Pluto TV guide: app, channels, reviews and how to activate (2024)

Looking for a way to stream TV without adding another bill to your budget? Enter Pluto TV, one of the leading FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) services. Yes, you read that right — Pluto TV is a completely free streaming service.

With subscription streaming platforms hiking prices left and right, more people are turning to free alternatives like Pluto TV to save money. While these services might not offer the latest blockbuster movies or trending shows (though some, like Amazon’s Freevee, dabble in original content), they make up for it with an extensive library of free entertainment.

Pluto TV shines particularly bright in this space. Owned by Paramount, it delivers access to beloved classics like “Cheers”, “Frasier”, and “Star Trek”, plus a treasure trove of movies from Paramount Studios. It’s available in the U.S. and numerous international regions, including parts of Europe, Latin America, and Brazil, offering entertainment on a global scale.

Whether you’re cutting the cord or just looking to supplement your streaming options, Pluto TV offers a cost-free way to enjoy hours of television and movies. Here’s everything you need to know about this popular free live TV service.

What is Pluto TV?

Pluto TV is an “over-the-top” (OTT) service, meaning it streams content over the internet — similar to Netflix — rather than through traditional cable or satellite. It’s an advertiser-supported video on demand (AVOD) platform, placing it in the same category as streaming services like Crackle, Sling Free, and Tubi (which is now available in the U.K.).

Offering a diverse range of content, Pluto TV features channels covering news, sports, entertainment, movies, and more, with programming tailored to various interests. You can watch it on a variety of devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and computers.

To access Pluto TV, simply stream it via the Pluto website or download the app on one of the many compatible devices.

What sets Pluto TV apart as one of the best free streaming services? Keep reading to find out.

Pluto TV free package (with ads)

Yes, seriously: Pluto TV is absolutely free, even though it's hard to believe. You don't even need to register with an email address and you don't have to input any credit card information. Just fire up Pluto's website or the app, and you can start watching shows and movies immediately without the hassle. This ad-supported model allows you to enjoy the service without a monthly or annual fee.

You can opt to register for a Pluto TV account, which gives you special features like the ability to designate favorite channels and resume watching a program on a different device.

This is all made possible by Pluto airing commercials during shows. This service generates revenue through advertisements, which are shown during programming. Generally, the experience is similar to watching cable TV. A half-hour show typically has about four commercial breaks, with each break consisting of several 20-30 second ads.

Pluto TV channels and shows

Pluto TV's channels are divided into sections such as Featured, Entertainment, Movies, Sports, Comedy, Kids, Latino and Tech + Geek.

There are versions of top cable networks like MTV but generally, Pluto TV channels aren't the ones you'd find in a standard cable or satellite package.

The News channels are names that you know —CNN, NBC News, CBS News, etc. —but mostly, they play curated, pre-recorded clips instead of a live stream of the network.

Similarly, the Sports channels are ones you've heard of, like Fox Sports, NFL Channel, PGA Tour and Major League Soccer. However, you can't really watch live sports on Pluto; those channels play past games, highlights or analysis.

Pluto's TV shows are mostly older sitcoms and reality shows that are generally found on other free streaming services, like Hell's Kitchen, Roseanne and The First 48.

Pluto TV app and supported devices

The Pluto TV app is available on devices including web browsers as well as many major smart TVs, smartphones and streaming boxes and sticks.

• Android mobile and tablet
• Apple iPhone and iPad
• Apple TV (4th Generation)
• Amazon Kindle/Fire Tablets
• Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick
• Roku devices and Roku TVs
• Google Chromecast
• TiVo Stream 4K
• Android TV (various)
• Web browsers
• PlayStation (PS4 & PS5)
• Xbox (One, Series X, and Series S)

Pluto TV reviews

While there aren't a ton of Pluto TV reviews out there, the ones that exist are mostly positive about the free TV streaming service.

PC Mag says, "Pluto TV is a potentially viable solution for people who don't want to completely close the door on cable, but more importantly, don't want to pay for the privilege." Their review cautions potential users, "Anyone looking for a viable replacement to cable with an internet-basedlive TV servicemay be underwhelmed by Pluto TV." They think the service could use a bit of a redesign, too, saying, "Pluto TV needs to polish its interfaces and channel guides. The omission of DVR features is notable too, but not surprising given that it is free."

Clark.com says, "If you have decided that you’re going to quit paying for cable TV and subscription streaming services, I think Pluto TV needs serious consideration as a part of your free streaming content mix. There is a strong selection of cable-worthy content on this platform and the barrier to giving it a trial run is extremely low."

Homeowner.com also says, "As to be expected, Pluto TV does have a lot of ads, especially compared to paid streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video. Commercial breaks are about as frequent as with cable TV and can get repetitive. But, for many viewers, this is a small price to pay for having so much free content available at their fingertips."

Pluto TV movies on demand

Yes, Pluto has thousands of movies on-demand and airing live on themed Movies channels, ranging from genres (Drama, Romance, Horror) to '80s Rewind and Black Cinema. While it might not have the same extensive selection as some subscription-based services, there is still a decent range of movies available to watch whenever you want.

Pluto TV movies made up of older titles that were moderate hits back in their day. Recent selections included Shaft, Addams Family Values, The Rainmaker, Airplane, Clue, Road to Perdition and First Wives Club.

Pluto TV internet speed requirements

Pluto TV doesn't provide specific guidelines about internet speed for its service. In its help section, the company says, "Having a fast connection (faster than 5mb) is certainly important, but having a'stable' connection can be just as important, so that super fast WiFi connection drops out for a 1/2 second and that will cause playback issues."

MORE: How Much Internet Speed Should You Really Pay For?

Can Pluto TV replace cable?

You may be wondering, "Can I use Pluto TV to replace cable?" The answer is: Sort of. Pluto TV provides some programming you may enjoy, if you're satisfied with older movies and shows. However, it doesn't completely replace cable. Pluto TV is more suitable as an addition to on-demand streaming services, particularly since it lacks many popular cable channels and local affiliate channels from major broadcast networks.

But if you want a true cable TV replacement, you will need to supplement Pluto TV with other streaming services.

What is the downside of Pluto TV?

Pluto TV does have some downsides that may limit its appeal. Its content selection is more limited compared to paid streaming services, lacking exclusive shows or a vast on-demand library. While it offers free, ad-supported programming, the frequent commercials can disrupt the viewing experience, which may be frustrating for some users.

The platform also lacks the depth of live TV programming found on cable, missing local channels and premium networks like HBO or ESPN, and its sports coverage is not as comprehensive. Additionally, Pluto TV does not offer cloud DVR, meaning users cannot record live TV or save content for later, a feature commonly available on cable or other streaming services.

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