Fans of police procedurals know that ION is the channel to visit if you want a heavy dose of some of the best crime shows on air right now like NCIS, Law & Order, and Chicago P.D. Apart from this, ION also airs live sports events (specifically, women's basketball and football), and even a couple of science shows for the little ones tuning in.
In the past, you used to need cable to access a channel like ION. But these days, it's just as easy to watch the channel if you go cordless.
To watch ION live and without cable, you can sign up for any one of the live TV streaming services we've listed below. We've also included other details like price point and full channel lineup to help you decide on a service that fits your needs.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream is a streaming service that offers everything from live TV, local channels, on-demand films, sports packages, and even premium cable networks like HBO and Starz for an additional fee. Its plans, which start at $70/month, are on the pricier side of live TV, but that’s because it offers unlimited DVR and streams on top of at least 75 channels, depending on the plan you pick.
Fubo
Designed for the ultimate sports fan, Fubo is an on-demand and live TV service that streams games from multiple leagues including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and the Premier League. You can get up to 215 live channels on your lineup, which includes coverage on RSNs and local stations, though you might have to pay extra if you want premium entertainment channels like Starz and Showtime.
YouTube TV
Often dubbed as the best cordless replacement to cable, YouTube TV is a live TV streaming platform that gives you access to more than 100 channels, sporting events, local channels, unlimited DVR space, and up to three simultaneous streams. But what really gives YouTube TV its edge is customization; depending on your needs, you can easily add premium channels like HBO, sports channels like NFL Redzone, and Spanish channels like Unimas to your preferred lineup.
DirecTV Stream Ultimate
DirecTV Stream Ultimate is the second-biggest package offered by DirecTV Stream. With it, you get up to 160 channels (up 40 channels from the previous tier) across entertainment, sports, and news. That’s almost any channel you can think of—from TBS and USA; to ESPN and CBS Sports; to CNN and BBC News; and so much more. You get it all, plus tens of thousands of on-demand titles for the price of $109.99/month (saving you roughly $40/month from the package after it), so if the budget allows, it's worth trying the Ultimate plan yourself.
Frndly TV
True to its name, Frndly TV is an on-demand and live TV streaming service that’s friendly both on the wallet and for viewers of all ages. At just $7/month, it offers more than 40 live channels, including The History Channel, Hallmark, and The Weather Channel, plus DVR and lookback features and multiple profile options. It’s ideal for those looking for a wholesome, family-friendly streaming experience.