How to watch Univision without cable in 2026
Best Provider
Univision is THE go-to channel for Spanish programming but, surprisingly, you can only watch it without cable on a few different streaming services. Those three are DIRECTV, Hulu Live and YouTube TV. The only free way to watch Univision is during a trial period, currently available from DIRECTV (5 day trial each). The dedicated app is one of the best ways to catch their live and on demand programming. Let's dig into all the details...
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next to a plan means that it's our favorite way of getting Univision. Univision on DIRECTV - our recommended service
- Channels: 160
- Best price: $49.99
- 5-day free trial
Visit DIRECTVDIRECTV streaming is a more streamlined version of the traditional DIRECTV satellite. No receiver, installation or contract required. The downside is you lose a handful of channels but not Univision or any other Spanish-language programming. So, for folks looking to stream Univision, DIRECTV via the internet is an excellent option.
Univision is found in all of DIRECTV's plans, including their entry-level options, Entertainment (English) and Optimo Más (English + Spanish). Entertainment is their first English plan and offers 90 channels for $49.99/mo. Optimo Más (100 channels for $86.99/mo) is their only Spanish-language plan and it features a solid mix of 55 Spanish and 45 English channels. Other Spanish channels in Optimo Más you may like include Telemundo, Unimás, Universo, TUDN, TeleCentro, Holá TV, Peru Magico and much more.
- Up to $40 off 1st mth
- Free Prem Movies for 3 mths
- $40 off first month (save $40)
- Free Prem Movies for 3 mths
Features
- All your local channels
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage
- Unlimited connections at home
- 30+ Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) included
- HBO, Showtime, STARZ free for 3 mths.
Cons
- Extra taxes on top of base prices
Overall, DIRECTV is a great way to stream Univision for a lot of folks. Sure, it's a bit more expensive than smaller streaming plans but you'll also get a LOT more programming. If you're in the U.S., you also get access to Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), letting you watch your local team's games. That's a huge plus for most sports fans. Either way, their free trial makes it easy to give the lineup a try and see if it fits your needs.
Univision on Hulu Live
- Channels: 95
- Best price: $89.99
- Free Disney+
Visit HuluHulu + Live TV is probably the most diverse option on this list. That is, it not only has a full suite of live programming but also includes its entire library of original TV and movies. That library is massive and super entertaining.
Hulu keeps the plans simple -- there's only type of live TV plan (95 channels). You can get it with or without ads. They both include Univision and all the other local channels in your area. The version with ads goes for $89.99/mo, the one without ads comes in a bit higher at $99.99/mo. We don't mind ads all that much and Hulu's aren't a big deal so we're content to save a few bucks with the ad-supported version.
With all that programming, you'll find plenty of similar channels on Hulu as well. Some of those include: Galavision, Unimás, TUDN, PBS and much more. Here's a closer look at the plans:
Features
- Solid mix of 95 channels
- 2 simultaneous connections
- Unlimited cloud DVR
- Access to Hulu's on-demand library
- Disney+ and ESPN+ included free
Cons
- Less sports than DIRECTV
In addition to the Hulu library, you'll also get a couple big perks: Disney+ and ESPN+. Both are included absolutely free for the live of your subscription (all these brands are owned by Disney so expect this bonus to be available for quite some time). Both are also the ad-supported versions but still a value of over $25/mo.
Univision on YoutubeTV
Google's streaming TV service, YoutubeTV is a pretty comprehensive way to access live TV. Compared to others, it's a relatively new service so it doesn't quite have the same lineup as more seasoned providers like DIRECTV. Price-wise, it's about somewhere in the middle of the pack: 100 channels for $82.99/mo, no contracts or extra fees involved.
How to watch Univision for free
While you need a TV subscription (cable, streaming or satellite) to access Univision's full lineup, including its live feed, there is a way to watch some programs for free. Univision has two main apps: Univision (main app) and Univision Now. The main app requires you enter your TV provider's login (Fubo, cable, etc). Univision Now, however, is for folks who don't already have access. It has ALL the programming from both Univision and Unimás. While full access costs $10.99/mo, there are quite a few programs, episodes and highlights you can watch for free. If you don't need everything Univision has to offer, it may give you enough of a taste. Get Univision Now for iOS or Android.
Popular shows on Univision
It's one of the more popular Spanish-language channels for good reason. They feature a rich mix of telenovelas, drams, reality, comedy, sports and news. Their most popular shows currently include: Cabo, Amor Invencible, Perdona Nuestros Pecados, Liga MX, Mujer, Fútbol Central, Cine Especial and Aquí y Ahora, etc. It's also the home of the Copa América tournaments (every 4 years). Univision used to feature some of the best World Cup coverage but lost the licensing rights to Telemundo.
Of their drama-type programming, La rosa de Guadalupe is one of their oldest and most popular. Its first episode dates back to 2008 with over 2,000 episodes broadcast since. They reenact true stories of miracles after people prayed to the Virgin of Guadalupe. Overall, very uplifting and interesting tales.
Some of their more classic, discontinued shows include: Sabado Gigante, El Chapo, Crónicas, Don Francisco Presenta, Control, Caliente, etc.
Streaming services with and without Univision
With Univision being a local channel and so popular, you'd think it'd be available on just about all the streaming providers. Unfortunately, that's not the case. It's currently only found on DIRECTV, Hulu Live and YoutubeTV. The main reason for the limited access is that Univision has licensing issues with multiple other providers right now (Fubo, Sling, etc). They've been ongoing for quite some time so don't expect a resolution anytime soon.
Fubo- $9.99/mo
- 5-day trial
Sling TV- $23.00/mo
- 7-day trial
Philo- $33/mo
- 7-day trial
Peacock TV
- $4.99/mo
- 7-day trial
Paramount+
- $7.99/mo
- 7-day trial
Devices that work with Univision
When it comes to how you watch it, if you're connected to the internet and have a smartphone or streaming device, you have plenty of more options. For the most part, Univision is available on every standalone device or operating system out there (Roku, Apple TV, etc). The Roku, iOS and Android apps are probably the most user-friendly ways to access Univision.
Univision has their own dedicated app
With regard to mobile apps, not surprisingly, Univision has one and it's quite good. It's available on both iOS and Android. The iOS version has a 4.5/5 rating from nearly 16k reviews. That's above average across other apps in its class. We've used the iOS version on an iPhone and iPad and, in general, have been pretty impressed with its layout, speed and stability.
The Android version is good as well, just not quite as user-friendly overall. A cumulative rating score of 3.9/5 from 22k reviews seems to back that up. It's still much better than the web version but with some phone types, just not as stable while performing certain tasks.
With both app versions, the single best feature is easy access to On Demand. You can search shows, actors or episodes and, if your search match isn't playing live, the app gives you a seamless way to watch it right then and there... no waiting or recording.
Similar channels to Univision
Originally launched in the early 1960s, it was the first 24/7 Spanish-language channel in the states. The channel was re-branded under Univision in 1986. Since then, Univision has spun off other Spanish channels and there have been a fair share of competitors as well. Here's a quick list of some of those similar channels:
- UniMás - originally known as TeleFutura and owned by TelevisaUnivision, it's a sister channel to Univision and mostly broadcasts programs that previously aired there. Most TV providers bundle UniMás and Univision under the same plans.
- Galavisión - also owned by TelevisaUnivision, Galavisión features full-length films and original TV series, of course, all in Spanish (either direct or dubbed).
- TUDN - launched as "Univision Deportes Network", it's another channel under the Univision umbrella. They primarily feature team and soccer tournaments throughout the Americas (Liga MX, Copa América, Gold Cup, etc).
- Telemundo - one of Univision's biggest competitors, it carries much of the same programming. Telemundo is not quite as popular as Univision but has definitely found a loyal following, especially now that it's under the Comcast brand.
- Universo - Telemundo's younger brother, Universo is geared to a younger audience. Not surprisingly, they broadcast a bunch of drama and reality programming.
- Estrella TV - launched in 2009 and based in Burbank, CA, Estrella TV features a bunch of original programming - mostly reality, sketch comedy, variety and a few live sports mixed in (eg, MLS).
Upcoming soccer schedule
Of course, soccer is a big part of Univision -- they have exclusive broadcast rights to a bunch of regional and global soccer tournaments. In 2018, they lost the World Cup to Telemundo but fútbol fans will still find most of the other big tourneys on Univision. Check out their current and upcoming soccer schedule below:
Even though it's an annual event, the UEFA Champions League is about as prestigious as it gets. It crowns the best club team in Europe and the '26/'27 season marks its 71st installment. The 9-month season starts around 9/17/26 and consists of 32 teams in the group stage. Most matches are scheduled for the weekends and finals take place in early June. See the Champions League broadcast schedule.
The 49th installment of the tourney of the Americas, Copa América 2028 kicks off in June of 2028. It will likely be hosted by Ecuador (still TBD) with 10 teams qualifying from CONMEBOL and 6 from CONCACAF (16 total). The CONMEBOL teams include: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. The CONCACAF teams include Jamaica, Mexico, Panama and the United States.
The 16th installment of Europe's highest tournament, the 2028 Euro Cup will take place in the UK and Ireland. A total of 24 teams kick off the tourney in mid June from ten different venues. Based on qualifying seeds, teams will be broken up into 6 groups of 4. Teams in the top 2 of each group (12 total) and the 4 best third-place teams advance to the round of 16. From then on, it's all single-elimination on the way to glory.
The top professional soccer league in Mexico, Liga MX has crowned the country's best club since 1902. The scoring and format has changed a few times with the current version featuring 18 teams that compete in two different championships per season (Apertura and Clausura). With 14 titles in total, the América club has top bragging rights. The other teams include: Atlas, Atlético San Luis, Cruz Azul, Guadalajara, Juárez, León, Mazatlán, Monterrey, Necaxa, Pachuca, Puebla, Querétaro, Santos Laguna, Tijuana, Toluca, UANL and UNAM. Check out the current Liga MX TV schedule for all the latest.
Page updates
9/15/25 (by Provider Check Staff) Updated soccer tournament details and schedules
6/25/24 (by Carlos Parodi, Editor) Updated Fubo plans and pricing
5/19/23 (by Carlos Parodi, Editor) Page launched (streaming -> Univision)
