Is Pluto TV a Good Streaming Service? (2024 Review)

Live TV streaming services offer a cheaper, more convenient alternative to traditional cable TV, but these monthly charges can really add up. If your wallet can't handle the cost of yet another streaming subscription right now, check out the 100% free Pluto TV.

Though fairly new, Pluto TV is a popular choice for streaming, with over 80 million active users. While Pluto TV doesn't have all the channels or features of paid platforms, it offers many benefits of cable TV – without the cable bill.

Company Overview

Owned by ViacomCBS, Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported TV streaming platform. The company operates across the United States, Latin America, Brazil, and parts of Europe.

Pros

• 100% Free
• No account required
• Access to 250+ live TV streams, with many recognizable brands

Cons

• Lots of unskippable ads
• No DVR recording
• Unable to download content for offline viewing

Monthly Price Range: Free
User Profiles: 1
Number of Screens: Unlimited
Highest Playback Resolution: 720p
Free Trial Period: Always Free

Unlike paid streaming services, Pluto TV relies on ad revenue to make money. So instead of being charged an upfront monthly subscription, viewers only “pay” by watching video ad breaks.

Since its launch in 2014, Pluto TV has grown quickly to become a leading free TV streaming service. With nearly 79 million monthly active users and over 250 always-on channels, Pluto TV is an incredibly popular way to watch live TV and on-demand content over the internet – all at zero cost.

Why We Like Pluto TV

Among free streaming services, Pluto TV has one of the biggest libraries of content. There are thousands of on-demand titles and over 250 live TV channels. These include 27 exclusive movie channels, as well as live sports events, breaking news, stand-up specials, and more.

Compared to other streaming platforms, there isn't much original content on Pluto TV. But, if you are looking for a way to watch both older and newer, mainstream programs, Pluto TV has a lot to offer.

Since they are owned by ViacomCBS, Pluto TV has a lot of classic CBS programs available for on-demand streaming. Legendary TV shows like Cheers, Frasier, and Star Trek are all featured on the free streaming platform.

As to be expected, Pluto TV does have a lot of ads, especially compared to paid streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video. Commercial breaks are about as frequent as with cable TV and can get repetitive. But, for many viewers, this is a small price to pay for having so much free content available at their fingertips.

👉 Related: Tubi: Watch TV for Free

Pluto TV Streaming – How It Works

Pluto TV is an ad-based streaming service that does not cost anything to use. You can watch a wide range of curated, on-demand content along with live, always-on TV channels without having to pay a monthly subscription, enter credit card information, or even sign up with your email for the service.

You must watch ads when viewing on-demand content, and, just like with cable TV, Pluto TV's live channels air commercial breaks. This is because Pluto TV generates all of its revenue from ads, as opposed to monthly subscription charges.

Channels/Categories

Pluto TV On-Demand Content

Pluto TV offers a wide selection of on-demand movies and television programs, divided into the following categories: Features, Movies, Comedy, Classic TV, Sci-Fi, Drama, True Crime, Reality, Competition Reality, Entertainment, Game Shows, Daytime TV, Sports, History + Science, Lifestyle, Home + Food, Animals + Nature, Kids, Anime, En Espanol, and Music Videos.

On-demand content is constantly changing and rotating, but some current popular movie titles include:

• Anchorman
• Braveheart
• Coming to America
• How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
• Indiana Jones series
• Mean Girls
• Norbit
• Steel Magnolias
• Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
• The Wolf of Wall Street
• The Quiet Man
• Tommy Boy
• Sonic the Hedgehog

Viewers can enjoy a wide selection of both current series and classic television shows. Owned by ViacomCBS, it features notable CBS Select series including “Survivor,” the “FBI” franchise, “NCIS,” “60 Minutes,” and “The Young & The Restless.”

Pluto TV provides access to a library of classic TV shows, such as “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Gunsmoke,” “Cops,” “Cheers,” and “Frasier.” This combination of modern series and beloved classics makes Pluto TV a versatile platform for a broad range of viewing preferences.

Pluto TV Channels

Pluto TV has over 250 total live TV channels. Most Pluto TV channels are dedicated to airing specific programs or categories of content – many of which are also available as on-demand titles. However, there are also some recognizable, big-name networks.

Here is the complete Pluto TV channel line-up:

Movie Channels

Pluto TV has thousands of free movies, covering many popular genres. You can watch movies from different times like the 2000s, 70s, 80s, and 90s on channels such as 00s Replay, 70s Cinema, 80s Rewind, and 90s Throwback.

If you're interested in movies focusing on specific themes or communities, Black Cinema and Classic Movies Channel offer a wide selection. For action and adventure lovers, channels like Pluto TV Action and Flicks of Fury have a lot to offer.

Fans of horror can dive into Pluto TV Horrors or Pluto TV terror, while those who enjoy love stories can tune into Pluto TV Romance. With other channels like Pluto TV Comedy, Pluto TV Crime Movies, and Pluto TV Thrillers, there's something for everyone.

Entertainment Channels

Pluto TV's entertainment channels cover a wide range of interests, from classic TV shows to modern dramas. For fans of iconic series, channels like “Baywatch,” “Beverly Hills 90210,” and “Star Trek” offer a blast from the past. If you're looking for something more contemporary, “The Walking Dead Universe” and “Showtime Selects” feature current hits.

For those interested in diverse and inclusive programming, “BET Her,” “Logo Pluto TV,” and “Shades Of Black” provide content that celebrates various cultures and identities. British TV enthusiasts have “British Drama,” while K-drama fans can enjoy “K Content by CJ-Enm.” There's something for music lovers, too, with channels like “CMT Pluto TV” catering to country music fans.

Update: April 03, 2024
Pluto TV has just added a live channel dedicated to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The series was added as part of Pluto TV's 10-year anniversary celebration.

Now Trekkies can enjoy this popular show along with Star Trek: The Original Series and Star Trek: Voyager. These live channels are continuously playing episodes and viewers can tune in at anytime.

News and Opinion Channels

Pluto TV offers a selection of news and opinion channels that cater to a wide array of viewpoints and interests. For those seeking in-depth investigative journalism, “60 Minutes” provides compelling stories and insights. If you're looking for a variety of perspectives, channels like “America’s Voice,” “Blaze Live,” and “Newsmax” offer different angles on current events.

Major news networks such as “CBS News,” “NBC News NOW,” and “Bloomberg Television” deliver up-to-the-minute news coverage, including specialized channels like “CBS News Chicago,” “CBS News Los Angeles,” and “CBS News New York” for local news.

Crime Channels

Pluto TV's selection of crime channels offers viewers an look into the world of crime investigation and legal drama. Fans of real-life mysteries and forensic science will find plenty to engage with. Channels like “48 Hours” and “Dateline NBC 24/7” dive deep into true crime stories, while “Cold Case Files” and “Unsolved Mysteries” explore cases that remain unresolved.

For those who enjoy crime dramas, “CSI,” “CSI: Miami,” and “CSI: NY” provide hours of investigative storytelling. British crime series enthusiasts will appreciate “Britbox Mysteries” and “Midsomer Murders” for a touch of international intrigue.

Reality Channels

Pluto TV's reality channel lineup caters to a wide array of interests, ensuring fans of reality TV have access to a diverse selection of shows. From the adventurous spirits captured in “Survivor” and “The Amazing Race” to the dramatic lives featured in “Jersey Shore” and “Love and Hip Hop,” there's no shortage of engaging content.

Car enthusiasts can tune into “BBC Top Gear” and “Pluto TV Cars,” while those intrigued by relationships and dating can explore “MTV Dating” and “Pluto TV Weddings.” For viewers drawn to competitions, “Ink Master” and “The Challenge” offer intense rivalry and creativity.

Additionally, specialized channels like “Pluto TV Paranormal” and “Pluto TV Backcountry” provide niche content for fans of the supernatural and outdoor adventure.

Additional Pluto TV Channels

Pluto TV has many more channels, including genres like game shows, comedy, lifestyle, and special interest channels. The platform continuously updates its lineup to include more options, ensuring that it caters to a broad audience.

Whether you're interested in educational content or entertainment, Pluto TV has channels to match everyone's preference.

How To Watch

All you need to begin watching Pluto TV is a high-speed internet connection and a device to stream from. You can download the free Pluto TV app on a variety of mobile devices, tablets, and smart TVs to get started streaming on-demand and live content right away.

The Pluto TV app is available to download for free on Google Play, Apple, Roku, and Amazon.

You can also watch straight from your internet browser simply by visiting the Pluto TV website. There is no sign-up required – but you can make an account, you can take advantage of additional features like customizing your channel and viewing preferences.

Is Pluto TV a Smart Choice for TV Streaming?

Pluto TV is a leading free TV streaming service for a reason. With hundreds of live channels and thousands of on-demand titles, Pluto TV is a great way to cut costs on your monthly entertainment bill.

However, if you are looking for a complete cable TV replacement, you will need to supplement Pluto TV with an additional paid streaming platform. We recommend browsing our in-depth guides to the best TV streaming services to discover the perfect fit for your viewing preferences and budget.