Most of the big studios and streaming platforms have subscription-based apps on Apple TV, but you can also enjoy a lot of cost-free (but ad-supported) content.
These are the best free Apple TV apps downloadable from the App Store, which comes loaded on your Apple TV.
Pluto TV
What We Don’t Like
Heavy ad content.
No extras like DVR.
For fans of turning on the TV and finding something to watch, Pluto TV delivers. This free app offers hundreds of live TV channels and thousands of on-demand movies, TV series, and more.
Pluto also organizes live content into specific categories, like, Kids, Season’s Greetings, Comedy, and Movies, for easier navigating.
You can also use the Search function to find a particular show or movie and add titles to a watch list.
Fandango at Home
If catching relatively recent titles for free is high on your wish list, Fandango at Home might be right up your alley.
Though you need to create an account, this platform is subscription free and offers a rotating library of thousands of movies, shows, and even concerts in the Free section.
While there’s no guarantee that you’ll find a specific recent title or that you won’t miss something you’ve wanted to watch, you might be surprised by what you can find.
PBS
If you like to dive into documentaries and independent films and series, the PBS app is a download away in the App Store.
You can view award-winning titles from Ken Burns and film series like the Independent Lens and POV.
The PBS app also provides access to local live TV, programs from your hometown PBS station, and favorite series like Finding Your Roots.
A&E Global Media
Fans of the History Channel should feel at home with the History app on Apple TV. It carries new and recent episodes of your favorite History shows.
The app delivers full episodes, clips, and related videos. Customize the watchlist to never miss your favorite shows, including Swamp People, American Pickers, Pawn Stars, and more.
This free app is commercial-supported, and it lacks the archives of many of the shows that have been shown on the History Channel in the past. For that, you need to subscribe to the History Vault app, also available for Apple TV.
Vimeo
Vimeo made its return to Apple TV with a refreshed look and faster experience.
While the platform is more of a hub for visual creators, you can view loads of independent short films for free. Browse by category, genre, or staff picks.
You can also bookmark content from your favorite creators to a Saved tab for viewing and returning to later.
Sling
What We Like
Over 600 free TV channels.
Watch with or without an account.
Get 10 hours of DVR with free account.
Sling TV is a popular choice for cord-cutters, but it also offers a large selection of free content.
With Sling Freestream, you can tune in to over 600 free TV channels, including live news broadcasts and on-demand content from sports networks, entertainment channels like MTV and BET, and international shows too.
While most of the on-demand content is older and less recent than competitors, the plus is that you can view some of the content without ads.
Tubi TV
What We Like
Lots of more recent and popular titles.
New titles added regularly.
Over 275,000 movies and TV shows.
With over 275,000 on-demand movies and TV episodes, Tubi TV’s claim to fame is that it has the largest online library of free streaming content.
This entirely fee-free platform does feature ads and commercials heavily, but you’ll never have to pay a cent to access popular blockbusters, familiar favorites, and some newer content too.
Tubi regularly adds new titles and also offers access to live sports, news, reality TV, and so much more.
Crunchyroll
If you’re a fan of anime or manga animations, then you’ll love Crunchyroll. The free app contains plenty of free ad-supported content to keep you entertained.
You can choose from a variety of popular older and newer series in dubbed or subtitled versions.
Best Content Variety: YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a go-to platform for trending content, tutorials, and music, but it’s also a possible source for streaming free movies and TV episodes.
To make sure you’re viewing content from official sources, your best bet is to visit the Free with Ads section. The availability of programming can be hit or miss, but it’s possible to find classics and blockbusters.
Philo
Philo is another compelling option for cord-cutters everywhere. With over 110 free channels and access to thousands of on-demand movies and shows, it offers plenty of choices.
Plus, you can DVR select content for up to 30 days for commercial-free viewing. However, not all free content is available to DVR, and you won’t find broadcast networks, local channels, and live sports on this platform.
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