Newsmax has emerged as one of the fastest-growing cable news networks in America, carving out space to the right of Fox News with fiery political commentary and opinion-driven programming.
Whether you’re looking for conservative takes on breaking news or want to catch Greg Kelly’s primetime show, streaming Newsmax live is easier than you might think.
Watch Newsmax Live Stream
Connecting to stream arbitration server...
This guide covers every way to watch Newsmax online in 2025, from free options on Pluto TV to premium streaming services that bundle the full channel with dozens of others.
What Is Newsmax?
Newsmax TV is a conservative American cable news channel owned by Newsmax Media, founded by journalist Christopher Ruddy in 1998. The network launched its television channel in June 2014 with an initial distribution deal through DirecTV, positioning itself as a competitor to CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC.
The company went public in March 2025, trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “NMAX.” As of April 2025, Newsmax TV reaches approximately 70 million households through cable television, with an average weekly audience around 319,000 viewers. The channel broadcasts primarily from studios in Manhattan, with additional headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida and Washington, D.C.
Ruddy described the network’s original vision as a “kinder, gentler Fox News,” targeting boomer-oriented audiences with information-based programming. That positioning shifted dramatically during the 2020 presidential election when the network gained substantial viewership by continuing to support Donald Trump’s claims about the election after Fox News called Arizona for Joe Biden.
Newsmax Programming Highlights
Newsmax’s lineup leans heavily into political opinion shows featuring hosts who often previously worked at Fox News. The programming reflects the network’s conservative editorial stance with shows designed to counter mainstream media narratives.
Prime Time Shows
Greg Kelly Reports anchors the prime time lineup as the network’s flagship program. Kelly, a former Fox News anchor, delivers what the network calls the “hardest-hitting reports and analysis” covering politics from Washington to the Rust Belt. The show regularly draws the network’s highest ratings and has occasionally beaten Fox News competitors in key demographics.
Rob Schmitt Tonight follows with late-night coverage wrapping up the day’s news. Eric Bolling hosts The Balance with political analysis, while Carl Higbie brings conservative commentary to his evening slot. The Chris Salcedo Show rounds out daytime programming with opinion-driven content that takes aim at both political parties and media bias.
Daytime Programming
Wake Up America kicks off morning coverage with breaking news and political analysis. National Report provides daytime news updates featuring live interviews and expert commentary. American Agenda covers the day’s political developments, while Newsline delivers straight news reporting throughout the afternoon hours.
Weekend Programming
America Right Now with Tom Basile delivers weekend conservative commentary discussing news of the week. Sebastian Gorka hosts his Sunday program challenging politicians and news-makers. The weekend schedule also features documentaries and special programming that differs from the weekday talk show format.
How To Watch Newsmax Free
Several free options exist for watching Newsmax content without a cable subscription or paid streaming service.
Newsmax2 on Free Streaming Platforms
Newsmax2 is the free version of the network available on ad-supported streaming services. This feed includes headline rundowns and “best-of” clips from Newsmax programming rather than the full live channel. You can find Newsmax2 on Pluto TV and Xumo without any subscription or login required.
Newsmax App (Free Newsmax2 Feed)
Download the official Newsmax app on iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV for free access to the Newsmax2 live stream. The app provides 24/7 coverage without requiring any login. Premium features and the full Newsmax channel require a Newsmax+ subscription or TV provider authentication.
Newsmax+ Subscription ($4.99/month)
For direct access to the full Newsmax channel without bundling with other services, Newsmax+ offers the cheapest route at $4.99 per month. This direct-to-consumer service launched after Newsmax ended free streaming of its main channel in November 2023. The subscription includes the traditional feed previously available for free online.
Newsmax on Live TV Streaming Services
Major streaming platforms include the full Newsmax channel as part of their base or add-on packages.
DirecTV Stream ($86.99/month)
DirecTV Stream includes Newsmax in all subscription tiers starting with the Entertainment package. The service offers a 5-day free trial for new subscribers. DirecTV Stream provides the most comprehensive news channel selection, also including C-SPAN, CNBC, CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC. With 90+ channels, unlimited DVR, and reliable streaming, it’s the premium cable replacement option.
Fubo ($79.99/month)
Fubo carries Newsmax in its standard package with 185+ channels. The sports-focused service offers a 7-day free trial and includes 1000 hours of DVR storage. Fubo works well for viewers who want Newsmax alongside extensive sports coverage, though note that the service recently lost some NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery channels.
Sling TV (News Extra Add-On – $51.99/month total)
Sling TV includes Newsmax through its News Extra add-on package. Start with Sling Orange or Blue at $45.99/month, then add the News Extra pack for $6/month to get Newsmax along with additional news channels. This remains one of the more affordable options for accessing Newsmax through a streaming service.
YouTube TV ($82.99/month)
YouTube TV added Newsmax to its base package. The service offers unlimited DVR storage, three simultaneous streams, and a clean interface. With 100+ channels including all major news networks, YouTube TV provides comprehensive coverage for news junkies who want multiple perspectives.
Streaming Service Comparison for Newsmax
| Service | Monthly Price | Newsmax Included | Free Trial | DVR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newsmax+ (Direct) | $4.99 | Yes | No | No |
| Pluto TV (Newsmax2) | Free | Newsmax2 only | N/A | No |
| Sling + News Extra | $51.99 | Yes | No | 50 hours |
| Fubo | $79.99 | Yes | 7 days | 1000 hours |
| YouTube TV | $82.99 | Yes | No | Unlimited |
| DirecTV Stream | $86.99 | Yes | 5 days | Unlimited |
Device Compatibility
Watch Newsmax across all major platforms and devices:
- Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Vizio, Sony, TCL, Hisense
- Streaming devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, NVIDIA Shield
- Mobile: iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets
- Computers: Any web browser on Windows, Mac, Linux via newsmaxtv.com
- Gaming consoles: PlayStation, Xbox (through streaming service apps)
Newsmax vs. Newsmax2: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the distinction between these two feeds matters when choosing how to watch.
Newsmax (Full Channel): The complete live television feed available through cable providers, streaming services, or Newsmax+ subscription. Includes all live programming, breaking news coverage, and full shows as they air.
Newsmax2 (Free Feed): A separate feed launched after Newsmax ended free simulcasting in November 2023. Features headline rundowns, best-of clips, and condensed programming. Available free on Pluto TV, Xumo, and the Newsmax app without subscription.
If you want the complete Newsmax experience with live shows as they air, you’ll need either a paid streaming service or the Newsmax+ subscription. For casual viewers who just want conservative news highlights, Newsmax2 provides solid free coverage.
Newsmax Legal Controversies
The network has faced significant legal challenges related to its 2020 election coverage. Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic both filed defamation lawsuits against Newsmax for promoting false claims about election fraud. In September 2024, Newsmax settled with Smartmatic for $40 million. In April 2025, a Delaware judge ruled that Newsmax had broadcast false and defamatory statements against Dominion. The network subsequently settled the Dominion lawsuit in August 2025.
These settlements represent substantial financial obligations for the publicly-traded company and follow similar legal actions against Fox News, which settled with Dominion for $787.5 million in 2023.
Newsmax Live Stream FAQ
Is Newsmax free to watch?
Newsmax2, a condensed version of the channel, streams free on Pluto TV, Xumo, and the Newsmax app. The full Newsmax channel requires either a Newsmax+ subscription ($4.99/month) or a live TV streaming service that includes the channel.
What happened to free Newsmax streaming?
Newsmax ended free simulcasting of its main channel on November 1, 2023, as part of retransmission consent agreements with cable providers. The network launched Newsmax2 as a free alternative and Newsmax+ as a paid direct subscription option.
Does YouTube TV have Newsmax?
Yes, YouTube TV includes Newsmax in its base package at $82.99/month. The channel appears in the live guide alongside other news networks.
Can I watch Newsmax on Roku?
Yes. Download the Newsmax app for free Newsmax2 access, or use streaming service apps (Fubo, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, Sling TV) that include the full channel.
What is Newsmax+ and how much does it cost?
Newsmax+ is the network’s direct subscription service providing full channel access for $4.99/month. It’s the cheapest way to get the complete Newsmax feed without bundling with other channels through a streaming service.
Who owns Newsmax?
Newsmax Media Inc. is a publicly traded company (NYSE: NMAX) founded by Christopher Ruddy, who serves as CEO. The company went public in March 2025.
Related Live Streams
Looking for more news coverage? Check out these related live streams:
- Fox News Live Stream – Conservative cable news leader
- OAN Live Stream – One America News Network
- MSNBC Live Stream – Progressive cable news
- CNN Live Stream – 24/7 breaking news coverage