10 Best Free TV Apps Worth Downloading Now

Cutting the cord on cable doesn’t mean cutting out your favorite shows, movies, or even live TV. In fact, with the rise of free TV apps, you can stream a ton of fun content without paying a single cent.

Whether you’re looking to save money, break up with cable for good, or just want to explore what’s out there, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ve rounded up the 10 best free TV apps that are actually worth downloading right now. And no, we’re not talking about sketchy sites that will put a virus on your device. Just solid, legal apps that are actually worth it.

What Are Free TV Apps?

Free TV apps let you stream TV shows, movies, and even live channels without paying for a subscription. Most are ad-supported, so you’ll see a few commercials here and there, but the content is legit and totally free to access.

10 Best Free TV Apps in 2025

1. Pluto TV

Best for: Live channels + on-demand

Pluto TV offers 250+ live TV channels along with thousands of free movies and shows. You’ll find categories like news, comedy, sports, true crime, and even binge-worthy channels dedicated to specific shows or genres. It really feels like flipping through a cable package, but without the bill.

Available on: Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android, iOS, web

2. Tubi

Best for: On-demand content

Tubi has one of the biggest free libraries out there. With everything from cult classics to newer releases and TV dramas, it’s a great app for anyone who just wants something solid to watch, no subscription required.

Available on: Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android, iOS, smart TVs

3. The Roku Channel

Best for: Roku users (but available to everyone)

Even if you don’t own a Roku device, you can access The Roku Channel via browser or app. It features live TV, movies, TV series, and even Roku Originals. It’s easy to use, updated often, and has a clean layout.

Available on: Roku, Android, iOS, web

4. Crackle

Best for: Classic hits + originals

Crackle has been around for years, and it’s still one of the better-known names in the free TV space. It offers a rotating catalog of older favorites, cult classics, and some surprisingly solid original shows and movies.

Available on: Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android, iOS

5. Xumo Play

Best for: Live news and TV

Xumo Play offers a lineup of over 190 free channels, including live news, entertainment, sports, and even lifestyle content. It’s great for folks who want the experience of live TV without needing an antenna or cable package.

Available on: Roku, Fire TV, Android, iOS, smart TVs

6. Plex

Best for: On-demand and live TV + personal media organization

Plex started as a way to stream your personal media library, but now it includes tons of free, ad-supported content. You’ll find movies, shows, live news, and more, plus the option to organize and stream your own collection.

Available on: Nearly every platform

7. Local Now

Best for: Local news and weather

If you’ve dropped cable but still want to stay connected to your area, Local Now is perfect. It gives you real-time local news, weather, and community updates based on your location. It’s surprisingly robust for a free app.

Available on: Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android, iOS

8. YouTube

Best for: Free shows, news clips, and niche content

YouTube isn’t just cat videos and podcasts. There are full-length movies, live news streams, talk shows, documentaries, and even classic TV episodes, 100% free to watch. Many official TV networks and production companies have their own channels, giving you access to legit programming without needing cable or a subscription.

And thanks to YouTube’s algorithm, there’s always something new to discover, no matter your taste.

Available on: Every platform imaginable (TV, phone, web, console)

9. Freevee (from Amazon)

Best for: Amazon-quality content without Prime

Freevee gives you access to both popular series and Freevee Originals, some of which are surprisingly good. Think of it as a lighter version of Prime Video, but completely free.

Available on: Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Android, iOS

10. Crunchyroll

Best for: Anime fans

Crunchyroll is one of the most popular anime streaming platforms, and yes, it does offer a free version. You’ll have to deal with ads and wait a bit longer for new episode releases, but the free tier still gives you access to thousands of anime episodes, movies, and simulcasts.

If you're into anime or just curious to explore the genre, Crunchyroll is hands-down the best place to start.

Available on: Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android, iOS, web, and game consoles

What You Should Know About Free TV Apps

Let’s keep it real, free TV apps aren’t a perfect replacement for every paid service. You won’t find the latest HBO hits or a totally ad-free experience. But you will find a ton of high-quality entertainment, legit channels, and hidden gems that can make a serious dent in your streaming costs.

If you’re looking to cut down on monthly bills or just want more variety, these free apps can absolutely help you do that.

Tips to Maximize Your Free Streaming

• Mix and match apps for better variety
• Check regularly, content rotates often
• Use search tools on smart devices to find shows across apps
• Be patient with ads, they’re what keep these apps free

Final Thoughts: Free TV Is Better Than Ever

With rising subscription prices and too many streaming services to count, free TV apps are honestly a much-needed breath of fresh air. The options mentioned above are legal, easy to use, and surprisingly full of great content actually worth watching. Whether you're just trying to save a few bucks or want to simplify your streaming life, these 10 apps are a great place to start.

No cable? No problem. These free apps make it easy to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

FAQs About Free TV Apps

1. Which is the best free TV app?

It depends on what you're looking for. If you want live TV channels, Pluto TV is one of the best all-around options. For on-demand movies and shows, Tubi is a standout. Anime fans will love Crunchyroll, and YouTube is a go-to for variety and niche content. The best free TV app really comes down to your personal viewing preferences.

2. How can I watch all TV channels for free?

There isn’t a single app that gives you every TV channel for free, especially premium or cable-only channels, but using a combination of free TV apps like Pluto TV, Xumo Play, and Local Now can get you access to hundreds of channels, including news, sports, movies, and entertainment. You can also pair these apps with a digital antenna to pick up local broadcast stations.

3. What streaming service is completely free?

There are several streaming services that are 100% free and legal. Some of the most popular include: Tubi, Pluto TV, Crackle, The Roku Channel, and Freevee. These apps don’t require a credit card or subscription, just an internet connection and a bit of patience with ads.

4. Are free TV apps legal and safe to use?

Yes, all the apps listed in this article are completely legal and safe. They partner with networks and content distributors to provide licensed programming. Just make sure you're downloading from official app stores like Google Play, the Apple App Store, or your device’s native app store (like Roku or Fire TV).

5. Can I use free TV apps on my smart TV?

Definitely. Most free TV apps are compatible with smart TVs and streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, and Chromecast. You can also watch from your phone, tablet, or computer. Just download the app, sign in (if needed), and start watching.