Best free streaming service 2024: Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel and more

An iPad with apps on it
(Image credit: Future)

This is your TechRadar guide to the best free streaming services. We’re all familiar with the best streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus and Prime Video. But in recent years, free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) services have emerged as a popular alternative. These platforms provide access to vast libraries of TV shows and movies without requiring you to pay for a subscription.

Most FAST services are funded by ads, which allows you to watch a wide range of content – and sometimes even live TV channels – completely free of charge. This makes them an excellent choice if you're on a budget and new to streaming or if you're looking to add to your existing subscriptions with more options – but at no extra cost. Despite being free, most of these services offer thousands of titles, including classic films, popular TV shows, kids’ programming, sports, and much more.

In the guide below, you’ll find our top picks of the best free services available today. Whether you’re searching for specific content, like independent movies or live TV, or you need a service that integrates seamlessly with your devices, we’ll help you choose the right FAST service for you. We’ll also explore the differences between services owned by media companies, device manufacturers and independent platforms, providing everything you need to make the right choice.

The best free streaming service for most people

The Tubi home screen with tiles of movies and shows

(Image credit: Tubi)

1. Tubi

The best free streaming service for most people

Specifications

Compatible devices: iOS, Android and Amazon Fire
Available in : US, UK and Australia
Live channels : Yes (US only)
Ads: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
More than 250,000 movies and TV episodes
+
A selection of live channels (depending on location)

Reasons to avoid

-
A lot of older content
-
Low res compared to top streamers

Reasons to watch

✅ You enjoy having a lot of choice: The focus is more on older content, but there's still plenty to choose from with more than 250,000 movies and TV episodes in the US (its UK library consists of 20,000 and in Australia, it has 7,000 titles) .

You like to watch on different devices: Several services in this guide offer good compatibility, but Tubi is one of the best. If you like to move between a smartphone, web browser, TV or even a games console, you're sorted.

✅ You still want the option of live TV: With more than 250 live TV channels on offer in the US, it's a great option for those who don't like the idea of ditching traditional TV for good in favor of streamers – although what you get does depend on your location.

Reasons to avoid

❌ You're not nostalgic for older content: Tubi makes a thing out of the fact it offers a lot of older movies and classic TV shows – and there are some gems here, but if you prefer the freshest content, you might get fed up with what's on offer quickly.

You like quality, higher res movies: Tubi streams its content in 720p. While this is considered HD, it might seem low, especially if you compare it to top streaming services like Netflix, which offers 1080p (Full HD) and 4K (Ultra HD) too.

❌ You don't like unpredictability: Most of the FAST services here, by definition, rely on ads. We've made peace with that. But with Tubi you might not always be able to predict when they'll pop up, which some viewers may find doubly frustrating.

Is Tubi worth watching?

Tubi, launched in 2014, is a leader in the Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) service space and is already more popular than Max, Peacock and Paramount Plus. It’s owned by Fox Corporation and is a top pick for many users, offering a free and ad-supported platform with a vast library of more than 250,000 movies and TV episodes in the US, 20,000 in the UK and 7,000 in Australia. Although Tubi doesn’t specify if this number includes individual episodes, the sheer volume of content is impressive.

One of Tubi’s standout features is how easy it is to use. You can start watching without the need for a subscription, account creation, or even providing personal information. However, if you do sign up, you get access to useful features like parental controls, personalized watchlists, and tracking your viewing history.

The best free streaming service for live TV

The Pluto TV homepage with tiles of free movies and shows to watch

(Image credit: Pluto TV)

2. Pluto TV

The best free streaming service for live channels

Specifications

Compatible devices: iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire, Samsung, Sonos, Xbox, PlayStation and more. .
Available in : US, UK and Australia
Live channels : Yes
Ads: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
You don't need to sign up
+
Huge range of content, including live channels

Reasons to avoid

-
Overwhelming amount of channels, shows and movies
-
A lot of older content

Reasons to watch

✅ A lot of content to choose from: More than 250 TV channels in the US (150 in the UK and 50 in Australia), and access to a vast library of on-demand movies and TV shows. It covers a range of genres from news and sports to entertainment and kids' programming.

No sign-up required: Simply download the app or visit the website and start streaming immediately, although creating an account does allow for personalized features, like setting your favorite channels.

Familiar, cable-like experience: In terms of what’s on offer, the live TV is content what you know and recognize, and you'll be familiar with how the interface works. This could certainly make cutting the cord on your cable package easier to stomach.

Reasons to avoid

A lot of ads: This is totally expected from a FAST service. But sometimes we watched 30-minutes of a TV show with four ad breaks, which seems excessive. Then again, that's possibly not that different to watching cable TV.

Limited new content: Pluto TV’s library is huge, but it tends to focus on older content and reruns rather than the latest shows or exclusive originals. That said, it does mix up its catalog every month with a new batch of arrivals.

No recording, pausing or offline viewing: You can’t record or pause the live TV channels. And there's no option for offline viewing, which might be limiting if you can't always guarantee an internet connection.

Is Pluto TV worth watching?

Launched in 2014 and acquired by Paramount Global in 2019, Pluto TV has become a major player in the FAST service space. Available in the US, UK, and via 10Play in Australia, Pluto TV offers a blend of live TV channels and on-demand video content. The availability of live TV channels varies by location, with options like CBS News, Bloomberg, Fox Sports, and NFL Channel, alongside content from entertainment channels like Comedy Central, MTV, and Nickelodeon.

The best free streaming service for movies

Plex

(Image credit: Future)

3. Plex

The best free streaming service for movies

Specifications

Compatible devices: iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire, Samsung, Sonos, Xbox, PlayStation and more. .
Available in : US, UK and Australia
Live channels : Yes
Ads: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Huge content library
+
Personal media library integration

Reasons to avoid

-
Loads of ads
-
Reports of the apps crashing

Reasons to watch

Huge library of content: Plex offers more than 50,000 on-demand movies and TV shows worldwide, along with 893 live channels in the US, 297 in the UK and 246 in Australia. There’s a broad spectrum of genres, too, including classic titles and recently-released content.

Personal media integration: The only option in this guide that can also become a personal media server. As well as the content Plex offers, you can stream your own collection of movies, music, and photos from any device connected to your server.

Free to use but with optional premium features: If you want extra features, like offline downloads, Plex offers the Plex Pass for $4.99 per month in the US, £3.99 in the UK and AU$4.99 in Australia – that doesn't get rid of ads though.

Reasons to avoid

A lot of ads that sometimes crash the app. Ads are expected with FAST services, but there seem to be a lot on Plex. Other reviewers commented that ads caused the app to crash, a complaint that seems too common for it to be a one-off.

Limited movie content: While Plex has a large library, it doesn’t offer much in the way of new releases or original content and many other rivals in this list, especially Tubi, have a better movie selection.

Complex setup for advanced features: Getting setup with Plex’s more advanced features, like the personal media server, might be challenging for less tech-savvy users.

Is Plex worth watching?

Launched in 2008, Plex has evolved into an all-in-one streaming platform that stands out in the FAST space by offering more than free movies and TV shows. As an independent service not owned by a media company or device manufacturer, Plex combines a vast library of more than 50,000 on-demand titles globally with the ability to integrate and manage your personal media collection.

Plex's content library is diverse, featuring partnerships with major studios like Lionsgate, AMC, and A24, which ensures a steady stream of quality content – here are five movies with over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes on Plex in September to get an idea of what's on offer. The platform also offers over 1,100 live TV channels worldwide, though the availability of these channels can vary by location—users in the US have access to 893 live channels, while those in the UK have 297 and 246 in Australia.

Other free streaming services to consider

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The best free streaming service for classic cinema

The Kanopy sign up page

(Image credit: Kanopy)

4. Kanopy

The best free streaming service for classic cinema

Specifications

Compatible devices: iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire and Samsung.
Available in : US, UK and Australia
Live channels : No
Ads: No

Reasons to buy

+
No ads
+
Great selection of niche and educational content

Reasons to avoid

-
Not all libraries and unis are signed-up
-
Limited mainstream and blockbuster content

Reasons to watch

Educational and niche content: Kanopy excels in offering a curated selection of documentaries, education films, foreign films and independent films. Great if you’re interested in learning.

Free access via universities and libraries: Kanopy is available for free through participating public libraries and universities.

No ads: Unlike most other FAST services which, by definition, have ads, Kanopy doesn’t. That’s because you do have to be part of a participating library or uni – and not all are signed up.

Reasons to avoid

Limited mainstream content: Kanopy's library is rich in educational and independent films, but it lacks a large selection of mainstream blockbuster movies and popular TV shows.

Several alternatives: The range of classic cinema is not as good as the paid-for service the Criterion Collection. For US readers, there's a similar free streaming service called Hoopla that also requires you to have a library card.

Limited availability and limited monthly views. Not all libraries and unis are signed up. You’ll have to check. Depending on the plan, there are also some monthly view restrictions. Not ideal if you’re a heavy user.

Is Kanopy worth watching?

Launched in 2008, Kanopy is a unique streaming service that differentiates itself to FAST services by being completely ad-free. This is possible through its partnerships with over 4,000 public libraries and universities worldwide. If your local library or university is part of the network, you can access Kanopy's entire catalogue with a valid library card or university login. However, the big caveat here is that not every library or university is partnered with Kanopy, so you’ll need to check to see if yours is before you sign up to this alternative streaming service.

The best streaming service for Roku devices

The Roku Channel

(Image credit: Roku)

5. The Roku Channel

The best free streaming service for Roku devices

Specifications

Compatible devices: iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire, Samsung, Sonos, Xbox, PlayStation and more. .
Available in : US, UK and Australia
Live channels : Yes
Ads: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
A solid selection of content
+
Works really well with Roku devices

Reasons to avoid

-
Films not as fresh as rivals
-
No way to watch offline

Reasons to watch

Great library of content: The Roku Channel gives you 80,000 free movies and TV shows, along with more than 350 live TV channels in the US. There’s a good mix, too, including classic films, popular TV series, and Roku Originals.

Roku originals and exclusive content: There’s some decent original programming on The Roku Channel, including exclusive shows and movies. Will they win awards? Probably not. Are they fun and entertaining regardless? Yes.

Integrated streaming experience: If you have a Roku device, The Roku Channel can integrate with all of your other streaming services, making it easier to access your content in one place.

Reasons to avoid

Limited access to new releases: The content library on offer has a wide selection, but it can feel like it’s lacking the latest blockbuster movies and TV shows. There are some, but it doesn’t feel as fresh as rivals.

You need a Roku device: Yes, The Roku Channel is accessible on other devices, but you’ll get the best experience with Roku hardware.

No way to download for offline watching: This is the case with most FAST services in this guide, but you might have assumed that with a Roku device it would be possible to watch offline, you'd be wrong.

Is The Roku Channel worth watching?

The Roku Channel launched in 2017 and it’s a great choice for those with a Roku streaming device or TV, as it integrates seamlessly with Roku’s ecosystem. However, The Roku Channel is not limited to Roku devices anymore. It can also be accessed via web browsers or the Roku app on a range of different devices. Guest users can watch content without signing up, but creating a Roku account does bring some added benefits, like the ability to pause and resume content and save things you’ve watched as favorites.

The Roku Channel is also appealing for Roku users as it can centralize your streaming experience by integrating multiple services all within the Roku interface. This allows Roku device owners to manage various subscriptions, as well as premium add-ons like Starz, Showtime, and Paramount Plus, all from the one platform.

The best free streaming service for Amazon devices

A TV with the Amazon Freevee menu displayed

(Image credit: Unsplash)

6. Amazon Freevee

The best free streaming service from Amazon

Specifications

Compatible devices: iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire, Samsung, Sonos, Xbox, PlayStation and more. .
Available in : US, UK and Australia
Live channels : Yes
Ads: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Good movie content
+
Nice Prime Video integration

Reasons to avoid

-
Long ads
-
Limited new releases

Reasons to join this month

Decent library of content: Freevee has 450 live TV channels in the US and thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows. There’s a solid selection of content here with plenty of genres, but it definitely does movies better than it does TV.

Integration with Amazon Prime: Prime video members will be happy as both services are tightly integrated, meaning you can easily transition between the two. Freevee also has some Prime Video originals, too.

Lots of device and platform support: You can access it via the web through Prime Video or use the standalone Freevee app. Whichever you choose, you’ll be able to use a range of different devices and platforms.

Reasons to avoid

Limited new releases: While Freevee has a good library, it tends to focus on older TV shows and movies. If you want the latest releases or more blockbuster hits, you might want to try Tubi or paid-for services instead.

Web experience is confusing: We like the integration with Prime Video, but that does make it hard to find and access Freevee content sometimes. Watching via the app rather than the web is better and easier for this reason.

Long ads: Users say that the ads you’ll get served when you’re watching Freevee can be longer compared to other free services, which may be frustrating and disrupt your viewing experience.

Is Freevee worth watching?

Amazon Freevee was rebranded from IMDb TV in April 2022. It’s now Amazon's offering in the FAST space. As you might expect, Freevee has a lot of integration with Amazon Prime Video. This makes it an especially convenient option for Amazon Prime members, as they can easily toggle between Freevee's free offerings and Prime Video's premium content. However, you don’t need a Prime subscription to watch Freevee’s library, just an Amazon account.

Freevee provides you with access to 450 TV channels in the US and thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows – just look at these three free movies on Amazon Freevee in September with over 80% on Rotten Tomatoes for an idea. The content library is good but not the best in this guide, featuring a mix of classic titles, popular series, and a growing selection of original programming, too. Some channels offer 24/7 streaming, though they often repeat shows rather than providing truly 'live' content.

The best free streaming service for Samsung TVs

The Samsung TV Plus homescreen

(Image credit: Samsung)

7. Samsung TV Plus

The best free streaming service for Samsung TVs

Specifications

Compatible devices: Samsung TVs
Available in : US, UK and Australia
Live channels : Yes
Ads: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Great for Samsung TVs
+
A good mixture of content

Reasons to avoid

-
Content can feel old and repetitive
-
You can't use it without a Samsung device

Reasons to watch

Easy to access with a Samsung TV: Samsung TV Plus comes pre-installed on all Samsung smart TVs from 2016, as well as on some Galaxy devices and monitors from Samsung. This makes it convenient – no additional subscriptions or downloads required.

No sign-up required: Unlike other streaming services, Samsung TV Plus doesn’t require you to create an account or hand over any personal information to start streaming.

A good mixture of content: It doesn’t have the greatest library in this list, but with more than 250 channels in the US, the mixture of entertainment, kids shows, drama, sports and news is good for families with a lot of different preferences.

Reasons to avoid

Device limitations: Obviously, if it’s only available on Samsung devices, if you don’t have one you can’t use the service. There is a web version for US users, but you won’t get the best experience.

Few blockbusters or exclusives: You’ve got a good selection of movies and shows here, but don’t expect the latest premium content or high-quality originals you might find on one of the best paid-for streaming services.

Some old and repetitive content: With the channel setup, some content can feel repetitive. A lot of TV shows and movies are also quite old.

Is Samsung TV Plus worth watching?

Samsung TV Plus launched in 2015 and it’s Samsung's own FAST service that’s designed to integrate seamlessly with the company’s devices, like the best Samsung TVs and best Samsung phones. The app comes pre-installed on all Samsung smart TVs after 2016 and it’s also available on select Galaxy smartphones, as well as other Samsung devices with a screen, like tablets and even smart fridges. This integration makes it convenient if you’re a Samsung user, as you can watch content without needing to download additional apps or sign up for an account – just turn on your TV, and you’re ready to go.

Although this does mean that Samsung TV Plus is exclusive to Samsung devices and you won’t find it on other platforms or as an iOS app. While there is an Android app, it’s only compatible with Samsung phones. For those in the US, however, the Samsung TV Plus is available online. Meanwhile, those in Europe, can also access Samsung TV Plus via Sony One, which brings a collection of 54 FAST channels to Samsung and LG TV owners.

How to choose the best free streaming service

When you're selecting a FAST service, it's helpful to understand that these platforms can generally be grouped by ownership: media companies, device manufacturers, or independent services. This should help you decide which is right for you based on the device you're using or your preferences.

Media company-owned services, like Pluto TV, often feature content that comes from their parent companies, like Paramount movies. Device manufacturers, including Samsung and LG, offer their own channels (that's Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels), which often come pre-installed on their devices, making them really convenient for users. Finally, independent services, like Plex, tend to be more versatile and they're accessible on a range of devices, making them a solid choice for those who prefer to watch TV shows and movies via a web browser.

Of course, as these services are free, there's nothing to stop you from using a mixture of them depending on what your want to watch. For example, we haven't mentioned FlixHouse in our guide above because it feels a little niche, but that specializes in offering free indie movies. So you could pair it with a FAST service that offers more mainstream content, like Tubi.

For those interested in live TV, it’s worth noting that while FAST services primarily focus on video-on-demand and channels based on themes and older content, some, like Sling TV, offer live streaming of channels too. However, there are plenty more live TV services, like YouTube TV, Fubo, and DirecTV Stream, which deliver a more traditional TV experience. That means you'll get real-time broadcasts, making these services ideal for news, sports, and event viewing.

How we test the best free streaming services

In our testing process, we primarily focused on the top four FAST services, Tubi, Kanopy, Pluto TV and Plex. That’s because these services are widely available, especially in TechRadar’s core markets of the US, UK, and Australia. Additionally, we considered three other major services based on their popularity and growth in the streaming landscape – but these are tied to specific devices and don't have the broad appeal of the first four.

To test them all, we explored the platforms thoroughly, evaluating what content is on offer in their libraries and assessing their user interface and any additional features that might be relevant for viewers. Our approach ensures that the recommendations are based on not only an in-depth understanding of each and every service, but of what our readers’ needs and preferences are, too.

Becca Caddy

Becca is a contributor to TechRadar, a freelance journalist and author. She’s been writing about consumer tech and popular science for more than ten years, covering all kinds of topics, including why robots have eyes and whether we’ll experience the overview effect one day. She’s particularly interested in VR/AR, wearables, digital health, space tech and chatting to experts and academics about the future. She’s contributed to TechRadar, T3, Wired, New Scientist, The Guardian, Inverse and many more. Her first book, Screen Time, came out in January 2021 with Bonnier Books. She loves science-fiction, brutalist architecture, and spending too much time floating through space in virtual reality.