Previously, the only way to watch live TV in Plex was to buy a tuner and antenna. It was both expensive and complicated for non-tech savvy users. The Live TV feature removes that barrier to entry.
But how do you use Plex Live TV? What channels are available? And how does it fit in with the rest of the Plex ecosystem? Keep reading to learn more.
Anyone with a Plex account can access free live TV channels – you don't need to have a Plex Pass to use the service.
There are also no restrictions based on the location of the service; you can start streaming no matter where you are in the world.
Since Plex Free Live TV Channels is an IPTV service, you can watch through any Plex app as long as it has an active internet connection. No additional hardware is required.
This means you can connect on your desktop computer, laptop, mobile device, smart TV, streaming box, or any other Plex-enabled device.
You don't even have to run a Plex Media Server; simply installing the Plex Media Player app will allow you to access the content.
Like many streaming services, channel availability will depend on where you are in the world.
According to Plex's own literature, more than 80% of the service's channels are available worldwide, with "a minority of channels licensed only in the United States".
Some of the available channels include Reuters, Yahoo Finance, Fubo Sports Network, KidsFlix, EDGE Sport, IGN TV, BAMBU and Docurama.
In September 2020, Plex added a bunch of Spanish language channels. These include Latido Music, Sony Novellas, Sony Comedias, etc.
Plex has promised that more channels will continue to be added to the service over the coming months and years.
By default, you'll see the Live TV option in the sidebar of your Plex app. To use the feature, simply click on the menu item.
Once clicked, the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) will load. Use the EPG to scroll through channels and see what's currently playing.
If you click on a program, you will be able to see metadata about the content. Once you find something you want to tune in to, tap either Watch Now in the metadata area or press the Play icon overlaid on channel thumbnail to start watching.
Plex Live TV has a few features that help improve the user experience.
Perhaps the most useful, you can browse all channels and HD channels. If you're seriously considering using Plex TV as a cable replacement, you'll probably find yourself wanting HD content more often than not.
You can toggle between the options by clicking on the All Channels drop-down menu above the EPG.
You can also step forward in the EPG to see what will happen in the coming days. Seven days of forward data are available. To quickly switch between days, click Today at the top of the page and make your selection.
Finally, remember that you can pin the Plex Live TV menu option to your Plex Favorites by clicking the three vertical dots next to the menu item and selecting Pin .
Plex Live TV offers a surprising number of customization options.
More importantly, you can both hide and rearrange all channels in the EPG. Which means you can hide all the unattractive content you know you'll never watch, making the EPG more focused and easier to navigate.
It is also possible to decide to display the last three channels you have accessed at the top of the guide so that you can return to them quickly.
You can even hide certain channels from child accounts – although Plex warns that for now kids can still customize the guide themselves to make channels visible again. A channel lock function has not yet been developed.
You won't find these types of customization options on many free live TV providers. Oftentimes, providers want to pitch you as many channels as possible so they can get the most out of their ad revenue and affiliate money. Plex's inclusion of customization options makes it stand out.
To make the changes, open the EPG and click on the three dots in the upper left corner.
Unfortunately, as the service is free and relies on partnerships with the major TV networks in a given country, it has some restrictions that you should be aware of.
First, you cannot pause or rewind live TV channels. If you miss the start of a movie or sporting event, you just have to accept it.
Second, there is no DVR function. This differs from Plex's support for OTA channels, which will allow you to make recordings through the Plex app.
Are these restrictions a fair trade-off considering the amount of free content? We think so, but you will have to decide.
If you've explored the Plex Live TV service and decided it's not for you, you can hide it entirely from your Plex account.
This means that you will not be able to access the service at all from your Plex Media Server or any Plex Media Player app connected to your account.
To disable Plex Live TV, open Plex in a browser, navigate to Account>Account>Online Media Sources, and change the Live TV option to disabled . You can also select Disabled for managed users; this will allow the account admin to see the Live TV feature, but no managed account (like kids) will be able to use it.
Plex now offers three native ways to access free content, even if you don't have any of your own locally saved media to add to the app.
In addition to live TV, you can also stream TV via antenna and access a huge library of on-demand videos. So what are you waiting for?
