What you need to know about Hallmark Channel access
You can watch Hallmark Channel through a cable or satellite TV subscription, through a live TV streaming service, or through Hallmark Channel's own streaming app called Hallmark+. Each route costs different amounts and gives you access to different content. Cable and satellite subscriptions typically include Hallmark Channel as part of a bundle, live TV streaming services charge a monthly fee and include Hallmark Channel alongside other networks, and Hallmark+ is a separate subscription that focuses on Hallmark's own original movies and shows.
The choice depends on what you already subscribe to, whether you want live TV or just on-demand content, and how much you want to spend each month. This guide explains how each option works and what you get with each one.
Key Takeaways
- Cable and satellite TV subscriptions include Hallmark Channel as part of their package, with costs varying by provider and plan.
- Live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV include Hallmark Channel and typically cost between $55 and $76 per month.
- Hallmark+ is Hallmark's own streaming service, separate from cable or live TV services, and costs $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year.
- Hallmark+ includes original movies, holiday programming, and some classic Hallmark content, but does not include all live Hallmark Channel broadcasts.
- You can watch some Hallmark content free on the Hallmark Channel website and app if you have a cable or live TV subscription to verify.
Cable and satellite TV subscriptions
If you already have cable or satellite TV, Hallmark Channel is usually included in your package at no extra cost. The channel appears in standard cable lineups from providers like Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, DirecTV, and Dish Network. Your bill does not change based on whether you watch Hallmark Channel or not — it is part of the bundle you pay for.
The cost of your cable or satellite subscription depends on which provider you use, which package tier you choose, and what promotions are running. A basic cable package might start around $50 to $80 per month, but prices vary widely by location and current offers. You can contact your provider directly to see what packages are available in your area and what Hallmark Channel access is included.
With a cable or satellite subscription, you can also watch Hallmark Channel content on the Hallmark Channel website and mobile app by signing in with your provider credentials. This lets you stream on-demand content and sometimes watch live broadcasts outside your home.
Live TV streaming services
Live TV streaming services deliver cable-style channel lineups over the internet instead of through a cable box. Most of these services include Hallmark Channel, and you can watch it live or on-demand through their apps and websites. The main services that carry Hallmark Channel are YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and Fubo.
YouTube TV costs $76 per month and includes Hallmark Channel along with over 100 other channels. Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month and bundles live TV with access to Hulu's on-demand library. Sling TV is the least expensive option at $55 per month for its Orange + Blue plan, which includes Hallmark Channel. Fubo starts at $79.99 per month. All of these services offer free trials, usually lasting a week or two, so you can test the service before committing.
Each service has its own app and website, and you can watch on multiple devices at once depending on your plan. Most allow you to watch on a phone, tablet, computer, and streaming device like Roku or Apple TV simultaneously. If you do not have cable or satellite TV, a live TV streaming service is the main way to watch Hallmark Channel live as it airs.
Hallmark+ streaming service
Hallmark+ is Hallmark's own streaming service, separate from cable, satellite, or live TV services. It costs $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year if you pay annually. You do not need a cable subscription to use Hallmark+; you sign up directly through the Hallmark+ website or app and pay with a credit card or debit card.
Hallmark+ includes Hallmark's original movies, holiday programming, and a library of classic Hallmark content. The service adds new movies regularly, especially around holidays like Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Easter. However, Hallmark+ does not include live broadcasts of Hallmark Channel as it airs — it is an on-demand service only. If you want to watch Hallmark Channel live, you need cable, satellite, or a live TV streaming service.
Hallmark+ offers a free trial period, usually seven days, so you can explore the content before paying. The service works on phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.
Free and ad-supported options
You can watch some Hallmark content without paying for a subscription. The Hallmark Channel website and mobile app offer free, ad-supported content if you do not have a cable or live TV subscription. The selection is limited compared to what you get with a paid subscription, but it includes some movies and episodes.
Additionally, some Hallmark movies and shows appear on other free, ad-supported streaming services like Pluto TV or The Roku Channel. These services do not require a subscription, though you will watch advertisements during the content. The selection changes regularly, so what is available one month may not be available the next.
Comparing costs and content
| Option | Monthly Cost | Live TV | On-Demand Content | Other Channels/Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cable/Satellite | $50–$150+ (varies by provider) | Yes | Yes | 100+ channels |
| YouTube TV | $76 | Yes | Yes | 100+ channels |
| Hulu + Live TV | $76.99 | Yes | Yes | 100+ channels + Hulu library |
| Sling TV | $55 | Yes | Yes | 30–50 channels |
| Hallmark+ | $5.99 (or $59.99/year) | No | Yes | Hallmark content only |
| Free (ad-supported) | $0 | No | Limited | Limited Hallmark content |
If you want to watch Hallmark Channel live and also have access to other networks, cable, satellite, or a live TV streaming service is necessary. If you only care about Hallmark's original movies and on-demand shows, Hallmark+ is the cheapest option. If you want both live TV and Hallmark content but do not have cable, Sling TV is the least expensive live TV streaming service that includes Hallmark Channel.
How to sign up and get your free guide
For cable or satellite, contact your current provider or call a new provider in your area to ask about packages that include Hallmark Channel. They will tell you which plans carry the channel and what the cost is for your location.
For live TV streaming services, visit the service's website (YouTube TV, Hulu, Sling TV, or Fubo) and select a plan. Most offer a free trial, so you can start watching when ready. You will need to enter a payment method, but you will not be charged during the trial period. Cancel before the trial ends if you do not want to continue.
For Hallmark+, go to the Hallmark+ website or read the Hallmark+ app from your device's app store. Create an account with an email address and password, then choose a subscription plan. You can start a free trial without entering a payment method, or enter your payment information to begin a paid subscription right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Hallmark Channel without cable or a live TV service?
Yes, through Hallmark+ or free ad-supported content on the Hallmark Channel website and app. However, Hallmark+ does not include live broadcasts — only on-demand movies and shows. If you want to watch Hallmark Channel live as it airs, you need cable, satellite, or a live TV streaming service.
Do I need to pay extra for Hallmark Channel if I have cable?
No. Hallmark Channel is included in standard cable packages at no additional cost. Your monthly bill does not change based on which channels you watch.
Which live TV streaming service is cheapest?
Sling TV's Orange + Blue plan is the least expensive at $55 per month and includes Hallmark Channel. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV both cost $76 and $76.99 per month respectively but include more channels and additional content libraries.
Can I watch Hallmark+ on my TV?
Yes. Hallmark+ works on streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast. You can also watch on phones, tablets, and computers. Check the Hallmark+ website to see which devices are supported.
What is the difference between Hallmark+ and watching Hallmark Channel through cable?
Hallmark+ is on-demand only and does not include live broadcasts. Cable or live TV services let you watch Hallmark Channel live as it airs, plus you get access to many other channels. Hallmark+ is cheaper if you only want Hallmark's original movies and shows.