Free live TV apps replaced cable for millions of people. In 2026 there are way more options than there were even two years ago, all completely free with ads. I've tested the major free live TV apps to see which ones actually have content worth watching.
These are all legal, ad supported services. No pirate IPTV streams here. The free legal options have gotten good enough that most cord cutters can replace cable without paying anything.
Quick comparison
| App | Channels | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Pluto TV | 250+ | Most channels, news, entertainment |
| Tubi Live | 200+ | Live news and reality |
| Sling Freestream | 200+ | Sling alternative |
| Plex Live TV | 500+ | Most channels overall |
| Local Now | 250+ | Local news from any US city |
| NBC Now | 15 | NBC and Peacock content |
| Haystack News | Personalized | News only, customized |
| XUMO Play | 250+ | Smart TV preinstalled |
1. Pluto TV, the biggest free live TV service
Pluto TV has been the dominant free live TV app for years. Over 250 channels themed around specific shows, genres, or properties. Watching CSI 24/7 channel, Star Trek marathon channel, MTV music videos channel, news from CBS and Sky.
Owned by Paramount so it has full access to CBS, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, and Paramount Pictures library. The mix is best of both worlds, live channels for background watching plus a deep on demand library.
Works on every device imaginable. Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, smart TVs from every brand, mobile, web, Xbox, PlayStation.
2. Tubi Live
Tubi added live channels in 2023 and the offering has grown to 200+ channels. Mix of news (Fox affiliates, CBS News, MSNBC streams), reality TV channels, classic TV channels, and themed movie marathons.
The combination of Tubi's already huge on demand library plus the live channels makes it competitive with Pluto. Some channels overlap with Pluto, others are unique to Tubi. Worth having both installed.
3. Sling Freestream
Sling Freestream is the free tier from Sling TV. 200+ live channels, no signup required. Similar selection to Pluto and Tubi but with a few unique channels including ACC Network feed at times, NHL Network promotional channels, and the Sling Originals.
The interface is more polished than Pluto's in some ways, less in others. Solid alternative when you want to switch up the channel options.
4. Plex Live TV (with antenna or free streams)
Plex offers a free live TV section in their app. Over 500 channels at this point, the largest live channel count of any free service. Mix of news, entertainment, niche content, foreign language channels.
Plex separately supports OTA antenna integration. If you have an HDHomeRun tuner ($150 one time), Plex can tune your over the air broadcast TV channels and DVR them. Combined with their free streaming channels, it's a complete cable replacement system.
5. Local Now for local news
Local Now is unique. You enter your zip code, and the app gives you local news, weather, and traffic from your specific city. Plus 250+ other channels for general viewing.
If you cut cable but miss local news for your specific city, Local Now is the answer. They partner with local TV stations across the US to provide free streaming.
6. NBC Now and other network apps
NBC offers NBC Now as a free streaming service with about 15 channels. Includes NBC News Now, CNBC clips, sports content, and Peacock highlights. Good supplemental free content if you already watch NBC content.
ABC News Live and CBS News also offer free 24/7 news streams. Combined, you can get free national news without any cable subscription.
7. Haystack News for personalized news
Haystack lets you pick news sources you like (local stations, national networks, international outlets) and creates a personalized news stream. Plays continuously like a TV channel but the content adapts to your preferences.
Best if you want news but don't want the political bias of any single network. Mix Fox, CNN, MSNBC, BBC, and local stations for a balanced feed.
8. XUMO Play (often preinstalled)
XUMO comes preinstalled on many smart TVs from LG, Vizio, Hisense, and Magnavox. Free live channels similar to Pluto and Tubi. About 250 channels covering similar ground.
If you have a smart TV with XUMO already there, it's a quick way to access free live TV without installing anything. Otherwise Pluto and Tubi have similar offerings.
Best cord cutter setup
- Pluto TV for general entertainment and news
- Tubi Live for additional channels and on demand
- Local Now for your city's local news
- OTA antenna ($30 one time) for major networks like Fox, NBC, ABC, CBS
This combo replaces most of what cable provides for $0/month after the antenna. The main thing you lose is live sports, where paid services still have an edge.
Are you using free live TV apps yet? Drop your favorite in comments. I'm always looking for hidden gem channels.