Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) services have become a popular option for people looking for an affordable way to watch TV. These services offer a wide selection of content across multiple channels without the need for a subscription. Plus, users can watch shows without having to create an account, making it easy to drop in and out whenever they please. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular FAST services available today.
Popular FAST Services
Pluto TV
Pluto TV, owned by Paramount, offers over 250 channels and thousands of free shows and movies that users can watch on demand without an account. The service has a user-friendly interface and features channels dedicated to specific shows and genres. Pluto TV also has its own channels, including Pluto TV Spotlight, Pluto TV Crime Movies, and Pluto TV Staff Picks. The service also offers access to local CBS news stations, making it feel like a traditional TV service. Pluto TV is available on a range of smart TVs and devices, including Android, iOS, and the web.
Roku Channel
Roku’s FAST service, The Roku Channel, offers over 350 channels with tons of shows and movies across various categories. The Roku Channel also includes some of Roku’s original content, such as Die Hart 2 with Kevin Hart and Martha Cooks featuring Martha Stewart. The service’s user interface is similar to Netflix, featuring live content in a carousel at the top of the screen and on-demand content in categories below. The Roku Channel also lists Premium content from services like Paramount Plus, Showtime, and AMC Plus, which users have to pay for. The service is available on Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV devices, Samsung smart TVs, and on Roku’s desktop site or mobile app.
Tubi
Tubi, owned by Fox, has over 50,000 movies and TV shows and is the second most popular FAST service, with 64 million monthly active users. The service also offers a wide selection of local news stations from networks such as Fox, ABC, and NBC. Tubi has its own Tubi Originals and added even more content when it struck a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. Tubi is available on various platforms, including Android, iOS, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xfinity X1, Xbox, Samsung smart TVs, Sony smart TVs, PlayStation, and the web.
Other FAST Services
Freevee, formerly known as IMDb Freedive and IMDb TV, is an Amazon-owned FAST service that requires users to sign in with an Amazon account to access its on-demand movies and TV shows. Plex, primarily known as a build-your-own Netflix server software, also has its own FAST service that users can access on almost any device. Xumo Play, owned by Comcast, has a number of live national and local news channels and networks that play movies, sports, and crime TV shows. Finally, Sling Freestream is a newly launched FAST service from Sling TV that offers over 270 live channels and 40,000 on-demand titles.
FAST services provide an affordable and convenient way to watch TV without a subscription. With a wide selection of content across multiple channels, users can easily find something to watch on these services. While each FAST service has its own unique features, they all offer a compelling alternative to traditional cable TV.
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