Pluto TV, owned by Paramount Global, is a free, ad-supported streaming service (FAST) that takes a slightly different approach than Tubi. Instead of focusing solely on on-demand shows and movies, Pluto offers a classic cable TV experience with hundreds of live, linear channels to flip through. Its audience is cord-cutters who miss the “channel surfing” vibe of cable, casual viewers looking for free entertainment, and people who like background TV running while they do other things. Pluto is available in the U.S. and more than 30 countries, making it one of the most widely distributed free streamers.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Completely free with 250+ live channels.
- Strong mix of news, sports, reality, and classic TV.
- Great “cable replacement” vibe for casual viewers.
- Wide device compatibility.
Cons
- No ad-free option.
- Limited original programming compared to paid services.
- Ads can be frequent and repetitive.
- No offline downloads or 4K.
StageSeat's Top 8 Streaming Services of 2025
| Service | Best For | Starting Price | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Binge-watchers, pop culture fans | $7.99 (with ads) | Get Netflix |
| Prime Video | Value seekers, Amazon shoppers | $8.99 standalone (or free w/ Prime) | Get Amazon Prime Video |
| Disney+ | Families, franchise fans | $9.99 (with ads) | Get Disney+ |
| Hulu | Network TV lovers, cord-cutters | $9.99 (with ads) | Get Hulu |
| HBO Max | Prestige TV & film fans | $9.99 (with ads) | Get HBO Max |
| Apple TV+ | Quality-focused viewers, Apple users | $9.99 | Apple TV+ |
| Peacock | Sitcom fans, soccer/football lovers | $10.99 (with ads and Peacock original content) | Get Peacock |
| Paramount+ | Families, sports fans, CBS loyalists | $7.99 (with ads) | Get Paramount+ |
Channel Lineup & Content
This is Pluto’s signature strength: over 250+ free live channels, organized into categories like news, sports, movies, reality, comedy, crime, kids, and classic TV. Examples include:
- News: CBS News, NBC News Now, Bloomberg, local affiliates.
- Sports: CBS Sports HQ, Fox Sports, PGA Tour, some live soccer (La Liga, Serie A via partnerships).
- Entertainment & Reality: MTV, VH1, Jersey Shore, Survivor, Judge Judy.
- Classics: Star Trek, Three’s Company, Baywatch, 24/7 channels for shows like Cops or Doctor Who.
- Movies: Pluto Movies, Action, Horror, and genre-specific film channels.
Pluto also has an extensive on-demand library (thousands of titles), though the live channels are the main attraction.
Package Tiers & Pricing
Like Tubi, Pluto TV is 100% free with no premium or ad-free upgrade. The “price” is the ad breaks, which typically run every 10–15 minutes during shows and movies.
Bundling Opportunities
Pluto is integrated into many smart TVs (LG, Samsung, Vizio) as a built-in channel guide, so it often feels “bundled” with your device. It’s also promoted as part of Paramount’s ecosystem alongside Paramount+; think of Pluto as the free sidekick to Paramount’s paid service.
Historical Pricing & Deal Analysis
Pluto TV has always been free, and its channel count has grown steadily since Paramount acquired it in 2019. The main “change” over time has been the addition of more ads and more branded channels, such as those for Survivor or CSI.
Device Compatibility & Features
Pluto works on nearly every device: smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, web browsers, iOS, Android, PlayStation, and Xbox. Since it’s ad-supported, there’s no offline download option. Video quality ranges from 720p to 1080p, depending on the stream, but there’s no 4K support. You don’t need to create an account, but doing so allows you to save favorite channels.
User Experience
If you miss flipping through channels, Pluto’s interface will feel nostalgic. It features a traditional grid-style guide for scrolling through live channels, along with an on-demand section. Ads are the most significant drawback, breaks are frequent and sometimes repetitive. Content discovery is easier here than on Tubi, since the live channel format naturally helps you stumble upon new content. Streaming reliability is generally strong, though live sports streams can occasionally stutter.
Additional Costs & Fees
There are none; Pluto is completely free, supported entirely by ads.
Current Promotions
Since Pluto TV is free, there aren’t subscription promotions. The closest thing is themed programming events, like marathons of Star Trek or seasonal movie collections.
Final Verdict
Pluto TV is the best free option if you want the feel of live cable without the bill. It won’t replace Netflix or Hulu for originals, but it’s perfect for background TV, casual news, and sports highlights.
