Live NetTV v5.0No streaming app works perfectly every day. Links go down, servers get busy, and sometimes you just want a different line-up. Before reaching for an alternative, it is worth trying the quick fixes in Live NetTV not working, because most problems take a minute to solve. For the times you need a backup, the services below are free, legal and supported by advertising. They are all available from the official Google Play Store or Amazon Appstore, so there is nothing to sideload.
Quick comparison
| App | Live channels | Account needed? | Main regions | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pluto TV | Hundreds | No | US, UK, Canada, Latin America, parts of Europe | Android, Fire TV, Google TV, web |
| Plex | 600+ | Free account | Most countries | Android, Fire TV, Google TV, web |
| Tubi | Live news, sports and entertainment channels | No | US, Canada, UK, Australia, Mexico and others | Android, Fire TV, Google TV, web |
| The Roku Channel | Hundreds | No | US, Canada, UK, Mexico | Android, Fire TV, Google TV, web |
| Samsung TV Plus | Hundreds | No | Many countries | Samsung TVs and Galaxy phones, web |
| Sling Freestream | Hundreds | Free account | US | Android, Fire TV, Google TV, web |
| Haystack News | Local and world news | No | US and international | Android, Fire TV, Google TV |
Channel line-ups and availability change often, and some apps show different channels in different countries. Check the app's store listing to see what is available where you live.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV is the closest thing to traditional cable for free. It lays out hundreds of channels in a familiar programme guide, from news and comedy to classic TV, films and sport highlights. There is no sign-up. Install it and start watching. It is owned by Paramount, and its channel list varies by country.
Best for: channel-surfing the old-fashioned way. Get it: Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore.
Plex
Plex is best known for organising your own video library, but it also offers more than 600 free live channels and a large on-demand catalogue, available in most countries. A free account is needed, which also syncs your watchlist between devices.
Best for: wide international availability. Get it: Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore.
Tubi
Tubi, owned by Fox, is mainly an on-demand service with a very large free film and TV library, but it also carries live news, sports and entertainment channels. No account is needed to start watching.
Best for: films and series when there is nothing on live. Get it: Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore.
The Roku Channel
Despite the name, you do not need a Roku device. The Roku Channel app runs on Android, Fire TV and Google TV and offers hundreds of free live channels alongside on-demand shows, in the countries where it is available.
Best for: a polished guide with a strong news line-up. Get it: Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore.
Samsung TV Plus
Samsung TV Plus is built into Samsung televisions and Galaxy phones and tablets, and also works in a web browser. It offers hundreds of free channels with no sign-up. If you own a Samsung TV, which cannot install Android apps, this is the easiest free live TV option you already have.
Best for: Samsung TV and Galaxy owners. Get it: pre-installed on Samsung devices.
Sling Freestream
Sling's free tier carries hundreds of ad-supported live channels in the US, with no paid subscription needed. A free account unlocks extra features such as a limited cloud recording allowance.
Best for: US viewers who want a large free line-up. Get it: Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore.
Haystack News
Haystack builds a personalised news channel from local, national and international news clips, and also carries live news streams. It learns what you like as you watch.
Best for: a news feed that fits your interests. Get it: Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore.
Free channels already on your device
- Fire TV: the Live tab on the home screen includes free ad-supported channels from Amazon and partner apps, depending on your country.
- Google TV: in supported countries, Google TV Freeplay adds free live channels straight into the Live tab, with no extra app.
- YouTube: many major news broadcasters stream live on their official YouTube channels around the clock. Search for the broadcaster's name followed by “live”.
- Your national broadcaster: many countries have a free official app from their public broadcaster, such as BBC iPlayer in the UK (a TV Licence is required), ABC iview and SBS On Demand in Australia, or CBC Gem in Canada.
Why we only list official apps
You will find plenty of websites recommending unofficial streaming apps as “alternatives”. Many of those are repackaged with adware, disappear without notice, or ask for permissions no TV app needs. Every app on this page is published by a known company and distributed through the official app stores, which means it is reviewed, updated automatically and easy to remove. For more on staying safe, see how to spot fake APKs.
Frequently asked questions
Are these apps really free?
Yes. They are paid for by advertising, much like broadcast television. Some offer optional paid upgrades, but the live channels listed here are free.
Why can I not find some of these apps in my country?
Free live TV services license channels country by country, so each app is only offered where it has the rights. The store will only show apps that are available in your region.
Can I use these alongside Live NetTV?
Yes. They are separate apps and do not interfere with each other. Many people keep one or two installed as a backup.