Key Takeaways
- Pluto TV streams a wide range of content for free and with ads.
- The platform contains over 200 channels catering to a variety of interests and genres.
- Pluto TV is different from other services because it curates content and offers a mix of live channels and on-demand programming.
It may feel like there are just as many streaming services out there as there were cable channels back in the day. These services are meant to make your life easier, not more complicated, but trying to figure out what content is on which service can feel like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. Everyone has different tastes, and you won’t know which ones are best for you until you try them out for yourself. Pluto isn’t as widely known as Netflix or Hulu, but it might be worth considering.
Pluto TV is completely free and works on almost any device you have. It does show ads, but you won’t want to have to add another monthly subscription to your bill. Let’s take a look at how the service works and what it has to offer.
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What is Pluto TV?
Incredible Streaming
Founded in 2013 by entrepreneur Nick Groof, Pluto TV leveraged his background in building recommendation engines to build a streaming platform. Initially, it sourced content from other services like Vimeo and YouTube while partnering with content providers like Funny or Die and RocketJump. After being acquired by Viacom in 2019, Pluto TV pivoted to stream video from a number of brands, including Paramount, Nickelodeon, and MTV.
What sets Pluto TV apart from streaming services like Netflix and Hulu is that its programming isn’t “on-demand,” meaning you can’t pick and choose shows to binge. Instead, it operates more like a traditional broadcast or cable network, with each of its 200-plus “channels” delivering pre-scheduled programming. That’s sure to be nostalgic for nostalgic fans, but it may be frustrating for younger consumers who are accustomed to getting what they want, when they want it.
Pluto’s offerings vary by region, with US customers having access to over 200 different channels, with far fewer available in other regions due to licensing rights. These channels cover almost every niche of content, from news networks like CNN and Court TV, to sports, including a dedicated NFL channel, to more niche offerings like a 24/7 Cats channel.
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How to access Pluto TV: What devices does it support?
Where can I watch it?
Pluto / Pocket-lint
Pluto TV is available through your smart TV or set-top box app, and app stores on iOS and Android devices, or you can watch in your web browser with no additional downloads. Accessibility varies by region, but the Pluto TV app is typically available on the following devices:
- Android devices
- Apple iOS and iPadOS devices
- Android TV
- Apple TV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Roku TVs and Streaming Boxes
- Cox Contour Stream Player
- VIZIO Smart Cast
- Metaquest VR Device
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox One version
- Xbox Series
- webOS Smart TV
- Chromecast Streaming Device
- For Windows PC
You don’t need to register or log in to use Pluto TV.
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Is Pluto TV really free?
There must be some kind of loophole
Pluto TV / Pocket-lint
All content is supported by mid-roll advertising.
Yes, Pluto TV is completely free. There’s no sign-up or payment information required. However, it does include commercials during programming. All content is supported by mid-roll ads. You can expect to see ads interrupting the video approximately every 6-7 minutes, much like when you watch live TV.
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Does Pluto TV have commercials?
Adding break time
Pluto TV
Yes, Pluto TV content contains ads. The “downside” to Pluto TV is that it is ad-supported, so you will see commercials while watching. As a free, ad-supported streaming service, Pluto TV gives you access to content without a membership fee, but it does contain commercials.
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What makes Pluto TV different from other streaming services?
Sets us apart from other big name brands
One of the most interesting aspects of Pluto’s system is summed up in the tagline used in its marketing: “Programmed by Humans.” Rather than using an algorithm to dictate what you should watch, the service has in-house curators select and schedule content. Think of it as a mixtape your friend made for you versus a playlist auto-generated by Spotify. The human element helps you find connections between movies and shows, unearth lost treasures, and deliver a more unique experience than the purely computer-controlled experiences offered by other streamers.
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Does Pluto TV offer on-demand content?
I want it now
Pluto TV / Pocket-lint
While the majority of Pluto TV’s content can be found on streaming channels, the service has recently begun offering on-demand programming. Its content is primarily focused on its movie library, with hundreds of titles, including blockbuster hits like Titanic and Braveheart. Some TV shows are also available on-demand, but most are 20th century classics like The Twilight Zone and The Jerry Springer Show. Yes, we called Jerry a classic, and that rating remains. If you’re looking for more modern programming or content exclusive to services like Netflix and Hulu, you won’t find it here.
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What can I watch on Pluto TV?
It’s all about the choice
Pluto TV
When you first open Pluto TV and see everything the service has to offer, it can be a little overwhelming. The easiest section to understand is the traditional live channels like MTV, CNN, and BET, which function much like their cable and broadcast alter egos.
Pluto has many channels that specialize in topics like animals, history, technology, and even channels that broadcast just one series or franchise, such as Star Trek or The Walking Dead. There are also seasonal channels, so keep an eye out for Christmas content this winter, and you can also expect to see programming tailored to other holidays as they approach.
My personal favorite Pluto TV channels are:
- TokuShoutSu – Japan’s giant monster mayhem in shows like Ultraman and Kamen Rider
- 70s Movies – Classics from the Golden Decade in Cinematic History
- Xtreme Outdoors – A survival show on the History Channel
- Jeopardy! – Nonstop Episodes of the Cleverest Game Show of All Time
- Bob Ross Channel – Enjoy calm and painting with the beloved public television artist 24/7
Pluto TV offers a wide selection of Spanish language programming as well as music channels.
For on-demand video, content is categorized into on-demand TV series and movies, both of which can be sorted by genre. Pluto TV also has a “Only This Month” section for content that’s only available for a limited time. For the most part, streaming offers don’t change frequently, so you don’t have to worry about a show you’ve been enjoying suddenly disappearing.
Because it’s free, Pluto TV is a great choice for hassle-free video streaming. While you won’t necessarily find the most popular content, the sheer size of its library and ease of use make it a great service to add to your smart TV or streaming device.
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What are the drawbacks of Pluto TV?
Everything can’t be perfect
Pluto TV
The main drawback of Pluto TV is its limited on-demand content compared to other live TV services that offer a wider range of on-demand shows and movies. Pluto TV offers a variety of channels, including national news and sports, but it doesn’t specifically offer local TV channels.
