The ad-supported service offers more than 250 live channels, as well as on-demand movies and TV shows. They are constantly adding new content, including 6,300 episodes from legendary CBS franchises by the end of 2022. The classic series include Cheers, Frasier, and Star Trek. The Paramount-owned Pluto TV launched in 2014 and has grown quickly since, with more than 64 monthly active users. The service operates in the U.S., as well as parts of Europe, Latin America, and Brazil. Pluto recently expanded to the Nordics. Unlike cable TV alternatives such as Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV and YouTube TV, Pluto curates free content that’s already available on the web. It’s a way to cut the cord for free.
What is Pluto TV?
Pluto TV is an “over-the-top” (OTT) service, which means it comes through the internet (like Netflix) rather than on dedicated lines or over the air. It’s also an advertiser-supported video on demand service (or AVOD). That puts it in the same bucket as streaming services like Crackle, Tubi and Sling Free. To use Pluto TV, you can stream it on the Pluto website (opens in new tab) or download the app to any of the many devices supported by the service. So, what makes Pluto TV one of the best free streaming services? Read more below.
Pluto TV free package (with ads)
Yes, seriously: Pluto TV is absolutely free. 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. 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. 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. Recently, Pluto added a huge new addition: Pluto TV 007. This channel will stream nothing by James Bond movies, as Pluto says, “24 hours a day, 007 days a week.” Specifically, Pluto has 19 Bond movies starring Connery, Moore, Lazenby, Dalton and Brosnan, so don’t expect Daniel Craig’s run when you tune in. We’re waiting for the full list. Pluto also added Pluto TV Pranks and British Comedy channels.
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.
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 (opens in new tab) 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-based live TV service may 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 (opens in new tab) 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.”
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. 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. But if you want a true cable TV replacement, you will need to supplement Pluto TV with other streaming services.
Best streaming devices
