Who doesn’t love binge watching? Whether it is a TV show or a movie, people love binge watching through live streaming apps. There are some very familiar independent services such as Amazon Prime and Netflix that took the online world by storm.
The services you choose are mostly based on the kind of live streaming apps they are available, movies and TV shows they provide, and the annual or monthly subscription fees.
With the high demand for unique and original content among millennials, more and more independent online live tv streaming apps are created.
The vast demand for such apps is due to the surge for independent content and also because of the popularity of YouTuber’s and bloggers.
In this post, we have listed the top 15 live tv streaming apps for 2021 based on their rating and features so that it becomes easy for you to choose the right one for yourself.
| Twitch | Tubi TV | Netflix |
| Amazon Prime | MX Player | Plex |
| JioCinema | Disney+Hotstar | Hulu |
| YouTube TV | SonyLIV | MovieFlix |
| Periscope | ZEE5 | HBO Now |
1. Twitch
Twitch, a massively popular live tv streaming app, is from Amazon and boasts of more than 100 million monthly viewers. Primarily focused on the live streaming of video games, it also allows you to watch creative content, music, sports competitions, etc.
On theatre or full-screen mode, you can view with minimum interruption.
App Features
- Live and recorded videos of top players, games, and events
- Full-featured chat
- Ability to keep track of favorite channels and games
- Push notifications even when channels are live
- Notification Center widget allows you to see top/followed channels from the lock screen
Rating: 4.6
No. of Installs: 100,000,000+
2. Tubi TV
Tubi, a live tv streaming app in the US, is owned and operated by Fox Corporation and Fox Entertainment division, respectively. Launched in 2014, Tubi is a free but ad-supported on-demand video service.
App Features
- No need to provide credit card information and no need to subscribe
- You can choose the content you want and watch it with fewer ads compared to regular TV
- Tubi adds HD movies and shows for free every week.
- Using Chromecast or Airplay, you can watch content on a big screen
Rating: 4.6
No. of Installs: 50,000,000+
Read Also : 20 Best Free Movie Apps 2023
3. Netflix
If you are looking for those most talked about movies and TV shows from different parts of the world, you should opt for the Netflix app. The collection on Netflix is quite large with award-winning web series, movies, documentaries, and even stand-up specials.
The American media-services provider that has its headquarters in California was founded by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in 1997.
App Features
- The streaming service provider adds movies and TV shows regularly
- Depending on what you watch, Netflix recommends movies and TV shows based on your preferences
- Up to 5 profiles can be created for an account
- Safe watching experience for kids
- Get notifications when new episodes are released
Rating: 4.5
No. of Installs: 500,000,000+
4. Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime is one of the leading movies and TV shows live streaming apps. Amazon Prime also launches Original shows like Mirzapur, The Family Man, Made in Heaven, and Inside Edge regularly.
Additionally, you get to enjoy a wide selection of content in regional languages. Amazon owns and operates the video-on-demand service.
App Features
- It makes your daily commute to your workplace more fun
- You can watch shows on-the-go or download and watch offline
- Amazon Prime recommends shows depending on the shows you watch
- You can add recommended titles to Watchlist for later viewing
Rating: 4.4
No. of Installs: 100,000,000+
5. MX Player
The video streaming app offers more than 150,000 hours of content (premium) across different regional languages. The one-stop app helps you enjoy popular Movies, Web Series, TV Shows, Music Videos, etc.
Times Internet owns this Indian video on demand and OTT service providers.
App Features
- Smooth video playback with gesture controls.
- Download favorite videos and watch offline
- Option to create a Watchlist for viewing later
- You can play music in the background while going through the content
- Watch TV channels live or programs of past 7 days
Rating: 4.4
No. of Installs: 500,000,000+
6. Plex
The thousands of movies offered by Plex include documentaries, musicals, and much more. You don’t need any special equipment or special tech skills to use the app. You just have to sign in to start watching, no subscription required.
App Features
- Free movie content from around the world
- Organize personal media (photos, music, shows, movies) and stream them to other devices through a simple interface
- Enjoy music from TIDAL (more than 60 million high-quality tracks and 250,000 music videos)
- Get trusted and customized video news from more than 190 global publishers
Rating: 4.2
No. of Installs: 10,000,000+
7. JioCinema
Jio Cinema is exclusively for users of Jio SIM. The on-demand video streaming service comes with more than 100,000+ hours of Movies, TV Shows, Originals, Clips, Trailers, Music videos, and more.
You get to enjoy content in Hindi, English, and various regional languages in India. JioCinema is owned and operated by the Indian telecommunications giant Reliance JioInfocomm Limited.
App Features
- Chromecast support
- Across compatible devices, you can resume watching from the point you left
- Option to choose the video quality
- No advertisement pop-ups
- Multiple audio support
Rating: 4.2
No. of Installs: 50,000,000+
8. Disney+Hotstar
The go-to streaming service if you are looking for the best of movies, live sports, and TV shows is Disney+Hotstar. The app provides you with access to nearly 100,000 hours of movies and TV shows, and major sporting events from across the world.
Apart from free content, you can gain access to more content from around the world by subscribing to a VIP or Premium account. Novi Digital Entertainment, a Star India subsidiary, owns Disney+ Hotstar.
App Features
- The updated platform comes with a Disney+ section
- Navigation of content from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic made easy
- Kids-safe mode enables access to age-appropriate content for kids
Rating: 4.1
No. of Installs: 100,000,000+
9. Hulu
Hulu offers movies, shows, Hulu Originals, live news, sports, and much more. Choose a plan that works best for you – Hulu, Hulu (without ads), or Hulu + Live TV. Blackouts, regional restrictions, and additional terms may apply for Live TV content.
The American subscription video streaming service Hulu is owned by one of the business segments of The Walt Disney Company and Comcast’s NBCUniversal.
App Features
- A personalized experience
- Up to six personalized profiles allowed per account
- My Stuff – for addingcontent for quick access later
- Watch movies or TV shows on the go
- No hidden fees, no equipment rentals
Rating: 4.1
No. of Installs: 50,000,000+
10. YouTube TV
Youtube TV is a cable-free live TV service. This app has the potential to replace Cable TV service. The app allows users to watch content on smartphones, tablets, and other devices anytime and anywhere without any TV subscription. Registration is free.
App Features
- No cable box needed; it is a cable-free service
- You can watch most major cable and broadcast networks
- Watch across all compatible devices
- Up to six accounts per household
- No commitment or contracts; the account can be canceled anytime
Rating: 3.8
No. of Installs: 5,000,000+
Read Also : 20 Best Free Music Apps 2023
11. SonyLIV
SonyLIV, a pioneer in OTT service, ensures viewers have in real-time access to the best entertainment. It brings to you an endless opportunity to watch streaming content on the go. Live TV is also available on SonyLIV.
You can Like, Share, Add, Subscribe to favorites, or download and watch your favorite content anytime. Sony Pictures Networks India Pvt. Ltd. owns the Indian video streaming service SonyLIV.
App Features
- Subscription monthly, six months, and yearly plans available
- SonyLIV is a one-stop-shop for popular entertainment available on channels in Sony Entertainment Network
Rating: 3.7
No. of Installs: 100,000,000+
12. MovieFlix
If you are looking for a daily entertainment blast, then you should download the MovieFlix app. You get to enjoy new movies in HD quality, short films, and web series. You can add your favorite content to the Favorites List and watch later.
App Features
- No registration required
- Smooth User Interface
- Fast content loading
- Subtitle available
Rating: 3.7
No. of Installs: 1,000,000+
Download : Android
13. Periscope
Periscope brought to you by Twitter, allows you to explore the world and broadcast via live video. It is also possible to interact with people by means of likes and comments. You can find out where news is breaking, meet people and/or share interests, and visit a new place in real-time.
App Features
- Periscope can be used to discover popular live streaming videos from the world over or search for broadcasts based on location or topic
- If you missed out on one of the live videos, you can watch highlights replay
- Share live videos instantly to Twitter and other such networks
- Broadcasting privately to specific friends/followers is also possible
Rating: 3.4
No. of Installs: 50,000,000+
14. ZEE5
ZEE5 should be your destination if you are looking for exhilarating entertainment. You can do binge-watching of original shows, worldwide digital premieres of mega movies, TV shows, music videos, news, and more than 90 Live TV channels.
The Essel Group owns the Indian video streaming service ZEE5 through its subsidiary Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited.
App Features
- Video content that is dubbed in multiple languages
- Download and watch shows and movies for offline or on the go viewing
- Smart content search option, including voice search
- Personalized recommendation and seamless video playback
Rating: 3.3
No. of Installs: 100,000,000+
15. HBO Now
HBO Now, an on-demand video streaming app, is operated by the premium television network provider HBO in the US. Officially launched in April 2015, the service allows users to access content on PCs, smartphones, tablets, and digital media players.
HBO Now is a standalone service. Television subscription is not needed to use HBO Now.
App Features
- Free trial available for new users
- New movies are added every week; news, talk shows, comedy specials, etc., are also available
- Currently, HBO Now is available in the US and some U.S. territories only
Rating: 3.2
No. of Installs: 10,000,000+
Read Also : 24 Best Video Calling Apps 2023
Wrapping up
Independent online live tv streaming apps (iOS and Android) cut down the boredom while even if you are alone or travelling all alone.
Thanks to technology that lets us watch TV shows, movies, live events, etc. in our smart phones while we are on the move, as it completely eliminates the requirement of sitting in front of the screen or TV to watch our favorite shows and movies.