We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
With March comes conference tournaments, and then the 2018 NCAA tournament. While traditional cable and satellite packages offer a means to watch games, cord cutting is on the rise. Learn all about how to stream NCAA March Madness online 2018!
Live stream NCAA March Madness 2018
For 2018, the NCAA streams ist 67 games via the March Madness Life app. It’s available on a bevy of platforms, including Android phones and tablets, Android TV devices such as the Nvidia Shield TV, iOS gadgets, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Tablets, Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream headsets, Roku, Xbox One, and Amazon Echo devices. Plus, you’ll find AirPlay, Chromecast, and web app compatibility.
Additionally, cable replacement services are a great way to watch NCAA March Madness 2018 online. Games air on:
- TBS
- truTV
- CBS
- TNT
However, there’s a catch. While you can stream for free, there’s a three-hour “preview window” after which you’ll have to log-in to keep watching. Therefore, you’ll need a cable, satellite, or cable replacement subscription.
But there’s another catch. Even if you’ve logged in, CBS games are limited to mobile devices and computers. You can’t stream these via set-top boxes like Roku devices or Apple TV.
Important dates
- First Four: March 13-14, 2018
- First round: March 15-16, 2018
- Second round: March 17-18, 2018
- Sweet 16: March 22-23, 2018
- Elite Eight: March 24-25, 2018
- Final Four: March 31, 2018
- National championship: April 2, 2018
Streaming options for watching NCAA March Madness 2018
Thankfully for cord cutters, there are several ways to stream NCAA March Madness 2018 games.
YouTube TV
This service clocks in at $35 per month and it’s available in loads of markets. YouTube TV received a slew of new channels including TNT, TBS, CNN, and Cartoon Network as well as a price hike to $40 after March 13, 2018. Sign up before, and you’re locked in at $35. Because YouTube TV includes all, or most, of the major local channels, it’s a best pick for streaming 2018 NCAA March Madness online. You’ll find TNT, TBS, CBS, and truTV for complete coverage. Plus, unlike other competing services, there’s only one package which simplifies selecting a channel lineup.
Sling TV
Unfortunately, Sling TV lacks CBS. But it’s easily one of the most affordable streaming services available. Its $20/month Orange plan affords TBS and TNT, while the $25/month Blue package yields TBS, truTV, and TNT. As such, it’s ideal for the Final Four. Since it lacks CBS, you’ll miss out on CBS hosted games unless you spring for CBS All Access or use an over-the-air (OTA) antenna.
PlayStation Vue
If you’re wondering how to stream NCAA March Madness 2018 online, check out PlayStation Vue. PS Vue boasts a beefy channel lineup with several plans and features TBS, TNT, truTV, and in some markets CBS.
Hulu TV
Because Hulu TV comes with both its live TV service and Hulu on-demand streaming, it’s a top-notch value. You’ll find CBS, TBS, truTV, and TNT in select markets. At $40/month, it’s a phenomenal deal.
CBS All Access
For just streaming CBS, you can opt into the CBS All Access service which retails for $6/month and allows for live streaming of CBS as well as on-demand streaming.
How to watch NCAA March Madness 2018 with an OTA antenna
There are loads of OTA antenna options. The Mohu Leaf is a best-pick, as is the Mohu Glide. The Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse provides solid reception as well. Coupled with a Tablo DVR or the dual-tuner USB adapter for the Nvidia Shield TV, you may watch and record OTA TV.
Watching NCAA March Madness online 2018 abroad
Many services require a United States-based IP address for streaming. However, there’s a way to keep up with the 2018 NCAA tournament online while abroad. Simply use a VPN. As Express VPN reveals, all you need is a VPN so you can route your traffic through US servers.
Suggested VPN options:
- Express VPN
- VPN Unlimited
- Ivacy VPN
- TigerVPN
- FastestVPN
- Zoog VPN
- VPNSecure
- RA4W VPN
- Avira Phantom
- Windscribe
- HideMyAss!
How to live stream NCAA March Madness 2018 online: Final thoughts
It’s easy to watch NCAA March Madness 2018 games via several means. Depending on your devices and app compatibility, you may consider an OTT streaming service such as YouTube TV, PS Vue, or Sling TV. An OTA antenna bolsters paid streaming services, especially in markets where CBS isn’t carried. The March Madness Live app is a great choice, though it’s hampered by its three-hour preview window as well as CBS limitations on set-top boxes. Still, there are plenty of choices for streaming NCAA March Madness 2018 games online.
Your turn: What services and devices do you recommend for watching the 2018 NCAA tournament?
This post may contain affiliate links. We are a participant in affiliate programs such as the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. However, all products are thoroughly tested and reviews are honest and unbiased.