The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →You can watch TV shows online for free legally on ad-supported services such as Tubi, The Roku Channel, and Plex. Their libraries and availability vary by country, and a free app may also show paid titles. This guide reflects information available on October 4, 2026; check a service and the individual title before you watch.
What “free” usually means
Most free streaming services pay for programming with advertisements, so expect breaks during a show. Tubi explains that it shows short ad breaks and says it does not ask for credit card details to use its free service. Read Tubi’s explanation of how its free service works.
“Legal” here means watching through a service that offers the programming, rather than an unauthorized copy. That does not mean every service has the same rights in every country. Catalogs, device support, and individual titles can vary by market.
Free services to consider
Tubi
Tubi offers a free, ad-supported on-demand library of TV shows and movies. Its site describes the service and provides access at Tubi. Supported devices differ by market; consult its supported-device information and confirm that the service is available where you live.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel combines on-demand shows and movies with live channels. Roku’s support page lists 500+ live channels and says the service is available in the US, Canada, and UK on Roku devices, web, and mobile, and in Mexico on Roku devices only. It also lists compatible Samsung TVs and Amazon Fire TV devices in some markets. See Roku’s availability and device details. The Roku Channel is a streaming service; you do not necessarily need Roku-branded hardware to access it where web or another supported device is available.
Plex
Plex provides free ad-supported on-demand programming as well as free ad-supported live TV, according to its free-versus-paid overview and on-demand overview. Its live-TV overview is dated 2023, so check Plex’s current app and country information before relying on particular device or channel availability.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Other names to check
Pluto TV, Xumo Play, Sling Freestream, Samsung TV Plus, and free ad-supported titles within Prime Video are also identified as free-streaming options in a Tom’s Guide comparison. TechRadar discusses Pluto TV’s combination of live and on-demand programming in its free-streaming comparison. These are secondary comparisons, not current official confirmation of each service’s catalog, account rules, country coverage, or device support. Check the service’s own current terms before signing up or choosing a title.
How to choose the right service
- For a particular show: Search the service’s catalog and verify that the specific episode is free in your country. A title appearing in an app does not necessarily mean it is included at no charge.
- For a scheduled channel experience: Look for live or linear channels. These play a schedule rather than letting you choose any episode at any time.
- For on-demand viewing: Confirm that episodes are available to start when you want, and check whether the service inserts ads.
- For device access: Check the service’s supported devices for your country. Tubi and The Roku Channel also document web access in at least some markets, so a separate streaming device is not always necessary.
- For account and payment requirements: Review the official service page. Requirements can vary; do not assume that all free services work without an account or use the same sign-up process.
How to avoid unauthorized streams
Use the service’s own website or official app, and be cautious of pages promising current episodes without clearly identifying a licensed provider. Tubi describes its own service as legal and says viewers do not need a VPN to use it; that is Tubi’s statement about Tubi, not a blanket legal assessment of every streaming service. A VPN does not establish that a stream is authorized or that a title is available to you.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
