Want to watch a local TV channel right from your smartphone? Say no more! With these best free local channel streaming apps, you will find all the programs you need.
By the way, this is not the only article about TV apps on our website. You can also check the one about the free trial cable TV apps & websites and explore not only local channels.
STIRR TV
STIRR TV is a streaming app that offers access to various live TV channels, on-demand content, and local news. While the availability of specific local channels may differ, depending on your location, the app is able to provide access to regional programming.
One of the advantages of STIRR TV is that it offers free streaming of live TV channels, allowing you to watch local television online without using a cable or satellite subscription.
By using this app, you can browse through the available content freely, though you may need to create an account to access certain features or personalize your viewing experience.
Main features:
- Live TV channels where you can access a number of free live TV channels of various kinds
- On-demand content: enjoy a library of on-demand TV shows and other content
- Local news to stay updated with local news coverage from participating stations
- Browse through the available channels and see what’s currently airing.
- Personalization
The image quality in the app can vary depending on the specific channel and your internet connection. Users have also pointed out such flaws as a periodical slowness of the transition between episodes of different TV shows, but a lot of them agree that it’s still better than watching ads.
As for the user interface design, the STIRR TV app offers a very convenient and stylish one (it’s designed, using such colors as black and yellow). You can easily find menus and sections that allow you to browse channels, and access additional features.
All in all, this app is a decent one to choose from. What puts it apart from other apps on this list is the amount of content it offers – in that case, it overcomes many apps of the same segment.
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Pluto TV – Live TV and Movies
The Pluto TV – Live TV and Movies app allow you to watch your favorite content for free. Pluto TVis quite a popular app in this category and it offers a wide range of programs and channels to choose from, including local television.
In the main menu there you’ll find a variety of categories to browse through, so the chances of finding interesting content to watch and even picking your favorites are very high.
Main features:
- Live TV channels, local TV channels
- A collection of movies
- Channel guide helps you to navigate through the available channels and see what’s currently playing
- There are different options for everyone to watch, from drama to comedy
- Free access
But of course, Pluto has its «downs» – one of them is the fact that ads interrupt the viewing experiences very often. Such cases are rare, but they have been reported anyway.
The interface, though, is certainly an «up» – it’s designed to be easy and understandable, so you won’t have any problems with finding a show to watch. Its main colors are black, pink, and purple, so it could easily catch your eye.
Overall, Pluto TV seems to be pretty popular among viewers who want to watch TV shows without paying for them, so if you are one of them, this app is just what you need. But again, be warned about the ads. The main difference between this app and the others mentioned here is the fact that it is updated regularly, so its settings can change from time to time.
Local News & Weather: Haystack
The Haystack News application allows users to stream local TV channels for free online. All you need to have in order to use Haystack is a created account and a stable internet connection.
Main features:
- Access to local news channels: you can watch live streams and on-demand videos from various local news outlets
- Personalized news feed: the app curates news articles, videos, and topics based on your interests
- Bookmark and save: you can bookmark articles and save them for later reading or offline access
While using this app I noticed bugs and slowness, but the upsides outshine those completely – a convenient interface design is just one of such upsides.
For those interested in local news streamed online for free, the Haystack News app is a blessing, undoubtedly. I too love watching my local news coverage sometimes, so I’d go with this one if I were in your shoes.
But again, be warned about the technical problems – on this list, this app holds the record of the number of cases in which bugs have occurred.
The Roku App (Official)
You may wonder at first about what this app is doing on this list, but in fact, if you want to have access to Roku streaming services, including local TV, you can use Roku device and this app. It turns your phone into the ultimate remote control.
Main features:
- Voice search: the app lets you search for your favorite shows and movies using voice commands.
- Private listening: the app lets you plug in headphones and enjoy private listening.
- Channels and programs: with The Roku App, you can explore a variety of channels and programs from popular streaming services
Its interface is pretty easy too, colored purple and black. For me personally, it has the easiest interface on this list.
So, if you’re a Roku device owner, The Roku App is a must-have. But again, remember that this one will suit you only if you own a Roku device, which sets this app apart in a kind of negative way.
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Xumo Play: Stream TV & Movies
With the Xumo Play: Stream TV & Movies app, people can enjoy free local television on their devices, opening doors to a whole new streaming experience.
It doesn’t seem to be very popular, though, but it really deserves to be, since it offers an remarkable range of content. It also has many unusual options, like channels, which only contain videos of cute cats, which may sound questionable, but it’s also quite cool.
Main features:
- Plenty of different content to experience.
- Xumo Play also provides a selection of movies to watch instead of TV shows.
But it’s worth mentioning that this selection only includes old classics, without any new movies.
Xumo Play is an option to consider if one wants a streaming app that blends local TV channels and unique selections. However, the user should prepare for multiple commercials, scarcity of recent movies, and content choices.
VUit
The VUit app claims to provide a local TV experience on your phone. With it, you can enjoy local TV channels for free.
The app is still quite unpopular, though, but it can hardly be considered a downside, since it allows you to avoid difficulties.
All you need to do to dive into VUit is fill out a few forms about your personal information, and finally dive into the wild world of TV content. The menu of it is very convenient as well.
Main features:
- An easy creation of an account
- On-demand content
The image quality, though, is a bit low, to put it mildly. Don’t expect it to be full HD or something like that.
For those seeking a blast from the past in local TV and don’t mind compromising on viewership and image quality, VUit can be worth checking out. Access local news, weather updates, and commercials from your mobile device with ease.
Plex: Stream Movies & TV
Plex delivers an exceptional viewing experience. It actually operates as a personal media center, in which you can choose what to watch personally. And that is just one of the main reasons why Plex has gained a big fan base over the years. The rest are:
- A convenient menu with different selections
- An ability to store libraries with your own preferred content
- A bunch of diverse live channels, including ones with local news
Of course, Plex has its limitations, but you still can use it for free.
The app is available on various devices, even on gaming consoles, actually. It’s a nice app, despite the fact that it doesn’t provide many local TV channels as the previous apps. You’ll hardly be disappointed with it, may its reviews be your proof.
Crackle – Movies & TV
Let’s talk about Crackle, the app that promises free streaming entertainment right at your fingertips. It allows viewers to stream content online, but it’s important to note that the selection may not consist of mainstream movies or popular TV shows. It is a mix of content rather than solely local television channels.
Crackle has been for a while on the market of live streaming apps and streaming TV apps, so it’s more or less trustworthy.
Main features:
- Free streaming
- A decent number of live TV channels that include some local TV channels
The apps’ options are rather limited. You can create a watchlist and receive recommendations based on your viewing history. But as you may have guessed already, don’t expect a good quality image, any deserving shows, and movies, a stable connection, or even the absence of any interruptions.
The app offers a simple and uncomplicated design that facilitates easy navigation without any complex menus or confusing features.
In summary, Crackle is a free streaming app that provides diverse content. While it may not cater to everyone’s preferences and lacks mainstream recognition, it could still be worth exploring if you’re looking for an alternative source of entertainment.
Personally, I wouldn’t use this app, if I had any other options, but again, if you are simply looking for something to brighten up your day and bring some change to the dull routine – this one is for you. Who knows, what if you’ll find some obscure movie there?
Local Now: News, TV & Movies
Local Now has the ability to offer access to local news and content from various places. This means that you can keep yourself up-to-date with current happenings in any place in your area. There are certain aspects of Local Now that are free and some that require payment.
Although logging in may not be simple if you don’t have a TV provider or are tired of managing multiple passwords and accounts, it’s worth it, judging by reviews.
Main features:
- Movies and TV shows: Enjoy a selection of movies and TV shows that may or may not capture your interest.
- Customizable preferences: Personalize your experience by selecting your favorite cities and adjusting your content preferences.
Like all other apps, Local Now is not bugproof and occasionally experiences glitches, but you can access Local Now’s content from multiple devices seamlessly nonetheless.
It boasts a simple and no-frills layout dedicated to delivering news and entertainment with minimal distractions. Navigating through the app is relatively easy, thanks to clearly labeled sections for news, movies, and TV shows.
Local Now, an app that delivers a mix of local news, movies, and TV shows while keeping its audience both informed and entertained. Although not boasting the largest viewership or most pristine user experience, it offers a diverse selection of content for those seeking regional entertainment and information.
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LocalBTV
This app claims to offer online viewing of local television, but let’s take a closer look at its pros and cons.
First of all, it’s worth mentioning that this app doesn’t have a fan base it all – it’s not as popular as one might think, but of course, it has its cons too.
The LocalBTV main menu offers a diverse range of local channels to viewers. Whether you’re looking for updates on news and weather or interested in community shows and local events coverage, the platform captures the essence of your area with engaging content.
LocalBTV distinguishes itself from other streaming apps through its unique features. One such feature is the ability to engage with live local television directly on the app. Users can actively participate in polls and trivia questions, enhancing their viewing experience.
Main features:
- Live local channels: watch your favorite local programs and experience the nostalgia of traditional television
- Interactive features: engage with live broadcasts through polls, quizzes, and interactive content
- On-demand content
- Local events coverage: stay up to date with local happenings, from parades and festivals to community gatherings.
The design employed by LocalBTV is simple and direct, evoking traditional TV menus with its organizational structure. There’s an easily discernible list highlighting all available channels, programs schedules, and accessible interactive functionalities. Despite lacking a visually impressive or modern look, it does provide easy navigation for users seeking efficiency over flair.
The app known as LocalBTV is a fascinating solution for watching local television online, and it boasts enticing interactive features that offer a delightful hint of nostalgia. So if you are a nostalgic person – enjoy it!
