We can all agree that smart TVs and streaming services have revolutionized home entertainment. Yet many of us are only utilizing a fraction of their true potential. For too long, Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube dominated my home screen, while many benefits, like a local Plex server, a Kodi media center, and numerous essential apps, were ignored.
One of these apps is Pluto TV. OK, a lot of us are already wise to the marvel that is this streaming-and-live-TV hybrid. However, as FAST (free ad-supported television) continues to show mainstream growth, there’s no time like the present to take a deep dive into the features and benefits of this free alternative to the major subscription streaming networks.
- founded
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2013
- number of users
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80 million+ monthly
What is Pluto TV, and why is it completely free?
A traditional TV streaming service for the modern era
Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service owned by Paramount. Instead of charging a monthly fee, it makes money through advertising, the same way that traditional television always has. This traditional model allows Pluto TV to offer a surprisingly extensive library of content without shutting anything behind a paywall.
Once installed, there’s no account setup required to start watching (although you can set one up to access the full features). You simply open the app, pick a channel, and start watching live TV straightaway. It’s even available to watch on mobile devices. If, like me, you miss the simplicity of channel surfing, this is a large part of Pluto TV’s appeal. It doesn’t feel like another streaming app (which I have too many of to start with); it feels like TV used to.
Live TV without a cable network
Hundreds of channels at your fingertips with no charge
Pluto TV’s biggest strength is its live TV service. This includes hundreds of channels organized into familiar categories like news, sports, comedy, entertainment, reality TV, movies, and kids’ programming. There are dedicated channels for crime dramas, classic sitcoms, cooking shows, game shows, and even single franchises (the Nash Bridges Channel is a particular favorite) that play around the clock.
This structure makes Pluto TV ideal for casual viewing. Instead of spending forever deciding what to watch, I’ll simply slip into whatever’s already playing. It’s particularly great for background TV while I’m cooking or doing household chores, quick viewing sessions, or as something relaxing to watch before I fall asleep.
Unlike on-demand TV services, Pluto TV also includes live news channels from popular networks, giving it practical value beyond just entertainment. As a cord-cutter who still wants something resembling traditional programming, Pluto TV ticks all the boxes.
The trade-off with Pluto TV
Ads, repeats, and limited on-demand control
You’ll rarely see the word “free” without a few compromises, and Pluto TV is no different. As with traditional TV, expect a few ad breaks. While these tend to be shorter than those I remember on scheduled TV channels, they are frequent and a little jarring for those who have grown used to ad-free subscription streaming.
There is also significant content repetition on Pluto TV. Because channels run according to schedules, you’ll often see the same episodes and movies repeated throughout the day. There is an on-demand section, with prominent movies, that offers more control, but it’s still not as flexible as a paid streaming service.
That said, I went into Pluto TV fully expecting these drawbacks, and they are perfectly reasonable for a free channel. I see the app as more of a supplementary service to my paid subscriptions, so any trade-offs are easy to stomach.
The real benefit of Pluto TV
A smart TV upgrade you didn’t know you needed
Pluto TV stands out as an accessory that works alongside my regular streaming services. It doesn’t fight for attention, ask me to sign up, or make me feel guilty if I’m not getting my money’s worth. It’s simply there in the background whenever I need something casual to watch on the spur of the moment.
Pluto TV feels more like a built-in feature, like the channels that came with my smart TV package. It bridges the gap between modern streaming and traditional TV, evoking pleasant memories of a simpler time, when we weren’t inundated with countless hours of entertainment.
In my household, Pluto TV is the go-to service when none of us can decide what to watch, or if family visits and the kids need a distraction for half an hour. This is a role most paid apps struggle to fill, where every movie or show has to feel like an event. In short, it is casual TV viewing as it used to be.
The one free app every smart TV owner should install
Pluto TV shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for Netflix or Prime Video. Instead, it fills a space that no streaming service has recognized: traditional scheduled programming, with a smattering of on-demand options to bring it up to date with modern expectations.
Sure, there are ads. And you will see repeats on regular viewing. But you also get hundreds of channels and a traditional TV experience you didn’t realize you were missing. This is what feels so refreshing in the age of countless subscriptions and endless scrolling.
