Pluto TV or Plex: I'll show you which is the best app to watch TV, without internet and for free. (In my opinion)
I'm one of those people who always has their cell phone in hand and, whenever I have some free time, I like to watch something.
It could be a live TV channel, a series episode, or even a random movie that I wasn't even looking for.
The problem is that there isn't always good internet nearby, right? And having to rely on public Wi-Fi or spending your data plan on it is something no one deserves.
That's when I went looking for apps that were good. to watch TV on your cell phone without internet.
After testing several, two really stood out: the Pluto TV and the Plex. And look… they’re both great.
Each one has its strengths and some very interesting differences.
So I decided to write this comparison here, telling my real experience with each one, and in the end I give my honest opinion about which one do I think is better?.
Starting with the basics: what does each one offer?
Pluto TV
Pluto TV is like a Free pay TV, but directly on your cell phone.
It has more than 100 live channels, all themed: movies, action, comedy, true crime, cooking, cartoons, old series and so on.
What makes it different is that you really feel like you're channel surfing on TV, but on your cell phone.
In addition to the live channels, there is an “on demand” content tab, where you can choose what you want to watch and watch it whenever you want.
And yes, it is possible download some of this content and watch it later without internet. This has saved me several times when I knew I was going to be offline.
Plex
Plex starts off with a slightly different proposition. It also has live channels (and there are many!), but the main focus is on the entertainment part. content on demand.
Plex's library of movies, series, documentaries and reality shows is quite varied — and the best part: a lot of stuff can be downloaded to watch later.
Additionally, Plex even has the option for you to use the app to organize your own files.
For example, if you have movies on your computer, you can upload them to Plex and watch them on your phone with everything organized, with cover, synopsis, subtitles... as if it were your own private streaming service.
Interface and usability
Pluto TV: Simple and straightforward
Pluto is very easy to use. You log in, you're taken to the grid with live channels, and you just have to scroll up and down until you find something interesting.
You don't need to create an account, it doesn't have a thousand menus, it's practical and works quickly even on the most basic cell phones.
Plex: More complete, but demands more from the user
Plex has a more sophisticated look, with well-organized categories, content covers, and a “Netflix” feel.
But because it is more complete, it may seem a little more “full of options” at first.
Nothing that gets in the way, but if you like something very direct, maybe Pluto wins in this regard.
What about offline content, which is what interests me most?
This is where the competition gets good.
Node Pluto TV, you can watch some on-demand content offline, but not all of it.
Live channels, for example, can't download — which is normal, right? The movies and episodes that are available for download work really well.
You can download it quickly using Wi-Fi and watch it later on the subway, on the street, while traveling... without any headaches.
Already in Plex, I thought that part was a little more flexible.
The number of films and series available for download is greater, and the option to organize your own personal library also counts for a lot.
I myself have already put some movies that I had on my notebook, uploaded them to Plex and then downloaded them to my cell phone to watch offline.
It works like a personal streaming service, which is brilliant.
Advertisements: both have them, but…
Both apps are free, so yes, has ads. But look, I found them both to be very calm in this regard.
Nothing exaggerated. No Pluto TV, ads appear more during live programming. In the Plex, they come before on-demand movies or episodes.
If I were to compare, the Plex has slightly less intrusive advertising, especially when you are watching downloaded content.
And which one works best outside of Brazil?
Both are very popular in Europe and in South Africa, which is great for those who live abroad or are traveling.
THE Pluto TV There are different versions for each region, with local channels and adapted content, which is really cool.
THE Plex, on the other hand, has a more international approach.
The catalog is practically the same for several countries, with subtitles in different languages and even dubbing in some cases.
A plus point if you enjoy watching things with original audio and subtitles, or if you want to explore foreign films.
So… which one is better?
Now let's go to the final verdict on which is the best app for watching TV.
If you want something practical, direct and with that traditional TV vibe, the Pluto TV will serve you very well.
It's great for sitting down and watching a channel, like watching TV in the background, you know? It works really well for those who like to surf the web and have a variety of programming.
But if you are looking for something more complete, with a larger library of content to view at your own pace, with more freedom to download and even upload your own files, then the Plex is more advantageous.
My personal choice?
Even though I love both, I ended up becoming a bigger fan of Plex as the best app to watch TV.
It won me over precisely because of the possibility of seeing more content offline, in addition to being more organized and versatile.
But I confess that I keep both installed, because there are times when only Pluto TV saves with those thematic channels out of nowhere.
