What is Samsung TV Plus? A guide to Samsung’s free streaming service

At a time when most streaming platforms require subscriptions, logins and monthly fees, Samsung TV Plus offers a fresh and interesting alternative. It is a completely free streaming service with adverts that comes pre-installed on many Samsung Smart TVs and selected Galaxy devices. No registration, no trial period, no hidden costs, just instant access to a wide range of live TV channels and on-demand content.

Samsung TV Plus has quietly become a serious player in the world of free streaming. But what is it actually, how does it work and is it worth your time? In this article, we take a closer look at what Samsung’s streaming service offers.

What is Samsung TV Plus?

Samsung TV Plus is a free streaming service developed by Samsung, offering instant access to live TV channels and on-demand content without the need for a subscription, account or additional hardware. It is built directly into most Samsung Smart TVs released since 2016 and is also available on select Galaxy smartphones and tablets.

What sets Samsung TV Plus apart is its simplicity. Users can start watching as soon as they switch on the TV – no registration process, no credit card and no download. The platform works much like traditional cable or satellite TV, with a channel guide and scheduled programmes, but is delivered over the internet using a model known as FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV).

With hundreds of channels available by region, the service covers everything from news and sports to entertainment, documentaries and children’s content. For Samsung users, this is essentially a built-in bonus: zero cost access to a surprisingly wide selection of content right out of the box.

source (and cover graphics): https://news.samsung.com/us/press-resources/media-library/?searchTerm=samsung-tv-plus

How does Samsung TV Plus work?

Samsung TV Plus works much like a traditional TV service but is delivered entirely over the internet. Once you switch on your compatible Samsung Smart TV or open the app on your Galaxy device, the service is ready to use – no configuration is required.

The interface resembles a standard Electronic Programme Guide (EPG), where you can scroll through live channels, check what is currently being broadcast and see what is coming next. You can go directly to a programme or movie with a single click, just like browsing through regular TV channels. There is also a growing selection of on-demand content that can be accessed at any time.

The service is ad-powered, meaning that commercial breaks will occasionally be shown during programmes – similar to traditional TV or cable. This ad-based model allows Samsung to offer the platform for free while maintaining a wide range of content.

All you need to use it is a stable internet connection. There is no need to download anything if you are using a Samsung Smart TV – the app is already there. On mobile devices, it is available via the Galaxy Store and Google Play for selected models. With just a few taps, you can access a constantly updated entertainment stream with no obligation.

Key features of Samsung TV Plus

Samsung TV Plus may be free, but it still offers a surprisingly polished experience packed with useful features. Here are some of the most notable:

1. No subscription or sign-up required
One of the biggest draws of the platform is how easy it is to use. There’s no need to create an account, enter payment details, or go through a setup process. Just open the app and start watching.

2. Live TV channel lineup
Samsung TV Plus provides linear TV with scheduled programmes across hundreds of channels. These include news, sports, entertainment, lifestyle, movies and more – all organised in the familiar TV guide format.

3. On-demand content
Beyond live channels, the platform offers a growing library of on-demand shows and movies that users can watch whenever they like.

4. Regularly updated content
New channels and programs are added regularly, keeping the offering fresh and relevant. The content lineup can also vary based on your region.

5. Easy access across devices
The service is built into most Samsung Smart TVs and is also available on select Galaxy smartphones and tablets. This allows for flexible viewing whether you’re at home or on the go.

6. Personalised channel guide (on newer devices)
Recent versions of the app include features like favourite channels and a “Continue Watching” section, making it easier to pick up where you left off or jump to your preferred content quickly.
In the US, the service further extends personalisation with genre-based navigation and the introduction of new channel categories, including Kids & Family, Music and Multicultural, tailored to different audiences.

In short, Samsung TV Plus offers a user-friendly experience that feels familiar to anyone who’s used traditional television, but with the convenience and flexibility of streaming.

Available content: what can you watch?

Samsung TV Plus offers a surprisingly broad range of content, spanning various genres and interests. While the exact channel lineup can differ by region, most users will find a solid mix of live channels and on-demand options to suit different tastes.

Here’s a look at the types of content you can expect:

News and current affairs

Major news networks and digital outlets stream around the clock, offering live coverage, talk shows, and special reports. It’s a handy source for staying informed without switching to a cable service.

Movies and TV shows

Samsung TV Plus includes a selection of films and series from a variety of genres – from action and comedy to dramas and thrillers. These are not usually the latest blockbusters, but the library includes recognisable classics, independent films and TV content to watch.

Lifestyle and entertainment

There’s a strong lineup of channels focused on cooking, travel, home improvement, pop culture, and reality shows. Perfect for casual viewing or background entertainment.

Sports

While you won’t find major live sporting events, there are channels dedicated to sports news, documentaries, replays and niche competitions, covering everything from football and basketball to MMA and extreme sports.

Kids and family

Samsung TV Plus also targets younger viewers, offering child-friendly channels with cartoons, educational programmes and family programmes – a useful option for parents looking for free content without adult product advertising.

Documentaries and true crime

For viewers who prefer fact-based programmes, the platform offers a number of documentaries, nature programmes, historical content and crime series.

Is Samsung TV Plus really free?

Yes – Samsung TV Plus is completely free. There are no hidden costs, no need to enter payment details or worry about subscription levels. As long as you have a compatible Samsung device and an internet connection, you can start watching immediately.

So how does Samsung make money from it? The service operates on an ad-supported model, meaning that you will see commercial breaks during the programme – just like on traditional TV. These adverts help cover licensing and operating costs, enabling Samsung to offer the service at no charge to users.

There are no premium versions or upgrades available – what you see is what you get. Unlike many other streaming platforms that offer limited free access but encourage a paid subscription, Samsung TV Plus doesn’t even have a paid tier. It is not a trial period or a temporary contract; it is simply a free service with ads built into the device.

This simple approach is one of the reasons many users find it so attractive. You can explore hundreds of channels and hours of content without having to register, log in or worry about a later bill.

The future of Samsung TV Plus

Samsung TV Plus has grown steadily since its launch, and all signs suggest the company has no intention of slowing down. With the global demand for free, ad-supported content on the rise, Samsung is positioning its platform as a key player in the FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) market.

In recent years, the service has expanded into new territories, including Europe, Southeast Asia and Latin America. As Samsung continues to sell millions of Smart TVs and Galaxy devices worldwide, the potential reach of TV Plus continues to grow – as does the incentive to add more content and language options for each region.

Samsung continues to expand its catalogue through strategic partnerships with major content providers. For example:

• Top-performing channels in the U.S. include Samsung TV Plus Drama, Game Show Central, and ION.
• In 2023 alone, over 50 new channels were added in the U.S. market.

The platform is also growing its Samsung-owned and operated (O&O) channels, such as:

• Samsung Showcase – a hub for premium entertainment highlights,
• The Movie Hub – a rotating selection of feature films,
• MyTime Movie Network – with a wide array of TV movies and romantic dramas,
• Samsung TV Plus Español – expanding Spanish-language content for U.S. Hispanic audiences.

What’s more, Samsung is investing in improving the user experience with more advanced content discovery tools, easier navigation and AI-based recommendations.

With the continued introduction of exclusive channels and enhancements to its global offering, Samsung TV Plus is evolving into a full-featured alternative to traditional TV, especially for those who are already in the Samsung ecosystem.

That said, competition in the FAST space is increasing. Platforms such as Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Freevee and Tubi are growing aggressively, offering both a wider range of content and broader device compatibility. The challenge for Samsung will be to maintain its unique value proposition while innovating – especially if it wants to attract viewers outside its own hardware ecosystem.

Conclusion: is it worth trying?

If you already own a Samsung Smart TV or Galaxy device, Samsung TV Plus is absolutely worth a try. It costs nothing, requires no set-up time and offers a surprising amount of content across a wide range of genres. It’s not a replacement for premium platforms such as Netflix or Disney+, but it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it offers a casual channel surfing experience that is ideal for casual viewing, background entertainment or discovering something new.

For viewers who want to cut down on subscription costs or simply enjoy free content without the hassle, Samsung TV Plus is a solid no-risk option. And as the platform continues to grow and evolve, it can only get better with time.