If you typed "where to" into a search box because you want a place to go right now that is free, legal, and does not want an account or a card, the best answer is Pluto TV. You can start watching without signing up, it is ad-supported rather than subscription-based, and it offers hundreds of themed channels plus a large on-demand catalog.
The destinations themselves and who each suits
Pluto TV, You can begin viewing without an account. The service is ad-supported and offers hundreds of free channels plus a large on-demand catalog. Many of these channels are FAST (free ad-supported television) channels, meaning they are themed, library, clip, or rerun channels rather than full broadcast-network feeds. If you want to flip through something immediately and do not want to hand over an email address, this is the one.
Plex, Basic viewing does not require an account. It is ad-supported. Plex also lets you organize your own media files if you have them, but the free live TV part works without signing in. Suits someone who might later want a single app for both free live channels and their own movie collection.
Samsung TV Plus, Pre-installed on Samsung smart TVs and some Galaxy devices. No account or card needed. It is ad-supported. If you own a Samsung device, you already have it. Not available as a standalone app on other platforms.
BBC iPlayer, Operated by the broadcaster itself. Live viewing is tied to broadcast television and requires a TV licence in the UK. It is not a free international streaming model. If you are in the UK and already pay the licence fee, it works; if you are outside the UK, it will not serve you live content legally without a licence and a UK IP address.
ITVX, My5, Channel 4 / Freeview Play, These are broadcaster-operated services in the UK. Some require a free account sign-in. Freeview Play aggregates UK free-to-air channels through compatible devices. If you are in the UK and want the main broadcast channels, these are the official apps, but expect to create a free account for most of them.
Kanopy, This is not live TV. It is a curated, no-charge film collection available through participating libraries or academic institutions. You must create an account and agree to Kanopy’s terms when signing up. No payment card is required because the service is provided through library or academic agreements, not because it is ad-supported. If you have a library card from a participating institution, you get movies and documentaries, not live channels. Suits someone who wants thoughtful films rather than flipping through channels.
PBS, The PBS app and PBS Kids app offer free streaming of many PBS shows. Some content requires a Passport donation, but a lot is available free and ad-supported. No account needed for the basic free tier on most content. Suits viewers who want documentaries, news, and children’s programming without signing up.
The thing a reader gets wrong about this subject
The biggest mistake is assuming that "free live TV" means you get the same channels you would get from a cable subscription or an antenna. Most free live TV apps carry FAST channels: themed channels that run old episodes, clips, or library content on a schedule. They rarely carry live sports, live news from major networks in real time, or first-run prime-time shows as they air. Pluto TV, for example, has a channel called "Star Trek" that runs old episodes 24/7, not the current season. If you want tonight's NFL game or tonight's episode of a current network drama, a free live TV app is probably not going to give it to you.
Another common error is thinking "no account required" means "no data collected." Ad-supported services still track what you watch to serve ads, even if you do not log in. The difference is you are not giving them your name and email.
People also confuse "free" with "trial." Sling Freestream is free and does not require a credit card, but Sling's paid service is a different thing. The free tier is ad-supported and offers more than 600 channels plus free movies and shows, but it is not the same as the paid Sling TV subscription. Do not sign up for a trial thinking it is the free version.
What to check before committing to one
Country availability. Most free live TV apps are US-only or UK-only. Pluto TV works in several countries, but the channel lineup changes by region. BBC iPlayer only works in the UK with a TV licence. The retrieved pages do not document exact country lists for most services from official sources, so check the app store or the service's own website before assuming it works where you are.
Account requirements. Pluto TV, Xumo Play, Tubi, and Plex let you watch without signing in. The Roku Channel may work without signing in, but some features may require a Roku account. Kanopy requires an account tied to your library card. ITVX and My5 require a free account. If you want zero sign-up, stick with Pluto, Xumo, Tubi, or Plex.
What you actually want to watch. If you want live news, check whether the app carries a live feed of a major network like CNN, BBC News, or your local affiliate. Most free apps carry news channels that are either FAST versions (like "CNN Headlines" which is a loop of clips) or foreign news feeds. If you want live sports, free apps rarely have it. If you want old movies and reruns, almost any free app will have plenty.
Device compatibility. Some services are only available on certain platforms. Samsung TV Plus is only on Samsung devices. Freeview Play is only on compatible UK devices. Pluto, Tubi, and Plex run on most smart TVs, phones, tablets, and streaming sticks. Check your device's app store before getting your hopes up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do any of these free live TV apps carry local broadcast channels like ABC, NBC, or CBS?
Most free live TV apps do not carry the full live feeds of local broadcast affiliates. Some services like Pluto TV may have a channel called "NBC News" that runs clips and reports, but it is not the same as your local NBC station's live broadcast. For local channels, an antenna is still the most reliable free option.
Will I need to enter a credit card to start watching on any of these?
No. The free tiers listed here do not require a credit card. Sling Freestream, Pluto TV, Tubi, Xumo Play, and Plex all let you watch without one. Kanopy requires a library card but no payment card. If a service asks for a card, you are looking at a trial for a paid subscription, not the free version.
Can I watch live sports on these free apps?
Rarely. Some free apps may carry a channel like "Pluto TV Sports" that shows replays, highlights, or niche sports, but live major-league games are almost never available on free ad-supported TV. For live sports, you typically need a paid service or an antenna for over-the-air broadcasts.
Which service has the most channels?
Sling Freestream claims more than 600 channels, and The Roku Channel offers more than 500 live channels. Pluto TV offers hundreds. The exact number changes frequently as channels are added or removed. More channels does not mean better content, many are niche or rerun channels.
Do I need a library card for any of these?
Only for Kanopy. Kanopy gives you access to a curated film collection through participating libraries or academic institutions. No other service on this list requires a library card.
Where this fits
This is one guide from Where to Watch Free Live TV Online.
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