When it comes to streaming, you probably think of giants like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video. They dominate the landscape, boasting millions of subscribers. But they’re not the only players in the game. If paying for multiple streaming services is straining your budget, then it’s time to discover the world of free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST).
Think of FAST TV as the streaming equivalent of broadcast TV. Shows follow a set schedule, everyone watches the same thing simultaneously, and ads keep the lights on. Unlike paid live TV streaming services like YouTube TV or Hulu with Live TV, there’s no upfront cost for you, the viewer. Everything is funded by advertising, but you won’t find the premium channels you get with paid subscriptions.
FAST services are a win-win for everyone involved. You get access to a vast library of content for free. Content owners gain wider audience reach. Advertisers see their products in front of more eyeballs. And the FAST service providers benefit from the influx of ad revenue.
With so many options available, navigating the FAST landscape can be a little overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of some of the major players, so you can find your next binge-worthy obsession without spending a dime.
Amazon Freevee:
Born from the ashes of IMDb.tv, Amazon Freevee is a free streaming service that requires an Amazon account. It offers a constantly evolving library of content, with new titles added monthly. You can access Freevee on almost any device with an internet connection, including phones, streaming sticks, gaming consoles, and tablets. In fact, it’s now seamlessly integrated into the live guide on Amazon Fire TV devices, making it feel like a traditional cable channel.
LG Channels:
LG, known for its webOS-powered smart TVs, offers LG Channels, a rebranded version of Xumo (which we’ll discuss later). With over 100 free channels, LG Channels seamlessly blends into your TV’s channel guide, making it easy to find something to watch. To access LG Channels, your LG TV needs to be running webOS 3.5 or later.
Plex:
Plex is known for its powerful server software that lets you stream your own movies and TV shows to any device. But it also quietly entered the FAST game, offering a couple hundred free streaming channels. While the content may not be top-tier, you’ll find something to keep you entertained for a while. Plus, Plex integrates with your digital tuner or antenna, providing a unified viewing experience. The best part? You don’t need a paid Plex Pass subscription to access the FAST channels.
Pluto TV:
Pluto TV is one of the original FAST pioneers, launching in 2013. Initially, it focused on niche channels and forgotten shows, but its fortunes changed when it partnered with Hulu to offer content from major networks like ABC, NBC, and Fox. The acquisition by Viacom (now Paramount) in 2019 brought a wealth of new content from the CBS universe, including shows from Paramount Pictures, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and more. With over 80 million monthly active users, Pluto TV is now the largest FAST service globally, available on almost any device.
Samsung TV Plus:
Similar to LG, Samsung has its own FAST service built into its smart TVs and Galaxy mobile devices. Samsung TV Plus offers hundreds of free channels, alongside thousands of on-demand movies and shows. It’s available on most modern Samsung TVs and Galaxy phones and tablets. You don’t even need a Samsung account to start watching, although it unlocks extra features like watchlists and reminders.
Sling Freestream:
Sling, the third-largest live TV streaming service in the US, has its own FAST service called Sling Freestream. It boasts over 335 channels and 40,000 on-demand shows and movies. Freestream is completely separate from Sling TV, meaning you don’t have to sign up for a paid Sling TV subscription to enjoy it. You can access Freestream on most streaming devices, smart TVs, and web browsers. A Sling TV account unlocks personalized recommendations and other user-friendly features.
The Roku Channel:
Roku, the dominant streaming platform, has its own FAST service, The Roku Channel. Offering over 350 linear channels and a vast library of on-demand content, it rivals Pluto TV in terms of breadth and quality. The Roku Channel also features original content from Roku itself, acquired from the defunct Quibi service and other productions. You can find The Roku Channel on Roku devices, Samsung TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, and on the web.
Tubi:
Owned by Fox, Tubi is a major player in both the FAST and AVOD (advertising-based video on demand) space. If you’re looking for obscure or classic movies and TV shows, Tubi is a great place to start. It also licenses content from other networks, including Paramount, MGM, and Lionsgate. Tubi’s reach is slightly smaller than Pluto TV but still boasts a substantial user base.
Vizio WatchFree+:
Vizio, known for its SmartCast operating system on its TVs, offers WatchFree+, a FAST service with over 260 free channels and 5,000 on-demand movies and shows. WatchFree+ is currently only available in the US and on Vizio TVs.
Vudu:
Vudu is a veteran service that has been around for a while, primarily known for movie rentals and purchases. However, it also has a robust FAST section, filled with classic shows and movies, making it a fun choice for those seeking a blast from the past. Vudu is now owned by Fandango Media, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal.
Xumo Play:
Xumo Play, now owned by Comcast and Charter, has been around for years, offering a couple hundred free linear channels. It’s part of Comcast’s X1 platform, powering LG Channels, and available through Xumo Stream Box for Comcast broadband customers. You can also find it on Class TV, a budget TV line from Hisense available at Walmart.
As the FAST landscape continues to evolve, viewers are discovering a wealth of free entertainment options. With hundreds of channels and thousands of movies and shows available, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, without breaking the bank.
