Best Smart TV Apps 2026: Free & Paid
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There are hundreds of streaming apps available for every major smart TV platform, so it’s challenging to figure out which ones are worth your time and money. While some are free with ads, others require a monthly subscription, and then there are others that are wrapped up into valuable bundles.
We’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. Below you’ll find the best free and paid smart TV apps in 2026 organized by category, with current pricing, device compatibility, and recommendations for every type of viewer.
Key Takeaways: Best Smart TV Apps in 2025 (Free & Paid)
If you’re looking for the best streaming apps for your smart TV in 2026, check out this handy breakdown to find what you need now:
Best Free Streaming Apps
- Freevee from Amazon – Free movies, shows, Freevee originals, and live channels
- Pluto TV – 250+ live channels and on-demand content
- Tubi – 300K+ titles, ad-supported by FOX
- Hoopla – Free movies, TV, and more, with a library card
Best Paid Streaming Apps
- Netflix – Massive library with exclusive originals
- HBO Max – HBO hits plus Warner Bros. blockbusters
- Hulu – Diverse library with Live TV add-on
- Paramount+ – CBS, sports, and originals
- Apple TV+ – Premium ad-free originals
Value-added App Bundles
- Disney+, Hulu & ESPN+ – $19.99/mo (ad-supported)
- Paramount+ & Showtime – ~$12.99/mo
- Apple TV+, Netflix & Peacock – $15/mo via Xfinity
Best Live Sports Streaming
- YouTube TV – All major leagues
- ESPN+ – UFC, soccer, college sports
- FuboTV – Heavy sports focus
- DAZN – Combat sports leader
- Peacock Premium – Olympics, NFL, Premier League
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Best Free Streaming Apps
Freevee from Amazon
Price: Free (ad-supported)
Best For: Amazon Originals, live channels, and classic shows
Highlights: Separate from Prime Video; wide device support
Compatible Devices: Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Google TV, LG, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Xbox, Xfinity, Android and iOS devices (iPhones & iPads).
Freevee is a free streaming platform from Amazon, separate from Prime Video. It has a diverse range of content, live channels, and original movies and shows. The intuitive design, personalized recommendations, and accessibility on multiple devices make it a must-have for anyone looking for free, quality content on demand.
Pluto TV
Price: Free (ad-supported)
Best For: 24/7 live TV channels and on-demand content
Highlights: 250+ channels; movies, TV, sports, news, and more
Compatible Devices: Android, iOS, Roku, Fire TV, Google TV, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xfinity, most Smart TVs, and more.
Pluto TV is a free streaming service for smart TVs, streaming devices, and web browsers that allows you to drop in and watch live TV and on-demand content anytime. Pluto TV has over 100,000 hours of content, hundreds of channels of hit movies, binge-worthy TV shows, breaking news, live sports, and more.
Tubi TV
Price: Free (ad-supported)
Best For: Massive content library across all genres
Highlights: 300K+ titles; 200+ live/local news channels; owned by FOX
Compatible Devices: Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Firestick, Chromecast, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, most Smart TVs, and more.
Tubi is an ad-supported video-on-demand service from FOX Entertainment. Tubi has more than 300,000 movies and TV episodes, 200+ local and live news channels, and 450+ entertainment partners. Tubi gives streamers an easy way to discover new content, 100% free.
Hoopla
Price: Free with library card
Best For: Movies, TV, music, eBooks, and comics from local libraries
Highlights: Library-powered; supports Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast
Compatible Devices: Android and iOS devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Kindle Fires. For smart TVs, Hoopla supports Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and more.
Hoopla partners with libraries across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, providing access to eBooks, audiobooks, comics, music, movies, and TV. With Hoopla and a valid library card, you can instantly stream fan-favorite movies, modern indies, films based on books, and shows from MTV, Nickelodeon, Lifetime, and more. Availability depends on your local library, so be sure to check their website or app.
The Roku Channel
Price: Free (ad-supported)
Best For: FAST channel variety, cord-cutters replacing cable, and Amazon Freevee alternative
Highlights: 350+ live channels; on-demand movies and TV; available beyond Roku devices
Compatible Devices: Roku TVs and players, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TVs, iOS, Android, and web browsers at therokuchannel.roku.com.
The Roku Channel is one of the largest free ad-supported streaming (FAST) platforms in the U.S., and a natural replacement for the now-defunct Amazon Freevee. With 350+ live channels spanning classic TV, news, sports highlights, movies, comedy, and lifestyle content, all completely free, it’s one of the most versatile no-cost options available. The Roku Channel doesn’t require a Roku device; it’s also accessible on Fire TV, Samsung Smart TVs, iOS, Android, and the web. On-demand movies and shows are also available alongside the live lineup, and Roku continues to expand its library, adding dozens of new channels in early 2026 alone.
YouTube
Price: Free (ad-supported) | YouTube Premium: $13.99/mo (ad-free)
Best For: Creator content, viral video, music, live events, and free movies
Highlights: Most-watched app on smart TVs; free movies and TV via YouTube Movies; YouTube Premium removes ads
Compatible Devices: All smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Google TV, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android, and web browsers.
YouTube is the most-used video streaming app on smart TVs by total watch time — and it’s free. Beyond the billions of creator-uploaded videos, YouTube offers an extensive and growing library of free movies and TV episodes through YouTube Movies, live news streams, sports highlights, concerts, and original content. YouTube Premium ($13.99/mo) removes ads entirely and unlocks background play and offline downloads. For households that haven’t added YouTube to their smart TV app lineup, it’s arguably the biggest free content omission.
Plex
Price: Free
Compatible Devices: Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Firestick, Chromecast, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, most Smart TVs, and more.
Want to stream your personal media collection or local recordings? Plex takes all of the shows and movies you already own—whether stored on your computer or in the cloud—and organizes them on your personal server in one app. It also offers free on-demand movies and shows, live TV, podcasts, and web shows. You can opt for the premium version for $5 a month to watch and record over-the-air broadcasts available at your location.
Best Paid Streaming Apps
Netflix
Price: From $7.99/mo (ad-supported)
Best For: Popular originals and massive library
Notable Titles: Stranger Things, Ozark, Bridgerton
Compatible Devices: Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Firestick, Chromecast, AppleTV, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, most Smart TVs, PCs and laptops, Xfinity streaming devices, and more.
Arguably the original streaming service to hit the market, Netflix offers a robust experience with a wide variety of content and genres. Known for popular originals, like Ozark, Stranger Things, and Bridgerton, the streamer brings the best in all-around entertainment. If you don’t mind ads, Netflix’s recent ad-supported package is an affordable entry point to all it has to offer. With so much content, finding what to watch can be overwhelming—use profiles or curated lists to help narrow your options.
HBO Max
Price: From $10.99/mo (ad-supported)
Best For: Prestige dramas and Warner Bros. blockbusters
Notable Titles: Game of Thrones, Succession, The Last of Us
Compatible Devices: Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Firestick, AppleTV, Chromecast, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, most Smart TVs, PCs and laptops, Xfinity streaming devices, and more.
HBO Max offers thousands of movies and TV episodes, including iconic HBO originals like Game of Thrones, Succession, and The Last of Us, plus blockbuster films from Warner Bros., DC, and more. You get access to over 35,000 hours of content, including Max Originals, hit series, documentaries, kids’ programming, and shows from brands like HGTV, Discovery, and Cartoon Network, all in one app. Given the range and quality of content, the $10.99/month plan offers excellent value.
Paramount +
Price: From $8.99/mo (ad-supported)
Best For: CBS shows, sports, and original content
Notable Titles: Yellowstone, Star Trek: Discovery, The Good Fight
Compatible Devices: Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Firestick, AppleTV, Chromecast, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, most Smart TVs, PCs and laptops, Xfinity streaming devices, and more.
Paramount+ offers a wide variety of content, including original series, movies, sports, news, and children’s programming. The service is a combination of content from Paramount, CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, and BET. Featuring popular shows and movies, like Yellowstone, The Good Fight, Star Trek: Discovery and more, it also offers live streaming of CBS, CBS Sports Network, and local CBS stations in select markets.
Apple TV+
Price: $12.99/mo
Best For: Ad-free premium Apple Originals
Notable Titles: Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, Severance
Compatible Devices: Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Firestick, AppleTV, Chromecast, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, most Smart TVs, PCs and laptops, Xfinity streaming devices, and more.
Apple TV+ offers exclusive Apple Originals shows, movies, and documentaries. One of the few services offering a low-cost, ad-free subscription, though trailers for other Apple TV+ content may still appear. Some of the most popular Apple TV+ shows include Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and Mythic Quest, along with a wide variety of other shows and movies. Get Apple TV+ as part of a family subscription and share it with up to 6 family members.
Hulu
Price: From $11.99/mo (ad-supported)
Best For: Next-day TV, anime, and Hulu Originals
Notable Titles: The Handmaid’s Tale, The Great, Grey’s Anatomy
Compatible Devices: Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Firestick, AppleTV, Chromecast, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, most Smart TVs, PCs and laptops, Xfinity streaming devices, and more.
Hulu features a library of television series, movies, anime, documentaries, and more, and offers one of the most diverse libraries of the services listed here. Enjoy originals, such as The Handmaid’s Tale and The Great; movies like Dune and Dune: Part Two; and TV series from other networks, such as The Good Doctor and Grey’s Anatomy. Hulu also offers a Live TV plan that includes live, local channels and national networks.
Amazon Prime Video
Price: $8.99/mo (standalone, with ads) | Included with Amazon Prime ($14.99/mo or $139/yr) | +$2.99/mo for ad-free
Best For: Broad entertainment, Amazon Originals, and add-on channel flexibility
Notable Titles: The Boys, Fallout, Reacher, The Rings of Power
Compatible Devices: All smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Google TV, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android, and web browsers.
Amazon Prime Video is one of the world’s largest streaming services, with a library of thousands of movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals. For most households, it comes bundled with an Amazon Prime membership, making it one of the most cost-effective streaming options available. You can also add on channel subscriptions in Prime Video. Add platforms like Max, Starz, MGM+, Paramount+, and dozens more, and have them all billed through your Amazon account. (Note: Since 2024, ads are shown by default on all plans; paying an additional $2.99/mo removes them.)
Disney+
Price: $11.99/mo (Basic, with ads) | $15.99/mo (Premium, ad-free) | Bundle with Hulu: from $12.99/mo
Best For: Families, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic fans
Notable Titles: The Mandalorian, Loki, Moana 2, Inside Out 2
Compatible Devices: All smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Google TV, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android, and web browsers.
Disney+ is the home of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and 20th Century Studios, which makes a favorite for families and franchise fans. The library spans decades of beloved films alongside a growing slate of originals and exclusives. Disney+ offers 4K HDR streaming even on its ad-supported Basic plan, which is uncommon at its price point. Important 2026 note: Disney is in the process of merging the standalone Hulu app into Disney+, creating a unified streaming experience so that subscribers who use both will eventually manage everything from a single app. Bundle options combining Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN are available starting at $16.99/mo.
Peacock
Price: $7.99/mo (Select) | $10.99/mo (Premium, with ads) | $16.99/mo (Premium Plus, ad-free)
Best For: NBC shows, live sports, Premier League soccer, and value-conscious streamers
Notable Titles: The Traitors, Poker Face, Yellowstone (seasons 1–4), The Office, Parks and Recreation
Compatible Devices: All smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Google TV, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android, and web browsers.
Peacock is NBCUniversal’s streaming service and one of the best values in paid streaming. Its Premium tier gives you access to a deep library of NBC and Bravo series, reality TV, classic sitcoms, and a wide range of films, plus extensive live sports, including NFL Sunday Night Football, Premier League soccer, Olympics coverage, NASCAR, and MLB. A new Peacock Select tier ($7.99/mo) offers current NBC and Bravo seasons at the lowest entry price among major streamers. Peacock is also available as part of bundle deals through Xfinity’s StreamSaver package (with Netflix and Apple TV+) and as a discounted add-on for Apple One subscribers.
Best Paid Streaming Services Comparison
| Service | Starting Price | Ad-Free Price | 4K Available | Simultaneous Streams | Offline Downloads | Free Trial | Best For |
| Netflix | $7.99/mo (with ads) | $17.99/mo (Standard) | Premium plan only ($22.99/mo) | 2 (Standard); 4 (Premium) | Yes (Standard and above) | No | Originals, broad library, all audiences |
| HBO Max | $10.99/mo (with ads) | $18.49/mo (Ad-Free) | Ultimate plan only ($22.99/mo) | 2 (with ads); 3 (Ad-Free) | Yes (Ad-Free and above) | No | Prestige dramas, HBO originals, Warner Bros. films |
| Hulu | $11.99/mo (with ads) | $18.99/mo (No Ads) | No | 2 | Yes (No Ads plan only) | No | Next-day TV, FX shows, Hulu Originals, Live TV add-on |
| Disney+ | $11.99/mo (with ads) | $18.99/mo (Premium, ad-free) | Yes (all plans) | 4 | Yes (Premium plan only) | No (promo offers available) | Families, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, National Geographic |
| Paramount+ | $8.99/mo (Essential, with ads) | $13.99/mo (Premium with Showtime) | Yes (select content) | 3 | Yes (Premium plan only) | Yes (limited offers) | CBS shows, NFL on CBS, UEFA soccer, Showtime originals |
| Apple TV+ | $12.99/mo (ad-free) | Ad-free on all plans | Yes (all plans) | Up to 6 (Family Sharing) | Yes | Yes (3 months with new Apple device) | Premium ad-free originals, award-winning shows and films |
| Amazon Prime Video | $8.99/mo standalone (with ads); or included with Prime ($14.99/mo) | +$2.99/mo add-on for ad-free | Yes (select titles) | 3 | Yes (with Prime membership) | Yes (30-day Prime trial for new members) | Broad library, Amazon Originals, add-on channel hub |
| Peacock | $7.99/mo (Select) | $16.99/mo (Premium Plus) | No | 3 | Yes (Premium Plus only) | Yes (limited offers) | NFL Sunday Night Football, Premier League, Olympics, NBC shows |
| Service | Netflix |
| Starting Price | $7.99/mo (with ads) |
| Ad-Free Price | $17.99/mo (Standard) |
| 4K Available | Premium plan only ($22.99/mo) |
| Simultaneous Streams | 2 (Standard); 4 (Premium) |
| Offline Downloads | Yes (Standard and above) |
| Free Trial | No |
| Best For | Originals, broad library, all audiences |
| Service | HBO Max |
| Starting Price | $10.99/mo (with ads) |
| Ad-Free Price | $18.49/mo (Ad-Free) |
| 4K Available | Ultimate plan only ($22.99/mo) |
| Simultaneous Streams | 2 (with ads); 3 (Ad-Free) |
| Offline Downloads | Yes (Ad-Free and above) |
| Free Trial | No |
| Best For | Prestige dramas, HBO originals, Warner Bros. films |
| Service | Hulu |
| Starting Price | $11.99/mo (with ads) |
| Ad-Free Price | $18.99/mo (No Ads) |
| 4K Available | No |
| Simultaneous Streams | 2 |
| Offline Downloads | Yes (No Ads plan only) |
| Free Trial | No |
| Best For | Next-day TV, FX shows, Hulu Originals, Live TV add-on |
| Service | Disney+ |
| Starting Price | $11.99/mo (with ads) |
| Ad-Free Price | $18.99/mo (Premium, ad-free) |
| 4K Available | Yes (all plans) |
| Simultaneous Streams | 4 |
| Offline Downloads | Yes (Premium plan only) |
| Free Trial | No (promo offers available) |
| Best For | Families, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, National Geographic |
| Service | Paramount+ |
| Starting Price | $8.99/mo (Essential, with ads) |
| Ad-Free Price | $13.99/mo (Premium with Showtime) |
| 4K Available | Yes (select content) |
| Simultaneous Streams | 3 |
| Offline Downloads | Yes (Premium plan only) |
| Free Trial | Yes (limited offers) |
| Best For | CBS shows, NFL on CBS, UEFA soccer, Showtime originals |
| Service | Apple TV+ |
| Starting Price | $12.99/mo (ad-free) |
| Ad-Free Price | Ad-free on all plans |
| 4K Available | Yes (all plans) |
| Simultaneous Streams | Up to 6 (Family Sharing) |
| Offline Downloads | Yes |
| Free Trial | Yes (3 months with new Apple device) |
| Best For | Premium ad-free originals, award-winning shows and films |
| Service | Amazon Prime Video |
| Starting Price | $8.99/mo standalone (with ads); or included with Prime ($14.99/mo) |
| Ad-Free Price | +$2.99/mo add-on for ad-free |
| 4K Available | Yes (select titles) |
| Simultaneous Streams | 3 |
| Offline Downloads | Yes (with Prime membership) |
| Free Trial | Yes (30-day Prime trial for new members) |
| Best For | Broad library, Amazon Originals, add-on channel hub |
| Service | Peacock |
| Starting Price | $7.99/mo (Select) |
| Ad-Free Price | $16.99/mo (Premium Plus) |
| 4K Available | No |
| Simultaneous Streams | 3 |
| Offline Downloads | Yes (Premium Plus only) |
| Free Trial | Yes (limited offers) |
| Best For | NFL Sunday Night Football, Premier League, Olympics, NBC shows |
Best App Bundles for Paid Streaming Services
Looking to save money by combining streaming platforms? Here are the top bundle deals of 2026.
Streaming Bundles Comparison Table 2026
| Bundle | Price (Starting At) | Included Services | Best For |
| Disney+, Hulu & ESPN+ | $19.99/mo (with ads) or $29.99/mo (ad-free) | Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ | Family entertainment, live sports |
| Disney+, Hulu & Max | $19.99/mo (with ads) or $32.99/mo (ad-free) | Disney+, Hulu, Max | Premium dramas, family shows |
| Paramount+ & Showtime | $12.99/mo | Paramount+, Showtime | Original series, sports, movies |
| Prime Video Channels | Varies by selection | Add-on channels (Max, Starz, MGM+, etc.) | All-in-one billing via Amazon |
| Apple TV+, Netflix & Peacock | $15/mo (Xfinity customers only) | Apple TV+, Netflix, Peacock | Triple bundle from major platforms |
| AMC+ | $6.99/mo (ads), $9.99/mo (ad-free, annual) | AMC+, Shudder, Sundance Now, IFC Films, 6 live channels | Indie films, thrillers, horror fans |
| Bundle | Disney+, Hulu & ESPN+ |
| Price (Starting At) | $19.99/mo (with ads) or $29.99/mo (ad-free) |
| Included Services | Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ |
| Best For | Family entertainment, live sports |
| Bundle | Disney+, Hulu & Max |
| Price (Starting At) | $19.99/mo (with ads) or $32.99/mo (ad-free) |
| Included Services | Disney+, Hulu, Max |
| Best For | Premium dramas, family shows |
| Bundle | Paramount+ & Showtime |
| Price (Starting At) | $12.99/mo |
| Included Services | Paramount+, Showtime |
| Best For | Original series, sports, movies |
| Bundle | Prime Video Channels |
| Price (Starting At) | Varies by selection |
| Included Services | Add-on channels (Max, Starz, MGM+, etc.) |
| Best For | All-in-one billing via Amazon |
| Bundle | Apple TV+, Netflix & Peacock |
| Price (Starting At) | $15/mo (Xfinity customers only) |
| Included Services | Apple TV+, Netflix, Peacock |
| Best For | Triple bundle from major platforms |
| Bundle | AMC+ |
| Price (Starting At) | $6.99/mo (ads), $9.99/mo (ad-free, annual) |
| Included Services | AMC+, Shudder, Sundance Now, IFC Films, 6 live channels |
| Best For | Indie films, thrillers, horror fans |
Best Live Sports Streaming Apps
Looking for the best way to stream live sports? Sports fans have numerous excellent options for live sports streaming in 2026. While some apps are exclusively for sports, several often include other entertainment or the possibility to bundle with major streaming apps, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
ESPN
Price: From $12.99/mo (ESPN Select, ad-supported) | $29.99/mo (ESPN Unlimited)
Best For: College sports, soccer, golf, tennis, and combat sports
Notable Coverage: La Liga, Bundesliga, PGA Tour, UFC Fight Nights, college football & basketball, NHL
Compatible Devices: iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, Xbox, PlayStation, most Smart TVs, and web browsers.
ESPN (formerly ESPN+) now offers two tiers: ESPN Select gives you access to the full ESPN+ content library and thousands of live events, including PGA Tour golf, UFC Fight Nights, top-tier soccer from La Liga and the Bundesliga, college sports, tennis, and original sports documentaries and series. ESPN Unlimited adds all of ESPN’s broadcast networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, and more), giving you the most complete sports streaming experience available. (Note: As of 2026, UFC Pay-Per-View rights have moved exclusively to Paramount+.)
YouTube TV
Price: From $64.99/mo (Sports Plan)
Best For: Comprehensive multi-sport coverage across all major U.S. leagues
Notable Coverage: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, college sports, ESPN networks, FS1, NBC Sports, MLB Network, NFL Network, NBA TV
Compatible Devices: iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Google TV, Xbox, PlayStation, most Smart TVs, and web browsers.
YouTube TV is one of the most well-rounded live TV streaming services for sports fans. Its Sports Plan includes national and regional sports networks, giving you access to nearly every major U.S. league in one place. YouTube TV is also the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket, so you can watch every out-of-market NFL game on Sunday afternoons during the regular season (available as a seasonal add-on). ESPN Unlimited is also available as part of its expanded channel access for subscribers.
Fubo
Price: From $73.99/mo (Pro Plan)
Best For: Sports-first households wanting the deepest live sports channel lineup
Notable Coverage: International soccer, NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, NASCAR, college sports, beIN Sports, Fubo Sports channels
Compatible Devices: iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox, PlayStation, most Smart TVs, and web browsers.
Fubo (formerly FuboTV) was built for sports fans, and it shows. Its Pro Plan packs 200+ channels with one of the deepest live sports lineups on the market, including international soccer, NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and NASCAR. NFL RedZone is available as a Sports Plus add-on. Fubo also offers unlimited cloud DVR and up to 10 simultaneous streams. Note: As of late 2025, NBC and NBCUniversal channels (including USA Network and Bravo) are unavailable on Fubo due to a licensing dispute.
DAZN
Price: $24.99/mo (monthly) | $99.99/yr (annual) U.S.
Best For: Combat sports fans — boxing and MMA
Notable Coverage: Matchroom Boxing, Golden Boy Promotions, MMA events, women’s sports leagues, sports documentaries; NFL Game Pass (international markets only)
Compatible Devices: iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation, most Smart TVs, and web browsers.
DAZN is the premier destination for combat sports fans in the U.S., with exclusive access to marquee boxing events from Matchroom and Golden Boy Promotions, including Canelo Álvarez fights, plus MMA events, women’s sports leagues, and original sports content. Keep in mind that DAZN’s content library varies significantly by country; in the U.S., it’s primarily a boxing platform. International subscribers can also access NFL Game Pass through DAZN, making it a valuable option for football fans outside the United States.
NFL Sunday Ticket (via YouTube TV)
Price: From $192/season for new YouTube TV subscribers (2025–26 season pricing; 2026–27 pricing TBA)
Best For: NFL fans who want to watch out-of-market Sunday afternoon games
Notable Coverage: Every out-of-market NFL regular season Sunday afternoon game; condensed replays; optional NFL RedZone add-on
Compatible Devices: Available via YouTube TV or YouTube Primetime Channels on iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, Xbox, PlayStation, most Smart TVs, and web browsers.
NFL Sunday Ticket (via YouTube TV) is the only way to watch every out-of-market NFL game live on Sunday afternoons during the regular season, essential for fans whose team isn’t broadcast locally. You don’t need a full YouTube TV subscription to subscribe; it’s also available as a standalone add-on through YouTube Primetime Channels. The 2025–26 NFL season has concluded; sign-ups for the 2026–27 season are expected to open closer to the start of next season.
Peacock Premium
Already mentioned here as a pick for a paid streaming platform, Peacock Premium is also an affordable option for sports fans. It’s the exclusive streaming home of NFL Sunday Night Football and carries roughly half of the English Premier League season live, making it a must-have for soccer fans. Peacock also delivers extensive Olympic coverage every two years and offers MLB, NASCAR, and golf. (Note: As of 2026, WWE content has moved from Peacock to ESPN Unlimited, so combat sports fans will need to adjust their subscriptions accordingly.)
Is Your Internet Ready for Streaming?
When searching for internet providers, look for an internet connection optimized for streaming. Your download speed should be at least 100 Mbps to maintain a reliable HD stream. This allows ample speed and accounts for peak usage slowdowns or possible ISP throttling. If you’re unsure if your current plan is fast enough, run an internet speed test to check your current internet performance.
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Find your speed!Best Free and Paid Streaming Apps FAQs
You can stream local channels using apps like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or Sling TV. Alternatively, digital antennas and apps like Plex also allow you to watch local broadcast channels for free.
Yes, many services offer bundles of popular streaming platforms. The Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle ($16.99/mo with ads, $29.99/mo ad-free) is popular because it combines three major platforms at a discounted rate. The Paramount+ with Showtime bundle ($13.99/mo) is a great pick for CBS and premium original content from Paramount. If you’re looking for convenience, Amazon Prime Video Channels lets you add Max, Starz, MGM+, Paramount+, and more through a single Amazon account. Some internet providers bundle streaming too: Xfinity’s StreamSaver includes Netflix, Peacock, and Apple TV+ for $15/mo for eligible subscribers. Be sure to check with your mobile carrier for bundles and savings, too.
Most popular streaming apps mentioned are compatible with major smart TV brands (Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio), as well as streaming devices like Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast. Always check your smart TV’s app store to confirm compatibility.
Yes, some live sports are available in 4K HDR, but it depends on the event and the platform. YouTube TV and FuboTV offer select NFL, NBA, and soccer matches in 4K. ESPN Unlimited streams select college football, NBA, and UFC events in 4K, and Peacock carries some Premier League and NFL games in 4K HDR. You’ll need a 4K HDR-compatible TV or streaming device, a plan that includes 4K content, and at least 25 Mbps download speed. Aim for 50 Mbps or more if you have multiple users and devices in your home.
Free trials are becoming harder to come by, but YouTube TV and FuboTV periodically offer 5–7-day trials for new subscribers. DAZN and Peacock occasionally run limited trials as well. But Netflix, Max, Hulu, Disney+, and Prime Video no longer offer free trials in the U.S. Fortunately, you’re not committed long-term when you subscribe to these services. Sign up, try it out for a couple of weeks, and then cancel at any time for any reason. Just be sure to do it before the next month’s bill hits.
The best free streaming apps for smart TVs are Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and YouTube. Tubi has the largest on-demand library at over 300,000 titles. Pluto TV offers 250+ live channels at no cost, and The Roku Channel has 350+ live channels (Roku device not required!). YouTube is the most-watched free video app on smart TVs by total watch time and includes a growing library of free movies and full episodes.
The best paid streaming service depends what you like to watch. Netflix is the best all-around option with the largest library of originals and the most device support. HBO Max is the best for premium TV and film quality. Disney+ is the best for families, Marvel, and Star Wars content. Hulu is the best for next-day network TV shows and live TV add-ons. Apple TV+ offers ad-free viewing and award-winning original content at only $12.99/mo.
Pre-installed apps vary by smart TV brand and operating system. Samsung Tizen TVs usually come with Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube, and Samsung TV Plus. LG webOS TVs include Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, YouTube, and LG Channels. Roku TVs and Google TV devices come with a wide range of pre-installed and easily downloadable apps from their respective app stores. While they may not be installed the first time you turn on your smart TV, most major streaming apps are available for free through the device’s app store.
Free trials have become rare among major streaming services in 2026. Paramount+ occasionally offers limited free trial promotions. Apple TV+ includes three months free with the purchase of a new Apple device. YouTube TV and FuboTV periodically offer short free trials for new subscribers. Netflix, Max, Hulu, Disney+, and Prime Video do not currently offer free trials in the U.S. The best way to try a paid service risk-free is to watch for promotional bundle deals, which often include discounted first months.
It can add up quickly, but if you were to subscribe to the major streaming services, it’d cost your about $85 per month. Here’s the breakdown of the top platforms:
- Netflix: $7.99
- HBO Max: $10.99
- Hulu: $11.99
- Disney+:$11.99
- Paramount+: $8.99
- Apple TV+: $12.99
- Peacock: $10.99
- Prime Video: $8.99
Most people don’t subscribe to all of them at once, and many are offered in bundles that can bring the total cost down. The most common approach in 2026 is a hybrid model: two or three paid services plus several free ad-supported apps like Tubi and The Roku Channel, which can keep your total monthly streaming costs between $20–$35/mo.
FAST stands for Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television. FAST channels are free streaming platforms that work like traditional cable TV: you watch a show at a set time that has periodic ad breaks, and you tune in rather than choosing what to watch a show on demand. Popular FAST platforms include Pluto TV, Tubi, The Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, and LG Channels. Where paid platforms earn revenue from subscriptions, FAST services get it from advertising.
Yes. The easiest ways to watch local channels on a smart TV without cable are through a live TV streaming service like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or FuboTV. These include your local ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox affiliates in most markets. You can also pull in HD local content for free with a digital OTA (over-the-air) antenna connected to your TV.
Disney+, Netflix, and Peacock are best streaming apps for families and kids. Disney+ is the top choice for families, with the largest dedicated kids’ library spanning Disney classics, Pixar films, Marvel content rated for younger audiences, and National Geographic. Netflix has a robust kids’ section with original animated series and family films, plus the parental controls feature. Peacock offers NBC kids programming and DreamWorks content. You can set up a kids profile in each one and restrict content by age rating.
The best streaming bundle for most households is the Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle at $19.99/mo with ads or $29.99/mo for ad-free. It combines Disney’s family and franchise content, Hulu’s next-day TV shows and originals, and HBO Max’s HBO and Warner Bros. Library, covering most major content needs in a single bill. If you’re a sports fan, pair YouTube TV ($64.99/mo) with ESPN ($12.99/mo) for the most comprehensive live sports coverage available. If you’re on a budget, the Paramount+ with Showtime bundle at approximately $12.99/mo offers the most content per dollar.
Yes, almost all smart TV streaming apps require an active internet connection to function since content is delivered over the internet in real time. The exception is if you can download content onto your smart TV. Some apps like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and Apple TV+ allow you to download select titles for offline viewing within their mobile apps. Most smart TVs will not let you download content.
You’ll need at least 5 Mbps download speed for standard HD (720p), 10 Mbps for full HD (1080p), and 25 Mbps for 4K streaming. That’s if you’re streaming on only one device. If there are multiple people streaming at the same time in your house, aim for 100 Mbps or more to avoid buffering. If you’re experiencing buffering, run an internet speed test to check whether your current plan meets your streaming demands.
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