Have you ever felt the emptiness of missing an epic touchdown just because you didn't want to pay for an expensive subscription? Well, How to Watch NFL for Free on Your Phone is my trick to enjoying every game without spending a dime.
Here in Chicago, where I root for the Bears, I've learned to circumvent high costs using apps and simple strategies. After all, who needs cable when you have a cell phone?
I'll tell you, as if we were sharing a beer at the bar, how I watch the entire season for free. Let's solve this problem together?
First off, I know how frustrating it can be to want to watch a game and only hit a paywall. So, I tested several methods and found the best apps and tricks for watching the NFL on your phone without spending a dime.
For example, apps like the NFL App and Yahoo Sports are pure gold for local games in the US. So if you're ready to shout "go team" at your phone screen, come with me!
Apps That Save Your Season
First and foremost, you need the right apps. I use the NFL App, available for free on the App Store and Google Play. It streams local and primetime games, like Thursday Night Football, for free.
Because the app uses your location, it unlocks streams from channels like FOX or CBS if the game is broadcast on broadcast television in your area. In other words, if the Bears are playing on CBS Chicago, I can watch it on my phone without paying anything.
Plus, the Yahoo Sports App is a real find. It offers free in-market games, and I've even watched Bears vs. Packers on the bus without any hiccups. By the way, if you have Verizon, they give you extra access via the app—I use my plan for that.
This way, I avoid paying for NFL+. These apps are simple and straightforward.
- NFL App: Local games, highlights and updates.
- Yahoo Sports: Free streams of regional games.
- CBS Sports App: Perfect for AFC games, with ads.
You find them both in Google Play and App Sotre.
However, if the game isn't local, don't despair. I have an ace up my sleeve: free trials.
Free Trials: An Economic Touchdown
Now, let's talk about streaming services with free trials—that's where the magic happens. For example, Paramount+ has a 7-day trial, and I use it to watch CBS games, like the playoffs.
I sign up, watch what I want, and cancel before I'm charged. That way, I watched the last Super Bowl for free. Similarly, NBC's Peacock offers a trial for Sunday Night Football, with HD streams that play smoothly on mobile.
To cover more games, I rotate trials. Amazon Prime has a 30-day free trial, perfect for Thursday Night Football. Hulu + Live TV covers Monday Night via ESPN with its trial.
In short, by combining these services, I can watch almost the entire season without paying. But on the other hand, take note: cancel the trials in advance! I set reminders on my phone to avoid surprises.
FuboTV also has a one-week trial, which is great for wild-card games. In fact, I used it for a decisive game, and it was perfect. So, plan your games and maximize your trials.
Stress-Free Local Games
If you're a local fan, like I am with the Bears, Sunday afternoon games are a breeze. First, check the schedule on the NFL website.
Because games on FOX, CBS, or NBC are free-to-air, apps like FOX Sports stream free on your phone if you're in the right area. On the other hand, if you're traveling, a legal VPN can help you access local streams—only use it for free content, of course.
Thanks to partnerships, the Roku Channel has a free NFL Channel with replays. I watch highlights there when I miss a live game. This way, I stay up-to-date effortlessly. By the way, mirroring your phone to your TV with Chromecast or Roku is an upgrade; I do it every Sunday.
- Confirm your location for in-market streams.
- Use broadcast apps like NBC Sports for primetime.
- Download TuneIn for free audio if video freezes.
However, blackouts may occur. I resolve this by checking the app before the game.
Tips for an Epic Experience
Want to take it to the next level? First, ensure a good connection. I use public Wi-Fi at cafes, but with a VPN for security. Because buffering is the worst, I test the internet beforehand. Then, set up notifications on the NFL App; it alerts me 10 minutes before kickoff.
Also, for fantasy football, the free ESPN app is top notch. I manage my team while I watch, which doubles the fun. In short, combine apps and trials for complete coverage. I definitely saved a lot of money last season this way.
Finally, see my post on “Best Apps for Fantasy NFL or the NFL guide.
Get Ready for the Game!
After all, watching the NFL for free on your phone is easy with these tricks. So, download the apps and plan your trials for the 2025 season.
I watched 15 games for free last year—you can too! In conclusion, save money and enjoy the show.
What's your favorite team? Let me know in the comments and share your ideas! Check out other guides on the site, like "How to Watch the NBA for Free." Let's cheer together!