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The best ways to stream and watch live TV online
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These days, there's no need to have cable or satellite TV. If you have an internet connection, there are tons of ways to watch TV on the internet. Whether you want to watch free TV without cable, including live TV shows, local news, sports, or movies, this guide will cover everything you need to know. Read on to learn how to watch TV on the internet on your actual television, in your web browser, or using mobile apps. We'll also cover the best cable replacement options, premium streaming services, and free live TV options. Read on to learn everything you'll need to know!
Best Ways to Watch TV on the Internet
You can watch TV on the internet using any device, including your television. To get live TV channels, get a cable replacement service like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Fubo, or try a free option like Tubi, Pluto TV, or The Roku Channel. To watch TV shows and movies on demand, subscribe to a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
How to Watch TV On the Internet for Free
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Check out free streaming services and live options. There are many free ways to watch TV online without cable, whether you're using your TV, computer, phone, tablet, or streaming device. Check out these totally free streaming services with live TV options available on just about any device, including your smart TV or streaming stick :
- The Roku Channel offers live TV and on-demand TV shows and movies, all of which you can watch over the internet for free. If you have a Roku TV or streaming device, you'll already have the Roku Channel app installed. You can also watch it on your browser when you're away from your TV. Even if you don't have a Roku device, you can create an account and watch on your web browser or use the Roku app on your Android, iPhone, or iPad.
- Tubi is one of the most popular ways to watch live TV on the internet, and it offers live sports games, national news, sitcoms, and movies. It's 100% free (with commercials), and you can watch it in your web browser at https://tubitv.com/live or install the app on any streaming device or smart TV.
- Pluto TV boasts over 250 free live TV channels, including live news, kids programming, movies, and even local news in some regions. Install the Pluto app on your smart TV or any streaming device, Android, iPhone, or iPad, or watch it on your browser at https://pluto.tv .
- Freevee is Amazon's free live TV option, offering hundreds of movies, shows, and 24/7 entertainment on just about any streaming device, smart TV, or mobile phone/tablet. [1] X Research source You can even watch live TV in your web browser at https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/livetv .
- Plex offers more than 1000 live TV channels worldwide, including local news, daytime TV, kids shows, and movies. You can install the Plex app on any streaming device, phone, or tablet or watch it on your web browser at https://www.plex.tv/live-tv-channels/ .
- Crackle is an on-demand service with a website, mobile apps, and the ability to stream to televisions. [2] X Research source There will be commercials during the broadcasts, but the site is free, safe to use, has mobile and TV/streaming device apps, and you can watch without creating an account at https://www.crackle.com/ .
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Browse the websites of your favorite TV networks. Visit the websites of different television networks and look for live streams or past episodes of shows. Television networks like ABC, Fox, and the Discovery Channel offer lots of free episodes on their websites.
- Many networks offer apps that can be installed on your smartphone or tablet.
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Browse TV networks on YouTube. Many networks offer episodes of certain TV shows on their YouTube channels on their airing date.
- You can also try searching for shows to find uploads from other users.
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Watch the content provided by your ISP. If you already pay for a broadband internet provider like Comcast Xfinity, Time Warner, or Verizon Fios, you may have access to local TV broadcasts on your computer. Check your ISP’s website or call them to see what they offer.
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Avoid searching the internet for different variations of “watch TV online free”. Many sites that claim to link to TV streams or free movies are loaded with malware and potential scams. [3] X Research source Instead, stick to TV networks’ own websites.
- If you come across a free TV website that seems too good to be true , it probably is.
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Section 2 of 4:
How to Watch Internet TV on a Television
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Get a TV with an HDMI port or Wi-Fi. If you have a smart TV with Wi-Fi and apps, you already have what you need to start watching TV on the internet. If your TV isn't smart, don't worry—if it has an HDMI port, you can bring the internet to your television by connecting a streaming device to watch shows from various subscription services and free TV apps.
- The HDMI port is a rectangular port that narrows at the bottom. It’s about the same width as a USB port. If your TV was made in the last 10 years, it likely has HDMI.
- Check the manual that came with your TV to see if it is Wi-Fi-capable.
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Make sure you have at least a 25 Mbps internet connection. If you'll only be watching internet TV on one device, 25 Mbps should be fine—you can even stream in 4K if your TV supports it. If multiple devices are watching TV on the internet at the same time, you'll want more than that—consider 50 Mbps, at the very least. [4] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
- To put this into perspective if you're in an area serviced by Xfinity, the lowest speed they offer is 150 Mbps. [5] X Research source Therefore, it shouldn't be hard to find fast enough internet service for watching TV on the internet unless you live in a rural area that isn't serviced by DSL, cable, or fiber internet services.
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Choose the right streaming stick or box for your needs. Now that you have the right TV and internet service, ask yourself: What do I want to watch? Do I need a remote control? Do I want my box to do more than just stream media? Check out our guide to turning your TV into a smart TV to learn about all your streaming device options.
- If money is an issue, look into Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, or Google TV Streamer.
- If you use mostly Apple devices, try the Apple TV, which works with Siri and your Apple HomePod devices.
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Connect your device to your TV. If you have a streaming device, it's super easy to connect—plug it into an HDMI port on your TV, use your TV's remote to switch to the HDMI port, and then use the remote that came with your streaming device to navigate your TV screen. Use the instructions that came with your streaming media box or stick to connect your device to the TV—each device has a different setup process.
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Download streaming apps from your app store. Whether you have a smart TV or have connected a streaming device, you can open your app store (look for something called Apps, App Store, Channels, or similar) and browse for TV apps. The most popular streaming services offer apps on every platform, including Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Max.
- If you want to watch live TV over the internet without cable, jump down to our section on cable replacement services .
- Some of the viewing options on your new box or stick will require either a paid subscription or a payment per episode (or movie). Research each streaming box or stick to find out which services it supports.
- Besides paid services, your streaming box/stick also has free features. For example, you can watch YouTube videos on nearly every streaming box.
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Tips
- Before paying for a subscription to any service, be sure you know their terms and conditions.Thanks
- To check your current internet speed, try doing a speed test . This can ensure you’re getting the Internet speeds you’re paying for.Thanks
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- Many paid sites offer trial subscriptions. Try the service out before you buy it to make sure it suits your needs.
- Ask your friends and colleagues which services and equipment they use to get a feel for what’s out there.
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Warnings
- Many “free TV” websites are scams that can install malware on your computer or phone. Don’t click any pop-up ads on these sites, and never install software from a site you don’t completely trust.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/splash/freevee_findus
- ↑ https://www.crackle.com
- ↑ https://hotdog.com/blog/streaming-tv-scams/
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/streaming-media/buying-guide/
- ↑ https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service
- ↑ https://help.hulu.com/article/hulu-what-is-hulu-live-tv
- ↑ https://help.hulu.com/article/hulu-supported-devices
- ↑ https://help.hulu.com/article/hulu-home-network#internet
- ↑ https://tv.youtube.com/welcome/
- ↑ https://support.google.com/youtubetv/answer/7129766?hl=en
- ↑ https://www.sling.com/service/sling-orange
- ↑ https://www.sling.com/help/en/subscription-programming-questions/channels-programming/local-channels#stream
- ↑ https://www.sling.com/help/en/troubleshooting/connectivity/speed-recommendation
- ↑ https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/channels
- ↑ https://support.fubo.tv/hc/en-us/articles/115002184828-How-fast-does-my-internet-connection-need-to-be
- ↑ https://streamtv.directv.com/#dtv2-pageSectionHeader1-streamtv
- ↑ https://www.directv.com/support/article/000066174
- ↑ https://www.directv.com/support/article/000093620
- ↑ https://help.netflix.com/en/node/24926
- ↑ https://help.hulu.com/article/hulu-how-much-does-hulu-cost
- ↑ https://help.max.com/US/Answer/Detail/000002547
- ↑ https://www.disneyplus.com/
- ↑ https://www.peacocktv.com/plans/all-monthly
- ↑ https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/livetv
- ↑ https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G34EUPKVMYFW8N2U
- ↑ https://www.apple.com/apple-tv-plus/
About This Article
Article Summary
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One of the easiest ways to watch TV on the internet is by browsing TV networks on YouTube, since networks often offer free access to certain shows and movies there. If you want a better selection, sign up for an on-demand streaming service like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime. These services typically charge a low monthly fee. You can also look into cable replacement services and streaming boxes like Roku. For tips on using free sites and apps like Crackle to watch TV on the internet, read on!
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