I remember it like it was yesterday.

A rainy Sunday evening, pizza ready, my favorite series about to start... and then, black screen.

My old TV had given up the ghost.

Frustrated but not ready to sacrifice my evening, I grabbed my phone and frantically typed: “app for watching TV on smartphone”.

That evening, I discovered a world I never imagined: free (or almost) apps, simple and with top-notch image quality.

Since then, even with a new TV at home, I have kept the habit of watching TV on my phone.

It has become my plan B… and often even my plan A when I am away or my wife is monopolizing the living room.

In this article, I will tell you about my favorite apps for watching TV on your mobile, with very personal opinions, funny anecdotes and above all: solutions that really work.

Why watch TV on your phone?

Before I throw the list at you, let me tell you why I became addicted to this habit.

• Total mobility : in bed, in the toilet (we're not going to lie), on the train...
• No box or cable needed : just a good Wi-Fi or 4G/5G connection.
• Perfect for series, matches and newspapers : you don't miss anything, wherever you are.

And above all, it saves you from fighting over the remote control. And that, man, is priceless.

📱 The best apps for watching TV on your smartphone

1. Molotov TV

Main keyword : application to watch TV Dude, if you don't know Molotov, you are missing out on something.

When I discovered it, I felt like I was rediscovering TV.

Smooth interface, live and replay French channels, personalized profiles...

What I like:

• More than 80 free channels (TF1, France TV, M6, etc.)
• Replay up to 7 days
• Picture-in-picture mode (I can zap while scrolling through Insta)

Small downside: Some channels like TF1 or M6 require a small subscription.
But frankly, the 5€/month for the “Molotov Extra” version is worth every cent if you're a real TV consumer.

📲 Available on Android, iOS, Smart TV

2. 6play – For fans of series and reality TV

I can see you coming: “Another classic channel app?”

Yes… but 6play, it's my guilty pleasure.

When I feel like binge-watching episodes of Top Chef, Beijing Express Or Scenes from a Household, I rush towards it.

And between us, the streaming is smooth, the ads are not too intrusive, and the design is cool.

Trick : Create a free account to unlock replays faster.

📲 Available on Android And iOS

3. Orange TV – For subscribers who want to get the most out of it

At one time, I was with Orange. And their TV app was truly a gem.

More than 70 live channels, including sports channels that I couldn't find anywhere else without paying an arm and a leg.

You can also record shows remotely and even cast on your TV if you have a Chromecast.

Good to know:
It's only free if you have an Orange internet or mobile subscription.

📲 Available on Android and iOS

4. Pluto TV – Free and without registration (yes, really)

A friend recommended me Pluto TV during the summer.

I thought it was a fake app, and I was blown away.

• 100% free
• No need to create an account
• Lots of thematic channels (cinema, series, documentaries, gaming, etc.)

This is the app I use the most when I just want to mindlessly zap.

And there are even 24/7 streaming channels dedicated to cult series!

📲 Available on Android, iOS, Fire TV, and more

5. France.tv – The cultural and qualitative option

I admit, at first I used France.tv just for Don't forget the lyrics.

But after a little digging, I discovered nuggets in documentaries, youth programs and French cinema.

The big plus? The app is free, without excessive advertising, and with a clean interface.

📲 Available on Android And iOS

The criteria that matter to me (and surely to you too)

When I choose a TV app, this is what I watch:

• Free (or not) : because I don't want to ruin myself just to watch TV.
• Streaming stability : no way it's going to bug out in the middle of a goal or a cliffhanger.
• The variety of chains : news, sports, cinema, documentaries… I want everything.
• Ease of use : clear menus, quick zapping, easy-to-find favorites.

And of course, compatibility with my old Android and iPad.

And what about data consumption?

Little useful reminder: Watch TV in streaming, It eats gigabytes!

• SD (standard) quality : approximately 700 MB/hour
• HD quality : up to 1.5 GB/hour
• 4K quality (when available): more than 3 GB/hour

SO, think about Wi-Fi as much as possible if you don't have an unlimited plan.

In summary: My TV now fits in my pocket

Since that famous Sunday when my TV died, I've explored a bunch of apps.

But the ones I presented to you here, I really use them, every day.

They saved me from boring evenings, long train journeys and queues at the post office.

And you? Do you have a favorite app for watching TV on your phone? A channel you never want to miss?