Free & Paid Streaming Apps in Canada
One of the biggest benefits of owning a streaming device or smart TV is the vast amount of content we can watch. From exclusive TV shows like Ted Lasso and Stranger Things to blockbuster movie releases, streaming video at home is as easy as picking up the remote and choosing from thousands of options. If you’re wondering how many different free and paid streaming services are available in Canada, here’s a list of the most popular free and paid streaming apps you can choose from. These prices are subject to change, but as of February 2023 are current.
Free streaming apps in Canada
Free streaming apps are 100% free to watch. Some of them will be like any other streaming service and may require you to create an account. Other services will offer free ad-supported TV (aka FAST service), similar to “over-the-air” (OTA) TV, which will occasionally interrupt the streaming program to show commercials for a minute or more.
- Roku Channel
Roku Channel Canada
The Roku Channel makes thousands of TV shows and movies available for free on Roku Smart TVs and Roku streaming devices with the Roku operating system. You’ll need to sign up for a Roku account to watch them, and most of these free shows are FAST features: ads are shown while you’re watching. They also offer exclusive movies like Freaks and Geeks:The Al Yankovic Story starring Daniel Radcliffe, as well as TV shows you won’t find anywhere else.
Platform:You can watch Roku channels on Roku TVs, Roku media streaming devices, and web browsers like Google Chrome, Samsung Smart TVs, and Amazon Fire TVs.
- Tubi
Tubi Free Streaming in Canada
Tubi is a popular TV streaming app that plays ad-supported movies and TV shows. You’ll find new movies, old TV shows, reality or crime shows. You don’t need to create an account, but there are ads when you watch…
Platform:You can download the Tubi app on Roku TVs and Roku streaming devices, Xbox, Playstation, Mac and PC computers via a web browser, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV.
- Pluto’s TV
Pluto-TV-Canada
Pluto-TV just launched in the fall of 2022, and it’s already one of the most popular free streaming platforms in Canada. Unlike other free streaming networks, Pluto TV is a channel aggregator that displays these channels in a guide that looks a lot like the guides you see on cable. You can watch live TV or on-demand. If you choose live TV, you’ll need to make sure you’re ready to watch, otherwise you’ll be joining an ongoing program.
There is a list of the types of programs offered by different providers. You can click on different channels, or check out local news on Global. There are TV programs for kids, or you can watch the classics. The only thing to remember is that Pluto TV may only offer one season of your favorite show. You don’t need an account to watch content on Pluto TV, but there will be ads while you watch.
Platform:Pluto TV is available through any internet browser, Android TV, and you can stream it to your TV using Chromecast or Apple Airplay.
- CBC Gems
CBC Gems.
CBC has always provided great content on their TV channels and now you can see the same on CBC Gem. They do show commercials while you watch, but CBC Gem has many of your favorite shows with full episodes and several seasons.There is children’s content on CBC Gem, and if you want to watch it live, you can also watch CBC Live.
Platforms:You can watch CBC Gem through any web browser, stream it to your TV via Chromecast, or download the CBC Gem app on the iOS App Store, Google Play and Roku TVs or streaming devices.
- crunchyroll
crunchyroll
If you have an anime fan in your family, you’ll want to check out Crunchyroll. it’s free to watch, but you’ll need an account and it shows ads while you watch. Some content is only available with a paid subscription, and Crunchyroll offers several paid levels to choose from.
Platform:Crunchyroll is available on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku TV, Chromecast, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation, iOS and Android.
- Clump
Plex Streaming
Plex is a free streaming service similar to Tubi. It has over 50,000 free on-demand programs that you can watch including blockbuster movies, TV shows, kids’ shows, game shows and documentaries. There are two ways to watch the content – free live TV or free movies and TV shows. You can sign up for the service with your Facebook or Google account and enjoy all their content for free, but there will be ads in between. You can also sign up for Plex Pass for $6.99 per month. it allows you to download content, watch different movie clips and enjoy music.
Platforms:Plex is available for most iOS and Android devices, most smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku and Fire Stick, and game consoles.
- CTV
CTV Apps.
CTV has cable, but you can enjoy the same content for free on the CTV app. If you want to watch news or programs, you can watch live streaming
