Free Streaming Services
Review These Popular Options
Free
Pluto TV is a free streaming service owned by Paramount Global. The service offers over 100 free channels and although the channel lineup can change, it includes the TV Land, Heartland, Antiques Roadshow, Game Show Central, Court TV, Weather Nation, NFL Channel, Bloomberg Television, Newsmax2, Nick Jr., Gunsmoke, Dr. Phil, MLB Channel, CSI, Matlock, and The Bob Ross Channel. Also, includes access to on-demand movies and classic TV series.
- Pros
- It’s FREE.
- No limit on the number of simultaneous devices in your household streaming Pluto TV at the same time.
- You can watch on your web browser with no need to download an app.
- It has over 100 TV channels.
- There is a large library of classic TV series.
- It includes the NFL, MLB, and PGA Tour channels.
- Cons
- It’s missing the major popular TV shows found on ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox.
- There are only a few local news channels.
- No ad-free option is offered.
- DVR of live streams isn’t possible.
- There are no parental controls.
- Devices
Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Playstation, iOS, Windows, macOS, Android, Android TV, LG, Samsung, VIZIO, and Sony are compatible.
FAQ’s
Yes, you can simply click here and begin watching live streaming TV and movies as well as free, on-demand TV shows and movies.
Pluto TV offers lots of classic series. Although the channel lineup can change, it includes The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Odd Couple, The Love Boat, Mork and Mindy, Family Ties, The Rifleman, Gunsmoke, Burn Notice, Green Acres, Alf, All in the Family, Perry Mason, Matlock, Mission: Impossible, Johnny Carson, Three’s Company, The Andy Griffith Show, and The Carol Burnett Show.
No, Pluto TV does not have a parental controls setting on its streaming platform.
Pluto TV can currently be used in Australia, Europe, and Canada; however, you’ll need to connect to a U.S. IP address via a VPN app.
Free
Roku was originally a part of Netflix but was spun off in 2008. Roku not only produces a popular digital media device for streaming but also provides free live and on-demand streaming content through The Roku Channel. The channel lineup can change but can include live programming from the Hallmark Channel, Red Green Show, The Bob Ross Channel, BET, Game Show Central, Tiny House Nation, Ice Road Truckers, and This Old House.
- Pros
- It’s FREE.
- You can watch on your web browser with no need to download an app.
- It has a large inventory of free shows and channels.
- There are quite a few options for kids including Sesame Street, Barney, and Adventures of Sonic The Hedgehog.
- There are many options for Spanish channels.
- Parental controls are available when signed in utilizing a PIN to restrict access based on content rating.
- Cons
- It’s missing the major popular TV shows found on ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox.
- There are currently only includes these few news channels: Live Fox Now, NBC News Now, ABC NewsLive, and NewsMax.
- Only three concurrent streams can be played at one time per account.
- No ad-free option is offered.
- There are minimal sports channel options.
- Devices
Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, Roku, LG, Samsung, VIZIO, and Sony are compatible.
FAQ’s
Yes, you can simply click here and begin watching live streaming TV and movies as well as free, on-demand TV shows and movies.
Yes. The Roku Channel does have parental controls available when signed into your account. You’ll utilize a PIN to restrict access to kids based on content rating. Note that you cannot utilize a PIN to restrict access to content for kids streaming via a web browser and who is not logged into your Roku account.
Yes, The Roku Channel has a pretty extensive library of older TV series. The channel lineup can change but can include Dragnet, Rockford Files, Columbo, American Justice, The Mentalist, Murder She Wrote, 2 Broke Girls, Hart and Hart, The Rifleman, Charlie’s Angels, I Dream of Jeannie, Bonanza, Family Affair, Cagney and Lacey, Bewitched, Petticoat Junction, Highway to Heaven, and the Doris Day Show.
The Roku Channel does not let you watch content when traveling internationally.
FREE
Sling Freestream is a free ad-supported streaming service from Sling TV. It offers 500+ free live channels and over 40,000 on-demand shows and movies. Sling Freestream is available to all audiences, regardless of paid Sling subscription status. You’ll find news channels like ABC News Live, CBS News, and Scripps News. For general entertainment, enjoy content from MTV, Comedy Central, and BET. For kids, there are some Sensical channels and Nick Jr shows. There are also “sneak peeks” available for services and channels like AMC+, MGM+, STARZ, and TNT, so you can watch free episodes of some prestige shows. If you have a Sling Freestream account, you can participate in the unique Sling Rewards Program and have the chance to win cash prizes in the Watch & Win Sweepstakes.
- Pros
- Watch news, reality TV, drama, comedy, and more for free.
- No credit card required.
- You could win cash and prizes in the Sling Reward Program.
- Get up to 10 hours of DVR storage at no cost.
- You can create a watchlist and use parental control features.
- Offers international programming in seven languages.
- Cons
- You won’t find premium cable channels.
- You’ll pay $3.99-$24.99 to rent recent theatrical releases.
- Devices
Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Playstation, iOS, Windows, macOS, Android, Android TV, XBOX, LG, Samsung, VIZIO, and Sony are compatible.
FAQ’s
Whether you’re a subscriber to Sling or have a Sling Freestream account, you can participate in the Sling Rewards Program and have the chance to win from a pool of over 100 cash prizes in the Watch & Win Sweepstakes. To get entered, watch just 30 minutes of your favorite shows or movies each day. Boost your chances by maintaining a Viewing Streak of consecutive days watching Sling. This will earn you bonus entries into the sweepstakes. The grand prize is $10,000.
Yes. You can access all of Sling Freestream’s free content without spending anything at all, and without the need to add a credit card or even sign up for an account on the service. If you want to upgrade to a paid Sling Orange or Blue account, add any premium channels to your account, or rent a premium movie, you’ll need to create an account and add a payment method.
With over 40,000 on-demand titles, it’s impossible to list them all. But you’ll find plenty of popular options including Hell’s Kitchen, Ryan’s World and Brother vs. Brother, plus a selection of free movies like The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.
Sling also gives you access to the first episode of new or popular shows for free, such as AMC’s Lucky Hank, or Outlander and Gaslit from Starz.
$28/month
Philo is one of the most affordable, “best value” streaming services but is geared to subscribers who want no sports, no national news channels, no local channels, and no ABC, NBC, CBS, or FOX shows. Philo does provide both “live” and Video On Demand (VOD) titles. These include over 70 “live” TV channels and over 60,000 VOD titles.
- Pros
- A seven-day free trial is available.
- No annual contract is required.
- There are no hidden fees.
- There are no DVR storage space limits.
- Their Video On Demand library contains over 70,000 movies, shows, and specials.
- Cons
- Only three simultaneous streams are allowed.
- DVR storage is only saved for a year.
- No local sports or news channels are included.
- No national news channels are included.
- Fast forwarding through commercials is only permitted when using your DVR.
- Devices
Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, VIZIO, and Sony are compatible.
FAQ’s
A simple option is to also subscribe to the ESPN+ app. This will not only give you access to streamed “live” sporting events, but also lots of Video On Demand (VOD) content including the full 30 for 30 library.
Philo has a “no sports and no locals” approach to its content. This allows them to offer lots of channels but still at less than half the cost when compared to YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV.
Although there are no DVR storage space limits on Philo, recorded content is stored for only one year from the recording.
Roku has a feature called Bandwidth Saver to help people with data or bandwidth caps. After 4 hours without remote activity, you may be asked if you want to keep streaming. Click “Keep Streaming” to continue playback. If you do nothing, Philo will close. You can disable this feature in the Settings/Network menu.
Free
Tubi is a free streaming service owned by Fox Corporation. Its programming includes over 35,000 films and television series. It also has begun to create its own original content. It appears to have the highest number of local news/weather/sports options compared to other free live streaming options but there’s a good chance these stations will not be in your local area. The movie selection appears to be better than most other free streaming services.
- Pros
- It’s FREE with no limit on simultaneous streams in your household.
- You can watch on your web browser with no need to download an app.
- NFL Channel, Fox Sports, MLB Network, and the Fubo Sports Network are included.
- There is a “Tubi Kids” section for children.
- Parental controls are available in the Settings section of the app.
- There are a higher number of national/local news options compared to other free streaming services.
- A large selection of classic films are available.
- Cons
- It’s missing the major popular TV shows found on ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox.
- There is no DVR option for live streams.
- There are a small number of sports channels (but huge inventory of sports-related movies).
- Devices
Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Playstation, iOS, Windows, macOS, Android, Android TV, XBOX, LG, Samsung, VIZIO, and Sony are compatible.
FAQ’s
All these can change but current shows include Baywatch, The Carol Burnett Show, The Johnny Carson Show, The Joy of Painting, The Patty Duke Show, That Girl, Father Knows Best, and The Dick Van Dyke Show.
Actually, if you use your web browser, click here then click on “Browse” in the top menu; it may help you more easily find some of the great content buried in Tubi. You can then go back to the “Search” option in the app and type in your title. Alternatively, you could go to “Categories” in the app to narrow your search.
Yes, you can simply click here and begin watching live streaming TV and movies as well as free, on-demand TV shows and movies.
Free
Vudu has both free content and content you can rent or purchase. Starting 6-1-23, Vudu became the streaming platform for AMC Theatres On-Demand, so Vudu users have access to movies still showing in AMC movie theaters. To access Vudu’s free content, go to the Vudu website, create a Vudu account, then select “Free” in the menu header. To search for free content on the app, select “Start Browsing” and search for “Free New Releases” for movies or “Browse All Free Titles” for free TV shows. Available free content rotates in and out of Vudu.
- Pros
- It offers FREE TV and has a smaller library of FREE movies.
- There is no limit on the number of simultaneous devices in your household streaming Vudu at the same time.
- You can watch on your web browser with no need to download an app, although you will need to set up an account.
- Parental controls are available in Info and Settings section of the app.
- Cons
- Limited live stream options are available.
- There is only a small selection of free kids content.
- It doesn’t offer any sports channels.
- It’s missing the major popular TV shows found on ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox.
- There are very few classic TV shows.
- Devices
Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Playstation, iOS, Windows, macOS, Android, Android TV, XBOX, LG, Samsung, VIZIO, and Sony are compatible.
FAQ’s
No, Vudu is apparently not a sports fan. You’ll need to find an alternative streaming platform to stream sports content.
Free TV content from streaming services like Vudu are typically provided by their parent company, who has created the content, or the streaming service purchased the license to stream the content from other content creators/owners. The newer programming, just like newer movies, is much more expensive to purchase. Plus, there may be restrictive license agreements that conflict with the airing of the content too early. It can be complicated. The subscription streaming services typically get first crack at newer programming. The free streaming providers like Vudu are typically further down the food chain when it comes to the newest TV shows and movies.
There are older films in the free film inventory but they probably wouldn’t fall into the “classic” category. They’d instead be lower budget, “B” class films.
Free
Xumo Play is a free streaming service owned by Comcast. The service offers over 290 free channels and although the channel lineup can change, it can include America’s Test Kitchen, The Bob Ross Channel, Fox News, AccuWeather, This Old House, Hell’s Kitchen, Teletubbies, PGA Tour, Game Show Central, Latino, Comedy TV, and more. It also includes access to on-demand movies and classic TV series.
- Pros
- It’s FREE.
- There’s no limit on the number of simultaneous devices in your household streaming Xumo Play at the same time.
- Watch on your web browser with no need to download an app.
- It offers over 290 free TV channels.
- Classic series like The Dick Van Dyke Show, That Girl, and The Beverly Hillbillies are offered.
- Cons
- It’s missing the major popular TV shows found on ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox.
- Sports fans may opt out since it doesn’t include NFL, MLB, NHL, etc.
- Only a few local news channels are included.
- There are no parental controls.
- Devices
Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, Roku, LG, Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, Android TV, Samsung, and Sony are compatible.
FAQ’s
No, Xumo Play does not have a parental controls setting on its streaming platform.
Xumo Play makes its money through the advertising within the TV shows and movies.
Yes, you can simply click here and begin watching live streaming TV and movies as well as free, on-demand TV shows and movies.
Xumo Play’s programming is limited. It does not carry the popular TV shows from the major networks at this time.
Free
Haystack News is the only place where you can watch a free newscast created just for you. Tell Haystack News where you live, your favorite news outlets, what topics interest you, and it creates a personalized playlist of news clips every time you open the app, called “My Headlines.” Watch your local weather forecast, local news, national news, and more without touching a button. You can also browse one of their topical channels with all the latest news on Politics, Business, Entertainment, International News, Weather, and more. Plus, don’t miss one of the many pop-up channels throughout the year surrounding various news events or holidays. With more than 400 news providers in their lineup at the local, national, and international level, Haystack News claims to cater to independent thinkers who want to watch the news they care about. They are an independently owned and run organization, so they don’t prioritize some news or news providers over others.
- Pros
- Haystack News has an ad-supported FREE version.
- They offer a 30-day trial.
- Ad-free on-demand news is offered with a premium subscription.
- You can cancel at anytime.
- Coverage of more than 300 channels is available.
- Cons
- They may not carry your local news outlet.
- Live channels are not available ad-free.
- There are few sports options unless you subscribe to the Premium tier.
- FOX News is not offered.
- Devices
Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Playstation, iOS, Windows, macOS, Android, Android TV, XBOX, LG, Samsung, VIZIO, and Sony are compatible.
FAQ’s
Yes! You can watch live streams from international, national, and local news outlets on Haystack News. Just head to the “Live” channel on their app, right next to the other topical channels. Haystack News is adding more live news channels every day, but here are the ones they have so far:
National News
• ABC News
• CBS News
• Newsy
• Newsmax
International News
• Al Jazeera
• Euronews
• Deutsche Welle
Business News
• Bloomberg
• Bloomberg Quicktake
• Yahoo! Finance
• Cheddar
Local News
• KIRO 7 (Seattle, WA)
• Fox 23 (Tulsa, OK)
• WFTV 9 (Orlando, FL)
• WFXT 25 (Boston, MA)
• Fox 13 (Memphis, TN)
• WHIO (Dayton, OH)
• WFOX (Jacksonville, FL)
• WPXI 11 (Pittsburgh, PA)
• WSB (Atlanta, GA)
• WSOC 9 (Charlotte, NC)
• WTVQ (Lexington, KY)
• WXXV (Biloxi, MS)
• WDEF (Chattanooga, TN)
• WWAY (Wilmington, NC)
• WCBI (Columbus-Tupelo, MS/AL)
• WAPT – Very Jackson (MS)
• WCVB – Very Boston (MA)
• KHBS – Very Arkansas (AR)
• KCCI – Very Iowa (IA)
Yes! You can get the full Haystack News experience for free. They have an ad-supported platform, so there’s no cost to you. If you’d like to watch Haystack News without the ads, you can subscribe to Haystack Premium for $4.99 per month. Try it free for 30 days!
