I tried best FREE TV apps with 1,000s of channels, films and shows – my top pick is worth killing your £220 Netflix for
So I've tried five of the best TV streaming apps out there, in a bid to save you from paying over £220 a year on Netflix. It turns out that you can get thousands of channels, top Hollywood films, brilliant kids TV, and even The Graham Norton Show without paying a penny on telly subscriptions. I'm convinced that one has enough movies, you could even ditch Netflix.
16
The catch is that all of these apps will show you ads – either during live telly or midway through on-demand content.
But regular TV has been showing ads for decades, and the entry-level memberships for Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video all do the same – only with a monthly fee attached too.
So here are some of the best free TV app options out there right now. Maybe you can even cancel your £19-a-month Netflix plan (that's £228 a year)!
Free TV app #1 – Pluto TV
What is it?
Pluto is one of the big names in free streaming, and it's got a vast library of content. It's also available on plenty of devices.
How easy to get set up?
You're asked to accept or reject some privacy settings with one click – and that's it. I was watching telly within seconds.
You don't need to create an account or add a credit card, and you're whisked straight into the TV guide. You can scroll through channels or head into the menu for on-demand telly.
How much content is there?
In the UK, Pluto TV has somewhere between 100 and 150 channels – and upwards of 20,000 hours of on-demand telly.
What are the best bits?
You're throwing away money on Netflix – I found three common mistakes sending your bill soaring but the fixes are easy
For live channels, there's reality TV (Geordie OGs, Catfish, Teen Mom), sports (UFC, Fifa+), and great kids options including channels for Teletubbies, Bob the Builder, and Arthur.
You also get some classic American telly channels focused on shows like South Park, Judge Judy, and CSI. Plus there's an entire 'paranormal' section. Spooky.
On-demand is a mixed bag, but for TV you've got Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen and Dog the Bounty Hunter. For movies, you get Cameron Diaz's What Happens in Vegas, David Bowie's Labyrinth, and classic horror Halloween.
Parental Controls
It's not very granular. There's simply a kids mode that blocks content, locked behind a four-digit PIN. It's workable but could be better.
Verdict: The live channels are great. On-demand has some gems, but there's a lot of rubbish to wade through.
We tried it on an Apple TV box.
Free TV app #2 – Xumo Play
What is it?
Xumo is an American TV company based in California and part-operated by Comcast – but it's available for Brits too.
How easy to get set up?
The app was already right there on my Sky Stream box – and it took seconds to get in and start watching.
How much content is there?
Xumo Play has north of 75 channels in the UK, with a claimed catalogue of over 15,000 movies and TV shows.
What are the best bits?
There's a good selection of reality TV channels, including Cheaters, Homes Under the Hammer, World's Wildest Police Videos, and Mythbusters.
And sports fans might enjoy World Poker Tour or Sky Sports Classics.
16
For on-demand viewing, the catalogue of movies is very obscure. I struggled to find a single movie that I recognised – but that might make for a laugh if you've got pals round.
TV was slightly better with 12 seasons of Unsolved Mysteries, plus five seasons of Andromeada for sci-fi fans. But the mix isn't great.
Parental Controls
I couldn't find any parental controls in the app. That's something to keep in mind if you have kids.
Verdict: Xumo Play is perfectly fine for a bit of background telly. It's the sort of thing you stick on with friends round while you chat. Just don't plan your Friday night around it.
We tried it on a Sky Stream box.
Free TV app #3 – Tubi (TOP PICK FOR FILMS)
What is it?
A major US player that recently launched in the UK, Tubi is the best option for movies – so it's the Netflix killer on the list.
How easy to get set up?
You make a privacy setting choice, and the app loads up straight away. You don't need to sign up, log in, or add any financial details to start watching.
How much content is there?
In the UK, Tubi serves up somewhere in the region of 40,000 movies and TV episodes.
That's impressive since the launch roster was half that when Tubi debuted in Britain in July 2024.
What are the best bits?
You've got some movie night classics like Memento, Elysium, The Girl Next Door, and several Resident Evil movies.
There's also Bad Neighbours 1 and 2, the 2016 Ghostbusters, District 9, and '90s cult classic Cruel Intentions.
THere's some captivating reality telly, including Masterchef UK, Cheaters, Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown, and Jerry Springer.
And as a bonus treat, you'll also find The I.T. Crowd and all nine seasons of Peep Show on Tubi too.
Parental Controls
You can set up parental controls on the website, allowing you to choose specific content levels. It's a rare level of detail for parents, so this is a big upside.
Verdict: This is the movie night app. It's quick to start, has loads of top flicks, and a decent selection of on-demand binge-worthy TV too. Just keep in mind there are no live telly channels (unlike in the US).
We tried it on an Apple TV box.
Free TV app #4 – Rakuten TV
What is it?
Owned by a Japanese tech giant, Rakuten TV has both live channels and on-demand telly too.
16
How easy to get set up?
Once you pick your privacy settings, you're straight in. No sign up or credit cards – just instant telly.
How much content is there?
In the UK, Rakuten offers more than 150 channels, plus over 10,000 movies and TV episodes.
What are the best bits?
For on-demand, you've got some fun content for kids, including Postman Pat The Movie, Barbie Dreamtopia: Festival of Fun, and Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.
There's also After Earth, Gone Girl, and Mile 22, which tick the action or thriller boxes.
There are Baywatch, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Ninja Warrior channels.
16
But the highlight is probably the dedicated The Graham Norton Show channel.
Parental Controls
There weren't any parental controls in the version of the app that I tested.
Verdict: Great for Graham Norton re-runs, and some good child-friendly movie options too.
We tried it on an Apple TV box.
Free TV app #5 – Plex TV (TOP PICK FOR LIVE TV)
What is it?
Plex began life as a way to stream your own saved media files (like a home movie) to your TV. But now it offers free telly supported by ads.
How easy to get set up?
16
I click the app open, choose my ad privacy consent, and then free telly materialises before my very eyes.
How much content is there?
Plex promises more than 600 TV channels in the UK, plus north of 50,000 on-demand movies and TV shows.
What are the best bits?
There are loads of live TV channels, including Fear Factor, Pointless, Fifa+, and Baywatch – plus Arthur, Mr Bean, and Smurf TV for the kids.
It's live TV where Plex has the edge.
The on-demand selection is OK: you get Hell's Kitchen, Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes on the telly front.
And on-demand movies include The Boondock Saints, Big Momma's House, and Jumper.
Parental Controls
I couldn't find any parental controls on the TV version of the app.
Verdict: Plex has a top-notch selection of live TV channels – but the on-demand library is extremely forgettable.
We tried it on an Apple TV box.
16
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Auto Express
14 minutes ago
- Auto Express
Car Deal of the Day: This cheap BMW iX1 is perfect for high-mileage drivers
Sporty handling; desirable M Sport trim 12,000 miles a year; 287-mile range Just £285.79 a month The BMW iX1 might be the smallest electric SUV the German brand makes, but it packs a big punch. That's because it's a true all-rounder – practical, good to drive and efficient, plus it has that same mystical kerb appeal larger BMWs have in spades. Despite this strong list of attributes, the iX1 isn't as expensive as you might think, judging by today's offer. Advertisement - Article continues below This deal, from Lease Car UK, is perfect for high-mileage drivers because it offers a whopping 12,000-miles-a-year allowance for just £433.71 a month. It's a four-year deal that requires £5,552.52 as an initial payment – that's not bad for an agreement like this with such a high mileage limit. You'll be taking the keys to the eDrive 20 model, so that means one motor powering the front wheels. With 204bhp, performance is brisk, while that single motor brings a WLTP range of 287 miles. In our testing we've found 245 miles to be realistic in everyday driving, which is pretty impressive, while a 130kW maximum DC charging rate means a 10-to-80-per-cent charge takes around 30 minutes. This deal gets you an iX1 in desirable M Sport trim. Along with a racy bodykit, this model gives you bi-colour alloy wheels, aluminium trim on the interior, an M Sport steering wheel, and adaptive suspension to give a sportier drive. That's on top of the standard car's excellent curved display that has sat-nav and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The iX1 gives a sportier drive than its rivals, but remains plush and cosseting just like you'd expect from a BMW. It's also roomy despite its compact size, with plenty of rear-seat space and a good 490-litre boot. The Car Deal of the Day selections we make are taken from our own Auto Express Find A Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car dealers and leasing companies around the UK. Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top BMW iX1 leasing offers from leading providers on our BMW iX1 page. Check out the BMW iX1 deal or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here… Find a car with the experts MG4 and MGS5 EV prices slashed in reply to Government Electric Car Grant MG4 and MGS5 EV prices slashed in reply to Government Electric Car Grant In order to boost sales, MG is announcing its own a £1,500 grant for some of its EVs Chinese cars will take over as Britain's best sellers Chinese cars will take over as Britain's best sellers With a dramatic rise in sales, Mike Rutherford thinks it's only a matter of time before Chinese cars outsell all other countries in the UK Roll over diesel: EVs are now doing the big mileage in the UK Roll over diesel: EVs are now doing the big mileage in the UK The average UK electric car now covers more than 10,000 miles per year, a similar amount to the average diesel.
The Independent
14 minutes ago
- The Independent
Alison Hammond reveals regret over unread text from Jack Osbourne after Ozzy's death
has revealed how missing one text meant that she didn't get to see Ozzy Osbourne 's final Black Sabbath gig in Birmingham. Speaking on This Morning on Wednesday (23 July) following the death of the frontman aged 76, the presenter recalled how she didn't see a text Jack Osbourne sent her extending an invitation from Sharon Osbourne to see the farewell show at Villa Park. 'I feel so, so bad because I could have gone to see him, and I'm so saddened. But I did watch the concert, and I thought it was unbelievable,' Hammond added.
The Independent
14 minutes ago
- The Independent
The England shirts to buy ahead of the Euro final
Setting out to defend the title they won in 2022, the England Lionesses are through to the finals of the Women's Euro 2025. Held for the first time in Switzerland, the tournament will conclude on Sunday, 27 July. Fresh from defeating Wales and Sweden, England came out on top against Italy in a tense match that went into extra time. Staging a last-minute comeback, teenage striker Michelle Agyemang came off the bench to equalise in the 96th minute of the game. The 19-year-old went on to score England's second goal that sent them into the Women's Euro final. Captain Sarina Wiegman's side secured their place in history when they claimed the trophy, which was England's first-ever major women's European Championship win. Defeating Germany 2-1 in the final match at Wembley Stadium, the team brought the title home with celebrations among football fans across the country. If you're hoping for similar glory in the Women's Euro 2025, you can cheer on the Lionesses with the best merch. From team kits and shirts to the Euro25 ball and UEFA mascot, we've rounded up the best merchandise to shop now. Inspired by vintage sportswear and various Lioness kits from tournaments past, this Nike shirt is designed with sweat-wicking technology to keep you comfortable while playing. The England 2025 home design uses a colourful red and blue ombre with blue panelling and the Nike and England logos. It's no surprise that Nineties bucket hats have returned this summer. The unisex style boasts a blue and red printed design with the England logo taking pride of place on the front. It could just as easily be worn to the Oasis Live tour – if you're one of the lucky masses that secured tickets. Another retro throwback, this windrunner nods to the original 80s design with an English twist. Made from 75% recycled fibres, it's great for evening kick-offs once the sun goes down. This Nike jacket for the Euros boasts a fun burgundy and navy all-over print, complete with a funnel neck and zip-up design. The English rose detailing nods to the football team, while there's also an England and Nike logo on the front. The relaxed fit makes it perfect for year-round off-duty wear. This oversized T-shirt is a laidback way to show your support for the England team in the Women's Euro tournament 2025, whether at home or away. The black design features the signature Nike tick with 'Lioness' typography above.
