- Signal for Better Reception on All TVs
- Live network access: the scheduled HISTORY Channel feed as it airs.
- Provider on demand: selected HISTORY programs available inside a service such as Philo or Frndly TV.
- HISTORY app access: episodes and, where supported, live TV unlocked by authenticating with a participating TV provider.
A provider can offer the live channel without allowing its credentials to unlock History.com or the HISTORY app. This is why Frndly TV and Sling require particular caution, while Philo, Hulu + Live TV, and DIRECTV Stream are the clearest choices for app access under HISTORY’s current guidance.
Can you subscribe directly to HISTORY?
No. HISTORY says it does not currently offer a direct subscription that unlocks all content in its apps and on History.com. Some videos are available without signing in, but full access requires a participating TV package that includes HISTORY. An internet-only or phone-only subscription does not qualify.
History Vault is not the live HISTORY Channel
History Vault is a separate, commercial-free, on-demand subscription with thousands of HISTORY series and documentaries. It costs $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year, and its site displays a seven-day trial. A bundle with A&E Crime Central and Lifetime Movie Club is shown at $9.99 per month.
History Vault is the cheaper choice if you want historical documentaries and series on demand. It does not provide the live HISTORY Channel, and recent channel premieres may not appear there immediately.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #4
- 5000+ Miles Range TV Antenna Indoor for Smart TVs & Old TVs: This HD antenna is compatible with both smart TVs and older models. To ensure optimal performance, please confirm that your TV is equipped with an HDTV tuner. With a 5000+ miles range, it provides excellent reception, allowing you to access free local channels in 4K, HD, and 1080p formats for a seamless viewing experience
- Signal for Better Reception on All TVs: The built-in amplifier and signal reception, reducing interference for a clearer picture. Whether you have a smart TV, old TV, or a streaming device, this antenna ensures optimal performance
- All-Weather Durable Digital Antenna for TV Indoor/Outdoor Use: Featuring a waterproof, windproof, and anti-thunder design, this digital HD TV antenna is perfect for any environment. Ideal for indoor use or outdoor setups, ensuring consistent performance in all conditions
- Easy-to-Install HDTV Antenna with Long 31.88FT Cable: This TV antenna indoor comes with a 31.88FT coaxial cable for flexible placement. Simply connect it to the ‘Ant In’ or ‘Antenna’ port on your TV, plug in the USB power, and scan for free channels with your remote control
- Free HDTV channels in stunning clarity: Say goodbye to expensive subscriptions! This antenna for smart TVs and old TVs offers high-quality picture and sound, allowing you to watch local news, sports and entertainment in 8K 4K Ultra HD and Full HD
Services that do not carry HISTORY
YouTube TV
HISTORY’s support page says its programming is not currently available on YouTube TV.
Fubo
Fubo is not a current fallback. A&E Networks says A&E, The HISTORY Channel, Lifetime, LMN, VICE TV, and FYI left Fubo’s lineup after the parties failed to reach a deal.
How to unlock episodes in the HISTORY app
- Subscribe to a supported TV package that includes HISTORY.
- Install the HISTORY app on a supported device or visit History.com.
- Select a locked episode or the sign-in option.
- Choose your TV provider.
- Authenticate with the provider account credentials.
- If the provider is not listed, check HISTORY’s current provider-support page or contact HISTORY support.
If you subscribe to Frndly TV or Sling, use the provider’s own app when necessary; HISTORY’s specific guidance may not permit direct authentication through those services.
Supported devices and episode timing
In the United States, HISTORY says its live stream is available through the HISTORY app on iPhone and iPad, Apple TV, Roku, Android TV, and Fire TV. It is also available online after signing in with a qualifying TV package. The cited support guidance says live TV is not currently available in the HISTORY app for Samsung TVs.
Best Value
- The TIJOORT Indoor TV antenna gives you free access to popular local channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, PBS, and more—all in crisp 1080p HD. Enjoy endless news, sports, and family shows with no monthly subscription. Check "dtv gov maps" for a complete list of channels in your area
- Premium materials deliver flawless performance in rain, snow, or extreme heat—so you can count on it outdoors. The modern, compact design also hides easily indoors: stick it on a window or slip it behind your TV unit
- 20FT cord gives you the freedom to position this TV antenna for local channels on a window, wall, balcony, or rooftop—exactly where reception works best. Setup is a breeze: connect to your TV's "Cable/Ant In" port, scan for channels, and you're watching in minutes
- Customer service is available around the clock to answer your questions, share expert setup advice, and make sure you receive the sharp, reliable signal you're entitled to with your Smart TV antenna experience
New episodes are generally added to HISTORY’s website and apps the morning after broadcast, but some episodes may remain locked or may not be available for streaming. A linked provider is required for some content. Availability is U.S.-only for the provider-authentication and live-TV features described here.
Which service should you choose?
- Choose Frndly TV for the lowest verified monthly price and watch through Frndly’s service.
- Choose Philo for the best low-cost combination of live HISTORY, DVR, entertainment channels, and HISTORY app authentication.
- Choose Hulu + Live TV if you want HISTORY within a broad household bundle and are willing to pay more.
- Choose DIRECTV Stream if you want a larger traditional pay-TV replacement and provider-recognized HISTORY access.
- Choose Sling TV if you already use Sling or prefer its package structure, after confirming the current lineup and app limitations.
- Choose History Vault if you want an inexpensive, commercial-free on-demand catalog rather than live television.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch live HISTORY on Roku or Fire TV?
Yes. HISTORY lists Roku and Fire TV among the supported platforms for its U.S. live stream, provided you sign in with a qualifying TV provider.
Do I need a cable box?
No. A supported streaming-TV provider can deliver the channel through its app, although the subscription still needs to include HISTORY.
Are all HISTORY episodes available?
No. HISTORY says new episodes are generally added the morning after broadcast, but some episodes may remain locked or unavailable.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Can I watch HISTORY outside the United States?
The provider authentication and live-TV availability described here are for the United States.
Does every plan include HISTORY?
Not necessarily. Confirm the exact plan and local lineup before subscribing, particularly with services whose channels vary by location.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
