Looking for free TV streaming options can help you save money and find a wide variety of entertainment. Pluto TV offers live and linear channels like BBC Food, CSI, Star Trek, and CBS News. Tubi has around 50,000 movies and TV shows including popular films like Brightburn, The Matrix, and Rush Hour. Xumo provides live and on-demand content on multiple devices, such as Smart TVs, Roku, iOS, and Android, with no registration required.
In this article, we explore the top free TV streaming services for 2026, highlighting their unique features, content libraries, and user interfaces. With the increasing cost of subscription-based streaming, free options are becoming more attractive. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each service can help you discover a world of entertainment without spending any money.
Free TV Streaming Options
Cutting the cord doesn’t mean losing access to live channels, movies, or shows. In 2025, there are dozens of free TV streaming services that let you watch live channels, on-demand content, and even news — all without a subscription.
These platforms are supported by ads (AVOD: Ad-Supported Video on Demand), so you can enjoy entertainment at no cost.
(Sources: Lifewire, Consumer Reports, CordCuttersNews)
🆓 Top Free TV Streaming Services (2026)
Here’s a breakdown of the best free streaming platforms that offer live TV, movies, and shows — no credit card required.
| Service | Live Channels | On-Demand Content | Sign-Up Required | Supported Devices | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pluto TV | ✅ 300+ | ✅ Thousands of movies & shows | ❌ No | All major devices | Live TV & classic channels |
| Tubi | ✅ 200+ | ✅ 50,000+ titles | ❌ No | Smart TVs, Roku, mobile | Movies & TV shows |
| The Roku Channel | ✅ 350+ | ✅ On-demand & live news | ❌ No | Roku, web, mobile | News & family content |
| Amazon Freevee | ✅ 400+ | ✅ Amazon Originals & movies | ❌ No | Fire TV, web, mobile | Free Amazon content |
| Sling Freestream | ✅ 430+ | ✅ On-demand library | ❌ No | Roku, Fire TV, web | Live TV variety |
| Plex Live TV | ✅ 600+ | ✅ On-demand & personal media | ❌ No | All major devices | Customizable channels |
| Local Now | ✅ 490+ | ✅ Local news & weather | ❌ No | Smart TVs, Fire TV | Local programming |
| Crackle | ❌ | ✅ Movies & classic shows | ❌ No | Smart TVs, web, mobile | Classic entertainment |
| Xumo Play | ✅ 300+ | ✅ Movies & TV | ❌ No | Smart TVs, Roku, web | Live streaming simplicity |
🔍 1. Pluto TV
Best for: Live TV and classic channels
Pluto TV offers hundreds of live channels — from news and sports to classic sitcoms. It’s completely free and doesn’t require an account.
Highlights:
- 300+ live channels
- Curated movie and TV show libraries
- Available on all major platforms
🎬 2. Tubi
Best for: Movies and binge-worthy shows
Owned by Fox, Tubi offers a massive ad-supported library with over 50,000 titles — including popular films, anime, and reality TV.
Highlights:
- No sign-up required
- Personalized recommendations
- Available on most devices
📰 3. The Roku Channel
Best for: News and family programming
The Roku Channel combines live news, family-friendly shows, and free movies — even if you don’t own a Roku device.
Highlights:
- 350+ live channels
- Free on-demand content
- Exclusive Roku Originals
📦 4. Amazon Freevee
Best for: Free access to Amazon Originals
Freevee (formerly IMDb TV) offers a mix of Amazon-produced shows and licensed movies — all free with ads.
Highlights:
- 400+ live channels
- Amazon Originals like Bosch: Legacy
- Integrated with Fire TV
🛰️ 5. Sling Freestream
Best for: Live TV variety
Sling’s free tier gives access to hundreds of live channels — from sports to comedy — without a subscription.
Highlights:
- 430+ live channels
- No account needed
- Optional upgrade to Sling Orange/Blue
🧩 6. Plex Live TV
Best for: Customizable streaming
Plex lets you stream live TV and manage your own media library. It’s great for those who want both free content and personal media integration.
Highlights:
- 600+ live channels
- Add your own content
- Works on nearly every device
🌦️ 7. Local Now
Best for: Local news and weather
Local Now focuses on community-based content — local news, weather, and regional programming.
Highlights:
- 490+ channels
- Real-time weather updates
- Free and ad-supported
🎞️ 8. Crackle
Best for: Classic entertainment
Crackle is one of the oldest free streaming platforms, offering classic TV shows, movies, and some original content.
Highlights:
- No sign-up required
- Curated genres (action, comedy, drama)
- Available on web and mobile
📺 9. Xumo Play
Best for: Simple live streaming
Xumo Play offers hundreds of live channels and on-demand content in an easy-to-use interface, especially for smart TVs.
Highlights:
- 300+ live channels
- Free movies and shows
- Built into many LG and Vizio TVs
💡 Bonus Tip: Use a Smart TV or Streaming Stick
All of the above services work best on:
- Roku
- Fire TV Stick
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast
- Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio, etc.)
These devices often come with many of the free apps preinstalled — just connect to Wi-Fi and start watching.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Free streaming services have evolved far beyond old-school cable alternatives. In 2025, you can watch hundreds of live channels and thousands of shows without paying a dime — just a few ads here and there.
If you want:
- Live TV: Try Pluto TV, Sling Freestream, or Plex.
- Movies & Shows: Go with Tubi or Freevee.
- Local content: Use Local Now.
With these options, you can enjoy a full entertainment experience — 100% free.
Unleash Your Entertainment: Free TV Streaming for Everyone
In 2026, you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a wide variety of TV shows and movies. Free TV streaming services have become increasingly popular, offering a plethora of entertainment options without a subscription fee. While these services usually include ads, they are a great way to access content without spending a dime. Let’s dive into the top free TV streaming options for this year.
Tubi: Your Go-To for Free Movies and TV Shows
Tubi boasts an extensive library of on-demand content, including classic films, popular TV series, and even some original productions. With its user-friendly interface and diverse genres, Tubi is a fantastic choice for those seeking a vast selection of free entertainment.
Pluto TV: Live TV Channels Galore
If you crave the experience of flipping through channels, Pluto TV has got you covered. It offers a wide range of live TV channels, featuring news, sports, comedy, and more. Plus, Pluto TV has a growing library of on-demand content to satisfy your binge-watching needs.
The Roku Channel: A Hidden Gem
The Roku Channel may not be as well-known as some other services, but it’s a treasure trove of free content. It offers live TV channels, a rotating selection of movies, and a variety of TV shows. If you own a Roku device, The Roku Channel is a must-have addition.
Freevee: Formerly IMDb TV, Now Even Better
Freevee, formerly known as IMDb TV, has undergone a significant upgrade. It now features a wider range of content, including popular movies and TV shows, as well as some original productions. With its focus on quality content, Freevee is a strong contender in the free streaming arena.
Crackle: A Classic Choice for Free Streaming
Crackle has been around for a while and remains a popular option for free TV streaming. It offers a decent selection of movies and TV shows, with a focus on action, comedy, and drama. While its library may not be as extensive as some newer services, Crackle still provides a good source of free entertainment.
Plex: Free Movies and TV with a Personal Touch
Plex is a unique platform that lets you stream your own media library. But it also offers a free streaming service with a curated selection of movies and TV shows. Plex’s interface is a bit different from other services, but it’s a great option for those who want a personalized streaming experience.
Comparison of Top Free TV Streaming Services
| Service | Content Selection | User Interface | Live TV | Original Productions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubi | Extensive | User-friendly | No | Limited |
| Pluto TV | Wide variety | Channel-like | Yes | Some |
| The Roku Channel | Good selection | Roku-centric | Yes | Some |
| Freevee | Growing library | Easy to navigate | No | Yes |
| Crackle | Decent selection | Simple | No | Some |
| Plex | Curated | Unique | No | No |
Choosing the Right Free TV Streaming Service for You
With so many options available, how do you choose the right free TV streaming service for you? Consider your preferences for content, interface, and features. Do you prefer on-demand or live TV? Do you want a vast library or a curated selection? Do you mind watching ads? By answering these questions, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect service to meet your entertainment needs.
Key Takeaways
- Pluto TV offers both live and linear channels.
- Tubi has around 50,000 movies and TV shows.
- Xumo provides live and on-demand content without registration.
Exploring Free TV Streaming Services and Platforms
Free TV streaming services offer vast libraries with both live and on-demand content. Their accessibility, content variety, ad integration, and additional features make them appealing options.
Availability of Content Across Different Services
Services like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Freevee have extensive catalogs. Tubi stands out with roughly 50,000 movies and TV shows. Popular titles include Brightburn and Rush Hour. Freevee (formerly IMDb TV) offers series like Mad Men and Bosch: Legacy. Pluto TV delivers both live channels and on-demand options, featuring entertainment, news, sports, and more. Roku Channel and Crackle also offer diverse libraries, including movies, TV shows, and originals.
The User Experience and Accessibility
Free streaming services are accessible on various devices. Pluto TV and Freevee apps are available on Roku, iOS, and Android. Smart TVs often have preloaded apps for services like Tubi and Roku Channel. Peacock offers a seamless UI for browsing NBC content and more. Users can access these platforms on PCs, tablets, and mobile devices, making it easy to stream from any location.
Economic Aspects and Advertisements Integration
These services are free to use mainly due to ad-supported models. Tubi, Pluto TV, and Crackle include commercial breaks during streaming. Advertisements can be frequent but keep the service free. Some services, such as Freevee, balance ads well without being overly intrusive. Compared to paid services, users save subscription costs by tolerating occasional ads.
Comparison with Paid Streaming Options
While free services offer a lot, they differ from paid ones. Platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ provide ad-free experiences. Paid services usually have exclusive shows like Stranger Things on Netflix or The Mandalorian on Disney+. Free services, however, still deliver quality content without a monthly fee, making them a strong alternative for budget-conscious viewers.
Exploring Additional Features and Benefits
Some free platforms provide unique features. Peacock offers live NBC News and sports. Pluto TV streams live channels, including news and themed entertainment. On-demand access is available for popular series and movies. Services like Tubi offer genre-specific sections, such as horror or comedy, helping users find preferred content easily.
Supporting Hardware and Software Requirements
Streaming on free services is compatible with various hardware. Popular streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV support apps for Tubi, Pluto TV, and Freevee. Smart TVs often come with pre-installed apps. Users can also watch on PCs, tablets, and smartphones. This versatility ensures no additional cost for extra equipment, making streaming accessible and convenient for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section covers common questions about free TV streaming options, including the best platforms and how to access them on different devices.
What are the best free TV streaming sites currently available?
Some excellent free TV streaming sites include Peacock, Pluto TV, Tubi TV, and Xumo. These platforms offer a mix of movies, TV shows, and live TV channels.
How can I watch live TV for free via streaming?
You can watch live TV for free on platforms like Pluto TV, Xumo, and Plex. These services provide a variety of live channels, ranging from news and sports to entertainment and kids’ shows.
Are there any streaming services that offer free access to local TV channels?
Yes, some free streaming services like Pluto TV and Xumo offer local news channels. You might also access local TV through services available on devices with an antenna.
How can one stream TV channels without any subscription fees?
To stream TV channels without fees, use free services like Pluto TV, Tubi TV, IMDb TV, and Xumo. These platforms provide a wide range of content without requiring a subscription.
Which free TV streaming apps are recommended for smart TVs?
For smart TVs, recommended free streaming apps include Peacock, Xumo, Pluto TV, and Tubi TV. These apps offer diverse content and are compatible with most smart TV brands.
What are the options for downloading free TV apps for smart TV?
Free TV apps can usually be downloaded from the smart TV’s app store. Popular options include Peacock, Tubi TV, Xumo, and Pluto TV. These apps provide a mix of live TV, movies, and shows without a subscription.
