Google TV brings together movies, shows, and live TV in one place, making it a top choice for streaming. Its standout feature, Google TV Freeplay, offers over 170 free live TV channels without subscriptions or app downloads. This guide is your all-in-one resource for the complete list of free channels available on Google TV in the United States as of May 2025, along with how to access them, tips for the best experience, and comparisons with other platforms.
What is Google TV Freeplay?
Google TV Freeplay delivers over 170 free, ad-supported live TV channels directly on Google TV devices like Chromecast or smart TVs. No subscriptions or sign-ups are needed. You can find these channels in the “Live” tab on your home screen, covering news, entertainment, kids’ shows, and more. It’s perfect for cord-cutters who want diverse content at no cost.
How to Access Free Channels on Google TV
Follow these simple steps to watch free channels:
- Set Up Your Device: Use a Google TV device, such as Chromecast with Google TV or a smart TV from Sony, TCL, or Hisense.
- Navigate to the Live Tab: On the Google TV home screen, select the “Live” tab to see all free channels.
- Watch Instantly: Browse the channel guide and pick a channel to stream. No extra setup is required for built-in channels.
For additional free channels, download apps like Pluto TV or Tubi from the Google Play Store. Some apps may need a free account, but no payment is required.
Complete List of Free Channels on Google TV Freeplay
As of May 2025, Google TV Freeplay offers 171 free live channels in the United States, down from 184 earlier this year due to removals like The Bob Ross Channel and Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. Below is the complete, verified list of channels, organized by category for easy browsing.
| Category | Channels |
|---|---|
| News | NBC News Now, CBS News, ABC News Live, PBS, Scripps News, Sky News, Cheddar News, Reuters Now, Newsmax, Yahoo Finance, Noticias Telemundo Ahora, NBC News Bay Area, NBC News Boston, NBC News Chicago, NBC News Connecticut, NBC News Dallas Fort Worth, NBC News Los Angeles, NBC News New York, NBC News Philadelphia, NBC News San Diego, NBC News South Florida, NBC News Washington DC, CBC News & Explore |
| Entertainment | Family Feud, Family Feud Classic, Antiques Roadshow, Dick Van Dyke Show, The Carol Burnett Show, The Price is Right – The Barker Years, Johnny Carson TV, It’s Showtime at the Apollo, Deal or No Deal, Supermarket Sweep, The Celebrity Name Game Channel, Just for Laughs Gags, Comedy Dynamics, Dry Bar Comedy, LOL Network, Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K), BUZZR, Game Show Central |
| Kids | Baby Shark TV, Sonic The Hedgehog, Rainbow Rangers, Strawberry Shortcake, Teletubbies, Xumo Free Kids TV |
| Lifestyle | America’s Test Kitchen, Cook’s Country Channel, The Jamie Oliver Channel, At Home with Family Handyman, This Old House, Lidia’s Kitchen, Tastemade, The Design Network, Places & Spaces, Property & Reno |
| Movies | FilmRise Action, FilmRise Horror, FilmRise True Crime, FilmRise Western, FilmRise Movies, Moviesphere, Xumo Movies, Xumo Holiday Movie Channel, Hallmark Movies & More |
| Crime/Drama | Court TV, Law & Crime, Forensic Files, The FBI Files, The New Detectives, Unsolved Mysteries, Dateline 24/7, Universal Crime, World’s Most Evil Killer, World’s Wildest Police Videos, Court Legendary Trials, ION, ION Mystery, ION+, TV One Crime and Justice, Z Nation |
| International | Xumo Bollywood & Indian Cinema, Latino Vibes, Cine Romántico, Lo Mejor de Telemundo, Historias de Amor, Kocowa K-Drama |
| Sports | beIN SPORTS XTRA, Big 12 Studios, Billiard TV, PGA Tour, PFL Professional Fighters League, Swerve Combat, Unbeaten Sports Channel, World Poker Tour, DraftKings, IMPACT Wrestling Channel |
| Music | iHeart90s, iHeart Christmas, iHeartCountry, Stingray Classic Rock, Stingray Greatest Hits, Stingray Hot Country, Stingray HolidayScapes, Stingray Naturescape, Stingray Soul Storm, Easy Listening, Smooth Jazz |
| Reality | Ghost Hunters Channel, Paranoid Files, Real Disaster Channel, Cheaters, Dr Phil, Hell’s Kitchen, Hot Ones, Women Behind Bars |
| Classic TV | Classic Doctor Who, Family Affair Channel, Nash Bridges Channel, The Rifleman, Highway to Heaven, Filmrise Classic TV |
| Nature/Adventure | Love Nature, PBS Nature, Outdoor America, Outside, Waypoint TV, Xumo Nature & Wildlife TV, Stingray Naturescape |
| Sci-Fi/Horror | DUST, Continuum, Impossible |
| Westerns | Wild West TV, Xumo Westerns |
| Other | PursuitUP, PowerNation, Speedvision, MotorTrend FAST TV, Great American Adventures, The Pet Collective, Unspeakable |
Note: This list is accurate as of May 2025, based on sources like Android Headlines and 9to5Google. Google may add or remove channels periodically, so check the “Live” tab for updates.
New Channels Added in 2025
Google regularly updates Freeplay with new channels. As of April 2025, recent additions include:
- Baby Shark TV: Music and animations for young kids.
- Sonic The Hedgehog: Animated series based on the video game.
- Xumo Free Kids TV: Diverse children’s programming.
- Strawberry Shortcake: Classic and new episodes for kids.
Additional Free Channels via Third-Party Apps
Google TV integrates free channels from third-party apps, bringing the total to over 800. Key apps include:
- Pluto TV: Offers hundreds of channels, from movies to reality TV. Visit Pluto TV.
- Tubi: Features movies, shows, and live channels. See Tubi.
- Plex: Provides free live TV and on-demand content.
- Haystack News: Focuses on local and global news.
Install these apps from the Google Play Store. Some may require a free account but no subscription fees.
Comparing Google TV Freeplay to Other Platforms
Google TV Freeplay stands out among free streaming services. Here’s how it compares:
| Feature | Google TV Freeplay | Samsung TV Plus | Roku Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Free Channels | 171 built-in, 800+ with apps | 250+ | 350+ |
| Subscription Required | No | No | No |
| App Installation | Not needed for built-in channels | Built-in | Built-in |
| Device Compatibility | Google TV devices, Chromecast | Samsung TVs | Roku devices, select TVs |
| Unique Feature | Seamless “Live” tab integration | Curated local content | Original programming |
Google TV Freeplay excels with its no-app-required built-in channels and integration with third-party apps, making it a versatile choice for cord-cutters.
Supported Devices for Google TV Freeplay
Google TV Freeplay is available on various devices. Here’s a list of compatible devices:
| Device Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Streaming Devices | Chromecast with Google TV, Google TV Streamer, onn Google TV |
| Smart TVs | Sony, TCL, Hisense, Philips (Google TV models) |
| Other | Android TV devices with Google TV interface |
Ensure your device runs the latest Google TV software for access. Check for updates in the settings menu.
Tips for the Best Google TV Freeplay Experience
Maximize your viewing with these tips:
- Favorite Channels: Highlight a channel in the “Live” tab, press and hold the select button, and choose “Add to favorites” to pin it to the top.
- Manage Ads: Adjust ad settings in Google TV to reduce personalized ads. Go to Settings > Accounts & Sign-In > Google Account > Ads.
- Optimize Streaming: Ensure a stable internet connection (at least 10 Mbps for HD) to avoid buffering.
- Explore Categories: Browse by genre in the channel guide to find content you love.
- Combine with Subscriptions: Add services like YouTube TV for premium channels alongside free ones.
- Use Voice Search: Press the voice button on your remote to find shows or channels quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What channels are free on Google TV?
Google TV Freeplay offers 171 built-in channels, such as NBC News Now, Family Feud, and Baby Shark TV. Over 800 additional channels are available via apps like Pluto TV and Tubi.
How do I access free channels on Google TV?
Go to the “Live” tab on your Google TV home screen for built-in channels. For third-party apps, download Pluto TV, Tubi, or others from the Google Play Store.
Is Google TV Freeplay available outside the U.S.?
Freeplay is mainly available in the United States. Limited channels may be accessible in other regions. Check Google TV Support for details.
Do I-need a subscription for Google TV Freeplay?
No, Freeplay channels are free with no login or subscription required. Ads support the service.
Which devices support Google TV Freeplay?
Chromecast with Google TV, Google TV Streamer, and smart TVs from Sony, TCL, Hisense, and Philips support Freeplay.
How often are new channels added?
Google adds new channels periodically, with recent additions in April 2025. Check the “Live” tab for updates.
Conclusion
Google TV Freeplay offers a robust selection of 171 free live TV channels, with over 800 more through third-party apps, making it a top choice for cord-cutters. From news to kids’ shows, this guide provides the complete channel list, access instructions, and tips to enhance your experience. Explore the “Live” tab on your Google TV device to start watching today.
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