How to Watch Free Live TV Channels on Phone or Tablet

There’s no shortage of options for watching online videos, thanks to the many streaming services available. But what if you’re looking for on-the-go live television for your phone or tablet?

If you already have a few subscriptions to platforms and shows but your budget is maxed out, you don’t need to pay for another service to watch real-time news and other programming.

(You will, however, probably need to wait through commercial breaks and some targeted advertising based on your viewing habits.)

Here’s an overview of what’s out there.

If you’ve switched from cable

First of all, if you already subscribe to a multichannel cable-alternative service to watch on your TV set — think YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV, Philo, Sling, DISH or the Fubo Sports Network — you should also be able to watch on your phone or tablet.

Download the company’s app, and log in with your username and password. When you’re not hooked up to Wi-Fi, you can usually stream over a cellular connection if you have enough data on your plan.

Amazon Prime Video has a Live TV tab with hundreds of channels, including news programs from local television stations around the country. Some content was consolidated from Amazon’s former FreeVee app, which was phased out, but that content is still free on Amazon’s site, even for nonsubscribers.

If ‘free’ is the right price

Beyond Amazon’s free content, there is no shortage of apps for “free ad-supported streaming television,” a category whose name is often shortened to FAST.

The programming contains commercials that you can’t skip. However, the content (typically a mix of older movies, classic TV shows and live programming) usually doesn’t require a credit card to view.

With some services, you don’t even need to create an account to start watching — just download the app and go. Plex, Pluto TV, the Roku Channel (which does not require Roku hardware), Tubi and Xumo Play are among the bigger FAST services offering live news and selected sports content alongside movies and shows.

Samsung TV Plus is a free service for Samsung devices, and LocalNow focuses on regional weather and headlines. The programs vary, and some channels are available on several platforms.

But since you’re not committing to a paid subscription, you can sample services to find the one (or ones) you like best.

If you’re looking for family programming, Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus and Tubi are among the services with sections dedicated to children’s content. The PBS Kids Video and Sensical apps offer free shows for children.

Some paid subscription services also have free live TV channels. These include Sling’s Freestream and Philo’s free section, which both offer BBC News.

And if you’re looking primarily for headlines, most of the major U.S. national TV networks and many local station affiliates have their own streaming news apps

If you use an antenna

Remember the days of free, over-the-air television? Long before cable and broadband, an antenna was all you needed. Today, services like Channels ($80/year) or Tablo ($100+) let you stream live TV over the internet.

But what happens when your connection drops?The Offline Backup PlanSevere storms and power outages can quickly knock out your Wi-Fi and cellular service.

If you have a backup power source—like a solar charger or hand-crank battery—you can still stay informed. By connecting a tiny USB TV tuner to your device, you can pull live broadcast signals right out of the air.

Device Compatibility Currently, these inexpensive USB tuners are only available for select Android phones and tablets. Apple devices are not supported.

Two notable options include:

• MyGica ATSC Digital Mobile TV Tuner: Available for about $33 on Amazon.GTMedia HDTV Mate ATSC 3.0
• Tuner Stick: Priced around $70. (Note: ATSC is the standard for U.S. digital broadcasts).

Shop SmartAlways read the manufacturer specifications and user reviews carefully before buying. Compatibility can be tricky.

For example, some tuners will not work with Samsung devices. Others may not be designed for North American broadcast networks.

Real-World PerformanceThe MyGica tuner kit comes with two small antennas and requires the free PadTV HD app. While user reviews are mixed, real-world testing shows promise.

When tested on a Google Pixel 10 in the middle of Manhattan, the device successfully scanned and displayed major networks like WNBC and WCBS.

Just be aware that stations with weaker signals may occasionally freeze or stutter.The Bottom LineUsing an antenna to watch TV might feel like a step back into the 20th century.

However, it is a brilliant, budget-friendly safety net. It ensures you have access to vital news and free entertainment—even when the grid goes down.