Watching live TV is no longer limited to the living room couch.

Today, with a simple cell phone and a good internet connection, you can watch your favorite shows from practically anywhere: from the bus to the beach.

The problem is choosing between so many apps that promise “free TV,” “live channels,” and “unlimited fun.”

Most leave a lot to be desired, whether due to poor image quality, excessive advertising, or, even worse, annoying crashes mid-game or soap opera.

After testing many apps, both paid and free, I’ve selected the three best apps for watching live TV.

These are options I use frequently and that actually work.

Each has its advantages, so it’s worth understanding which one best suits your lifestyle and what you enjoy watching.

Pluto TV

Pluto TV was one of the biggest surprises I’ve ever had when it comes to free live TV.

And the best part: all this without needing to log in, enter a credit card, or sign up for a subscription.

Just download the app and you’re instantly taken to a channel grid that works like a classic cable TV.

There are movie channels, series, cartoons, documentaries, music, and even specific channels for reality shows, Mexican soap operas, and comedy shows.

The first time I opened the app, I thought it was amateurish or limited, but it delivers a surprisingly professional experience.

The layout truly resembles a traditional TV schedule.

You access the “guide” and see what’s on in real time, without having to press play, search for a title, or anything.

This gives a nostalgic yet practical feel.

You just turn it on and watch whatever’s playing.

And I’ve watched it both on Wi-Fi and with mobile data.

Furthermore, the app is compatible with Smart TVs, Android TV, web browsers, and has Chromecast integration.

In other words, it works well on both your phone and the big screen in your living room.

But for those looking for alternative, lightweight, and free programming, it’s a great choice.

Especially for playing a movie in the background, binge-watching old episodes, or even using it as a live music channel.

DGO (DirecTV GO)

When it comes to comprehensive live TV, with the main broadcast and subscription channels, DGO (formerly DirecTV GO) is a must.

It’s a perfect solution for those who want to break free from traditional cable TV, with its antenna, wires, and confusing packages, but still want access to all the major channels that are part of Brazilian daily life.

I signed up for DGO when I was looking to save money on my cable bill, but I still didn’t want to give up watching Brasileirão games, news channels, and Warner Bros. movies.

The app is extremely well designed, with very good streaming quality.

You can watch Globo (in some regions), SBT, Record, Band, CNN Brasil, ESPN, Sportv, TNT, AXN, Discovery, History, National Geographic, among many others.

One thing I really liked is the flexibility.

Since the app is entirely digital, you can watch on your phone, tablet, laptop, Smart TV, or mirror directly to Chromecast.

I’ve traveled to another state, connected DGO to my phone with a local SIM card, and was able to watch the programming as if I were at home.

This is a freedom that traditional TV doesn’t give you.

In addition to live channels, DGO also has an on-demand collection.

You can watch movies, documentaries, series, and even programs that aired live and are available later.

This is a huge help when you miss a game or an important premiere.

The cost is more affordable than pay-TV packages, especially if you take advantage of seasonal promotions and discounts.

And, honestly, for what it offers, it’s worth every penny.

If you’re a fan of soccer, news, and want a practical system, DGO might be the best decision you’ll ever make.

Globoplay

Many people still associate Globoplay only with old soap operas, Jornal Nacional reruns, and some national series.

But the truth is that the app has grown significantly in recent years, and with the package that includes live channels, it has become a complete content hub.

And when I say complete, I mean it in the truest sense of the word.

With the “Globoplay + live channels” plan, you have access not only to Globo programming in real time, but also to Multishow, GNT, Viva, Gloob, Megapix, GloboNews, Sportv 1, 2, and 3, Canal Brasil, Futura, and others.

All of this with impeccable transmission quality and no lag, even during peak hours.

For those who enjoy a good soap opera, it’s simply perfect.

You can watch the current soap opera live or binge-watch previous episodes.

During Big Brother Brasil, for example, the app offers 24-hour coverage, and that alone is enough to get many people to subscribe.

During Carnival, the parades are broadcast live with dedicated cameras, something that not even traditional TV offers with such high quality.

My experience

My experience with Globoplay started with nostalgia for rewatching old soap operas like “Laços de Família” and “Senhora do Destino.”

But after I tested the full plan with live channels, I couldn’t put it down.

It became my main app for watching TV during the week.

Whether it’s watching Fantástico on Sunday, Jornal Hoje during my work break, or watching sports broadcasts on Sportv, I’ve been using it for a while.

The app is very stable and integrates with Android TV, Chromecast, and Apple TV, and it works smoothly on my phone.

Which app is more worthwhile?

The answer is: it depends on what you want to watch and how much you’re willing to spend.

If you’re short on cash and want something light, fun, and without commitments, Pluto TV is unbeatable among the free apps.

If you’re looking for a fully mobile pay-TV experience, DGO offers a very complete and reliable channel package.

And if you’re a fan of Brazilian content, love soap operas and reality shows, and want to exclusively watch Globo programming, Globoplay with live channels is the right choice.

Ultimately, the best app is the one that suits your style, routine, and taste.

But I guarantee one thing: with these three options, you’ll never again be dependent on an antenna or the rigid grid of traditional TV.

Television is now in the palm of your hand, the way you want to watch it.