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Watch television shows and movies streaming live without having to pay any money

Watch television shows and movies streaming live without having to pay any money

Vote: (37 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Pluto Inc.

Version: 5.38.0

Works under: Android

Also available for Windows Mac

Vote:

Program license

(37 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Pluto Inc.

5.38.0

Works under:

Also available for

Android

Windows Mac

Pros

  • Large variety of programming
  • Videos are sent in real time
  • Audio is transmitted in genuine stereo
  • Includes feature-length anime movies

Cons

  • Viewers have to sit through commercial breaks
  • May consume a ton of mobile data
  • Most users won't hear stereo sound

Pluto TV is an online streaming television service that provides a variety of different types of programming through linear channels. This provides an experience that's a little more like watching traditional television than most on demand services. That being said, Pluto does provide some shows that are streamed on a basis that's closer to a conventional on demand site.

While Pluto users can stream any of the service's channels directly through a web browser, the app makes it easy to save favorites and set bookmarks. That makes it possible for viewers to go back to something they were watching later on. While the total number of channels fluctuates, this feature is quite helpful because there's often a large number of them.

Shows are streamed in several languages and subtitles are provided for those viewing content that's not in their native language. Japanese anime and Korean dramas are usually offered with their original audio tracks. They're subtitled in real-time, though dubs are also sometimes provided for those who want to hear an English soundtrack. In either case, the original music usually isn't touched at all in the process of translating the speech.

All sound carried through the Pluto TV app is in stereo. Those who are watching TV without anything plugged into their phone or tablet probably won't notice since so few mobile devices offer multiple speakers. Plug in a pair of earphones and you'll be able to hear full stereophonic sound, however. This makes it an ideal platform for watching movies. It's also an interesting choice for those who want to check out gaming matches or let's play videos since even those that feature 8-bit titles will more than likely offer great audio.

Unfortunately, most feature-length films will be interrupted by multiple commercial breaks. Due to a combination of the sheer number of channels offered through the app as well as the difficulty of selling advertising space when showing niche content that may only appeal to a certain audience, many of these so-called commercial breaks consist of essentially nothing. Viewers may have to watch a blank screen with a text message for a minute or two before they're returned to their show.

The fact that Pluto TV is able to provide such a wide variety of content means that most viewers will probably ignore any such interruptions owing to the convenience. Considering that users can also modify the bit rate that video data is sent at, they'll even have at least some control over how good it looks. Those who are tethered to a mobile data account may wish to use a lower setting in order to avoid running up their charges.

Pros

  • Large variety of programming
  • Videos are sent in real time
  • Audio is transmitted in genuine stereo
  • Includes feature-length anime movies

Cons

  • Viewers have to sit through commercial breaks
  • May consume a ton of mobile data
  • Most users won't hear stereo sound