“Today, my TV is in my pocket. And it works anywhere in the world using The World's Best Apps for Watching TV.”
Hey, my friend! If you're like me and you're always in a rush — whether you're traveling, working abroad or just want to escape the monotony of broadcast TV — you've probably already faced this dilemma: “How to watch TV in a practical, high-quality and hassle-free way?”
Well, I'm also tired of depending on cable, receiver, satellite dish and all that stuff that just takes up space and is annoying.
Nowadays, the stop is simple: You download the right app, connect to Wi-Fi (or even mobile data) and that's it — TV in the palm of your hand.
After racking my brains testing dozens of apps, I put together this list of the best apps in the world to watch TV — and I'll tell you: there's something here that you didn't even know existed.
There are free apps, paid apps, apps with football, soap operas, documentaries, anime and even a 24-hour live channel.
Check it out!
The world's best TV apps for watching TV: tested and approved
Pluto TV – The rare (and free!) streaming gem
I don't know how this app is still free. Seriously. There are dozens of live channels, movies and series on demand, without the need for registration or a credit card.
It has a 24-hour action channel, reality shows, news, anime, children's, comedy... Everything is organized and easy to navigate. It works in any country with good internet.
Tubi TV – Free and legal movies and series
This is my refuge when I want to watch old movies, 90s thrillers, slapstick comedies or even cult classics.
The catalog is huge. It runs smoothly on Android, iPhone and smart TVs. And the best part: is 100% free and legal, with ads between the content (like YouTube).
YouTube TV – For those who want “cable” in the cloud
This one is paid, but it is the most complete for those who live in the USA (or use a VPN). It has all the free-to-air and cable TV channels: ESPN, CNN, FOX, HBO, NBC, ABC… All in HD, recordable, and you can even use it on multiple screens.
It's like having a complete TV package, only modern and flexible.
DStv Stream – Live TV from Africa to the World
🔗 https://www.dstv.com/en-za/app
If you enjoy African channels or live outside the US-Europe axis, DStv is a great choice.
It works in most of Africa and the Caribbean, and has soap operas, sports, movies and reality shows that are very popular there. It's worth exploring different content.
Zattoo – High quality TV from Europe
This app is great for anyone who lives in Germany, Switzerland, Austria or wants to watch European channels via VPN.
It has over 100 free channels (with premium plan too). You can watch live TV, pause, record and even watch later. Clean and fluid interface.
Peacock TV – From NBC to the world
One of the best apps currently available for American series, sports and reality shows.
It works great with a VPN and has a free plan with quality content. If you like “The Office”, Premier League football and blockbuster movies, you’ll love it.
Globoplay – The best of Brazil, anywhere
Yes, you can access it outside of Brazil using a VPN. And it has everything a Brazilian misses: soap operas, football, BBB, journalism. The app has improved a lot, it is faster, more complete, and with affordable plans.
What do all these apps have in common? Freedom.
What makes me enjoy this world of TV apps the most is the freedom of choice. I can watch whatever I want, wherever and whenever I want.
I don't depend on an operator. I don't need to pay a lot to have quality. And the best part: Most apps are free or have very affordable plans.
Quick usage tips (based on my experience)
✅ Use Trusted VPNs like NordVPN or ProtonVPN to access regionally restricted apps
✅ Have a HDMI cable or Chromecast to mirror on TV if you want a greater experience
✅ If you are going to download on your cell phone, choose a good Wi-Fi network or 4G with unlimited plan
✅ Only enable notifications on apps you actually use to avoid spam
✅ Update apps frequently to get content and performance improvements
TV worldwide with just one touch
Nowadays, you can be on the beach in Thailand, in a hostel in Lisbon, on a farm in the interior of Brazil or even on the subway in Tokyo.
If you have internet and a good app, you have the whole world's TV in your hand.
These apps that I have shared here are undoubtedly the best in the world when it comes to watching TV with freedom, quality and variety.
Each one has their own style, their own focus, but they all have something in common: they work well and deliver real entertainment.