Pluto TV made “free cable” mainstream: hundreds of live channels with a TV-style guide, plus on-demand movies, all paid for by ads. If you like Pluto TV but want more choice — or you’ve run out of things to watch — these free, legal streaming apps work the same way. Most need no account and no credit card.
Table of Contents
Quick comparison
| App | Best for | Live channels | On-demand | Account needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubi | Biggest free movie & TV library | Some | Huge | No |
| The Roku Channel | All-round free TV, originals | Yes (live guide) | Large | No (Roku/web) |
| Sling Freestream | Live channels plus free DVR | Yes | Some | Free account for DVR |
| Samsung TV Plus | Samsung TV and Galaxy owners | Yes | Some | No |
| Xumo Play | Cable-style channel surfing | Yes | Some | No |
| Plex | Free movies plus your own media | Yes | Yes | Free account |
| Prime Video (free with ads) | Amazon’s former Freevee content | Limited | Yes | Amazon account |
| Kanopy / Hoopla | Ad-free films with a library card | No | Yes | Library card |
Availability varies by country — most of these are strongest in the US.
1. Tubi — best free on-demand library
If Pluto TV is the free cable replacement, Tubi is the free Netflix alternative. It has one of the largest free catalogues of films and series, including cult classics, horror, anime and Tubi originals. There’s no subscription and you can watch without signing up.
Choose it if: you mostly want movies and full TV seasons on demand.
2. The Roku Channel — best all-rounder
The Roku Channel combines free on-demand movies, Roku Originals and a live TV guide for channel surfing. Despite the name, it works beyond Roku devices — on the web, phones, Fire TV and some smart TVs. Industry data showed it beating both Tubi and Pluto TV in share of total US streaming time in early 2026.
Choose it if: you want one app that does live and on-demand well.
3. Sling Freestream — best for live TV with a free DVR
Sling’s free tier offers hundreds of live FAST channels and, with a free account, a basic cloud DVR so you can record shows — something Pluto TV doesn’t offer.
4. Samsung TV Plus — best if you own a Samsung device
Built into Samsung smart TVs and Galaxy phones, Samsung TV Plus offers a large live channel line-up and on-demand content with no setup. It’s also available on the web.
5. Xumo Play — most like Pluto TV
Xumo Play has a very similar, cable-like guide with news, sports highlights, movies and kids’ channels. It’s on many smart TVs, Roku and the web.
6. Plex — free movies plus your personal media
Plex offers free ad-supported movies, shows and live channels, and also organises your own video files and streams them to any device. An optional Plex Pass adds extra features, but the free streaming is free.
7. Prime Video “free with ads” (formerly Freevee)
Amazon folded its free Freevee service into the Prime Video app. Look for titles marked as free with ads — you need an Amazon account, but not a Prime membership, for that content in supported regions.
8. Kanopy and Hoopla — best ad-free option
If you have a participating public library card, Kanopy and Hoopla let you stream films, documentaries and series without ads. Monthly borrowing limits apply.
Build your free streaming stack
- Live TV: Pluto TV + Sling Freestream or Xumo Play
- Movies and shows: Tubi + The Roku Channel
- Ad-free picks: Kanopy or Hoopla
- Your own files: Plex
Together these cover most of what a basic cable package used to — for nothing.
Stay safe: avoid illegal “free” apps
Stick to official apps from your device’s app store. Unofficial “free movie” APKs and IPTV services that offer paid channels for free are often illegal, full of malware, and can steal your data. Every app on this list is legal and ad-supported.
FAQ
Is Pluto TV really free?
Yes. Pluto TV is paid for by advertising, and so are the alternatives above.
What’s the best free alternative to Pluto TV?
For on-demand content, Tubi. For live channel surfing, Sling Freestream, Xumo Play or The Roku Channel.
Can I use these apps outside the US?
Some, like Pluto TV, Tubi and Samsung TV Plus, are available in several countries with different line-ups. Others are US-only.
More app guides: best video sharing apps and what “Removed apps and users” means on Android.
Hi, I’m Emam Hasan — an English teacher and the founder of Anirban Lexicon Center in Mirpur, Dhaka. I run Takedownloads to share honest game guides, tips and app reviews that help players choose well and play better. Alongside teaching, I work in digital marketing and SEO, and I enjoy turning complex topics into simple, helpful lessons anyone can follow.
