The Best TVPlayer Alternatives for Streaming Live TV
TVPlayer is a popular live TV streaming service that allows UK television licence holders to access over 60 free live television channels, including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, directly from their desktop, smartphones, and tablets. It also offers a premium "TVPlayer Plus" subscription for additional channels like Gold and Discovery Channel, alongside catch-up content. However, users often seek TVPlayer alternatives for various reasons, including broader content options, different pricing models, or specific feature sets. This guide explores the top alternatives to TVPlayer, helping you find the perfect streaming solution.
Top TVPlayer Alternatives
Whether you're looking for more free options, niche content, or a different user experience, there's a TVPlayer alternative out there for you. Here's a rundown of some of the best platforms to consider.
Twitch
Twitch is a live-streaming portal primarily focused on video gaming, but it also hosts a vast array of other content, including sports and general live broadcasting. It's a Freemium platform available on a wide range of devices including Mac, Windows, Web, Android, iPhone, PlayStation, and Xbox. While not a direct competitor for traditional UK TV channels like TVPlayer, it excels in niche live content, game streaming, and features like video hosting, making it a compelling alternative for specific interests.
JustWatch
JustWatch is a streaming search engine that helps you find where to watch movies and TV shows legally online. It's a Free web-based platform also available on Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and iPad. While it doesn't offer live TV channels directly like TVPlayer, its meta-search capabilities for VOD services like Netflix, HBO NOW, and Amazon Prime Video make it an excellent tool for discovering and organizing your streaming content, complementing a live TV service or standing alone for on-demand needs.
Mixer
Mixer (formerly Beam) was an interactive, live streaming platform with a large community, heavily focused on gamers. It was a Free platform available on Web, Android, iPhone, and iPad. Key features included real-time streaming, low latency, and a social network aspect. While Mixer is no longer active, its innovative approach to interactive live streaming made it a unique offering, and its spirit lives on in other platforms that prioritize community and real-time engagement.
Pluto.tv
Pluto.tv offers free "live" channels curated from internet content, resembling a traditional TV experience without the subscription. It's a Free, web-based platform available on Android, iPhone, iPad, and Google Play Store. Unlike TVPlayer, which focuses on broadcast channels, Pluto.tv curates content into themed channels, providing a vast library of watchable videos across various genres, all in one place and completely free.
Livestream
Livestream is a commercial video live streaming platform that enables customers to broadcast live video content online, which viewers can access via internet-connected devices. It's a paid service available on Web, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, iPad, and Apple TV. While TVPlayer is consumer-focused on broadcast TV, Livestream caters to professional and event broadcasting, offering robust tools for video editing and streaming, making it suitable for those who want to create or watch specific live events.
Picarto.TV
Picarto.TV is a leading video platform and community specifically for artists to stream their creative process live. It's a Free, web-based platform with a unique focus on drawing and artistic content. While it doesn't offer traditional TV channels, Picarto.TV is an excellent TVPlayer alternative for individuals interested in live creative content and engaging with an artistic community.
Piczel.tv
Piczel.tv is a freemium livestreaming and art gallery website that offers features like custom emotes, Discord notifications, and stream recordings. It's a web-based platform with various pricing tiers. Similar to Picarto.TV, its focus is on live art streaming, providing a community for artists and viewers interested in creative content, making it a niche but valuable TVPlayer alternative for artistic streaming.
WatchPlayStream.com
WatchPlayStream.com is a free movie streaming search engine that helps you discover and decide where to stream new films and TV shows across various services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. It's a free, web-based platform. Similar to JustWatch, it's not a direct live TV service like TVPlayer but serves as an excellent meta-search tool for on-demand content, featuring integrated search and watchlists to streamline your streaming experience.
SlingPlayer
SlingPlayer extends your living room TV experience to your mobile devices, allowing you to watch your home TV on the go with a Slingbox at home. It's a free application available on Mac, Windows, Web, Android, iPhone, Windows RT, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, iPad, Kindle Fire, and Chromecast. SlingPlayer offers a unique form of Internet TV, turning your personal broadcast TV into a mobile experience, directly competing with the portability aspect of TVPlayer but requiring your own TV setup.
Frequency
Frequency allows you to watch the internet like a TV, turning online videos from your favorite sources into curated channels. It's a free, web-based platform focused on providing channels of watchable videos. While not offering traditional broadcast TV like TVPlayer, Frequency provides a lean-back viewing experience for web content, making it an interesting alternative for those who enjoy curated online video channels.
Choosing the best TVPlayer alternative depends on your specific needs, whether you prioritize live broadcast channels, on-demand content, gaming streams, or niche artistic content. Explore these options to find the perfect streaming service that fits your viewing habits and device preferences.