What Is Pluto TV?
Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service owned by Paramount Global. It offers live linear channels plus a large on-demand library of movies, TV shows, and curated content. No subscription or credit card is required.
Channel availability and total counts differ significantly by country. The United States has the largest selection, while the UK and Canada offer more region-specific programming. For a broader look at how Pluto TV compares to other free services, see our guide to the best live TV streaming APKs.
Quick Comparison: Pluto TV by Country (2026)
| Region | Approximate Live Channels | Key Strengths | Notable Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 250+ | Largest library, true crime, sports, news, movies | Broadest selection overall |
| United Kingdom | 100+ | British series, classic TV, reality | Strong UK-focused content |
| Canada | ~150–200+ | Canadian originals, classic soaps, retro | Exclusive Canadian titles |
Note: Exact channel counts fluctuate as Pluto adds, removes, or rotates channels. Figures are approximate as of September 2026.
Regional Differences at a Glance
| Category | United States | United Kingdom | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| True Crime | Strong (multiple dedicated channels) | Limited | Limited |
| Sports | Strongest (MLB, PGA, boxing, etc.) | Limited | Limited |
| News | Extensive (CBS, NBC, CNN, Bloomberg) | Bloomberg, Sky News, others | Local + international options |
| Movies | Extensive genre channels | Cult classics, British films | Retro action & seasonal movies |
| Classic TV | Wide range | Star Trek, British comedy | Heartland, classic soaps |
| Kids/Anime | Solid selection | Limited | Reduced compared to previous years |
Pluto TV US Channels 2026
The US library remains the largest. Categories below highlight the most useful and popular options.
Sports
- CBS Sports HQ
- MLB
- PGA Tour
- DAZN Ringside (boxing)
- Women’s sports and motorsport channels
- Additional live event and highlight channels
For more free sports streaming options, check out our guide to free sports streaming sites.
True Crime & Investigation
Pluto TV offers one of the strongest free true-crime lineups, including channels featuring:
- Forensic Files
- Dateline
- The First 48
- Cops
- Court TV
- Unsolved Mysteries
- Additional A&E and Oxygen crime programming
News
- CBS News / CBSN
- NBC News Now
- CNN Headlines / CNN Originals
- Bloomberg Television
- Sky News
- Cheddar News and other digital news channels
Movies & Entertainment
- Multiple movie genre channels (Action, Horror, Comedy, Westerns, Cult, etc.)
- Classic TV channels (Twilight Zone, sitcoms, game shows)
- Reality and lifestyle channels
- Music and concert channels
New or Notable in 2026
Pluto continues to add themed and franchise channels throughout the year. Check the in-app guide for the latest additions, as lineups change regularly.
Pluto TV UK Channels 2026
The UK service focuses more on British and classic international content.
Entertainment & Classic TV
- Star Trek
- MasterChef
- Mr Bean
- Baywatch
- Most Haunted
- Classic sitcoms and British series
Movies
- Comedy, crime, cult classics, and Western channels
News & Factual
- Bloomberg TV
- Sky News
- History, science, and documentary channels
New in 2026
Expanded game-show and reality programming through content partnerships (including Fremantle titles such as The Price is Right, Let’s Make a Deal, and Project Runway-style channels in some markets).
Pluto TV Canada Channels 2026
Canada’s lineup is more curated than the US version and includes exclusive Canadian content.
Canadian Highlights
- Heartland (24/7)
- Classic soaps (including All My Children)
- Proudly Canadian collections
Other Strong Categories
- Retro action and crime movies
- Reality (e.g., Hardcore Pawn)
- Automotive channels
- Seasonal movie channels
Note on Anime
Several dedicated anime channels were reduced or removed in early 2026. A smaller selection remains. For anime fans looking for alternatives, see our guide to the best anime streaming apps.
Canada does not carry every US-exclusive channel (for example, certain music and wellness channels available only in the US).
How to Watch Pluto TV
Supported Devices
- Streaming devices: Fire TV Stick, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Google TV, Android TV
- Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense, Vizio, and others
- Mobile: iOS and Android apps
- Gaming: PlayStation and Xbox
- Web: pluto.tv
Tips
- No account is required to watch, but creating a free account lets you save favorites and use watchlists.
- Channel lineups are determined by your detected location.
- A VPN can be used to access another country’s version of Pluto TV (subject to Pluto’s terms and VPN reliability). For recommendations, see our guide to the best VPN providers.
Channels Added & Removed in 2026
Pluto regularly refreshes its lineup.
- New themed, franchise, and partner channels are added throughout the year.
- Some older or lower-performing channels (including certain anime channels in Canada) have been removed or consolidated.
For the most accurate current list, open the Pluto TV app or website in your region — the live guide is always the definitive source.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Channels won’t load | Check internet (minimum ~3 Mbps recommended), restart app/device |
| “Not available in your region” | Content is geo-restricted; location or VPN affects availability |
| Buffering | Use a stronger connection or lower quality if available. For more tips, see our guide on internet speed for 4K streaming. |
| Missing expected channels | Lineups change; search in the app or refresh the guide |
| App crashes | Clear cache or reinstall the app |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pluto TV really free?
Yes—Pluto TV is 100% free. It’s ad-supported, meaning you’ll see commercials during your viewing, but there are no subscription fees, no credit card required, and no hidden charges.
How many channels does Pluto TV have in the US?
Pluto TV US has over 400 live channels, with recent reports indicating approximately 425 channels. New channels are added monthly, and the exact count fluctuates as channels are added, removed, or rotated[reference:43].
How many channels does Pluto TV have in the UK?
Pluto TV UK offers over 100 channels (including on-demand and seasonal content), a significant increase from the 13 channels it launched with in 2018. Live linear channel counts vary by reporting methodology, with some trackers listing approximately 59 live channels[reference:44][reference:45].
How many channels does Pluto TV have in Canada?
Pluto TV Canada has approximately 243 channels according to the most recent data, with over 50,000 hours of free live and on-demand content[reference:46][reference:47]. While the Canadian lineup is more curated than the US, it still offers a substantial selection with exclusive Canadian content like Heartland and All My Children.
Does Pluto TV Canada have the same channels as the US?
No—Pluto TV Canada has a more curated lineup. It lacks several US channels like ZenLIFE, TikTok Radio, and Stingray DJAZZ, but gains exclusive content like Heartland and All My Children.
What are the best Pluto TV channels for sports?
The US lineup has the strongest sports offering, including:
- MLB – Baseball coverage
- PGA Tour – Golf
- DAZN Ringside – Live boxing
- WNBA – Live games on ION
- CBS Sports HQ – Sports news
What are the best Pluto TV channels for true crime?
The US lineup has 15 dedicated true crime channels, including Forensic Files, Dateline 24/7, The First 48, Cops on Pluto, Court TV, and Unsolved Mysteries[reference:49].
Can I watch Pluto TV without registering?
Yes—Pluto TV does not require registration to watch. However, creating a free account allows you to save favorite channels, create watchlists, and resume on-demand content where you left off.
Does Pluto TV have a DVR feature?
No—Pluto TV does not offer DVR functionality. You cannot record live content. However, many movies and shows are available on-demand, allowing you to watch at your convenience.
What new channels were added to Pluto TV in 2026?
US: Pluto Royal Drama, El Rey Rebel, Ghosts, Pluto Quirky AF, Pluto Action/Drama (August), ZenLIFE, Qello Concerts, TikTok Radio, Stingray DJAZZ (February), Big Brother Live (July).
UK: Married…with Children, The Nanny (Sony deal), Let’s Make a Deal, The Price is Right, Supermarket Sweep, Project Runway (Fremantle deal).
Canada: Pluto TV Cars, All My Children, Hardcore Pawn (May), Summer of Movies (June), Pluto TV Retro Action Movies, Pluto TV Retro Crime Action (April).
Why were anime channels removed from Pluto TV Canada?
In January 2026, Pluto TV Canada removed most of its anime-dedicated channels—including InuYasha, Naruto, and Sailor Moon—as part of a category restructuring. The service launched the Canadian version of Pluto TV Anime and retained One Piece, but the anime category is now significantly reduced.
Is Pluto TV available in other countries?
Yes—Pluto TV is available in the US, UK, Canada, and several other countries including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, France, Brazil, and Latin America. Content and channel lineups vary by region.
Can I use a VPN with Pluto TV?
Yes—using a VPN with Pluto TV is allowed and is a common way to access content from different regions. Connect to a VPN server in the US, UK, or Canada to see that region’s channel lineup. Note that some VPN servers may be blocked by Pluto TV’s geo-restrictions.
Is Pluto TV changing in 2026?
Yes. Paramount has announced that Pluto TV will relaunch on the Paramount+ platform in summer 2026, unifying the tech stacks behind Paramount+, Pluto TV, and BET+[reference:50][reference:51]. The web experience for Pluto has been live since June 30, 2026, with the full O&O rollout expected by the end of summer[reference:52]. This integration aims to provide a better user experience, including more personalised content recommendations[reference:53].
Safety & Legal Notes
Pluto TV is a legitimate, licensed FAST service. All content is distributed under proper agreements. It is ad-supported and free to use.
This guide is for informational purposes. Channel availability changes frequently. Always refer to the official Pluto TV app or website for the most current lineup in your location.
Conclusion
Pluto TV remains one of the best free live TV options in 2026, with meaningful differences between the US, UK, and Canadian versions. The US offers the deepest selection, the UK emphasizes British and classic content, and Canada provides exclusive local titles alongside a solid general lineup.
For the latest channels, open the Pluto TV app on your preferred device — the in-app guide is updated more frequently than any published list.
Related guides on Simturax:
- Best Free Legal Live TV Apps for US, UK & Canada
- Best Streaming Devices 2026
- How to Optimize Firestick & Android TV
This guide was written by Simturax – a technology and streaming media specialist with over 10 years of experience covering Kodi, Firestick, Android TV, and IPTV. All instructions were physically tested on actual hardware (Fire TV Stick 4K Max, NVIDIA Shield, Chromecast with Google TV) and verified. We prioritize accuracy, transparency, and user safety above all else.