Free ad supported TV (FAST) is quickly gaining popularity amongst consumers looking for a platform similar to cable, and all of the major players in the streaming space are eager to jump on board. This list rounds up the best FAST TV providers.
Content
- PlutoTV
- Tubi
- FreeVee
- Redbox
- Xumo Play
- The Roku Channel
- Haystack News
- RadTV
- RetroCrush
- Frequently Asked Questions
PlutoTV
One of the oldest FAST TV platforms, PlutoTV, provides a cable-like experience with over 200 TV channels that are live streamed. These channels cover all genres, from comedy to game shows, and soap operas to music videos. PlutoTV is owned by Paramount, so expect to see a lot of CBS properties. In addition, there are curated channels for specific shows and movies, like 24/7 Dr. Who and Jeopardy. Furthermore, PlutoTV boasts a robust on-demand library of both TV shows and movies.
PlutoTV is completely free, although you will need to sit through advertisements. It doesn’t require any sort of signup or registration. Simply install the app, and start watching. Signing up does have some perks that can increase your overall enjoyment. This includes being able to hide channels you’re not interested in and reordering the program guide so that your favorite channels appear first.
Tubi
Tubi is primarily known as an ad-supported on-demand streaming service that primarily shows movies. While Tubi’s impressive library of over 40,000 titles isn’t going anywhere, Tubi has also branched out into FAST linear TV. At the time of this writing, Tubi boasts over 200 linear live channels, including curated content from major production studios, as well as sports and local news affiliates.
While Tubi’s primary focus is on-demand movies and TV shows, Tubi has been aggressive in expanding its FAST offerings, such as the recent acquisition of national news affiliates and landing exclusive rights to major sporting events, such as a deal with FIFA.
FreeVee
Formerly known as IMDb TV, FreeVee is now owned by Amazon. As a free streaming service, it employs a FAST service in conjunction with on-demand content. FreeVee has approximately 60 live channels, comprising a variety of genres, including movies, reality TV, sports and more. The on-demand library features Amazon originals, as well as content licensed from third parties. FreeVee is integrated into the Amazon Prime Video app, but even people without an Amazon account can access FreeVee. Yet, if you log in, you will be able to keep track of progress and save preferences.
FreeVee’s library is considerably smaller than some of the other FAST providers. Amazon uses FreeVee to advertise original shows and movies that are released on Amazon Prime, so you’ll be able to watch the first episode or two of an Amazon original, like Fallout. Granted, it’s a way to entice viewers to sign up for Prime, but it’s also a good way to sample a show before shelling out cash.
Redbox
Redbox, one of the last purveyors of physical media, has made the jump to streaming. Redbox’s FAST platform, Redbox Free Live TV, offers over 100 linear channels, organized into genres like comedy, action, and sports. It also offers free on-demand titles, but Redbox’s library is much smaller compared to other free streaming services like Tubi.
Compared to other players in the FAST space, Redbox has a relatively limited library of content, as many of the larger FAST providers are owned by a larger media company. This allows FAST providers, like PlutoTV, to tap into the vast content libraries of their parent company. Redbox has to rely on partnerships with content providers to build its FAST channel offerings, resulting in a slower rollout of new content. That said, you can still visit one of Redbox’s 40,000 rental kiosks if you’re looking for more variety.
Xumo Play
Xumo Play’s FAST offerings exceed 200 channels of curated content across virtually all genres. Movies, sports, news, kids programming – Xumo has something for everyone. Xumo’s channels are organized into convenient categories, allowing users to find what they’re looking for easily. In addition to live channels, Xumo also boasts an extensive on-demand library, with over 10,000 movies and TV shows to choose from. Furthermore, Xumo is constantly adding new channels and on-demand titles in a bid to remain competitive in the FAST space, so there’s plenty to explore.
With 200 channels and a fairly large on-demand library, Xumo is on par with other major Fast providers. That said, Xumo is independent in the sense that they are not directly owned by a major media company. This means that, like Redbox, it doesn’t have a parent company to rely on for content. However, Xumo is partnered with subscription TV providers in the U.S., like Comcast and Spectrum. This allows Xumo to rely on those partnerships to source additional content.
The Roku Channel
It may come as a shock, but you don’t actually need to own a Roku device to enjoy the Roku Channel. If you do own a Roku device, then the Roku Channel is integrated into the user interface. If you don’t own a Roku, you can still access the Roku Channel by downloading the app for on your preferred device or even via your web browser.
Roku’s bespoke streaming platform features both FAST channels and an on-demand library. Like many other FAST providers on this list, the Roku Channel boasts hundreds of channels across a variety of genres.
Haystack News
As the name suggests, news is the focus with Haystack News. This FAST TV service features hundreds of live, linear news channels that stem from local, national and international sources. If you’re a news junkie, Haystack is going to scratch every itch. Politics, weather, business, technology – you’ll find everything you need to be well-informed, all in one place. Haystack even featured curated channels based on topics of interest that pull news snippets from various sources.
Haystack doesn’t require registration; however, if you choose to make an account, there are some perks. One of the best features is the ability to customize your viewing experience by selecting topics of interest, and even nominating preferred sources. There is also an interactive news ticker that displays local news headlines along the bottom of your screen, allowing you to stay up to date without having to switch the channel.
RadTV
RadTV positions itself as a FAST platform with its fingers on the pulse of youth culture. As a result, the more than 50 live channels focus on things like music, popular culture and gaming. Furthermore, RadTV’s content is sourced from a variety of niche pop culture creators. This includes the likes of CONTV, which focuses on anime, and Social Club, which explores cannabis-related culture.
RadTV also has a few unique features not seen amongst other FAST providers. This includes live streaming events, like concerts and sporting events, where individuals can join watch parties with other users. Furthermore, RadTV offers multi-format viewing, with support for 180º and 360º video, as well as 3D content. Overall, RadTV’s content offering is limited, compared to other FAST providers. With its focus on more niche content, it positions itself as a quirky outlier in the FAST space.
RetroCrush
If you’re an anime enthusiast, you need RetroCrush in your life. This FAST provider focuses solely on classic anime from the 70s, 80s and 90s. RetroCrush’s FAST linear channels feature curated episodes of iconic Japanese anime, such as Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water, Astro Boy, Golgo 13, and many more. In addition, RetroCrush holds the exclusive streaming rights to some titles, such as the newly remastered series from 1984, Urusei Yatsura. In addition to its 24/7 linear channels, RetroCrush does have a small library of titles available on demand.
RetroCrush also has a paid tier that will set you back $4.99 per month, removes all the ads, and gives you access to limited exclusive content. However, it’s not enough to justify the price tag. It should also be mentioned that the video playback is capped at 720p, and in some cases, down to 480p. Since RetroCrush primarily deals with vintage content, lower resolutions are to be expected. Unfortunately, the service is only available in the U.S. and Canada, unless you invest in a VPN.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FAST TV?
FAST stands for free ad-supported television. FAST platforms provide entertainment programming similar to traditional television, with no strings attached. These streaming services offer 24/7 linear programming, which is a viewing experience similar to traditional television.
How do FAST TV services differ from other streaming platforms?
Traditional streaming platforms, like Netflix, offer countless hours of on-demand content. Select the title you want to watch, and play it instantaneously. FAST platforms, on the other hand, featured curated channels of TV shows and movies, similar to the programming found on cable or traditional TV. Another big differentiator is right there in the name. FAST is completely free, but you’ll need to sit through regular commercial breaks.
How can I access FAST TV platforms?
All of the FAST platforms listed above are available on virtually any device you can think of. Smartphones, tablets smart TVs, game consoles, or right in your web browser, there’s almost certainly an app for your device. Of course, some of the smaller FAST platforms like RetroCrush may have more limited availability, but this is the exception to the rule.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Ryan Lynch.
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Ryan Lynch –
Staff Writer
Ryan is an English & Film Studies teacher. He splits his time between Australia and the United States. He passes the time on long haul flights by playing retro video games from his youth.
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