For viewers in the United States, the best free live-TV apps are ad-supported services known as FAST platforms. Pluto TV, Tubi, Sling Freestream, Xumo Play, The Roku Channel and Plex provide scheduled channels; specialist apps add live news, weather, local reports, sports and international programming. None guarantees every broadcast station, major sports package or cable channel. Lineups, local feeds and device support change by market, so check the current app listing before installing.
Quick picks
- Best overall channel surfing: Pluto TV.
- Best live TV plus on-demand: Tubi.
- Best free channel guide: Sling Freestream.
- Best for personal media libraries: Plex.
- Best for news aggregation: Haystack News.
- Best for local news: NewsON or Local Now, where your market is covered.
- Best for weather: FOX Weather or WeatherNation.
- Best for international news: DW, France 24, Euronews or Al Jazeera English.
What “free live TV” means
A FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) service has a channel guide and scheduled programming. A live-news or weather app may offer only one network or a collection of feeds. A sports app may show selected events, highlights or niche competitions, not every game carried by ESPN or a regional sports network. YouTube combines live streams from many creators and organizations, so its availability and quality vary by channel.
“Free” normally means no monthly subscription. Expect advertising, possible account creation, location checks and a catalog that can change. Install only official apps from Google Play or Apple’s App Store; an app requiring an unknown M3U playlist, sideloaded APK or “free premium channels” claim is not equivalent to a licensed service.
Best free live-TV apps compared
| App | Best for | Live content | Ads | Account | Android | iOS | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pluto TV | Channel surfing | Strong FAST lineup | Yes | Check current requirement | Yes | Yes | Lineup varies by region |
| Tubi | Live channels plus movies | Strong; U.S. page lists 262 unique channels | Yes | Usually optional or service-dependent | Yes | Yes | Live rollout and local feeds vary |
| Sling Freestream | Free channel guide | Strong | Yes | Check current access rules | Yes | Yes | Separate from paid Sling |
| Xumo Play | Simple FAST browsing | Strong | Yes | Verify | Verify | Verify | Mobile and market support varies |
| The Roku Channel | Broad free catalog | Strong | Yes | Verify | Verify | Verify | Regional and platform limits |
| Plex | Free TV plus personal media | Strong | Yes | Account commonly used | Yes | Yes | DVR requires separate hardware and features |
| Samsung TV Plus | Samsung owners | Strong on supported devices | Yes | Verify | Verify | Verify | Device and geographic support |
| Local Now | Local news and weather | Local and national feeds | Yes | Verify | Verify | Verify | Coverage depends on ZIP code |
| Haystack News | News aggregation | News | Yes | Verify | Verify | Verify | Not a general entertainment service |
| NewsON | Local news | Local news | Yes | Verify | Verify | Verify | Market coverage is uneven |
Full list: 25 legitimate options
Full FAST services
- Pluto TV: A cable-style guide with scheduled entertainment, news, movies, classic television and niche channels. Its official device page confirms Android mobile support; channel totals change by market. See supported devices.
- Tubi: A free, ad-supported service with on-demand titles and a substantial live section. Its U.S. help page currently lists 262 unique live channels across news, sports, local news, weather, movies, classic TV, business and Spanish-language categories. Browse live TV and see the lineup details.
- Sling Freestream: Free live and on-demand programming in a guide separate from paid Sling plans. Open Freestream; the service directs Android users to Google Play and iPhone users to the App Store.
- Xumo Play: A straightforward free-channel service with news, entertainment, sports and on-demand programming. Xumo’s official documentation emphasizes its TV and device ecosystem, so confirm a current Android or iOS listing for your location. Xumo support.
- The Roku Channel: Offers a large FAST catalog and on-demand movies and shows. Mobile and regional access can differ from Roku televisions, so verify the current app listing.
- Plex: Free ad-supported live channels work without a tuner or antenna, while Plex also organizes a personal media library. An antenna, tuner and Plex Pass apply only to the optional DVR/OTA setup. Plex live-TV overview.
- Samsung TV Plus: A broad free channel service, particularly convenient on supported Samsung devices. Mobile availability is not universal; check the store and country.
- Local Now: Combines local news, weather and regional information with national programming. The stations shown depend on your location.
- DistroTV: A free, ad-supported channel platform with international and niche programming. Confirm current phone and tablet support in your market.
- Zeam: Focuses on local and regional news and community video. Availability and station coverage are location-dependent.
- Fawesome: Primarily free, ad-supported movies and shows with selected live-style channels. Treat it as more on-demand-oriented than Pluto TV.
- FilmRise: Free ad-supported channels and on-demand catalog centered on films, series and factual programming. Live-channel depth varies by platform.
- Redbox Free Streaming: Where still offered separately, it provides free ad-supported channels and on-demand titles; confirm that the service remains available in your region.
- TCL Channel: A free channel ecosystem on supported TCL products and selected platforms. Mobile support is device- and region-specific.
- Vizio WatchFree+: Free channels primarily associated with supported Vizio televisions. Do not assume a full Android/iOS equivalent without checking the current store.
News, weather and local information
- Haystack News: Aggregates local, national and international news feeds, making it useful when you want headlines from multiple outlets rather than entertainment channels.
- NewsON: Concentrates on local-station news. A station may be available in one market and absent in another.
- ABC News Live: A rolling national news stream, not a substitute for every ABC affiliate or the full broadcast schedule.
- CBS News: Live national news and breaking coverage through the CBS news service; local CBS access remains market-dependent.
- NBC News NOW: A continuous NBC News stream with national coverage and scheduled programs.
- FOX Weather: Weather-focused live coverage and forecasts; it does not provide the FOX broadcast network’s full entertainment or sports lineup.
- WeatherNation: A dedicated weather channel useful for forecasts and ongoing weather coverage.
- Bloomberg TV: Live business and financial news for viewers prioritizing markets and companies.
- DW: German international broadcaster with English-language news and current-affairs programming.
- France 24: International news in multiple language services, subject to regional stream availability.
- Euronews: European and international news coverage.
- Al Jazeera English: International news and current affairs in English.
Sports, culture and specialist streams
- Red Bull TV: Action sports, adventure and selected live events. It is a niche sports service, not a replacement for a full sports package.
- NASA: Space launches, mission coverage and science programming when events are scheduled.
- Court TV: Courtroom coverage and legal-news programming where the stream is available.
- The CW: Selected live or network streams may be available through official apps, while much of the catalog is on-demand and rights vary.
- YouTube: Searchable live streams from broadcasters, organizations and creators. Check the identity and rights of each channel; availability is not uniform.
- Stadium: Sports news and selected college or other events where current rights permit.
- beIN SPORTS XTRA: Free sports-news and selected live programming, not the complete paid beIN SPORTS service.
- PBS or PBS NewsHour streams: Public-media news and programming may be available through official apps or station streams, with location rules for some content.
Best apps by viewing goal
General live TV
Start with Pluto TV for the most cable-like browsing experience. Add Tubi for a particularly strong mix of live channels and on-demand films and series, or Sling Freestream for another guide-centered option.
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- Recommendations Across All of Your Apps: Get rid of the walls between what you watch. TiVo recommends your next favorite shows and movies based on what you love, not where they live.
- Say it and watch it. The power of voice control makes it easy to find shows. Integrated Google Assistant allows you to launch apps, dim the lights and more.
- One place for all your favorite streaming apps. TiVo Stream 4K includes Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock plus many more, so you can get to your shows fast.
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News and local coverage
Use Haystack News for aggregation, then add ABC News Live, CBS News or NBC News NOW for national coverage. NewsON and Local Now are better bets for local reports, but enter your ZIP code or inspect the in-app station list before relying on them.
Sports
Look at Sling Freestream and Tubi’s sports channels first, then add Red Bull TV, beIN SPORTS XTRA or Stadium for niche coverage. Verify the exact league, event or channel; “sports” branding does not mean every live game is free.
Rank #2
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Weather
FOX Weather, WeatherNation and Local Now cover different combinations of national forecasts, continuous weather programming and local information.
Movies, classic TV and family viewing
Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Plex, Fawesome and FilmRise are stronger for films and library television than specialist news apps. Catalogs and age ratings change, so use each app’s current categories and parental controls.
Rank #3
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
International news
DW, France 24, Euronews and Al Jazeera English provide distinct international perspectives. Stream access can vary by country and platform.
Android, iPhone, tablet and TV compatibility
Check Android phones and tablets separately from Android TV, and iPhone support separately from iPad and Apple TV. An app can support mobile playback without offering AirPlay, Chromecast or a television app. Tubi lists Android, iOS, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV, game consoles, smart TVs and the web among its U.S. platforms, but individual live features can roll out at different times. See Tubi platform details and live-news device notes.
Rank #4
- Ask to control your TV with your voice, and quickly cast your photos, videos, music and more from your phone, tablet, or PC to your TV with Chromecast built in
- Built-in Virtual Assistant – just press the mic button on the remote to get what you want
- Built-in content and entertainment including YouTube, Play Movies & TV, and more
- Support for thousands of Apps on the Play Store
- 2K resolution TV streaming
Most FAST services are ad-supported. Tubi explicitly describes its service as free and legal, funded by advertising, without requiring credit-card information. Registration policies for other apps can change; read the current store description and privacy disclosures before creating an account.
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- Install the same service on a compatible Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV or smart TV when available.
- For Chromecast, put the phone and receiving device on the same Wi-Fi network, open the app, tap its Cast icon, choose the target device and start playback.
- On iPhone or iPad, use AirPlay when the app and television support it. If a device does not appear in Tubi, enable Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network for Tubi, then retry. Tubi casting instructions.
- Screen mirroring or an HDMI adapter can work as a fallback, but protected video may block mirroring.
Common limitations and troubleshooting
- Missing channel: The feed may be licensed only for another market. Check location settings and the service’s current guide.
- Empty or missing Live tab: Update the app, sign in if required, and confirm that your device is supported; live features may roll out gradually.
- Buffering: Test another network, reduce simultaneous traffic and update the app. Mobile streaming can consume substantial data.
- Cast device not found: Confirm the same Wi-Fi network, enable local-network permission on iOS and restart both devices.
- Store listing unavailable: The app may be country-, device- or operating-system restricted. Do not sideload an unverified APK to bypass the restriction.
- Local station absent: Use an antenna for dependable broadcast reception or check the station’s own official stream.
When free apps are not enough
Free apps rarely guarantee local ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX or PBS affiliates, regional sports networks, ESPN, DVR recording or commercial-free viewing. An over-the-air antenna can complement streaming for local broadcast channels; reception depends on transmitter distance, terrain, building materials and placement. Research antenna options at Antennas Direct, Mohu or Channel Master.
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Plex can combine internet-delivered free channels with an antenna and DVR, but the tuner, antenna and optional Plex Pass are separate from its free catalog. A paid service such as Sling TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV or DIRECTV is the upgrade path when you need a defined channel package; it works against a strictly no-subscription goal, so compare the exact missing channels before paying.
