How to watch 2024 New Year's Eve ball drop live online for free and without cable

The countdown to 2024 is here. It's now time to watch the 2024 New Year's Eve ball drop live online, which you can do for free and without cable. Watching the ball drop in Times Square on television is a tradition for many people across the country and the world. And luckily for all of us, it's even easier in the streaming era.

A number of specials will broadcast a live look at the NYE ball drop, including the popular Dick Clark’s Primetime New Year’s Rockin’ Eve hosted by Ryan Seacrest. Other alternatives include New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen and Nashville's Big Bash. Here's the complete guide to how to watch the 2024 New Year's Eve ball drop.

How to watch 2024 New Year's Eve ball drop live anywhere on Earth

Just because you're away from home doesn't mean you have to miss the 2024 New Year's Eve ball drop. Watching along with the rest of the internet can be pretty easy. With the right VPN (virtual private network), you can stream the specials from wherever you go.

We've evaluated many options, and the best VPN is ExpressVPN. It meets the VPN needs of the vast majority of users, offering outstanding compatibility with most devices and impressive connection speeds. It's also very affordable.

Our favorite VPN service, ExpressVPN, really shines thanks to its safety, speed and simplicity-to-use. It's also compatible with loads of devices - from iOS and Android to Roku, Apple TV and PlayStations. There's a 30-day money-back guarantee if you just want to give it a try.

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2024 New Year's Eve specials: Start times and channels

Dick Clark’s Primetime New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024 (ABC)

Time: 8 p.m. ET/PT
Hosts: Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora
Performers: Megan Thee Stallion, Jelly Roll, Sabrina Carpenter, Tyla

Watch ABC with one of the best TV antennas or via Fubo TV

New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen (CNN)

Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Hosts: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen
Performers: Enrique Iglesias, Maroon 5, Jonas Brothers and more

Watch CNN via Sling

Nashville's Big Bash (CBS and Paramount Plus)

Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Hosts: Elle King and Rachel Smith
Performers: Blake Shelton, Trombone Shorty, Morgan Wallen and more

Watch CBS on Fubo or stream on Paramount Plus

Sling and Fubo are two of our favorite cable TV alternatives that offer live TV streaming. They are great options if you want to cut the cord. Sling is cheaper, though Fubo comes with more channels. Both services are available on most, if not all, of the best streaming devices.

Sling TV is one of the most affordable cable TV alternatives on the market. Cut the cord with either the Orange or Blue package for $40 and get top channels like CNN, ESPN, TNT, USA and others.

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Fubo is a great live TV service. With the Pro Plan ($75 per month), you get over 120 channels, including all the local broadcast networks and top cable brands.

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How to watch 2024 New Year's Eve live stream for free

If you don't care about hosts or performers, you can watch the 2023 New Year's Eve live stream for FREE. It starts at 6 p.m ET on:

• TimesSquareNYC.org
• TimesSquareBall.net
• Facebook
• Twitter