Pluto TV is one of several FAST streaming options. What is FAST, you ask? FAST stands for free ad-supported streaming television.
Yes, that is correct. Pluto TV is totally free. In fact, it is one of the best free streaming services out there. With traditional streaming services becoming increasingly expensive after a series of price increases, people are increasingly opting for these free alternatives to save some money.
While there are some drawbacks (you usually miss out on the latest hit shows and movies, although Amazon Prime Video’s Freevee creates original content), there are also some positives. Pluto TV and other free streaming services give you hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of free TV and movies.
That’s one area where Pluto TV really excels. It’s owned by Paramount, so you get access to thousands of episodes of iconic shows like Cheers, Frasier, and Star Trek, plus Paramount Studios’ extensive movie library. You can also watch from many locations around the world, as Pluto TV currently operates in the US, as well as parts of Europe (including the Nordic countries), Latin America, and Brazil.
In short, Pluto TV is a great way to cut the cord for free. With all that said, here’s everything you need to know about Pluto TV’s free live TV streaming service.
What is Pluto TV?
Pluto TV is an “over-the-top” (OTT) service, meaning it arrives over the Internet (like Netflix) rather than dedicated lines or over the air. It is also an advertiser-supported video on demand (or AVOD) service. That puts it in the same group as streaming services like Crackle, Tubi, and Sling Free.
To use Pluto TV, you can stream it on the Pluto website or download the app on any of the many devices supported by the service.
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So what makes Pluto TV one of the best free streaming services? Read more below.
Free Pluto TV 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 enter any credit card information. Simply launch the Pluto website or app and you can start watching shows and movies right away.
You can choose to sign up for a Pluto TV account, which gives you special features like the ability to designate favorite channels and continue watching a show on a different device.
All of this is possible because Pluto airs commercials during the shows. Generally, the experience is similar to watching cable television. A half-hour show typically has about four commercial breaks, with each break consisting of several 20- to 30-second spots.
Pluto TV channels and shows.
Pluto TV channels are pided into ps such as Featured, Entertainment, Movies, Sports, Comedy, Kids, Latin and Tech + Geek.
There are versions from major cable networks like MTV, but in general, Pluto TV’s channels are not what you’d find on a standard cable or satellite package.
The news channels are names you know: CNN, NBC News, CBS News, etc., but mostly they play select, pre-recorded clips instead of a live broadcast from the network.
Similarly, sports channels are those you’ve heard of, such as Fox Sports, NFL Channel, PGA Tour, and Major League Soccer. However, it is not possible to watch live sports on Pluto; those channels play past games, highlights or analysis.
Pluto’s TV shows are mostly older sitcoms and reality shows usually found on other free streaming services, such as Hell’s Kitchen, Roseanne, and The First 48.
Pluto TV app and compatible devices
The Pluto TV app is available on devices including web browsers, as well as many leading smart TVs, smartphones, and streaming devices and devices.
- 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
- Chromecast
- TiVo 4K Streaming
- Android TV (various)
- web browsers
Pluto TV reviews
While there aren’t many Pluto TV reviews, those that do exist are mostly positive about the free TV streaming service.
PC Magazine 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.” His review warns potential users: “Anyone looking for a viable cable replacement with an Internet-based live TV service may be disappointed with Pluto TV.” They believe the service could also use a little redesign, saying: “Pluto TV needs to polish up its interfaces and channel guides. The omission of DVR features is also notable, but not surprising given that it’s free.”
Clark.com says: “If you’ve decided to stop paying for cable TV and subscription streaming services, I think Pluto TV needs serious consideration as part of your free streaming content mix. There’s a great selection of cable-worthy content on this platform and the barrier to trying it is extremely low.
Pluto TV movies on demand
Yes, Pluto has thousands of movies on demand and streaming live on themed movie channels, ranging from genre (drama, romance, horror) to 80s Rewind and film noir.
Pluto TV movies made up of older titles that were moderate hits in their time. 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 does not provide specific Internet speed guidelines for its service. In its help p, the company says: “Having a fast connection (faster than 5MB) is certainly important, but having a ‘stable’ connection can be just as important, so the super-fast WiFi connection is interrupted during 1/2 second. and that will cause playback problems.”
FURTHER: 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: more or less. Pluto TV offers programming you can enjoy if you’re satisfied with older movies and shows. But if you want a true cable TV replacement, you’ll need to complement Pluto TV with other streaming services.
- The best streaming devices
