Best free streaming services for live TV and movies

Pluto TV
(Image credit: Pluto TV)

The best free streaming services let you consume TV shows and movies anytime, anywhere at no cost. If you don't mind seeing occasional ads, there are tons of free cable alternatives available. 

In fact, many of the best free streaming services are owned by major networks. For example, Paramount (formerly ViacomCBS) owns PlutoTV and Fox owns Tubi. Cable company Comcast refuses to be beaten and has its own live and on-demand TV streaming service, Xumo

You can access free TV and movie sites directly via a web browser or install an app. Tubi, one of the best free streaming services, is available as a free download for iOS, Android, Xbox, PlayStation, and smart TVs. 

While popular paid subscriptions like Netflix and HBO Max offer streaming with no ad interruptions, these services can add up. As Netflix's price hikes prove, monthly fees are subject to increase over time.

Whether you want to supplement your subscriptions or stream for free, you've come to the right source. Here are our top picks for today's best free streaming services.

Best free streaming services for live TV and movies

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Pluto TV channel guide

(Image credit: Pluto)

1. PlutoTV

Free streaming services with genre-specific channels

Library: 250+ channels, 1000+ on demand | Platforms: Web, mobile, TV, console

250+ channels
1000+ on demand TV shows and movies
Ads

Pluto TV is a great option for anyone looking for genre-specific channels. With 250+ channels and 1000+ on-demand TV series and movies, Pluto has something for everyone. 

Scroll through the channel guide and you'll see a variety of streams across every category. Choose from entertainment, news and opinion, sports, gaming, music, kids' content, and more. 

Unlike other free ad-supported streaming apps, Pluto TV does not require you to sign up to watch programs. However, you may opt to sign up if you want to sync your favorites and watchlist across multiple devices. 

Browse Pluto TV channels

Tubi dashboard

(Image credit: Tubi)

2. Tubi

Free streaming service with tons of content for kids

Library: 200,00 movies and TV shows | Platforms: Web, mobile, TV, console

200,000 movies and TV shows
250+ live channels
Tubi Kids content
Ads

Tubi is among today's top free TV and movie streaming sites with a dedicated app. This ad-supported streaming service owns bragging rights as having the most massive library of free content. Tubi affords you access to over 200,000 movies and TV episodes with 250+ live channels. 

Its library packs a host of blockbuster films from movie houses like MGM, Lionsgate, and Paramount. Viewers can also enjoy live TV streams of local, world and sports news. Tubi Kids is also a welcome feature with its massive collection of shows and movies for kids of all ages.

Tubi is available on the web and for Android, iOS, Smart TVs, PlayStation and Xbox via the Tubi app. 

Browse Tubi's channel guide

Xumo dashboard

(Image credit: Xumo)

3. Xumo

Free streaming service with 190+ channels and growing

Channels: 300+ channels | Platforms: Web, mobile, TV, console

300+ channels
Black cinema channel
Kids and family channels
Ads

Xumo aims to be your one-stop free live and on-demand TV and movie streaming service. It features a growing library of 300+ different channels consisting of several genres. 

In honor of Black History Month, viewers can stream dedicated content via channels like Kevin Hart's LOL! Network, Xumo Black Cinema, Bounce XL, Fox Soul. Music lovers can jam to their favorite tunes or stay up-to-date on music news with Vevo '80s, Vevo Pop, and Billboard channels. 

Xumo is a solid pick if you want to stream music videos, news coverage, stand-up comedy, sports, and more from multiple platforms. Like its competitors, Xumo is accessible via the web, mobile devices, and Smart TVs. 

Browse XUMO's channel guide

Hilda Scott

Hilda Scott uses her combined passion for gadgets from laptops to TVs and her bargain-shopping savvy to bring you the best prices on all things tech. She has a bachelor’s degree in film and media studies from Hunter College and over a decade of experience in tech journalism. Her work has been featured on Tom’s Guide, iTechPost, Examiner.com, Parlemag, Enstars, and Latin Times. When she's not scouting for the best deals, Hilda’s catching up on her favorite TV series and combat sports.