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Because high-quality streaming video is now more accessible than ever, so you can watch TV on the Internet easily through paid subscription services, free sites and apps, or through streaming boxes. There are lots of options, and each one has its own positives and negatives. Because these methods are all online, these options are available to anyone with an Internet connection and a device that can access the Internet. Once you have that, you're free to choose whichever one works best for you. Once you do choose, you just have to log on and start watching!

Best Ways to Watch TV on the Internet

Use streaming subscription services like Netflix, Hulu, or Max. If you pay for a broadband Internet provider, like Comcast Xfinity or Time Warner, check your ISP’s website or call them to see your options. Alternatively, go to the website of different television networks and look for live streams or older episodes.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Free Websites

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  1. When streaming TV from free websites, the picture quality can be greatly affected by your download speed. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) (or log into your account) to see if your connection speed meets this recommendation to watch standard-quality TV.[1]
    • To watch HD-quality TV, opt for at least a 5mbps connection instead.
  2. Visit the websites of different television networks and look for live streams or past episodes of shows. Television networks like ABC, Fox, and the Discovery Channel offer lots of free content on their websites.
    • Many networks offer apps that can be installed on your smartphone or tablet. Try searching the App Store or Play Store for your favorite network.
    • TV.com is a safe aggregate site that provides links to watch TV shows on the network websites. You can sort by category to find new things to watch or search for your favorites.
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  3. Crackle is an on-demand style service that has a website, mobile apps, and the ability to stream to televisions.[2] There will be commercials during the broadcasts, but the site is free, safe to use, and has a mobile app.
  4. Many networks and production companies offer free access to shows and movies right on YouTube.[3]
    • Browse Youtube Channels for full-length content. Click through the categories at the top of the page to see what is offered.
    • Try searching for shows to find uploads from other users.
  5. Many sites that claim to links to TV streams or free movies are loaded with malware and potential scams.[4] Instead, stick to TV networks’ own websites.
    • If you come across a free TV website that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Look the site up on ScamAdvisor.com to view its trust rating, and only use sites that are rated “high trust.”
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Subscription Services

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  1. Subscription services allow you unlimited access to their content for a monthly or yearly payment. Before signing up for a service, make sure your Internet connection is fast enough to provide you with a clear picture. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to find your download speed.
    • To watch HD-quality TV, opt for at least a 5mbps connection instead.[5]
  2. [6] For a wide variety of and movies, try one of these services. You’ll be able to search for shows and movies and watch them whenever you want.
    • Hulu focuses on recent television show episodes, but also has lots of movies. Netflix specializes in movies and entire seasons of TV shows.
    • If you’re already paying for an Amazon Prime account, you have access to their database of TV shows and movies, including some content from cable networks like HBO, Showtime, and Starz.[7]
    • You can also stream most of these services to an HDMI or Wi-Fi capable television with a streaming media box or stick, smartphone or tablet.
  3. If you already pay for a broadband Internet provider like Comcast Xfinity, Time Warner, or Verizon Fios, you may have access to local TV broadcasts right on your computer. Check your ISP’s website or give them a call to see what they offer.
  4. If you mostly watch shows and movies from pay channels like HBO or Showtime, sign up for one of their dedicated services.[8]
    • While you’ll have access to shows and movies that are unavailable on other services, they are usually more expensive than Netflix or Hulu.
    • Most premium networks also offer apps for smartphones and tablets.
  5. [9] Services like Sling TV or PlayStation Vue broadcast typical cable networks over the Internet.
    • This option is the most similar to watching regular cable television, as you can usually just watch what’s being shown on each channel.
    • Many of these services come with a DVR, so you’ll be able to record shows when you’re too busy to watch TV.
    • Most streaming boxes and sticks (such as Roku or Amazon Fire TV) support cable replacement services.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Streaming Boxes and Sticks

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  1. [10] You don’t have to have a Smart or Internet TV to watch streaming television over the Internet. As long as your TV has an HDMI port or Wi-Fi, you can use any streaming box (or their stick-like counterparts) to watch shows from a variety of subscription services.
    • The HDMI port is a rectangular port that narrows at the bottom. It’s about the same width as a USB port. If your TV was made in the last 6 years, it likely has HDMI.[11]
    • Check the manual that came with your TV to see if it is Wi-Fi-capable.
  2. Ask your ISP if your service meets this recommendation. This will ensure that you have a clear, crisp picture with not too much buffering.[12]
    • To watch HD-quality TV, opt for at least a 5mbps connection instead.[13]
  3. Now that you have the right TV and Internet service, ask yourself some questions: What do I want to watch? Do I need a remote control? Do I want my box to do more than just stream media? Then, search for reviews on reputable sites like Consumer Reports, CNET, and Engadget.
    • If money is an issue, look into Roku Streaming Stick, Amazon Fire TV Stick or Google Chromecast.[14]
    • If you use mostly Apple devices, try the Apple TV box. It works with Siri and iTunes.[15]
  4. Some of the viewing options on your new box or stick will require either a paid subscription or a payment per episode (or movie). Research each streaming box or stick to find out which services it supports.
    • Netflix and Amazon Prime are on every streaming box, so having an account with one of those services could be beneficial.
    • In addition to paid services, your streaming box/stick also has free features. For example, you’ll be able to watch YouTube videos on nearly every streaming box.
  5. Use the instructions that came with your streaming media box or stick to connect your device to the TV—each device has a different setup process.
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  • Many paid sites offer trial subscriptions. Try the service out before you buy it to make sure it suits your needs.
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Warnings

  • Many “free tv” websites are scams that can install malware on your computer or phone. Don’t click any pop-up ads on these sites, and never install software from a site you don’t completely trust.
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About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 282,763 times.
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Co-authors: 21
Updated: October 8, 2024
Views: 282,763
Article SummaryX

One of the easiest ways to watch TV on the internet is by browsing TV networks on YouTube, since networks often offer free access to certain shows and movies there. If you want a better selection, sign up for an on-demand streaming service like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime. These services typically charge a low monthly fee. You can also look into cable replacement services and streaming boxes like Roku. For tips on using free sites and apps like Crackle to watch TV on the internet, read on!

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