From Engadget · Ben Stegner · · 3m
7 ways to get free movies and TV channels on your smart TV
Your smart TV likely has built-in free streaming apps, and there are plenty more legal options to explore without paying a dime.
In brief
Your smart TV likely has built-in free streaming apps, and there are plenty more legal options to explore without paying a dime. Most smart TVs come with free ad-supported streaming built in, and you can add services like Tubi, Pluto, and YouTube to access thousands of movies and shows without subscriptions…
Free streaming is everywhere
You don't need paid subscriptions to watch quality movies and TV. Tons of free streaming options exist with more content than you could ever watch, most offering both on-demand libraries and live channels.
Check your TV's built-in apps first
Your smart TV likely has a preinstalled FAST app (free ad-supported streaming television) that combines on-demand content with live channels. LG Channels, Samsung TV Plus, Roku Channel, Google TV Freeplay, and Vizio's WatchFree+ are the main ones.
Built-in channels offer surprising variety
These preinstalled services include game shows, home renovation programs, news, sports, cooking shows, and movies across every genre. You won't find the latest blockbusters or major live sports, but there's always something to watch.
Tubi offers thousands of titles
Tubi is a truly free streaming app with no subscription required and no account needed for most content. It features genre breakdowns, seasonal collections, network-specific shows, Tubi Originals, live TV, kids content, and Spanish-language programming.
Tubi keeps ads minimal
Expect around 4 to 6 minutes of ads per hour on Tubi, which the service says is lower than traditional broadcasting. This is refreshing compared to the constantly rising prices of paid services like Disney Plus.
Pluto focuses on live channels
Pluto TV emphasizes channel-surfing like cable, with channels running the same show 24/7 like Law and Order or CSI Miami. It also has an on-demand library and channels for daytime TV, local news, anime, and music videos.
Your library card unlocks free content
Hoopla and Kanopy offer free streaming to anyone with a participating library card. Hoopla includes movies, shows, comics, music, and ebooks, while Kanopy focuses on documentaries and international films with no ads.
YouTube has legal free movies
YouTube's Movies and TV section has a Free category with ad-supported films and shows. You can also find public domain films, official studio channels like Warner Bros. Classics, and distributors like Shout Studios offering retro and cult classics.
Prime Video has a free section
Amazon rolled its free Freevee catalog into Prime Video in 2025. The free section includes movies, TV, sports highlights, news, and live channels, though you need to avoid the paid content mixed in.
Sling Freestream needs no account
Sling's free FAST service offers on-demand movies and TV plus live channels without requiring payment or signup. It includes local news, 24/7 channels for popular shows, and topical channels like Non-Stop 90s.
Sling Freestream adds perks free
Sign up for a free Sling account to unlock a DVR function that records up to 10 hours of content. You can also spin a daily prize wheel after watching 30 minutes on the mobile app.
Most services show ads
Since you're getting content for free, expect ads on most services. Everyone's tolerance differs, but taking a stretch or getting a drink during ad breaks makes them less bothersome.
Try multiple apps for variety
Each service has different catalogs and strengths. Install several apps on your TV to find which ones match your viewing preferences and discover new favorites.
The key point
Most smart TVs come with free ad-supported streaming built in, and you can add services like Tubi, Pluto, and YouTube to access thousands of movies and shows without subscriptions.
