Paying for five streaming services isn't the only way to fill an evening. There are more free, legal ways to watch TV today than at any point in history — local channels, hundreds of live streaming channels, library movie apps and full seasons of shows. Some are better than others, though.
We ranked the free options by one simple test: how much good TV do you get tonight, for $0 a month?
Every option below is licensed and legal. Free doesn't mean shady — it means paid for by ads, by your library, or by public broadcasting.
1. An HD antenna — the best free TV there is
Nothing beats an antenna for value. After a one-time purchase, you get your local ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and PBS stations — the evening news, network shows and a big share of live sports — in full HD, forever, for free.
- What you get: local news, network primetime, big sports events, PBS
- What it costs: the antenna, once
- Catch: you need to be within range of the broadcast towers
Check which stations reach your address on the FCC's DTV Reception Map before you buy.
2. Free live streaming channels (FAST)
"FAST" channels — free ad-supported streaming TV — work like old-school cable: you flip through hundreds of live channels showing movies, reality, crime, classic sitcoms, news and more.
The biggest free live-channel apps are Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels, Tubi's live section and Plex. Many smart TVs have one built in already.
- What you get: hundreds of themed live channels
- Catch: ads, and mostly older shows
3. Free on-demand movie and TV apps
When you want to pick exactly what to watch, Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel and Plex also have large on-demand libraries — thousands of movies and full TV seasons.
- What you get: big libraries, including some recent films
- Catch: ad breaks and rotating titles
4. Library streaming apps
Your library card unlocks Kanopy and Hoopla, which stream acclaimed films, documentaries and TV — with no ads. Each library sets a monthly limit on how many titles you can watch.
- What you get: high-quality, ad-free films
- Catch: only if your library participates
5. Network apps and websites
Networks often post recent episodes and clips for free on their apps or websites, and the PBS app streams a lot of PBS programming free. It's a great way to catch up on one show without a subscription.
- What you get: recent episodes of some network shows
- Catch: limited selection, and many shows need a login
6. YouTube
Beyond creators, YouTube carries a selection of free movies with ads, official channels that post full episodes and classic films, and live news from major outlets.
- What you get: quick finds, classics and live news
- Catch: hunting for full-length content takes time
How to put it together
For most homes, the best free setup is:
- An antenna for local channels and live sports
- One or two free live-channel apps for channel surfing
- Kanopy or Hoopla if your library supports them
Add a single paid service only when there's something specific you can't get free. Our streaming services ranking shows which paid service gives the most for the money, and rotating subscriptions keeps that bill low.
If your TV is old or slow, a streaming stick makes all these apps easy to use — see the best streaming device for older TVs.
Stay away from "free everything" sites
Websites and apps that offer every channel and new movie for free are usually unlicensed. They often come with malware, pop-ups and streams that stop working. Stick to official app stores and the services above.
Frequently asked questions
Can I really watch TV for free legally?
Yes. Over-the-air broadcasts are free with an antenna, and apps like Pluto TV, Tubi and The Roku Channel are licensed and paid for by ads.
What's the best free streaming app?
For live channel surfing, Pluto TV and The Roku Channel are hard to beat. For on-demand movies, Tubi has one of the biggest free libraries.
Do I need a smart TV for free streaming?
No. Any TV with an HDMI port works with a low-cost streaming stick, which gives you all the free apps.
Can I watch live sports for free?
Many big games air on ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC, which you can watch free with an antenna. Games on cable sports channels need a paid service.
