While streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu have entirely taken over the world of TV viewing, it’s impressive that there are still free live tv streaming services available.
There are various reasons why many people prefer to stream television online. They can save money on cable costs, have a massive selection of free channels to choose from, and enjoy TV shows without any ads.
The internet now allows you to watch tv shows for free without getting into any legal trouble whenever you want, whether on your mobile phone, PC, or tablet.
This article explains how you can currently get the most up-to-date television streaming services in Canada for 2023.
What is Free Streaming TV?
Television can be costly, but with free online streaming tv, you can watch your favourite movies and series at no cost (or almost for free).
With TV services, you must purchase cable or satellite and sometimes for the channels you want. And considering the average person spends $52 on monthly cable bills, free streaming services in Canada can be very alluring.
The great news is there’s a wide range of services that offer free tv, with a variety of tv programs to choose from.
Here’s a quick list of free streaming TV channels in Canada that are available free of charge:
CBC, Citytv, Global TV
Top shows: Dragon’s Den, The Amazing Race, Desperate Housewives
Treehouse, YTV
Top shows: Dora, Transformers
BNN, CTV News, Al Jazeera, Bloomberg News
Top shows: News Hour, The Stream, Question Period
Much Music, CMT, MTV
Top shows: Punk’d, Pet Heroes, Degrassi
Best Free Streaming TV Services in Canada
Below is a list of streaming services in Canada. They are all completely legit services, and you should have no worries about getting into any legal trouble.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV is an entirely free online TV streaming service with quality shows and series available. At first glance, the platform offers a sleek interface that’s easy to navigate.
Pluto TV offers thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows and hundreds of live channels to choose from.
Pricing: Free.
Pros
- Completely free service
- Available on computer, iOS, Android
- Hundreds of live channels available
- Easy-to-use and intuitive interface
- One of the best free streaming TV sites in Canada
Cons
- Shortened versions of major TV channels
- No DVR functionality on live streams
The Roku Channel
Roku is another big company that offers free streaming in Canada. The platform provides high-quality shows as well as films you can watch.
The only downside with Roku is that you have to get the Roku stick or Roku TV to stream content.
After you sign up on their platform, streaming free TV shows is hassle-free. All you need to do is insert the streaming device into your TV and connect to the internet.
Pricing: No monthly fees (only need to purchase movie rentals and subscription channels like Netflix).
Pros
- There are over 4,000 shows available
- One of the best free TV streaming sites
Cons
- Not much newly released content for free
- TSN and Sportsnet are not available on Roku
Tubi
Although the content library on Tubi can be outdated, the platform still offers a great way of streaming live TV in Canada.
This can be expected since it’s a free streaming service, but it more than makes up for it with the number of devices it supports.
You can access Tubi on multiple devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation, Chromecast, Android, and more.
Pricing: Completely free.
Pros
- Intuitive app and web streaming options
- Completely free
Cons
- The content library is a bit outdated
- No way to anticipate commercial breaks
CBC Gem
If you’ve watched CBC TV before, CBC Gem offers the same kind of content.
There are three service types available, of which two are completely free. Signing up on the platform, you get to live stream CBC TV and get ad-free streaming.
To access the premium content, you’ll have to pay a subscription cost of $4.99 a month.
Pricing: Free. $4.99 a month for the premium service.
Pros
- Available on iOS, computer and Android
- Easy-to-use and intuitive interface
- Extensive library of Canadian shows
Cons
- Paid premium service
Toronto City News
Toronto City News has a free 24/7 live stream available to watch for free on their website. You can also watch clips of news that was streamed throughout the past few days.
You can also watch the CityNews 680 live radio station on their website.
Pricing: Free
Pros
- No subscription needed
- Free 24/7 live stream
Cons
- N/A
Over The Air HD
If your desire is to watch some local shows in Canada, then you should try OTA HD TV.
You can pick up an HD antenna from Amazon or your local tech store to get free to air streaming TV channels in Canada.
Antennas come in different sizes and functionalities. And for that reason, the price for an HD antenna will depend on where you are in Canada and the antenna’s range.
Pricing: It varies depending on the antenna.
Pros
- Free local live channels
- Easy and affordable to get started
- Access to free streaming TV in Canada
Cons
- Limited to free local channels
Slice
Slice is available to stream online through StackTV or Global TV, or you can watch through a television service provider.
You can watch reality and non-fiction TV shows, such as Big Brother, Below Deck, and The Real Housewives.
Pricing: The cost of your TV subscription or StackTV.
Pros
- Lots of popular shows available
- Free with your TV subscription
Cons
- Only reality shows available
- No free streaming
HGTV
HGTV is for those who love home improvement and fixer-upper type TV shows. You can watch Property Brothers, House Hunters, Love It Or List It, and more.
HGTV does not have its own streaming platform, but you can watch it through your television service provider or on StackTV, Global TV, or Discovery+.
Pricing: The cost of your TV subscription, StackTV, Global TV, or Discovery+.
Pros
- Available on a few different streaming platforms
Cons
- Only free through your TV service provider
CTV
On CTV, you can watch select episodes of your favourite current TV shows for free. However, you must have a TV provider account to unlock all episodes.
You can sign in with over 40 TV providers, including Bell, Rogers, Shaw, and Telus.
CTV includes loved shows like Grey’s Anatomy and The Goldbergs.
Pricing: The cost of your TV subscription
Pros
- Lots of current shows available
- You can watch shows currently on-air
Cons
- Only current shows available
- You must have a TV provider to watch more than one episode
VICE TV
On vicetv.com, you can watch a few free episodes of VICE’s most popular shows. As of this writing, they only have 2 full shows on their website.
VICE is streaming on MTV, MTV2, and Gusto during certain times and days of the week, which is listed on their website. There is no option to pay for a subscription.
Pricing: N/A
Pros:
- A few episodes available to stream for free directly on their website
Cons
- Not many episodes available
- No subscription plans
BNN Bloomberg
BNN Bloomberg is Canada’s financial and business news network.
You can watch BNN Bloomberg Live by signing into your account with your TV provider. You can also watch 5 to 10 minute clips of BNN’s shows for free without logging on.
BNN Bloomberg is available online or as a mobile app for iOS and Android.
Pricing: The cost of your TV subscription
Pros
- Watch important clips for free without logging on
- Available for free with your TV provider
Cons
- No subscription to BNN Bloomberg directly
- Only 5-10 minute clips available for free
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video gives you one of Canada’s best streaming TV services and access to blockbuster shows like Mr. Robot and the Godfather.
Although it’s not entirely free to get the service, Amazon Prime Video has a free 30-day trial period, after which you’ll have to pay $9.99/month or $99.00/year.
No cable is required, and you can access the service using your computer, smartphone, or tablet. You can watch exclusive Amazon Originals, popular movies, TV shows, and sports.
You also get access to all other Prime services.
Pricing: 30-day free trial period; $9.99 a month.
Pros
- Video streaming service on three devices
- Prime Music included
- Free shipping with Amazon
Cons
- Not a completely free service
Related: Amazon Canada Prime Membership review.
Omni TV
Owned by Rogers, Omni TV is a multilingual and multicultural TV broadcaster in Canada. They have content in Arabic, Cantonese, Filipino, Italian, and more.
You can view live streams for free on Omni’s website by signing into your account with your TV service provider, as well as view the upcoming TV schedule online.
Pricing: The cost of your TV subscription
Pros
- The most multilingual and multicultural TV channel in Canada
- Watch live streams for free
Cons
- You must have a TV provider to watch for free
TSC
TSC is Canada’s well-known shopping channel with various products that you can buy online or over the phone.
They have a free live stream you can watch on their website without signing up or paying for a subscription.
You can view on-air items and the program guide on their website with just one click.
Pricing: Free
Pros
- Completely free live stream, no subscription needed
- Buy products advertised on their website
Cons
- As with any shopping channels, you may be convinced to buy things you don’t need
Best Cheap Streaming Sites in Canada
There are plenty of streaming services and sites you’ll find that have a low subscription fee. Here are a few to consider:
Disney Plus
Disney Plus has made some great movies and shows, including Pixar and Bolt, and this is what you can expect with this service.
You can also enjoy some of the latest blockbuster shows like The Mandalorian and Winter Soldier on this platform.
When you scroll through this platform, you’ll be amazed at the number of movies and shows you can view all in one platform – over 1,600 films and 28,000 episodes.
Pricing: $11.99 monthly; $119.99 for a yearly subscription.
Pros
- A great collection of films and shows from Disney and Marvel
- Easy-to-use interface
- Affordable streaming service
Cons
- No free trial
Featured Offers
Disney Plus
On Disney’s website
- Access to over 1,600 movies and 28,000 drama, true crime, comedy, and more episodes.
- $11.99 monthly or $119.99 yearly (2 months free with annual subscription).
- New releases every week.
- View on four screens or devices simultaneously.
- Easily download movies and watch on the go.
Telus Stream+
On Telus’s website
- Requires a Telus Mobility plan (extra fee).
- $28 for premium TV and streaming platforms in one bundle.
- Includes Netflix Premium, Discovery+, Apple TV+, & TELUS TV+.
- Save $6.97 monthly with this bundle.
- Thousands of TV series, movies, shows, and multiple devices simultaneously.
- Download shows for offline viewing.
Sportsnet NOW
Sportsnet Now was created exclusively for sports streaming and offered all of the top channels available in one place. You can view your favourite games from the NHL, Premier League, MLB, and NBA on this one platform.
The platform has attractive features like 24-hour playback and split-screen features. It also offers plenty of news services so you can catch up on the latest updates.
The only drawback is the monthly subscription which costs $14.99 a month.
Pricing: Standard = $14.99/month or $149.99 annually. Premium = $34.99/month or $249.99 annually.
Pros
- An ideal platform for streaming sports programs
- available on Android, iOS, Chrome-cast, and other platforms
Cons
- The monthly plan can be costly
Netflix
Netflix is the world’s largest streaming platform in the world, and no other service comes close to when it comes to the number of films and shows in its library.
Netflix is not entirely free, but you get access to a library of over 3,000 HD titles for a very low fee, including Netflix Originals and other high-quality content.
Pricing: $5.99/month for Basic with ads, Basic is $9.99/month.
Pros
- 30-day free trial period
- A large library of blockbuster titles – over 3,000
Cons
- No live streaming
CBS All Access
CBS All Access gives you access to several programs that you would normally find on CBS. You can stream shows, movies, and news broadcasts on the platform.
It has a friendly interface and makes it easy to navigate on its online platform.
Pricing: $5.99 a month.
Pros
- Access to CBS, CBS Sports HQ, ET Live, and CBSN
- Friendly interface
Cons
- No live streaming TV, and you can’t watch free TV
Plex
Plex is an excellent streaming service with thousands of movies, shows, and live TV on offer. No matter your preference, you will find some shows you enjoy.
Plex Pass is their premium service with additional features such as mobile sync and privacy controls.
Pricing: Free; Plex pass costs $6.49 a month.
Pros
- Excellent streaming service
Cons
- Plex Pass is not worth the additional cost
Hayu
Hayu is dedicated to reality TV, and because of the limited scope of Hayu, there isn’t a variety of content available.
You can watch content on Hayu through your Android and iOS phone, Apple tablet, computer, and smart TVs.
Pricing: $52.99/year or $5.99 monthly. Students get 20% off a 12-month plan with Student Beans.
Pros
- Popular shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians
- Affordable subscription cost
Cons
- Limited to reality TV only
YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium gives you all that YouTube introductory offers and additional perks like an ad-free experience when watching videos and listening to music.
Another benefit is the way you can watch movies and listen to music. YouTube on premium allows you to play media in the background while using other apps.
Pricing: $11.99 per month.
- Pros
- Added functionalities with the media player
- Ad-free viewing experience
Cons
- No additional benefits
Discovery+
Discovery+ is another cheap streaming service that includes access to over 70,000 episodes of more than 2,500 shows from channels including the Food Network, HGTV, Animal Planet, and TLC.
Discovery+ is for those who like non-fiction content, including reality shows, true crime, and cooking shows.
There are no free episodes and no free trial before committing to the monthly subscription.
Pricing: $4.99 per month for the regular plan or $6.99 monthly for ad-free streaming.
Pros
- Affordable pricing plans
- Ad-free option
- Lots of non-fiction and reality TV shows
Cons
- No free trial
- No episodes are released for free
- No live TV or movie streaming
Streema
Streema is a way to listen to radio stations online, completely for free. They have many different radio stations from all over the world available; all you have to do is type in what you want to listen to and press play.
They also have TV stations from all over the world that you can tune into. Streema is available online or as a mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
You can create an account to save your favourites, but it isn’t necessary to sign up or pay for a subscription.
Pricing: Free
Pros
- Hundreds of different radio stations and TV channels available for free
- Access worldwide stations you wouldn’t otherwise have access to
- No subscription necessary
Cons
- There may be some issues with streaming international TV channels
FuboTV
FuboTV is a sports-focused streaming platform where you can watch live soccer and sports entertainment. They have 57 live channels, which you will need to unlock with a Premium Plan.
FuboTV offers Essentials and Premium plans, with 47 and 68 channels, respectively.
They have apps for all devices, including iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV.
Pricing: The Essentials Plan costs $24.99 per month, and the Premium Plan costs $39.99 monthly.
Pros
- Watch tons of sports channels live with one subscription
- Stream on up to 3 devices at once
Cons
- No free trial available
- World Cup is not available to stream in Canada
DAZN
DAZN is a popular streaming service for sports fans. With this streaming service, you can watch hockey, basketball, baseball, soccer, boxing, and more.
When you subscribe, you can watch all your football games with access to NFL Game Access.
Pricing: $24.99 per month.
Pros
- Dedicated streaming service for sports
Cons
- Costly subscription fee
Shudder
Shudder is a streaming subscription service like no other, where you can watch all things horror. You can watch thriller, horror, and supernatural movies ad-free with a subscription.
They offer a 7-day free trial for you to try out the platform before committing to a membership.
Pricing: $5.99 per month or $56.99 annually.
Pros
- Access many horror and thriller movies and shows
- Available as an app on many devices
Cons
- Only horror movies are available
- Movies and shows can be outdated
AppleTV+
If you have an Apple TV, you can watch Apple Originals TV shows and movies. You can only access it through the Apple TV app or online.
Apple offers a free 7-day trial before committing to a subscription. If you have Apple One, AppleTV+ is included.
Pricing: $8.99 per month
Pros
- Many acclaimed tv shows and movies are on AppleTV+
- No ads
- You can download shows and movies on iOS devices
Cons
- Only Apple originals are available to watch
- No live TV
Crackle TV
*No longer available in Canada.* Crackle TV is another TV streaming platform that offers free streaming services in Canada.
Crackle has partnerships with Disney, Paramount, and 20th Century, and you can expect retro titles from those production companies.
Expect to view many ads before the content plays, as Crackle doesn’t generate enough revenue to support its content.
Pricing: Free.
Pros
- No account required
- Completely free
Cons
- No live-streaming TV options
- Ads run before the content begins
Free Streaming TV Summary
Best for watching non-fiction and reality shows: Slice, HGTV, VICE
Best for watching popular and quality shows: Roku, Pluto TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV+, DisneyPlus
Best for watching sports: Sportsnet Now, DAZN, FuboTV
Best for watching news: Toronto City News, BNN Bloomberg, CTV
Benefits of Free Streaming TV in Canada
- It is entirely free for its viewers
- It is perfectly legal
- You can easily pause, forward or rewind in between shows
- Some streaming services allow you to download their content
- You can view some of your favourite shows in HD or 4K quality
Downsides of Free Streaming in Canada
- Your selection of films and shows can be limited depending on the service
- Sometimes you can only stream low-quality videos
- Live games, especially sports, are rarely available
- The best shows and films usually require you to pay
Related: How To Get Paid To Watch Video Ads.
Free Streaming TV FAQs
Streaming free TV shows online gives you access to free TV in Canada using the platforms we have listed above.
No. To get cable in Canada, you have to pay an installation fee and a monthly service subscription.
There are many websites that will let you watch free online TV, like Pluto TV and Roku Channel.
ABC, NBC, Fox, and CBS are among the top free channels in Canada.
Crave TV no longer has a free trial period.
Yes, the Roku Channel service is free and is available to consumers in the U.S., Canada, and the UK.
No free streaming app on this list contains all TV channels. You’ll have to subscribe to a few or get cable TV to watch all channels in your region.Â
You can cancel your cable and still watch TV by subscribing to one or more of these streaming TV platforms. Cable isn’t really that worth it, and you can watch more of what you like on one of these platforms.
Yes, Pluto TV is completely free, with no subscription required.
Do you know of any Canadian French news channels offered in your free downloading sites? My husband likes to look at the Quebec news channels and I do not know which streaming sites have these channels for his news. Can you please let me know the best one, even if I have to pay a small fee each month. Thank you for your help with this question.
@Mary: None come to mind at the moment. However, I will look into this and post it here if I find any.
I like watching movies but how can see in canda for free
Our household has 4 Samsung Smart TVs ….. Samsung TV is constantly buffering ALWAYS ! ! ! I have downloaded Pluto TV and it’s excellent, little to NO buffering and Pluto TV has as many channels as Samsung TV, so I don’t watch Samsung TV much anymore until Samsung get’s better & larger servers to stop the buffering problems.
Thank you,