8 Free TV Apps to Download Now

Remember the days when cable TV was the only option for home entertainment? Those days are long gone. Now you can watch shows and movies without spending a dime. The streaming world offers plenty of free options that work on multiple devices. I recently cut my cable subscription and saved over $100 monthly. Free TV apps provide access to thousands of movies, shows, and live channels. You don’t need to break the bank for good entertainment anymore. Most of these apps work on smart TVs, phones, tablets, and streaming devices. Their interfaces have become more user-friendly over the years.

Ready to explore the best free options available? Let’s jump into eight awesome free TV apps worth downloading right now.

Freevee

Formerly known as IMDb TV, Freevee stands out among free streaming options. Amazon owns this service, giving it access to quality content. You’ll find popular movies and shows without paying a monthly fee.

Freevee offers original content alongside licensed movies and TV shows. Their original series like “Bosch: Legacy” and “Judy Justice” rival paid subscription content. The app updates its library monthly, adding fresh titles to keep viewers engaged.

The interface resembles Amazon Prime Video, making navigation simple for most users. You can create watchlists and pick up where you left off across devices. Commercial breaks appear throughout content but last only a few minutes.

The app works on Amazon Fire TV, Roku, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices. Creating an account helps personalize your recommendations and track viewing history. Freevee’s content often includes older hit movies and TV shows from major studios.

What Makes Freevee Stand Out

Freevee’s connection to Amazon gives it an edge in content quality. The library includes content from Warner Bros., Universal, and other major studios. Their original programming budget grows each year, bringing exclusive shows you can’t watch elsewhere.

Ad breaks on Freevee seem shorter than on other free platforms. The service remembers where you stopped watching across different devices. Parents will appreciate the ability to set viewing restrictions for younger viewers.

The search function works well, letting you find content by title, actor, or genre. Some movies and shows offer X-Ray features that identify actors in each scene. The mobile app allows downloads for offline viewing on certain titles.

Crunchyroll

Anime fans rejoice—Crunchyroll offers thousands of anime titles completely free. This specialized service focuses on Japanese animation and cultural content. The platform provides both subtitled and dubbed versions of most shows.

Crunchyroll updates with new episodes shortly after they air in Japan. Free users can access most content with ads and slightly delayed releases. The library spans classic anime series to the latest seasonal hits.

The app categorizes content by genre, making it easy to find new shows. Many lesser-known anime gems appear here that mainstream services overlook. Crunchyroll works on nearly every streaming device and gaming console.

Why Anime Lovers Choose Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll’s massive library makes it the Netflix of anime content. They offer over 1,000 titles spanning action, romance, fantasy, and more. The platform includes content for beginners and hardcore fans alike.

The community features let viewers discuss episodes and join fan groups. Reading comments often adds context to cultural references in the shows. Free users get standard definition streaming, while paid subscribers enjoy HD.

Seasonal anime showcases help users discover new shows based on their preferences. The manga section gives access to digital comics related to favorite anime series. Crunchyroll’s yearly awards highlight the best new shows and creators.

The Roku Channel

The Roku Channel started on Roku devices but now works on many platforms. This service offers movies, TV shows, news, and even live channels. You don’t need a Roku device to enjoy this growing free service.

Content includes older movies, TV shows, and some original programming. The live TV section features news, sports, and specialized topic channels. Navigation feels smooth with well-organized categories and recommendations.

The service works through browsers, mobile apps, and most streaming devices. Picture quality reaches up to 1080p depending on your internet connection. New content appears weekly, keeping the library fresh and interesting.

Exploring Roku Channel’s Features

The Roku Channel’s live TV guide resembles traditional cable, making it familiar. Over 300 free channels cover news, sports, cooking, travel, and more. Their recently added original content includes shows starring major Hollywood actors.

The kids’ section offers family-friendly options with separate parental controls. Search features let you filter by genre, release year, or content rating. The app remembers your viewing history and suggests similar content.

Roku Channel’s integration with premium subscriptions keeps everything in one place. You can add HBO, Showtime, and other services through their platform. The recently played section makes it easy to continue watching shows.

Crackle

Sony’s Crackle has been in the free streaming game longer than most. This veteran service offers movies, TV shows, and original programming. The content rotates monthly, bringing fresh options to viewers.

Crackle organizes content into unique, themed collections based on moods. Their original shows like “StartUp” and “The Oath” feature recognized actors. The interface works well across smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices.

Users don’t need accounts to watch, though registration enables some perks. Commercial breaks appear throughout content but seem reasonably spaced. The library includes options from major studios alongside independent films.

What You’ll Find on Crackle

Crackle specializes in action, comedy, and thriller genres from the 2000s. Their curated collections like “Adrenaline Rush” help when you’re unsure what to watch. Classic TV shows from the 90s and early 2000s appear regularly.

The “Featured” section highlights seasonal content and new additions. Some movies and shows have “coming soon” and “leaving soon” tags. These warnings help viewers prioritize what to watch before it disappears.

Original programming often features familiar actors in unique stories. Video quality reaches up to 1080p depending on your connection speed. The mobile app performs well even on older smartphones and tablets.

Tubi TV

Tubi boasts one of the largest libraries among free streaming services. Owned by FOX Entertainment, it offers over 40,000 movies and TV episodes. The content spans nearly every genre imaginable.

Navigation uses helpful categories like “Not on Netflix” and “Highly Rated on Rotten Tomatoes.” The interface remains consistent across different devices and platforms. New content appears daily, with featured sections highlighting recent additions.

Tubi works on smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, and mobile devices. The service requires no registration, though accounts enable watchlists and viewing history. Ad breaks appear shorter than those on traditional television.

Tubi’s Impressive Selection

Tubi excels with its massive movie library spanning decades of releases. Their “Leaving Soon” section helps prioritize what to watch first. Genre collections include hard-to-find horror, cult classics, and international films.

The “Tubi Kids” section offers family-friendly content with separate controls. Their news section provides local and national coverage from various networks. The “Collections” feature groups similar content like “Award Winners” or “Cult Classics.”

Fox’s ownership brings content from major studios to the platform. The recently added “Live TV” feature includes news and sports channels. Search functions work well, even finding actors and directors by name.

Pluto TV

Pluto TV takes a unique approach by mimicking traditional TV with live channels. Owned by Paramount, this service offers both live content and on-demand options. The interface resembles a cable guide with scrolling channel listings.

Over 250 curated channels cover movies, news, sports, and specialized interests. Channels follow themes like “80s Rewind,” “Crime Drama,” and “Classic Movies.” The on-demand section includes thousands of movies and TV episodes.

Pluto works across smart TVs, streaming devices, and mobile platforms. No account is required, though registration enables favorites and customization. The channel lineup continually expands with new and specialized options.

Why Pluto TV Feels Different

Pluto TV creates a traditional viewing experience in the streaming era. The predictable schedule helps when you just want background entertainment. Specialized channels focus on single shows like “Doctor Who” or “CSI.”

Their movie channels organize by genre, making it easy to find mood-appropriate films. The news section includes recognized networks alongside international options. Sports coverage includes niche offerings like poker, wrestling, and extreme sports.

On-demand content complements the live options when you need control. The interface allows channel surfing just like traditional TV. Commercial breaks feel familiar to anyone used to broadcast television.

NewsON

NewsON focuses exclusively on local news from stations across America. The service aggregates newscasts from over 275 local stations in 165 markets. You can watch live broadcasts or catch up on recent newscasts.

The map interface makes finding your local stations intuitive and quick. Coverage includes breaking news, weather forecasts, and community events. The service works well on streaming devices, phones, and tablets.

No subscription is required to access any content on the platform. The app organizes content by location and recency for easy navigation. Video quality adjusts based on your internet connection speed.

Staying Connected with NewsON

NewsON helps travelers stay connected to hometown news while away. The service excels during severe weather and local emergencies. You can set favorite stations for quick access to preferred coverage.

The archives feature lets you catch up on missed broadcasts. Some stations offer their investigative reports and special segments separately. Weather alerts can be customized based on your selected locations.

The interface clearly labels live broadcasts versus recorded content. Video controls allow pausing and rewinding live and recorded news. Coverage spans rural areas often overlooked by national news outlets.

PBS Kids

PBS Kids offers free educational content for young viewers. The app provides access to popular shows like “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” and “Wild Kratts.” Content focuses on learning while entertaining children ages 2-8.

The colorful interface makes navigation easy for young users. Episodes rotate regularly, though key shows remain consistently available. No account is required, and the app contains no in-app purchases.

PBS Kids works on streaming devices, tablets, phones, and computers. Parents appreciate the ad-free environment and educational focus. The games section reinforces concepts from favorite shows.

Educational Value of PBS Kids

PBS Kids designs content with learning objectives backed by research. Shows cover topics from science and math to emotional intelligence. The app organizes content by character and educational theme.

Parents can find resources related to each show’s curriculum. The live TV feature follows a consistent schedule for routine-oriented children. Games and interactive elements extend learning beyond passive viewing.

Offline viewing options help during travel or limited internet access. Seasonal content addresses holidays and special events appropriately. The platform balances entertainment with meaningful educational content.

Conclusion

Free TV apps have revolutionized how we access entertainment. These eight options provide thousands of hours of content without subscription fees. Each service offers something unique for different viewing preferences.

Try downloading a few apps to see which interfaces and content libraries suit you. Mix and match services to create your personalized streaming lineup. Most require minimal storage space on your devices.

The world of free streaming continues to improve with better content and features. These services prove that quality entertainment doesn’t require opening your wallet. Happy streaming!

Also Read: 13 Best Free Sites Like Netflix to Watch Free Movies

FAQs