Cheapest Way to Watch TV in 2025

What's the Cheapest Way to Watch TV in 2025?

How to Save Over $500 a Year with Free Apps and Budget Devices

If you live in the U.S. and pay monthly for Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and YouTube Premium, your total streaming cost could reach $ 600 per year ( Netflix Standard $17.99 / month; Annual membership cost: Disney+ Premium $159.99, Hulu with ads $99.99, YouTube premium $139.99 ), and that's without cable or sports add-ons. 

But the truth is: you don't have to spend that much. In fact, I love watching TV series of all kinds, and over time, I've found easy ways to stream shows and movies for free or just a few dollars a month. You don't need cable. You don't even need a smart TV — just your phone, a Wi-Fi connection, or a $30 streaming stick.

Let's look at the smartest ways to enjoy great content at home, while keeping your budget in check.

1. Low-Cost Streaming Platform for Popular Content

Netflix Basic Plan with Ads – A Low-Cost Option for Popular Shows

Netflix is still one of the top platforms worldwide, offering hit series, movies, and original content. If you want to save money, the Basic with Ads plan is the most affordable option — available in the U.S., UK, Japan, and more, starting at $7.99/month.

Smart ways to save even more:

Choose the Basic with Ads plan instead of the higher-priced plans

Share your account within your household

Use a VPN to change your location. For example, connect to a server in Turkey to sign up for Netflix at a much lower price — often under $5/month

Many people use NordVPN or Surfshark  for this method 

Netflix remains a top choice if you want fresh, high-quality content while staying within budget.

2. Best Free Streaming Apps Available in 2025

YouTube App – A Free Platform for Learning, Entertainment, and Daily Watching

YouTube is one of the most flexible and useful free streaming apps in the world. It offers a massive variety of videos — from full-length documentaries to daily vlogs, live news, and tutorials.

Why people love YouTube:

100% free to use, supported by ads

Works on all devices: phones, tablets, TVs, computers 

Offers videos in many languages, with subtitles and dubbing

Great for learning, entertainment, lifestyle tips, and kids' content

Includes YouTube Kids and YouTube Music 

YouTube Premium (optional) gives ad-free viewing and downloads

For everyday use, YouTube is the most accessible app worldwide.

Pluto TV – Free Live Channels and On-Demand Movies

Pluto TV gives users access to real-time streaming channels and a wide library of on-demand content — all for free and with no signup required. It's a legal app that feels like traditional cable TV.

Why Pluto TV stands out:

Available in: U.S., UK, parts of Europe, and Latin America 

Channels include: News, sports, movies, comedy, music, documentaries

Works on: Android TV, Fire Stick, Roku, browsers, iOS, smart TVs 

Great for people who miss the feel of "channel surfing" on cable

Pluto TV is region-locked. If you're in Asia, Africa, or parts of Europe where it's not available, you can use a safe VPN for streaming (like Surfshark or NordVPN) to connect to a U.S. or UK server and enjoy full access.

Tubi – Free Movies and TV for Families and Movie Lovers

Tubi is one of the best free streaming apps for people who want to watch Hollywood movies, cartoons, and TV shows without paying. It's user-friendly, works smoothly, and has something for everyone.

Why millions use Tubi:

Offers: Action, comedy, horror, kids' shows, anime, Spanish-language content 

Special sections for: Black cinema, LGBTQ+ films, documentaries

No registration required — just open and watch

Not in a supported country?

Tubi also blocks users from outside its service regions. But like Pluto TV, it works smoothly with a VPN optimized for video streaming, letting you access the full catalog.

Bilibili International – Free Anime, Gaming, and Digital Culture

Bilibili started in China, but its international version  is now available in many countries. It's especially popular among anime fans, gamers, and young viewers looking for niche content beyond Hollywood.

What you'll find on Bilibili:

Available on Google Play in many countries with English interface

Offers subtitled anime, music videos, livestreams, and original content

Features from East Asian digital culture: VTubers, cosplay, indie music

Great for Gen Z, students, and anime lovers

Unlike Pluto or Tubi, Bilibili is open in many regions without a VPN.

3. Budget Devices to Make Any TV Smart

Cheap Streaming Devices – Turn Your Old TV Into a Smart One 

If you don't have a smart TV, you don't need to buy a new one. A small streaming stick or TV box can upgrade your old television for $30.

Top budget-friendly devices: 

Amazon Fire TV Stick 

Google Chromecast with Google TV 

Xiaomi TV Stick 

Basic Android TV boxes

They plug into your TV's HDMI port and let you download apps like YouTube, Netflix, Pluto TV, and more. Perfect for creating a budget-friendly home theater setup.

Free Local TV – News and Sports Without the Internet

In many countries, local TV channels are still available for free using an antenna. 

How to watch:

Use a digital antenna (starting at $15)

Connect to a TV with a built-in tuner or converter box

No subscription, no internet needed

This is a good option for watching live news, sports, or classic movies without using data.

4. Smart Tips to Stream More While Spending Less 

Combine free apps like Pluto TV, Tubi, Bilibili, and YouTube 

Share family plans on Netflix, YouTube Premium, or Disney+ 

Take advantage of free trial periods (7–30 days) 

Set reminders to cancel trials before being charged 

Use only official app stores (Google Play, Apple App Store) to avoid malware 

Use a VPN for streaming to access content from different countries

Final Thoughts – You Don't Need to Pay a Lot for Great Content

In 2025, watching high-quality shows doesn't have to cost much. With the best free streaming apps, budget devices, and simple tricks, you can build your own smart TV system — even on a tight budget. 

Key takeaways:

Use Pluto TV, Tubi, and Bilibili for free legal content

Get a streaming stick if your TV isn't smart

Try a VPN if certain apps aren't available in your area

Avoid scams — only use trusted services and official apps

Entertainment should be easy and affordable. And now, it finally is.

FAQ: You Might Be Wondering

Q: What's the best free streaming app for kids?

Tubi has a kids' zone with age-appropriate shows and cartoons. YouTube Kids is also a good option.

Q: Is using a VPN for Pluto TV or Tubi legal?

Yes. VPNs are legal in most countries. They help you protect your privacy and access public apps like Pluto TV and Tubi in other regions.

Q: What if my TV is very old?

Buy a cheap HDMI streaming stick like Fire TV Stick or Chromecast to use modern apps. Even older TVs can work with an HDMI converter.

Q: Is Bilibili free everywhere? 

Yes. Most content on the international version is free and doesn't need a VPN. Just download it from Google Play.

Q: How do I make sure I don't get charged after a free trial? 

Set a phone reminder to cancel before the end date. Some services allow early cancellation while keeping access until the trial ends.