Cord Cutters News recently surveyed more than 1,000 of its readers about their favorite free, ad-supported streaming services. The results revealed a clear hierarchy among the top options in this growing segment of the entertainment market. The Roku channel received the highest level of support, with 31.1 percent of respondents calling it a top choice. Pluto TV is next with 24.2 percent, and Tubi is at 23.8 percent. Additionally, 11.4 percent of participants indicated that they do not use any free ad-supported services. All other free, ad-supported services combined accounted for the remaining 0.5 percent.
These results illustrate the concentrated appeal of a few established platforms among cord-makers seeking a free alternative to traditional cable subscriptions and paid streaming tiers. Free, ad-supported TV streaming services have grown rapidly in recent years. They provide extensive libraries of movies, TV series and other programs that are fully ad-supported, allowing viewers to avoid recurring monthly fees while still maintaining access to significant amounts of content. The survey highlights how device compatibility, content selection, user experience quality and overall viewing experience influence preferences in this area.
The Roku Channel launched in September 2017 as an offering from Roku Incorporated. It began as a dedicated free channel available directly on Roku streaming devices and quickly grew through licensing deals with major studios including Sony Pictures, Warner Bros., MGM, Lionsgate, Disney and Paramount Pictures. Early expansions included availability in Canada and a web version accessible through Internet browsers. The service emphasizes integration with the broader Roku ecosystem, making it convenient for users who already rely on Roku hardware for their streaming needs. Over time, it added special sections for children’s and family programming, while maintaining a focus on ad-supported access to both classic and new games.
Pluto TV began in 2013 when it was founded in Los Angeles by a team that included Tom Ryan, Ilya Pozin and Nick Groufe. A public beta version of the platform was launched in early 2014 and featured a linear channel format that mimicked the experience of watching traditional broadcast and cable TV channels. Content is organized into thematic channels with scheduled programming and on-demand options. The service was acquired by Viacom in 2019 for approximately $340 million and later became part of Paramount Global. This change in ownership supported international expansion and the addition of more content from the parent company’s assets. Pluto TV continues to operate in many countries, focusing on a familiar television structure and a consistent, advertising-supported model.
Tubi entered the market in April 2014 after being founded in San Francisco. It positioned itself as a wide-ranging free streaming destination with a large catalog of movies and TV series across a wide range of genres. The platform saw steady user growth in its early years before being acquired by Fox Corporation in 2020 for approximately $440 million. The acquisition provided additional resources for content licensing and platform enhancements. Tubi continues to focus on on-demand viewing with minimal barriers to entry, attracting an audience that prioritizes volume and variety in its free entertainment programming. It is now part of Fox’s dedicated media group and serves millions of users every month.
The concentration of reader preferences around these three services reflects several market dynamics. The major technology and media companies behind The Roku Channel, Pluto TV and Tubi have the scale needed to secure diverse content deals, invest in robust apps and websites, and deliver a consistent advertising experience. Smaller or new entrants face challenges in building comparable libraries or achieving similar prominence. The modest share of all remaining free platforms combined further highlights this consolidation trend. Many cord-cutting companies seem to be gravitating toward services that combine familiarity, accessibility, and sufficient depth of programming without increasing the cost of a subscription.
Broader changes in the industry have contributed to the rise in popularity of free, ad-supported options. Households that continue to cut back or ditch traditional pay TV packages are often looking for ways to control entertainment costs amid inflation and rising prices across all tiers of paid streaming services. free services serve a complementary role by providing always-on content that can complement limited paid subscriptions or serve as a primary source for casual viewing. Factors such as ease of navigation on smart TVs, mobile devices and computers, as well as tolerance for commercial breaks similar to those found on television, help maintain engagement.
Going forward, the free streaming category is expected to grow with continued investment in original productions, improved personalization features and expanded device support. Reader feedback captured in a Cord Cutters News survey provides insight into current sentiment and suggests established leaders such as The Roku Channel, Pluto TV and Tubi are well positioned to retain significant audience share. As content fragmentation persists and economic considerations remain pressing for many households, these platforms are likely to maintain or increase their influence in the overall streaming ecosystem. The results highlight how free, ad-supported services have evolved into viable mainstream options rather than niche alternatives.
The survey data provides useful information for both consumers assessing their viewing habits and industry participants tracking changes in audience behavior. With a clear majority favoring the top three options and limited variation in the rest, the landscape appears to be dominated by a few well-resourced players capable of meeting diverse viewer expectations through scale and strategic content partnerships. This model is in line with wider cord-cutting schemes, where cost-effectiveness and convenience are driving the adoption of free platforms.
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