Hallmark movies are synonymous with heartwarming stories, feel-good romance, and of course, holiday cheer. If you’re dreaming of small-town charm, delightful bakeries, and guaranteed happy endings, the Hallmark Channel is your go-to destination. But in today’s world, cutting the cord and ditching cable TV is increasingly common. So, how can you indulge in your favorite Hallmark movies without a traditional cable subscription? Don’t worry, streaming services have you covered.
This guide will walk you through the best ways to watch Hallmark movies online, whether you’re looking for a live stream of the Hallmark Channel or want to catch up on your favorite films on demand. We’ll explore various streaming platforms, their pros and cons, and help you find the perfect option to satisfy your Hallmark movie cravings.
Top Streaming Services to Watch Hallmark Movies Live
For those who want to experience the joy of live Hallmark Channel programming, especially during events like “Countdown to Christmas,” live TV streaming services are the answer. These services offer a range of channels, including Hallmark, allowing you to watch in real-time, just like cable.
Peacock
Peacock stands out as a top choice for Hallmark enthusiasts. Owned by NBCUniversal, Peacock has a strong partnership with Hallmark, making it a prime destination for their content. With a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus subscription, you gain access to a live stream of the Hallmark Channel, alongside Hallmark Movies & Mystery and Hallmark Drama. Beyond live TV, Peacock also boasts a substantial library of Hallmark movies available on demand.
Pros:
- Live Hallmark Channels: Offers live streams of Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mystery, and Hallmark Drama.
- On-Demand Library: Extensive collection of Hallmark movies and shows for anytime viewing.
- Value for Money: Peacock subscriptions also include a wide array of other content, including NBC shows, sports, and movies, making it a well-rounded entertainment package.
- Multiple Tiers: Offers different subscription tiers to fit various budgets and needs.
Cons:
- Channel Availability by Tier: Access to live Hallmark channels might be limited to higher-tier subscriptions.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream is another reliable option for streaming the Hallmark Channel online. As a more traditional live TV streaming service, DirecTV Stream provides a comprehensive channel lineup, including Hallmark Channel in its base packages. While Hallmark Movies & Mystery and Hallmark Family might require add-on packages in some plans, the core Hallmark Channel is readily available.
Pros:
- Wide Channel Selection: Offers a broad range of channels, appealing to viewers with diverse interests beyond Hallmark.
- Reliable Streaming Quality: Known for stable and high-quality live streaming.
- Free Trial: Typically offers a free trial period to test the service before committing to a subscription.
Cons:
- Price Point: DirecTV Stream tends to be pricier than some other live TV streaming services.
- Hallmark Channel Add-ons: Full access to all Hallmark channels might require more expensive packages or add-ons.
Philo
For budget-conscious Hallmark fans, Philo presents an excellent and affordable choice. Philo focuses on entertainment and lifestyle channels, and thankfully, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mystery, and Hallmark Drama are all included in its standard package. While Philo doesn’t offer sports or local channels, it provides a robust selection of feel-good networks at a very competitive price.
Pros:
- Affordable Pricing: One of the most budget-friendly live TV streaming services with Hallmark channels.
- Includes All Hallmark Channels: Standard package includes Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mystery, and Hallmark Drama.
- Other Entertainment Channels: Access to a variety of popular entertainment channels like A&E, HGTV, and Lifetime.
- Free Trial: Offers a free trial period to experience the service.
Cons:
- No Sports or Local Channels: Lacks sports and local channels, which might be a drawback for some viewers.
fuboTV
fuboTV initially focused on sports streaming but has evolved into a comprehensive entertainment platform that includes the Hallmark Channel. Subscribers to fuboTV can enjoy live Hallmark Channel content, along with a wide array of other channels covering sports, news, and entertainment. For Hallmark devotees, fuboTV also typically includes Hallmark Movies & Mystery and Hallmark Drama in its packages.
Pros:
- Extensive Channel Lineup: Offers a vast selection of channels, including sports, news, and entertainment, catering to diverse viewing preferences.
- Hallmark Channel Suite: Typically includes Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mystery, and Hallmark Drama.
- Free Trial: Provides a free trial period for new subscribers.
Cons:
- Higher Price Tier: fuboTV is generally positioned at a higher price point compared to some other streaming services.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV is a well-rounded streaming service that combines live TV channels with Hulu’s extensive on-demand library. For Hallmark fans, Hulu + Live TV includes Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mystery in its channel lineup. This service provides a robust entertainment package, bundling live TV with Hulu’s original series, movies, and vast content library.
Pros:
- Bundled Entertainment: Combines live TV streaming with Hulu’s on-demand library, offering a wealth of content.
- Hallmark Channel Access: Includes Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mystery in its channel package.
- Disney+ and ESPN+ Bundle Options: Often available in bundles with Disney+ and ESPN+, further enhancing its value.
- Free Trial: Offers a free trial period for new subscribers.
Cons:
- Price: Hulu + Live TV is positioned at a mid-to-higher price range.
- Hallmark Drama Add-on: Hallmark Drama may require an additional entertainment add-on.
Frndly TV
Frndly TV is specifically designed for family-friendly entertainment and is an incredibly affordable option for watching Hallmark Channel live. It focuses on “feel-good” television networks, and includes Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mystery, and Hallmark Drama in all of its plans. If your priority is Hallmark and other family-oriented channels without breaking the bank, Frndly TV is a strong contender.
Pros:
- Lowest Price Point: The most affordable option for live streaming Hallmark channels.
- Family-Friendly Focus: Curated channel selection emphasizes family-safe and positive content.
- Includes All Hallmark Channels: Provides access to Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mystery, and Hallmark Drama.
- Free Trial: Offers a free trial period to test the service.
Cons:
- Limited Channel Selection: Offers a smaller number of channels compared to broader live TV streaming services.
- No News or Sports: Primarily focused on entertainment and lifestyle, lacking news and sports channels.
Hallmark Movies On Demand: Explore Hallmark+
If you’re primarily interested in watching Hallmark movies on demand rather than live streaming the channel, Hallmark+ (formerly Hallmark Movies Now) is the official streaming service for Hallmark content. Hallmark+ provides a vast library of Hallmark movies, series, and originals to watch anytime. It’s important to note that Hallmark+ does not offer a live stream of the Hallmark Channel itself.
Pros:
- Dedicated Hallmark Content: Largest on-demand library of Hallmark movies, series, and exclusive content.
- Ad-Free Viewing: Enjoy Hallmark content without commercial interruptions.
- Affordable Subscription: Priced competitively for a niche streaming service.
- Free Trial: Offers a free trial period for new subscribers.
Cons:
- No Live Hallmark Channel: Does not provide a live stream of the Hallmark Channel.
- Content Overlap: Some content may also be available on other streaming services like Peacock.
Free Trials to Stream Hallmark Channel
Many of the streaming services mentioned above offer free trials, allowing you to watch the Hallmark Channel online for free for a limited time. This is a great way to test out different services and see which one best fits your needs before committing to a subscription. Keep an eye out for free trial offers from:
- DirecTV Stream: Often provides a 5-day free trial.
- Philo: Typically offers a 7-day free trial.
- fuboTV: Usually includes a 7-day free trial.
- Hulu + Live TV: Generally offers a 3-day free trial.
- Frndly TV: Provides a 7-day free trial.
- Hallmark+: Offers a 7-day free trial.
By taking advantage of these free trials, you can enjoy Hallmark movies and the Hallmark Channel without any initial cost.
Conclusion
Watching Hallmark movies without cable is easier than ever thanks to the variety of streaming services available. Whether you prioritize live streaming the Hallmark Channel, building an on-demand library of your favorite movies, or finding the most affordable option, there’s a service to meet your needs.
- For Live Hallmark Channel and On-Demand Movies: Peacock provides a strong combination of both, along with a wealth of other entertainment.
- For a Broad Channel Selection Including Hallmark: DirecTV Stream, fuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV offer comprehensive channel lineups with Hallmark, but at a higher price point.
- For Budget-Friendly Live Hallmark Channels: Philo and Frndly TV are the most affordable options, with Frndly TV being the absolute cheapest, especially if you only need family-friendly entertainment.
- For On-Demand Hallmark Movie Library: Hallmark+ is the dedicated service for Hallmark movies, but doesn’t include a live channel.
Consider your viewing habits, budget, and channel preferences to choose the best way to watch Hallmark movies and immerse yourself in the heartwarming world they offer. Happy watching!
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Get Philo
Get fuboTV
Get Hulu + Live TV
Get Frndly TV
Get Hallmark+
