With “cutting the cable” an increasingly popular way to save on monthly expenses, there’s been a rise in free video streaming apps. With more choices than ever for replacing your traditional cable setup, you can save hundreds of dollars each year by canceling cable. Plus, many free streaming services offer access to content that subscription-based services don’t have. 

You no longer need to squint at your phone’s screen or gather your family around an iPad to watch your favorite TV programs and movies. Instead, you can download apps to your Smart TV or even your Xbox or PlayStation consoles to watch them. 

We’ve rounded up some of the best and free TV apps that give you no-strings-attached cable-cutting alternatives. Here are the best free TV apps to try. 

1. Twitch

Twitch is a free streaming service for gaming and sports. Anyone may watch user-generated videos and broadcasts. In addition, twitch enables broadcasters to speak with viewers in real-time. 

Twitch offers free and paid-to-stream options on Windows, iOS, Android, gaming consoles, Chromecast, Apple TV, and Fire TV. However, parents should be cautious with Twitch’s because broadcasts aren’t regulated, meaning some may include explicit content.

2. Freevee

Freevee (previously IMDb TV) is an Amazon-owned streaming video service that provides access to entire episodes of popular current and old TV series, plus a wide selection of movies. 

The collection includes sci-fi classics like Lost and Fringe, which are perfect for marathon viewing. Since Freevee relies on advertising revenue to operate, you can expect to see some commercials while watching. In the United States, you can watch it on Apple TVs, Rokus, Xbox, and mobile devices running iOS and Android.

3. NewsON

There are many reasons to use the NewsON app. Local and national news broadcasts are available through the app. Both live TV and on-demand news broadcasts can be streamed, allowing you to watch news broadcasts at your leisure Users also have the option to choose between sports, weather, and entertainment. 

4. Pluto TV

Pluto TV is linear, like cable, as it offers free content curated from what’s already available online. It’s not a streaming service. 

While scrolling the guide on Pluto TV, you may see channels and content you recognize. It offers sports, such as PGA and World Poker Tour, and news, such as CNBC, and more. You can also find classic movies such as Barnyard, Rock Dog 2, Titanic, and Forrest Gump. 

5. PBS Kids

PBS Kids Video app offers kids informative and educational shows and movies while providing a bright, kid-friendly layout. You’re able to watch live PBS programming or previously recorded shows. The PBS video app is compatible with Android, iOS, and Kindle. Some of the shows you’ll find are Curious George,  Wild Kratts, and Sesame Street.

6. Xumo

Xumo provides a live TV channel and on-demand option, whether you want them now or later. Like Pluto, you can watch a selection of major network news channels, including NBC News. 

It also has more than 180 free channels, including themed categories if you’re interested in action movies or comedies. Xumo is available on most smart TVs and Roku and can be downloaded for iOS and Android devices. 

7. Crackle

Crackle is a superior free video-streaming service. It delivers programming ranging from Just Shoot Me! and The Doris Day Show to Going from Broke. It features hundreds of big studio films and ’60s and ’70s TV series. It’s compatible with most mobile devices, streaming devices, and smart TVs. 

8. Tubi TV

Tubi TV is a division of the FOX Entertainment Group owned by FOX Network. Tubi TV has deals with MGM, Lionsgate, and Paramount. Tubi TV promises to refresh its collection weekly. 

The software works on Android, iOS, Roku, Apple TV, Xbox, Samsung Smart TVs, and Amazon Fire TV. The Masked Singer and Master Chef: Back to Win are in the library, and feature over 45,000 videos and shows on demand. 

9. Crunchyroll

Anime enthusiasts love Crunchyroll. Its repertoire includes international films and programs but emphasizes Japanese material. Crunchyroll has various anime films and episodes that aren’t available elsewhere. It features hundreds of hours of anime, including rare titles. 

The free Crunchyroll service features popular shows like Dragon Ball and Attack on Titan. It’s currently available on iOS, Android, Windows, Chromecast, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku.

10. YouTube

YouTube applications work on practically every screen-equipped device, offering videos on almost every subject. There are lots of full-length films, documentary series, and curated channels that give free family entertainment. There are methods to download YouTube material for offline viewing but beware of viruses.

Hot Tip: Upgrade to YouTube Premium for just $11.99 a month to unlock additional content without the ads.

11. Peacock

NBC Universal’s streaming service launched in July 2020 known as Peacock. It offers premium TV shows, movies, news, sports, kids’ programming, and Spanish-language programs. Suits, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and Comedy in Color are on this streaming service. A free, no-credit-card account is required. 

Bottom Line

Numerous TV applications will keep you entertained! Check out some of the apps mentioned above. They have unique features, but they are 100% free to use.