Free TV is having a comeback and it's better than you think

• Free streaming is getting surprisingly good, with services like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Philo offering thousands of shows, movies, and live channels.

• Your library card can unlock even more, including commercial-free movies on Kanopy, as well as movies, audiobooks, ebooks, and music through Hoopla.

• Mix free and paid streaming to cut costs, keeping one favorite subscription while using free services to fill the gaps.

Remember when cutting the cord was supposed to save money?

For millions of Americans it diduntil streaming subscriptions started piling up. Netflix. Disney+. HBO Max. Hulu. Peacock. Paramount+. Apple TV+. Before long, many households are spending well over $100 a month just to watch TV.

Fortunately, there's another option, as free streaming has exploded over the past few years, thanks to what's known as FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV).

And to be 100% honest, some of these even rival popular paid streaming services. Here are the eight free streaming apps worth downloading today.

1. Tubi Best overall

If you only install one free streaming service, make it Tubi.

Owned by Fox, Tubi has become the closest thing you'll find to a free version of Netflix. Its catalog includes tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes covering nearly every genre imaginable action, comedy, horror, documentaries, anime, reality TV, kids programming, and a growing lineup of Tubi Originals.

One of Tubi's biggest advantages is simplicity. You don't need to create an account, enter a credit card, or even provide an email address. Just download the app and start watching. If you do sign up for a free account, you'll unlock watchlists, recommendations, and the ability to continue watching across multiple devices.

The recommendation engine is surprisingly good, helping users uncover older movies and forgotten TV series they might otherwise miss.

Best for:

• Movie lovers

• Families

• Horror fans

• Anyone replacing Netflix

Pros:

• Massive on-demand library

• Easy-to-use interface

• No account required

• Available on nearly every device

Cons:

• Commercial breaks

• Limited brand-new releases

Bottom line: Tubi remains the benchmark that every other free streaming service is chasing.

2. Pluto TV Best cable replacement

If you miss flipping through channels instead of endlessly browsing menus, Pluto TV may become your new favorite app.

Owned by Paramount, Pluto pioneered the FAST model and now offers hundreds of live channels covering everything from sitcoms and crime dramas to cooking shows, sports highlights, reality TV, local news, and classic movies. It also includes an extensive on-demand library for viewers who prefer watching on their own schedule.

Unlike most streaming services, Pluto feels remarkably similar to traditional cable. Open the app and you're immediately watching television instead of scrolling through endless recommendations.

It's ideal for people who like having something on in the background or simply enjoy channel surfing.

Best for:

• Former cable subscribers

• News junkies

• Live TV fans

• Classic television

Pros:

• Hundreds of live channels

• Cable-style program guide

• Large movie library

• No account needed

Cons:

• Can't pause or restart live channels

• Some channels repeat programming

Bottom line: If you miss the simplicity of cable but not the monthly bill, Pluto TV is the closest replacement you'll find.

3. Philo Best new free streaming service

Most consumers know Philo as one of the least expensive live TV subscriptions.

What many don't realize is that the company now offers an impressive free service featuring more than 150 live ad-supported channels along with thousands of on-demand movies and television shows.

Even better, you don't need to register to start watching. No credit card. No subscription. No hidden trial.

Simply open the app or visit the website and begin streaming.

If you decide to create a free account using just your email address, you'll unlock one of the most unique features in free streaming: an unlimited 30-day DVR for free channels. You can also create up to ten viewer profiles, save favorite channels, and receive personalized recommendations.

That's functionality many paid streaming services don't even offer.

Best for:

• Live entertainment

• Lifestyle programming

• Reality TV

• Families

Pros:

• 150+ live channels

• Thousands of on-demand titles

• Unlimited 30-day DVR

• No login required to watch

Cons:

• Not much live sports

• Smaller movie library than Tubi

Bottom line: Philo has quietly become one of the biggest success stories in free streaming.

4. The Roku Channel Most underrated

One of the biggest misconceptions in streaming is that you need a Roku device to use The Roku Channel. You don't.

The service works on smartphones, tablets, browsers, many smart TVs, and competing streaming devices, giving nearly anyone access to its growing collection of live channels, movies, television shows, and Roku Originals.

The interface is polished and easy to navigate, making it especially attractive for viewers who aren't particularly tech savvy.

Roku has also done an excellent job licensing recognizable movies and television shows, giving the service a more premium feel than many free competitors.

Best for:

• Families

• Casual viewers

• Live TV

• Roku owners

Pros:

• Excellent interface

• Strong live TV lineup

• Roku Originals

• Available beyond Roku devices

Cons:

• Original programming remains limited

• Some content rotates frequently

Bottom line: Easily one of streaming's most overlooked free services.

5. Kanopy Best for movie lovers

If Hollywood blockbusters aren't your thing, Kanopy may become your favorite streaming service.

Available through participating public libraries and universities, Kanopy specializes in award-winning independent films, foreign cinema, documentaries, educational programming, and many Criterion Collection titles.

Even better? There are no commercials.

Instead of showing advertisements, Kanopy is funded through participating libraries, making it feel more like a premium streaming service than a free one.

The only downside is that most libraries limit how many titles you can stream each month.

Best for:

• Film buffs

• Documentary fans

• College students

• Families

Pros:

• No advertising

• Award-winning films

• Excellent documentaries

• High-quality educational programming

Cons:

• Requires a participating library card

• Monthly viewing limits

Bottom line: Kanopy is arguably the highest-quality free streaming service available.

6. Hoopla Best library bonus

Many people discover Hoopla while looking for ebooks. Then they realize it also includes movies, television shows, audiobooks, music, comics, and educational videos.

Like Kanopy, Hoopla partners with public libraries, meaning your library card unlocks an incredible amount of digital content.

One major advantage over Libby is that most Hoopla titles are available immediately without long wait lists. It's almost like having Netflix, Audible, and Spotify rolled into one library benefit.

Best for:

• Families

• Readers

• Audiobook listeners

Pros:

• Movies and television

• Audiobooks and ebooks

• Music and comics

• Instant borrowing

Cons:

• Library participation varies

• Monthly borrowing limits

Bottom line: If your library offers Hoopla, you're already paying for it through your local taxes so you might as well use it.

7. Plex Best for power users

Plex started life as software that organized your personal movie collection. Today it's become much more than that.

Alongside its famous media-server features, Plex now offers free live television channels, movies, and television shows inside a single app.

Its biggest strength is convenience. If you have your own digital movie collection, Plex combines your personal library with free streaming services, rentals, and recommendations in one place.

It can feel overwhelming at first, but advanced users love the flexibility.

Best for:

• Tech enthusiasts

• Home media collectors

• Live TV

• Movie fans

Pros:

• Combines personal and streaming libraries

• Live channels

• Cross-platform support

• Powerful organization tools

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve

• Interface can feel busy

Bottom line: No other free streaming service offers as much flexibility.

8. PBS App Best educational streaming

Not every streaming service needs superhero movies. Sometimes you want something you'll actually learn from.

The PBS app delivers exactly that, offering acclaimed series like Frontline, NOVA, Nature, American Experience, children's programming, and many Ken Burns documentaries.

Parents will appreciate the large collection of educational children's content, while adults can spend hours exploring science, history, politics, and culture.

Some newer content eventually moves behind the optional PBS Passport membership, but there's still an enormous amount available completely free.

Best for:

• Families

• Documentary lovers

• Parents

• History buffs

Pros:

• Outstanding educational content

• Excellent children's programming

• Trusted journalism

• High production quality

Cons:

• Some newer titles require Passport

• Not designed for blockbuster entertainment

Bottom line: Every household with kids should have the PBS app installed.

Five smart streaming tips

1. Pair Tubi with Pluto TV. Together they offer one of the best combinations of on-demand movies and live television available anywhere, and yes, both are completely free.

2. Don't overlook your library. A single library card may unlock both Kanopy and Hoopla, giving you access to premium movies, documentaries, ebooks, and audiobooks at no additional cost.

3. Mix free and paid services. Instead of paying for six subscriptions all year, consider keeping one favorite paid service and supplementing it with several free apps.

4. Expect some commercials. These services are supported by advertising, but most viewers find the ad load lighter than traditional cable TV.

5. Check before renting. Before paying to rent a movie, search Tubi, Pluto TV, or The Roku Channel. You may find it's already available for free.

New research links access to dollar stores with higher rates of several health problems across the U.S.

• A new study found a link between nearby dollar stores and higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

• Researchers compared access to dollar stores and traditional grocery stores across U.S. metro areas.

• The findings suggest that access to healthier food options may matter just as much as access to food itself.

Dollar stores can be an appealing option when grocery prices are putting pressure on household budgets. But new research from the University of California, Riverside suggests that where people shop for food and the quality of the food available there could be connected to their health.

The study, published in BMC Public Health, found that communities with greater proximity to dollar stores had higher rates of several health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. By comparison, greater access to traditional grocery stores was associated with better health outcomes.

The researchers point to differences in the types of foods available. Traditional grocery stores generally offer more fresh produce, whole grains, and lean proteins, while dollar stores tend to have fewer of these healthier options.

I want to raise awareness that higher grocery costs are pushing people to buy highly processed, lower quality food at dollar stores, and it is negatively impacting their health in a similar way to fast food, researcher Ryan Bruellman said in a news release.

How the researchers studied the connection

The researchers analyzed data from 2016 through 2020 covering traditional grocery stores and dollar stores across the contiguous United States. They used geographic mapping software called ArcGIS to measure how close different communities were to each type of store.

The analysis focused on census tracts in metropolitan areas included in the CDC's 500 Cities Project. Researchers then used statistical models to examine whether proximity to traditional grocery stores or dollar stores was associated with various health outcomes.

They also accounted for socioeconomic factors using the CDC's Social Vulnerability Index. That was important because factors such as difficulty affording groceries could influence both where people shop and their health.

What the findings mean for consumers

The researchers found that greater proximity to traditional grocery stores was significantly associated with lower rates of adverse health outcomes, including obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Meanwhile, proximity to dollar stores was significantly associated with all of the health outcomes examined, even after researchers accounted for socioeconomic factors.

That doesn't mean shopping at a dollar store directly causes a particular health condition. Instead, the study identified an association between the food environment and health across communities.

The researchers say the findings highlight the importance of making healthier foods more accessible. Suggestions include increasing the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables at dollar stores and bringing farmers markets and food banks closer to communities where dollar stores are common.

For consumers, the takeaway is less about avoiding dollar stores altogether and more about recognizing that having an affordable place to buy food doesn't necessarily mean having equal access to nutritious choices.

The overarching thing is we shouldnt think of traditional grocery stores as the only places to get food. People need to look beyond that, Bruellman said.

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The retailer is launching a campaign focused on value, convenience, and helping customers feel more confident about their purchases

• JCPenney is encouraging shoppers to rethink the idea that getting a good deal means making compromises.

• A new Retail Rejuvenation campaign highlights the retailers clothing, beauty, home, and other offerings.

• From Aug. 2830, shoppers can trade in a retail regret for $15 off a $50 purchase, with donated items going to Good360.

Ever bought something because it was close enough to what you were looking for, only to leave it sitting in your closet with the tags still attached?

JCPenney is turning that familiar shopping frustration into the centerpiece of a new campaign.

The retailer recently introduced its Retail Rejuvenation campaign, which aims to encourage shoppers to feel more confident about finding quality, style, and value without having to settle. The campaign comes with a decidedly playful approach, framing disappointing shopping experiences as retail regrets that consumers can finally leave behind.

A look at the campaign

As part of the campaign, JCPenney invited six value-focused shoppers to a Retail Rejuvenation Retreat, where they participated in activities designed to help them rethink their shopping habits.

The retailer also surveyed consumers about their experiences at JCPenney. Among the 733 people surveyed in one poll, 88% said shopping at JCPenney is easy, while 76% said they find what they came for in their size. A separate survey of 1,235 consumers found that 92% felt they got a good deal at JCPenney.

What this means for shoppers

Theres also a tangible offer attached to the campaign. From Aug. 28 through Aug. 30, customers can bring a retail regret to a JCPenney store nationwide and receive $15 off a $50 purchase. The items brought in will be donated through Good360.

For shoppers, the campaign is essentially an invitation to think about value beyond simply finding the lowest price.

JCPenneys message is that a deal is only worthwhile if you actually want and use what you bought and that finding the right size, quality, and selection can be part of getting a better value, too.

Now through September 7, consumers can save on all the back-to-school essentials

• Shop school supplies for $5 or less from retailers including Staples, CVS and Family Dollar.

• Stock up on snacks and groceries from ALDI, Albertsons, Kroger and other participating stores.

• Deals are available nationwide to all Uber Eats users, with no order minimum and automatic discounts.

Back-to-school shopping doesnt exactly scream relax by the pool, but this year, you may be able to do both. Uber Eats is offering a lineup of $5-or-less deals on school supplies, groceries, and snacks through September 7.

The deals are available nationwide to all Uber Eats users not just Uber One members and theres no order minimum for these promotions. Taxes and fees still apply, and prices and product availability can vary by location.

What can you get for $5?

If youre still working through your childs school supply list, there are plenty of basics to choose from. Participating retailers including Staples, CVS, and Family Dollar are offering deals on items such as Ticonderoga pencils, Paper Mate and BIC pens, Sharpie markers, and highlighters, crayons, colored pencils, spiral notebooks, glue sticks, and Post-it Notes.

And because back-to-school shopping also means preparing for school lunches, participating grocery retailers such as ALDI, Albertsons and Kroger have $5-or-less options including Welchs Fruit Snacks, Gushers, granola bars, Greek yogurt, Cheerios, orange juice, and Gatorade.

Theres more beyond the basics, too. Uber Eats says shoppers can find products from brands including Apple, Bose, Nike, Adidas, and Owala at retailers such as Best Buy, Dicks Sporting Goods, Sephora, and Ulta.

How to find the deals

The back-to-school promotions launched August 3 and are available in the Uber Eats app through September 7. The discounts are automatically applied, so theres no promo code to remember at checkout.

Uber Eats says shoppers can visit its back-to-school hub in the app to browse the available deals throughout the season. Since pricing and selection can differ by location, its worth checking the app for whats available near you before you start filling your cart.