Live TV Online Free for PC: Best Apps to Use in 2025

You can watch thousands of TV channels online for free with just your computer, browser, and internet connection—no extra hardware needed.

After testing many options, we found most didn’t work or required a paid license.

Here are 5 reliable, free software to watch TV on your computer.

1. JLC’s Internet TV

• Operating System: Windows
• Pricing: Free
• Developer: JLC Software

JLC’s Internet TV offers a clean, ad-free experience. It’s not actively updated but still supports a large number of working channels.

After installing, the program downloads a channel list with useful data like ratings, language, bitrate, and country. You can easily filter and search for channels you’re interested in.

Pros:

• No adware during installation
• Vast channel list with 2697 options
• Easy filtering and search functions

Cons:

• Setup uses an older version (1.1.0) that requires two updates to reach 1.2.1
• May lack newer features

Download JLC’s Internet TV

2. Readon TV Movie Radio Player

• Operating System: Windows
• Pricing: Free
• Developer: Readon Technology

Readon TV Movie Radio Player combines its own channel list with third-party services like SopCast and YouTube.

It’s perfect for streaming live sports and TV without the hassle of multiple software. Channels can be filtered by country or genre, and a search function makes finding your favorite channels easy.

Pros:

• Supports third-party services (e.g., YouTube, SopCast)
• Channel filtering and search options
• Includes live sports streaming

Cons:

• Windows-only
• Requires plugin installation for third-party streaming

Download Readon TV Movie Radio Player

3. SopCast

• Operating System: Windows, Linux, Mac, Android
• Pricing: Free
• Developer: SopCast

SopCast uses P2P technology for streaming, offering unique channels like HBO and Disney Junior. The program is simple to use: log in anonymously or with an account, then choose from a list of live channels. It’s also capable of broadcasting your own content.

Pros:

• P2P technology for stable streams
• Includes rare channels
• Works on multiple platforms

Cons:

• Ask Toolbar prompts during installation (can be avoided)
• Limited channel selection compared to others

Download SopCast

4. TVUPlayer

• Operating System: Windows, Mac
• Pricing: Free
• Developer: TVU Networks

TVUPlayer provides free TV streaming with detailed channel information, including bandwidth and signal strength meters. This ensures smoother streaming with minimal buffering. It’s a reliable choice for users who want to check the strength of a channel before streaming.

Pros:

• Displays bandwidth and signal strength for each channel
• Channel sorting by category and language
• Free streaming since 2005

Cons:

• Limited to Windows and Mac only
• Basic channel selection compared to others

Download TVUPlayer

5. Online TV Player

• Operating System: Windows
• Pricing: Free (PRO available)
• Developer: Online TV Player

Online TV Player has two versions: free and PRO. The free version includes a wide range of channels sorted by country, bitrate, and connection quality. It’s perfect for those looking for an easy-to-use interface, though the GUI may feel outdated.

Pros:

• Free version has more than 100 channels
• Channels sorted by country and bandwidth
• Search function to find specific channels

Cons:

• Outdated interface
• PRO version needed for more channels

Download Online TV Player

Is live streaming without paying legal?

Free live streaming itself isn’t inherently illegal, but it depends on the content being streamed and how it’s distributed. Many legal streaming platforms offer free content (e.g., YouTube, Crackle), but streaming copyrighted content without permission is illegal.

For example:

• Streaming unauthorized content: If a service provides access to copyrighted TV shows, movies, or sports events without proper licensing, streaming that content is illegal.
• User-generated streams: Platforms like SopCast or Readon TV might allow users to stream content. If users stream copyrighted content without permission, it violates copyright laws.
• Terms of service: Even if the platform is free, users must ensure they’re not violating its terms by distributing illegal content.

In short, while the act of streaming isn’t illegal, streaming copyrighted content without the proper rights is against the law. Always check whether the content you’re streaming is legally provided or licensed.