Best TV Apps of 2025 (Free & Paid) for iOS & Android

Looking for the best TV apps in 2025? Whether you’re a cord-cutter, a binge-watcher, or someone just trying to figure out what the heck to download on your new smart TV or phone, we’ve got you covered. From free live TV to premium streaming powerhouses, here’s your no-nonsense guide to the best TV apps you can get right now in the U.S.

What Makes a Great TV App in 2025?

Not all TV apps are built the same. The best ones in 2025 nail a few key areas:

• Content Variety: On-demand shows, live TV, sports, movies, originals—the more, the better.
• Usability: Clean UI, fast load times, and smart navigation.
• Cross-Platform Support: Works on both iOS and Android, plus smart TVs, tablets, and more.
• Free or Worth the Price: Whether it’s ad-supported or premium, it has to bring value.

What Are the Best TV Apps of 2025?

Best Overall TV App: YouTube TV

Price: $72.99/mo
Why it rocks: 100+ live channels, unlimited cloud DVR, multiview sports streaming, and probably the cleanest interface in the game.
Best for: People who want live TV without the cable box.
Download: Android | iOS

Best Free TV App: Pluto TV

Price: Free (ad-supported)
Why it rocks: 100+ live channels, classic movies, genre-specific streams (hello, Bob Ross Channel), and no login required.
Best for: Folks who want a cable-like experience without paying a dime.
Download: Android | iOS

Best On-Demand Library: Netflix

Price: $7.99–$24.99/mo
Why it rocks: Unmatched catalog, award-winning originals, 4K streaming, downloads, and even mobile games.
Best for: Binge-watchers and fans of high-quality originals.
Download: Android | iOS

Best Bundle Deal: Disney+ with Hulu + ESPN+

Price: $26.99/mo (Trio Bundle)
Why it rocks: Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Hulu originals, live sports, and next-day ABC shows—all in one subscription.
Best for: Families and multi-interest households.
Download:

• Disney+: Android | iOS
• Hulu: Android | iOS
• ESPN: Android | iOS

Best for Sports Fans: FuboTV

Price: $85–$95/mo
Why it rocks: 150+ channels, lots of sports (domestic and international), 4K streaming, and up to 10 device streams.
Best for: Hardcore sports fans and multi-TV households.
Download: Android | iOS

Best Value Live TV App: Sling TV

Price: $40–$60/mo depending on plan
Why it rocks: Customizable channel bundles, free tier with 200+ channels, low base pricing.
Best for: Budget-conscious cord-cutters.
Download: Android | iOS

Best Hybrid App: Peacock

Price: Free, $7.99 or $13.99/mo tiers
Why it rocks: Free tier with tons of content, live sports, NBC classics, and unique always-on channels.
Best for: Viewers who want both on-demand and live options without breaking the bank.
Download: Android | iOS

Best for Families & Kids: Disney+

Price: $9.99–$15.99/mo
Why it rocks: Huge library of kid-safe content, exclusive Marvel and Star Wars shows, and robust parental controls.
Best for: Parents who want worry-free streaming for their kids.
Download: Android | iOS

Best for Amazon Households: Prime Video

Price: $8.99 (video only) or $14.99 with full Prime
Why it rocks: Big catalog, award-winning originals, Thursday Night Football, offline downloads, and X-Ray trivia.
Best for: Existing Amazon users and Fire TV owners.
Download: Android | iOS

Best CBS-Style Combo: Paramount+

Price: $7.99–$12.99/mo
Why it rocks: CBS, Showtime, live sports, and kids content under one roof.
Best for: People who love network TV and sports.
Download: Android | iOS

Honorable Mentions (Freebies Worth Checking Out)

• Tubi: Android | iOS
• The Roku Channel: Android | iOS
• Amazon Freevee: Android | iOS

Which TV App Is Right for You?

If you want premium cable without the contract, YouTube TV is hard to beat. On a budget? Pluto TV and Tubi are doing the most for the least. Need family-friendly entertainment? Disney+ wins there. And if you’re a sports junkie, Fubo’s your go-to.

Whatever your vibe, there’s a TV app for that. And in 2025, the choices are better than ever.

Tony Simons

Tony has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix and over 14 years of writing experience between multiple publications in the tech, photography, lifestyle, and deal industries.