The best free streaming service
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 peopleReasons 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 TVReasons 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 moviesReasons 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.
