I remember those good old 90s when TV meant a huge video box, and we changed channels by pressing one of those eight buttons on the set. The channels were limited, and subscriptions were costly. We have moved a long way since then as the number of channels is huge, subscriptions are either reasonable or free, and TV either means a slim LED frame or on our mobiles. Today, it is Live TV apps all the way!
Live TV apps for Windows 11/10
There are two types of channels: free-to-air and Pay channels. Most of these Live TV apps charge a subscription fee for Pay channels while permitting Free-to-air channels and on-demand shows.
How to watch TV on a Windows PC
Here is a list of the top free Live TV apps for Windows devices.
1] Live Sports and TV
Rated well by users, this app, while typical to sports, has found a user base across all categories of users. Streaming news, sports, movies and a lot more, the Live Sports and TV app covers over 800 channels. Though all are not HD, the app streams RTSP, RTMP, RTMPE, and HLS live streams. Interestingly, the database is crowd-sourced, like SoundCloud. Rather, users can become a part of the same community and contribute to channels. This app is available at the Microsoft Store here on Microsoft Store.
2] FilmOn Live TV
The FilmOn Live TV app covers all major channels and streams TV in standard definition, saving on internet bandwidth. While the app is free, users who wish to view their channels in HD might be charged a reasonable fee. The app caters to the US, Europe, Latin America, and Asia and shows news, sports, lifestyle channels, and a lot more. This app is available for PCs only. If you like it, you can download it from the Microsoft Store.
3] YouTube TV
The app is actually associated with YouTube, and its publisher is Google Inc. It works exactly like YouTube streaming channels without the need for a cable box. The app is compatible with both Google Chromecast and Apple Airplay.
YouTube TV has an added functionality that allows storing DVD videos in the cloud for up to 9 months. One limitation is that the app is available for the US only, though it covers two languages – English and Spanish. Download the app from the Microsoft Store here.
4] Sling TV
A very popular app, Sling TV offers more than 100 channels involving news, sports, lifestyle, etc. But that isn’t what makes the app popular. It allows streaming on-demand shows and movies. Sling TV offers to stream programs in 18 languages, including Spanish, Hindi, and Arabic. Sling TV is one of the most popular live TV apps on the Microsoft store and a highly recommended one. It covers news, sports, kids, movies, lifestyle, etc. channels. If you like it, get the app from the Microsoft Store here.
5] NetTV Plus
One noticeable fact about these Live TV apps is that their rating depends more on the interface and the ease of use than the features themselves. Perhaps the reason is that people need no more than the basics. NetTV Plus is another example of a simple app being rated well. It is compatible with Windows 11/10 and a well-rated one. Grab the app from the Microsoft Store here.
Read: Watch TV and listen to Radio on Windows PC with ProgDVB
6] Viaway
The Viaway app offers 1,000 channels, 10,000 movies and TV shows, 100,000 podcasts and videos and 50,000 Internet radio channels. This makes Viaway one of the most diverse live TV apps, offering pretty much everything. Should your internet connection allow the app to stream videos seamlessly and also offer a cloud-based service? We could personalize the app by setting favorites, queues, etc. The app is available in the Microsoft Store here.
7] World TV
The World TV (UWP) helps stream most major global channels on Windows 10. Offering more than 600 channels, it covers the UK, the US, Germany, Brazil, Pakistan, etc. The app is available for free on the Microsoft Store here.
8] FXNOW
One of the most successful live TV apps, FXNOW offers almost all major channels in the US. Users can play Live shows like a downloaded video, restarting it from the beginning, pausing them, rewinding them, etc. The app also offers more than 600 hours of on-demand programs. Get the app from the Microsoft Store here and enjoy the experience.
9] TV for Windows
The TV for Windows app connects users to the TV network through ustvnow.com. The user needs to register for a plan on the same website (which is usually free). After that, the user can view all free channels in the US. Basically, that means the app streams all channels like BBC, CNN, Discovery, Animal Planet, etc.
The app is a 3rd party entity and has no association with USTVNow. It can be installed from here.
10] AT&T U-verse
Ideally, the brand name is enough to push it to the top of the list, but the positive reviews only add a cherry to the cake. The U-verse experience is one of its own. It can be clubbed with your regular AT&T plans. Another interesting feature of the app is that it can convert your phone into a remote control. The AT&T U-verse app could be downloaded from the Microsoft Store here.
Let us know which one you use.
