App Feature

CBS is a free, ad-supported app to stream next-day episodes from CBS with no subscription or credit card, plus optional cable-provider sign-in for full seasons and local Live TV (news, sports, events like The Grammys, March Madness, NFL on CBS). Content is US-only and availability varies by device; typically the five most recent episodes are free.

Verdict

A convenient, free way to catch up on CBS shows and live local broadcasts if you have cable login, but limited catalogs, ads, and occasional reliability issues hold it back.

Who is it for

Real-world User Experience

Is it Worth Paying For?

The app is free and does not require IAP; ads fund the content. For full catalogs and fewer limitations, Paramount+ (a separate paid service) offers better value; otherwise, the free CBS app suffices for recent episodes and live access with a cable login.

How it Compares to Alternatives

Compared to network peers (ABC, NBC, FOX apps), CBS similarly offers ad-supported next-day episodes with device and availability caveats. Paramount+ outperforms it for depth of catalog and originals (e.g., Star Trek) but requires a subscription. Versus live TV services (YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV), CBS is far cheaper (free) but far narrower—only CBS content and live stream requires cable authentication.

Summary

CBS delivers what many viewers want most: free, ad-supported access to recent CBS episodes and, with a cable login, live local CBS including news, sports, and big events. It’s straightforward to use and often streams smoothly, though some users report intermittent crashes, buffering, and location or sign-in hiccups for live TV. Catalog depth is limited to the latest handful of episodes, and some series or older seasons require upgrading to Paramount+. If you’re in the US and mainly need to catch up on current CBS shows—or you have a cable subscription and want mobile access to your local CBS channel—the app is a practical, $0 solution that trades breadth and occasional reliability for convenience and price.