Over 50,000 TV shows and movies are free on streaming apps. Cutting TV costs does not mean cutting back as much anymore. Accounts and logins are not needed to watch free TV shows and movies online. Read below for details and how to get started.
If you cancelled or are thinking about cancelling TV subscriptions, the guides in this link have more detail on all options.
Streaming Options with Apps
On Demand Movies and TV Shows
The apps work like well known streaming apps. You open them, pick a movie or show and start watching. You can start watching without logging in or any type of payment ever. The apps can remember where left off if watching from streaming devices but may struggle with other devices. To get around that, a free account will give you more access. Create a watch lists, set preferences, and across all devices with the free accounts. No payment is required to create these accounts and keep them open.
Some streamers do offer premium accounts (that cost money) with perks but they are not required to use the apps.
Live TV Apps and Live Streaming within Apps
Live TV Apps and live streaming within apps and smart TVs have of 100’s of free TV shows, free movie, and free sports channels. They have a lot of variety but do not allow you to pause, rewind, fast forward, or save your place. Some streamers do have accounts that allow you record but are not free.
Live TV Apps can be separate from streaming apps, inside TV apps, or installed on some TVs.
Restrictions
- Some of the apps have free on demand (typical streamer set up) and live TV section along with separate paid section that has access to move shows and movies. A payment is never required to keep watching the free to watch section.
- Streaming apps may not be available on all streaming devices or TVs. The 21 streaming apps below are available on Roku streaming devices but check your streaming device to if the apps below can be added.
- Live sports and primetime TV shows are limited.
How to Set Up
Download the app(s) on the devices you plan to use (Smart TV, streaming devices, mobile phone, or desktop computer). The streaming apps are not available on all smart TVs and streaming devices.
If you would like to create a watch list, you will need to create a free account (the account will never be billed). Check with the streamer to see if they offer watch lists.
Visit the streamer app websites for details on movies and shows now, check if it can be viewed on your device, and how to set up watch lists.
Free Streaming Apps
General Apps
- Pluto TV
- A watch list can be created with an account.
- Plex
- A watch list can be created with an account.
- The Roku Channel
- A watch list can be created with an account.
- Fandingo
- Fandingo has a free section within their app.
- A membership is available that allows you to get $10 off movies tickets, in app purchases, and merchandise from their store.
- Fandingo also has separate offers and prizes as well such as discounts on tickets, discounts on merchandise, trips to movie premiers, vacations related to shows and movies, and more.
- Tubi
- A watch list can be created with an account.
- The CW
- A watch list can be created with an account.
- PBS
- Chicken Soup for the Soul
- Fawesome
- Smart TV Channels
- YouTube
- Xumo Play
- FilmRise
Kids Apps
- PBS KIDS
- Kidoodle.TV
- Creating an account allows for more parental controls.
- HappyKids
Library Apps
- Kanopy
- Must be a member of a library (school or public)
- hoopla Digital
- Must be a member of a library
- Audiobooks, Ebooks, music, and comics also available.
Spanish Apps
- ViX: TV, Deportes y Noticias
- Canela.TV
Local News Apps
- Local Now
- ABC News
- NewsON
- WeatherNation
Streaming Now
Click the link below to view what is currently streaming on the apps.
