You have a few legal ways to watch the Super Bowl for “free,” but in most cases it’s either through free-to-air channels in your country, a temporary free trial, or a promo bundled with another service.

Key ways to watch the Super Bowl for free

1. Free over-the-air (antenna) TV (US and many countries)

If you’re in a region where the Super Bowl airs on a major broadcast network (like NBC in the US for 2026), you can usually watch it free with an antenna.

  • Check which channel has the game where you live (for 2026, NBC in the US, plus partner channels abroad).
  • Use a basic indoor antenna to pick up the local broadcast; once set up, there is no subscription cost.
  • This is the only option that’s truly free and ongoing (no trials or renewals).

2. Free-to-air streaming in some countries

Some regions carry the Super Bowl on free streaming platforms, as long as you’re physically in that country (or appear to be). For Super Bowl 2026, examples include:

  • U.K.: Channel 5 and the BBC, with free streaming via their online platforms.
  • Australia: 7plus offers free streaming.
  • New Zealand: TVNZ+ shows the game for free.

If you’re traveling or abroad, people often use a VPN to appear in one of these countries, but you should check your local laws and the terms of service of each platform first.

3. Free trials on streaming services

Many “cord-cutter” guides suggest signing up for a streaming service that carries the Super Bowl broadcaster, then canceling before the trial ends.

Common examples (these change year to year, so always re-check before signing up):

  • YouTube TV (often has ~7–10 day free trial in the US and includes the main Super Bowl network).
  • Live TV bundles like Hulu + Live TV or DirecTV Stream sometimes offer promotional trials that cover Super Bowl night.
  • In past years, Paramount+ or other network-owned apps have given a free week when they hosted the game (e.g., CBS year).

Important details:

  • You usually must enter a payment method and remember to cancel before the trial ends or you’ll be charged.
  • Trial availability can change or disappear as the game approaches, so sign up early if you plan to rely on this.

4. Bundled “free” Peacock or similar (US, 2026)

In 2026, NBC and Peacock are the US rights holders, and some deals effectively make Peacock free for a time.

  • Example: certain Walmart+ subscriptions have included a year of Peacock at no extra cost, which would cover the game.
  • Check your mobile carrier, broadband provider, or retail memberships to see if they currently include Peacock or another relevant streamer.

While this isn’t “free” in the purest sense (you pay for Walmart+ or similar), you might already be subscribed for other reasons and not need to pay anything extra to watch.

Simple step-by-step plan

  1. Check free local TV:
    Look up which channel has the Super Bowl where you live and see if you can get it via a cheap indoor antenna.
  1. Check free local streaming:
    If you’re in the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, or another country with a free stream (Channel 5/BBC, 7plus, TVNZ+, etc.), set up an account ahead of time so you’re ready.
  1. Use one free trial if needed:
    If you don’t have antenna access or a local free stream, choose one reputable streaming provider that carries the Super Bowl network that still offers a trial (such as YouTube TV or a similar live TV service), sign up shortly before the game, and cancel after.
  1. Avoid shady/illegal streams:
    Random “free sports streaming” sites are often illegal and can expose you to malware, data theft, or bogus ads. Stick to legitimate broadcasters and paid services that clearly advertise a trial or free access.

Mini “forum-style” view

“Honestly, your best bet is still an antenna if you’re in broadcast range. One-time purchase, then every Super Bowl is free forever.”

“In 2026 it’s on NBC, so I grabbed a short YouTube TV trial and canceled right after the game. Took five minutes and cost me nothing.”

“If you’re in the U.K., you’re lucky – Super Bowl LX is free on Channel 5 and the BBC, plus their apps. No subscriptions needed.”

TL;DR:

  • Use a TV antenna to watch the local broadcast for truly free access.
  • In some countries, stream it free on official platforms (Channel 5/BBC, 7plus, TVNZ+ in 2026).
  • Otherwise, pick one legit streaming service that carries the game, use its free trial, and cancel on time.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.