This time, we talk about Pluto TV activate Roku, and Pluto TV is a free online TV service that broadcasts more than 75 live TV channels, broadcasts more than 100 movies, more than 1,000 TV programs and it’s a large amount of Internet gold.
Pluto TV’s channels are divided into sections such as Featured, Entertainment, Movies, Sports, Comedy, Kids, Latino and Tech + Geek. Two new channels are devoted to CSI and Star Trek.
There are versions of top cable networks like MTV, VH1, BET, TV Land and AMC, but generally, Pluto TV channels aren’t the ones you’d find in a standard cable or satellite package.
The News channels are names that you know — CNN, NBC News, CBS News, etc. — but mostly, they play curated, pre-recorded clips instead of a live stream of the network.
Similarly, the Sports channels are ones you’ve heard of, like Fox Sports, NFL Channel, PGA Tour and Major League Soccer. However, you can’t really watch live sports on Pluto; those channels play past games, highlights or analysis.
Pluto’s TV shows are mostly older sitcoms and reality shows that are generally found on other free streaming services, like Hell’s Kitchen, Roseanne, 3rd Rock From the Sun, 21 Jump Street, American Chopper and The First 48.
The Pluto TV app is available on devices including web browsers as well as many major smart TVs, smartphones and streaming boxes and sticks.
You can activate your Pluto TV account to pair it with supported devices, to turn your phone into a remote control for Pluto. Those devices, currently, are Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and PlayStation 4.
Here are the steps for activating your Pluto account on those devices.
While there aren’t a ton of Pluto TV reviews out there, the ones that exist are mostly positive about the free TV streaming service.
PC Mag says, “Pluto TV is a potentially viable solution for people who don’t want to completely close the door on cable, but more importantly, don’t want to pay for the privilege.” Their review cautions potential users, “Anyone looking for a viable replacement to cable with an internet-based live TV service may be underwhelmed by Pluto TV.” They think the service could use a bit of a redesign, too, saying, “Pluto TV needs to polish its interfaces and channel guides. The omission of DVR features is notable too, but not surprising given that it is free.”
Clark.com says, “If you have decided that you’re going to quit paying for cable TV and subscription streaming services, I think Pluto TV needs serious consideration as a part of your free streaming content mix. There is a strong selection of cable-worthy content on this platform and the barrier to giving it a trial run is extremely low.”
Yes, Pluto has thousands of movies on-demand and airing live on themed Movies channels, ranging from genres (Drama, Romance, Horror) to ’80s Rewind and Black Cinema.
Pluto TV movies made up of older titles that were moderate hits back in their day. Recent selections included Shaft, Addams Family Values, The Rainmaker, Airplane, Clue, Road to Perdition and First Wives Club.
Pluto TV doesn’t provide specific guidelines about internet speed for its service. In its help section, the company says, “Having a fast connection (faster than 5mb) is certainly important, but having a ‘stable’ connection can be just as important, so that super fast WiFi connection drops out for a 1/2 second and that will cause playback issues.”
Since Pluto TV is free, your question may be, “Can I use Pluto TV Activate to replace cable?” The answer is: Sort of. Pluto TV provides some programming you may enjoy, if you’re satisfied with older movies and shows. But if you want a true cable TV replacement, you may need to supplement Pluto TV with other streaming services.