Can i watch the superbowl for free

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Super Bowl LVI is right around the corner, and it may be one of the biggest games of the last decade. With fan-favorite teams and a crazy halftime show lineup, you don’t want to miss this one—thankfully, you can watch Super Bowl 2022 for free!

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Super Bowl LVI, plus some methods to watch the game without cable or a premium streaming subscription.

Super Bowl LVI: Everything You Need to Know

Wait, you haven’t read up on the 2022 Super Bowl yet? This year’s game may be the biggest in recent memory, with a killer halftime show and fan-favorite teams. Here’s everything you need to know about Super Bowl LVI.

When Does the 2022 Super Bowl Air?

The Super Bowl is currently planned to air at 3:30PM PT (6:30PM ET) on Sunday, February 13th. It takes place at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium—the home of the Chargers and Rams.

These plans aren’t 100% set in stone, though. Technical disruptions, such as power outages, have delayed Super Bowls in the past. Also, the NFL has a few backup stadiums in case weather or COVID-19 restrictions make SoFi Stadium untenable. (For what it’s worth, the NFL publicly states that COVID-19 won’t impact Super Bowl LVI.)

Who’s Playing at the 2022 Super Bowl?

It’s been three years since the Rams and Bengals played a game together. And now, they’re set to go head-to-head during this year’s Super Bowl.

The Los Angeles Rams haven’t won a Super Bowl since 2000, back when they were the St. Louis Rams. And although the Cincinnati Bengals have made the playoffs seven times since 2005, they haven’t made a Super Bowl appearance since 1988.

The 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show Is HUGE!

Last year’s Super Bowl halftime show featured an iconic performance from The Weeknd, but I have a feeling that this year’s performers will draw a much bigger crowd.

Yeah—performers. We’re getting an all-star cast of hip-hop and R&B legends this year, including the great Mary J. Blige, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Eminem. Halftime shows usually last 20 or 30 minutes, but if you’re like me, you’re probably crossing your fingers for a full concert this February.

Where to Stream the 2022 Super Bowl for Free

Every year, one of the United States’ top three broadcasters (NBC, Fox, CBS) gets the rights to air the Super Bowl. This year goes to NBC, which is available with most cable and live TV streaming services. You can also stream the game on NBC Peacock with a subscription. (Unfortunately, only Fox knows how to stream a Super Bowl in 4K HDR, so we’re stuck with another 1080p game.)

But if you’re like me, you don’t have cable or a live TV streaming subscription. You’ll have to watch the Super Bowl for free with one of two apps—either the NFL app or Yahoo Sports app.

Both of these apps are free and available for iPhone, iPad, Android devices, smart TVs, and streaming sticks. I suggest downloading one of these apps now to save time on game day.

You can also watch the Super Bowl on NBC for free with OTA TV, though this option requires an antenna.

If you want to watch what most consider to be America’s biggest sporting event of the year in person—Super Bowl LVI—SeatGeek reports that the ticket price for a single premium seat in the SoFi Stadium will set you back between $22,500 and $78,221 each, while StubHub currently shows the cheapest tickets in the nosebleed section of the Englewood, California stadium to be selling for at least $3,498. At those prices, you’re probably wondering how to watch the Super Bowl without spending much more than you’ll need for snacks, beer and other choice refreshments.

Super Bowl LVI kicks off on Sunday, February 13 at 6:30pm (EST)

The good news is that you can get the best views of the game from the comfort of your own home (or from just about anywhere) by watching it on TV (even if you don’t subscribe to cable). This year, the NBC television network, along with the Peacock streaming service and the NBC Sports mobile app all offer the chance to watch the game live... and in most cases, for free.

To watch the Rams go head-to-head against the Bengals, here’s how to access the live stream of Super Bowl LVI from your TV, computer or mobile device on Sunday, February 13, starting at 6:30pm (EST).

Keep in mind, if you plan to watch from home, there’s still time to purchase a brand new, 4K or 8K resolution TV from a retailer like Best Buy—that has a bunch of awesome deals happening in conjunction with the Super Bowl. If you order online and arrange for pickup at your local store, the TV can be set up in time for Sunday’s kickoff.

Watch Super Bowl LVI On The NBC Television Network

The NBC television network plans to broadcast Super Bowl LVI live, so you can tune in on your television set via your local NBC affiliate station—whether or not you subscribe to cable TV or satellite TV.

Watch Super Bowl LVI Online

From your computer, launch your favorite web browser and surf over to www.NBCSports.com. You’ll need to log in using your cable TV provider account information. However, if you’re not a cable TV subscriber, the game will also be accessible (via the NBC and NBC Sports coverage) from Peacock, DirectTV Stream, FuboTV, SlingTV (in most U.S. markets), Hulu + Live TV and YouTubeTV.

If you don’t want to pay the ongoing monthly subscription fee for one of these services just to watch the big game, sign up for a trial subscription (when applicable), but be sure to cancel the subscription after Super Bowl Sunday to avoid getting billed in the future.

Stream The Big Game Using The NBC Sports Mobile App

Again, if you have a cable TV subscription, download the free NBC Sports mobile app from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and then sign into the app using your cable TV account. You’ll then be able to stream the game for free as long as your mobile device has an Internet connection.

Access The Game Via The NBC Sports App For TV

With a stand-alone smart TV or a streaming device that’s connected to virtually any TV (and the Internet), there are a variety of apps for popular services you can use to watch Super Bowl LVI. Be sure to choose a smart TV or streaming device that’s compatible with the app for Peacock, DirectTV Stream, FuboTV, SlingTV, Hulu with Live TV or YouTube TV.

Get A New Smart TV On Sale In Time For The Super Bowl

Best Buy

LG 55-Inch Class UP7000 Series Smart TV

It’s not too late to order a new TV online from a retailer like Best Buy, Target or Walmart—all offer popular TVs on sale—and pick it up at your local store before the big game.

For example, check out this 55-inch smart TV from LG that’s on sale from Best Buy for just $400 ($80 off). It offers an LED screen with 4K resolution and comes with apps for Peacock and YouTube TV pre-installed.

forbes.comBest Buy Coupons | 10% Off In February 2022 | Forbes

Enhance The Audio While Watching The Game On TV

Best Buy

Bose Smart Soundbar 900

To see every moment of the Super Bowl in vivid detail and color, you’ll definitely want to watch it on a TV with 4K or 8K resolution with a fast refresh rate. However, regardless of the TV, if you want to upgrade the audio, be sure to connect an optional soundbar or surround sound system to your TV.

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is the company’s top-of-the-line soundbar. It offers Dolby Atmos support, along with Bose’s superior audio technologies, so whether you’re watching sports, your favorite TV shows, or blockbuster movies, everything you hear will sound immersive, crystal clear, and truly amazing.

Connect A Popular Streaming Device To Your Existing TV To Watch The Super Bowl

If you don’t have a smart TV, you can transform any modern TV into a smart TV using an optional streaming device. Some of the most popular streaming device options are Roku, Amazon Fire, Google Chromecast and Apple TV 4K.

ROKU Offers A Variety Of Streaming Devices

The Roku Express 4K+ streaming stick comes with a voice-controlled remote control. This is one of several low-cost streaming devices that Roku offers. It connects to your TV and your home’s Internet, and then provides instant access to a vast selection of streaming services and programming using an intuitive user interface.

Apple TV Is A Must-Have Streaming Device For Apple Users

The Apple TV 4K device connects to any TV and your home’s Internet and then gives you instant access to hundreds of apps for streaming TV shows, movies and sporting events from popular networks.

For Apple iPhone, iPad and Mac users, however, Apple TV 4K offers a variety of other useful features, like the ability to view images from your iCloud Photo Library on your TV screen.

You can also play games (via individual game apps for the Apple Arcade service), plus play audio content from Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and other audio streaming services via your TV. Apple TV 4K comes with 32GB of internal storage ($179) or 64GB of internal storage ($199).

Amazon Offers Its Own Streaming Devices

Amazon

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

Like Roku, Google and Apple, Amazon offers its own line up of streaming devices (as well as its own smart TVs). The Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max plugs into the HDMI port of your existing TV, connects to your home’s Wi-Fi, and then offers live and on-demand access to hundreds of streaming apps and services, including several that’ll be broadcasting Super Bowl LVI. (Separate subscription fees for various streaming services will apply.)

What’s nice about this particular Amazon Fire TV Stick is that it supports 4K Ultra HD video resolution, Dolby Vision, HDR and HDR 10+, as well as Dolby Atmos to provide superior audio quality.

Catch The Game On A Streaming Service

Once you have a way to access a popular streaming service via your smart TV or a streaming device that’s connected to your existing TV, there are multiple choices for watching Super Bowl LVI coverage. Here are some of your streaming service options for catching the big game.

Peacock Offesr Extensive Coverage—Before, During And After The Big Game

Peacock

Peacock Streaming Service

Peacock is NBC’s own streaming service that brings together programming from the NBC network, along with all of the other NBC/Universal owned cable networks and streaming services.

If you pay for cable TV through Comcast/Xfinity (which is also owned by NBC/Universal), the Peacock service is included free with your subscription. Otherwise, you can subscribe to the Peacock Premium plan for $4.99 per month or $9.99 per month for the ad-free version.

Hulu + Live Will Allow You To Watch The Game Live

You'll need a Hulu + Live subscription, a live supporting device (most Android and iOS Phones, major consoles, streaming sticks and smart TVs) and a local NBC affiliate in your area (check your Zip Code here) to watch the Super Bowl on Hulu. If you can jump through those hoops, though, watching Super Bowl LVI is simple. You’ll basically use Hulu to access an NBC affiliate station or NBC Sports.

Go to the NFL football Sports collection, or open the Super Bowl show page in the Hulu application. Super Bowl LVI won't be available to watch on-demand after it’s shown live, so be sure to DVR it if you want to watch it back later.

Hulu + Live includes Hulu programming, live TV programming from more than 75 channels, plus access to the Disney+ and ESPN+ streaming services as a bundle. Keep in mind, you'll only be able to access the Super Bowl with a Hulu + Live subscription, not a regular Hulu subscription.

Use YouTube TV To Watch The Super Bowl On A Local NBC Affiliate TV Station

YouTube's live TV streaming service, YouTube TV, will also give you access to NBC’s coverage of Super Bowl LVI. YouTube TV costs $65 per month, but you can get it for free for seven days if you sign up for the trial. There’s also a promotion that offers your first three months for only $55 per month.

Once you've signed up, use any device that can access YouTube to watch Super Bowl LVI on YouTube TV. It's available via your desktop or laptop computer’s web browser, and there are bespoke apps for Android and iOS devices. You can also find official YouTube TV apps on Google Chromecast, Xbox consoles, the PS4/PS5, Samsung and LG TVs, and Apple TV.

FuboTV Offers Access To 246 TV Channels And Networks

Like Hulu + Live and YouTube TV, FuboTV is another online streaming service that mirrors traditional cable networks with its array of channels and coverage. With a FuboTV subscription, you get access to 246 TV channels and cable networks, including NFL, NBC Sports and the NBC television network. Thus, FuboTV will also give you live access to Super Bowl LVI.

To watch the game, you'll need a FuboTV subscription (a free trial is available) and a compatible device. These devices include Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and Android TV devices, as well as Xbox consoles, Samsung’s smart TVs, iOS mobile devices (iPhones and iPads), Android tablets and phones, along with Mac and Windows PCs computers. The FuboTV subscription rate is between $65 and $80 per month, but there's a free seven day trial you can use to watch the game.

Watch Super Bowl LVI Over-The-Air (For Free)

Best Buy

Best Buy Essentials Thin Film Indoor HDTV Antenna

If you don't have a cable TV (or satellite TV) subscription, and don't want to use any of the apps and streaming services, you can also watch the Super Bowl using a low cost digital antenna that connects directly to your TV. (Its a high-tech version of the old-fashioned rabbit ear antennas.)

All you'll need is a digital antenna that can pick up your local NBC-TV affiliate in order to watch the Super Bowl for free over-the-air. If you already have access to NBC via your TV’s antenna, at game time, simply tune in to that channel on your TV at the right time.

If you're looking to buy an antenna, what you can access with over-the-air TV is dependent on your location and the strength of your antenna. You'll want to check the FCC’s Digital TV Reception Map website, which can tell you which channels are within range of your location, and what strength your antenna needs to get your local NBC affiliate station and be able to watch Super Bowl LVI.

Beyond the big game, you’ll be able to use the same antenna to watch programming from a wide range of network affiliate TV stations and independent TV stations that broadcast in your area.

You can order a digital antenna online from a retailer like Best Buy for about $20, and then pick it up at your local store anytime before the game.

What Time Does Super Bowl LVI Start?

The 2022 Super Bowl airs live on Sunday, Feb 13, at 6:30 PM (EST). Be sure to tune in early for NBC’s Super Bowl pre-game coverage, and then sit tight for the infamous Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show—around 8:00PM (EST)—which will feature what will no doubt be memorable performances by Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar.

You can check out the almost four-minute official Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show trailer right now on YouTube.

Catch Snoop Dog, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige performing during the Super Bowl LVI ... [+] Half-Time Show.

Speaking of Snoop Dogg, he and his real-life pal Martha Stewart will be hosting the annual Puppy Bowl XVIII event on Animal Planet, starting at 2:00pm (EST) on game day. More than 100 adorable puppies (from 67 animal shelters and rescues) will be featured playing a canine version of football. Watch Puppy Bowl XVIII on the Animal Planet cable network, on the Discovery+ streaming services, or from the Animal Planet Go mobile app (using your cable TV provider account information to sign in).

No matter how or where you plan to watch Super Bowl LVI (or Puppy Bowl XVIII), plan for an exciting game that’ll be filled with action, and perhaps a few surprises.