Want to watch live TV on your PC without spending a dime? You’re not alone. These days, cable TV feels like an expensive dinosaur, and more people are looking for smarter, cheaper (read: free) ways to enjoy live shows, news, sports, and more.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to watch live TV on your PC for free — without any confusing tech speak, and without making you download shady stuff.
Whether you’re chasing your favorite local channels or exploring the best free streaming platforms, I’ve got you covered.

Ready? Let’s dive right in.

Why Watch Live TV on PC Instead of TV?

First off, why even bother? Well:

• Flexibility: Watch while you work (or pretend to).
• Portability: Laptops and PCs can go anywhere WiFi goes.
• No Cable Contracts: Nobody wants another bill, right?
• HD Quality: Streaming often looks better than old cable!

Plus, PCs are super versatile. With a few clicks, your PC becomes your new best TV friend.

How to Watch Live TV on PC for Free

Alright, here’s the real meat of it. You’ve got several paths you can take:

1. Use Free Live TV Streaming Websites

There are some websites that stream live TV legally — and completely free.
Here are the top choices for free live TV streaming:

• Pluto TV – Massive variety: news, sports, entertainment, even old sitcoms.
• Xumo Play – 200+ live channels, all free.
• Plex TV – Known for movies, but also offers free live TV.
• Tubi TV (Live Section) – Mostly on-demand, but their live TV section is growing fast.

👉 Pro Tip: Always access these on your PC browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) — no download needed!

2. Download Free Live TV Apps for PC

Apps are a smart choice if you want a cleaner, ad-free experience.

Some of the best free streaming platforms with desktop apps include:

• Peacock Free: News, sports (Premier League, WWE), plus sitcoms like “The Office”.

• Sling Freestream: Offers 300+ live TV channels — without a subscription.

• LocalBTV: Streams only local channels, for free! (More on this below.)

How to install:

1. Go to their official website.
2. Download their Windows app or watch via browser if available.
3. Sign up (sometimes optional).

3. Watch Local Channels Streaming for Free

Want to catch local news or weather? You don’t need an antenna anymore.

Here’s how to use a PC to watch local channels.:

• NewsON: 24/7 local news from 275+ stations across the U.S.
• Haystack News: Personalized local + national news feed.
• LocalBTV: Streams actual local broadcast stations legally.

🌟 Pro Tip: Your local ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX affiliates often offer free live streaming directly on their websites! Just Google “[Your City] + [Channel Name] + Live Stream.”

Also Read: The Best Free Software for Downloading YouTube Videos

4. Use Free Trials (The Sneaky Smart Way)

Some big-name services offer free trials — and you can use them without paying (as long as you cancel before the trial ends).

• YouTube TV: 7–14 days free (tons of live channels)
• Hulu + Live TV: 7-day free trial
• FuboTV: 7-day free trial (great for sports fans)

Pro hack: Use different email addresses if you want multiple free trials.
(Just don’t tell anyone I told you. 😉)

Also Read: Data recovery software for PC free download

5. Explore Browser Extensions and Add-ons

There are Chrome and Firefox extensions that collect legal, free live TV streams into one place.

Examples:

• TV Chrome Extension – 1000+ free live channels.
• Stremio + Free Add-ons – Pulls in free live TV streams when you install add-ons.

It’s like building your own DIY TV service inside your browser!

Best Free Streaming Platforms to Watch Live TV

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best free streaming platforms for watching live TV on PC:

Common Questions About Watching Live TV on PC

Can I watch sports for free?

Yep! Apps like Pluto TV, Tubi, and Xumo offer live sports highlights and news.
For live games, you might need a free trial from FuboTV or check out free sports streams on Peacock Free.

Is it legal to watch free live TV on PC?

As long as you’re using official services (like Pluto TV, Tubi, Xumo, etc.), you’re 100% legal.
Just avoid sketchy websites promising “every channel ever” — those usually aren’t legit.

Do I need super-fast internet?

Not really.
Minimum recommended speed for smooth streaming:

• SD (standard definition): 3 Mbps
• HD (high definition): 5-10 Mbps
• 4K (ultra HD): 25 Mbps+

If you’re watching on a regular home WiFi network, you should be fine.

New Free Streaming Platforms You Should Know About (2025 Update)

Most competitors forget about new kids on the block — but not us!

Here are new or growing free platforms for watching live TV:

• DistroTV: International channels + niche movies.
• Freevee (Amazon): Growing library of live TV and movies.
• Streamio TV: Focused on indie, sports, and global channels.
• VUit: Small-town local TV and news stations (think hyper-local).

Check these out if you’re bored with the usual stuff!

Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Watch Live TV on PC (For Free)

Alright, let’s wrap it up.

👉 Best Free Website Overall: Pluto TV
👉 Best for Local Channels: LocalBTV + NewsOn
👉 Best App for Sports: Peacock Free (and FuboTV trial)
👉 Best Hidden Gem: VUit (for small-town charm)

If you mix a few platforms together, you’ll basically have your dream cable lineup — without the nightmarish bills.

So grab your laptop, open up one of these free services, and start watching live TV like a boss.
No cable. No contracts. No worries. 📺✨

Quick Recap Checklist

✅ Use free live TV streaming websites like Pluto TV, Plex TV, Xumo Play.
✅ Try free live TV apps like Peacock Free and Sling Freestream.
✅ Stream local channels easily using LocalBTV, NewsOn, or directly from websites.
✅ Combine a few services for the best setup!
✅ Bookmark this guide so you never pay for cable again.