Pros
ConsThe details
Haystack is another ad-supported streaming service dedicated to US news coverage. Initially called Haystack TV, it was rebranded to Haystack News to include live news channels. Today it has more than 300 local broadcast channels and CBS News, Euronews, and the AP.
Content
The ad-supported streaming service recently expanded its news offering by introducing 16 24/7 live streaming channels. They include Al Jazeera, CBSN, Yahoo Finance and more.
The expansion follows a recent update that saw Haystack News add 350 news sources comprising locally-operated stations. It is this move that makes Haystack News a go-to option for local and international news.
User experience
What stands out about this streaming service is its ability to provide a personalized newscast. Once you open the app, you might find a story from CBS News recapping the recent election inauguration followed by a weather forecast from one local station.
However, you are free to scroll the content back and forth instead of following the pre-arranged playlist. And having added live streaming news channels like Euronews, you can watch international news in real-time.
Streaming speed
Haystack News doesn’t say much about its ideal streaming speed, so we decided to test its speed on various devices. We found that an internet speed of 5Mbps provided a buffer-free viewing experience. However, you may need a higher rate if streaming content on multiple devices.
Value
After rebranding to Haystack News, it has become a reliable source of local and international news and on-demand and live-streaming news. This is more than enough for a free streaming service. Also, the number of ads on Haystack is less than those on traditional TV, improving the viewer’s experience and adding to this service’s value.
Final verdict
We’d recommend Haystack News streaming service for cord-cutters looking for adequate news coverage for free. With its recent improvements, it can broadcast local and international news, so you never miss out on important events. Notably, we realized it hardly supported NBC or CNN news coverage which may be off putting for some cord-cutters.
