Pluto TV is a free streaming service that works like cable television, but online

Pluto TV streams live channels and on-demand shows and movies to your phone, tablet, computer, or connected TV device without charging you anything. You do not need a cable subscription or a paid streaming account. Instead, Pluto TV makes money by showing advertisements during programs — the same way broadcast television does.

The service includes over 250 live channels organized by category: news, sports, movies, comedy, reality TV, and others. You can also browse a library of on-demand content to watch whenever you want. The channel lineup and available shows change regularly, and what is available depends on your location and the device you are using.

Pluto TV is owned by Paramount Global, the same company behind Paramount+, CBS, and MTV. It launched in 2013 and is available in the United States, Latin America, Europe, and other regions.

Key Takeaways

  • Pluto TV costs nothing and requires no subscription, credit card, or cable login — you only need to create a free account with an email address.
  • The service works on phones, tablets, computers, and TV devices like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, and Chromecast, but availability varies by device.
  • You watch ads during programs, similar to free broadcast television, and cannot skip them or pay to remove them.
  • Live channels follow a fixed schedule you cannot control, but on-demand content lets you start and stop whenever you want.
  • Pluto TV does not offer the same shows and movies as paid services like Netflix or Paramount+ — the library is smaller and rotates regularly.

How to set up a Pluto TV account

Go to pluto.tv on a web browser or read the Pluto TV app from your device's app store. Tap or click "Sign Up" and enter an email address and password. You can also sign up using a Google, Facebook, or Apple account if you prefer not to create a new password.

Pluto TV will ask for your birth date and zip code. You do not need to enter a credit card or payment method. Once you confirm your email, your account is active and you can start watching when ready.

If you already have a Paramount+ account, you can use the same email and password to log into Pluto TV, but the two services are separate — a Paramount+ subscription does not include Pluto TV, and Pluto TV does not give you access to Paramount+.

What devices work with Pluto TV

Pluto TV works on most modern devices. The web version runs in any browser on a computer or tablet. The mobile app is available for iPhone and Android phones. For television, Pluto TV has apps on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, and some other brands.

Compatibility changes over time as devices update and Pluto TV adds or removes support. If you own a device and are not sure whether Pluto TV works on it, visit the Pluto TV website and look for the list of supported devices, or try downloading the app from your device's app store.

Streaming quality depends on your internet connection. Pluto TV recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD video on a TV and 2.5 Mbps for mobile devices. If your connection is slower, video may buffer or play in lower quality.

Live channels versus on-demand content

Pluto TV's live channels work like traditional television — they broadcast continuously on a schedule you cannot control. You tune in to a channel and watch what is currently airing. If you miss the start of a show, you cannot rewind or go back. Each channel has its own schedule, and you can see what is coming up next by looking at the guide.

On-demand content is different. You choose a show or movie from the library and start watching whenever you want. You can pause, rewind, and fast-forward through on-demand programs. The on-demand library is smaller than the live channel lineup and includes older movies, classic TV shows, and some newer content.

Both live and on-demand content include advertisements. You cannot skip ads on either type of content, and there is no paid tier that removes them.

What shows and movies are available

Pluto TV's library includes movies and TV shows from Paramount's catalog, plus licensed content from other studios. You will find older films, classic sitcoms and dramas, reality TV, documentaries, and some newer releases. The specific titles available change regularly — Pluto TV rotates content in and out of the service.

The live channels include news (CNBC, Bloomberg, Sky News), sports (NFL, soccer, basketball depending on licensing), movies, comedy, true crime, cooking, home improvement, and niche interests like anime or K-pop. Not all channels are available in every location.

Pluto TV does not have the same breadth as paid services like Netflix or Hulu. If you are looking for a specific recent movie or current TV series, it may not be on Pluto TV. The service is best for people who enjoy browsing and discovering content rather than searching for something specific.

How ads work on Pluto TV

Advertisements play during both live and on-demand content. On live channels, ads appear at natural breaks in the program, just like cable television. On on-demand shows and movies, ads interrupt the content at set points.

You cannot skip ads, fast-forward through them, or pay a fee to remove them. There is no ad-free tier of Pluto TV. The number and length of ads varies — some programs have more commercial time than others, and ad load can change.

Pluto TV tracks some information about your viewing to target ads to you, but you can adjust privacy settings in your account. Visit your account settings and look for privacy or advertising preferences to see what options are available.

Troubleshooting common problems

If Pluto TV will not load or keeps stopping, first check your internet connection. Run a speed test to confirm you have at least 2.5 Mbps. If your connection is slow, move closer to your router or restart it.

If the app crashes or freezes, try closing it completely and reopening it. On a TV device, unplug the device for 30 seconds and plug it back in. If you are using a web browser, try a different browser or clear your browser cache.

If you cannot log in, make sure you are using the correct email and password. If you signed up with Google, Facebook, or Apple, use that same method to log in — do not try to log in with a password. If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it.

If a channel or show is not working but others are, the problem may be temporary. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the problem continues, contact Pluto TV support through the help section in your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to give Pluto TV my credit card information?

No. Pluto TV is completely free and does not require a credit card, payment method, or subscription. You only need an email address to create an account. If a website or app asks for payment to use Pluto TV, it is not the real service.

Can I read shows to watch offline?

Pluto TV does not offer a read feature. You must stream content while connected to the internet. If you need to watch offline, you will need to use a different service that supports downloads.

Is Pluto TV the same as Paramount+?

No. Pluto TV and Paramount+ are separate services owned by the same company. Pluto TV is free and ad-supported. Paramount+ is a paid subscription service with a larger library and fewer ads. Having one does not give you access to the other.

Why does Pluto TV show different content in different locations?

Pluto TV licenses content from studios and networks, and those licenses vary by country and region. Some shows and channels are only available in certain places due to licensing agreements. Your location is determined by your IP address.

Can I watch Pluto TV on multiple devices at the same time?

Yes, you can log into your Pluto TV account on multiple devices and watch on different devices at the same time. However, Pluto TV's terms of service state that accounts are for personal use only and should not be shared with people outside your household.