How to watch the New Year's Eve ball drop 2023 live online for free and without cable

It’s time to watch the 2023 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 age.

Several specials will broadcast a live look at the NYE ball drop, including Dick Clark’s popular New Year’s Rockin’ Eve hosted by Ryan Seacrest. Other alternatives include Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party hosted by Miley Cyrus and godmother Dolly Parton and New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen.

Here is the complete guide on how to watch the 2023 New Year’s Eve ball drop online. We also have a guide on how to watch the 2023 Rose Parade, which is on January 2 instead of its regular New Year’s Day time slot.

How to watch the 2023 New Year’s Eve ball drop live anywhere on Earth

Just because you’re far from home doesn’t mean you have to miss the 2023 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 have evaluated many options and the best VPN is ExpressVPN (opens in a new tab). It meets the VPN needs of the vast majority of users, offering excellent compatibility with most devices and impressive connection speeds. It is also very affordable.

New Year’s Eve 2023 specials: start times and channels

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2023 (ABC)

Time: 8 pm ET/PT
Hosts: Ryan Seacrest, Liza Koshy, Jessie James Decker, Billy Porter, D-Nice and Ciara
Performers: Duran Duran, Jax, J-Hope, New Edition

Watch ABC with one of the best tv antennas or via was tv (opens in a new tab)

Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party Hosted by Miley Cyrus and Pete Davidson (NBC and Peacock)

Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT
Hosts: Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton
Performers: Miley Cyrus, Dolly Parton, Sia, Latto, Rae Sremmurd (more to be announced)

Watch NBC through the antenna, Sling (opens in a new tab) either was tv (opens in a new tab) or broadcast on Peacock (opens in a new tab)

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: Usher, Ellie Goulding, Patti LaBelle, REO Speedwagon and more

See CNN via Sling (opens in a new tab)

New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash (CBS and Paramount Plus)

Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Hosts: Jimmie Allen, Elle King and Rachel Smith
Performers: Brooks & Dunn, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town and the Zac Brown Band (more to be announced)

see CBS on was tv (opens in a new tab) or broadcast on Paramount Plus (opens in a new tab)

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, although Fubo comes with more channels. Both services are available on most, if not all, of the best streaming devices.