Free Live TV App India: 6 Legal Ways to Watch Live Channels (2026)
Want a free live TV app in India that is legal and safe? You do not need shady APKs to watch live channels. Public broadcasters, telecom companies and TV makers all offer free live TV, and this guide compares six legal options with their channels, devices and limits.
For example, Prasar Bharati’s Waves app offers more than 65 live TV channels in 12 languages, and downloading it and watching its free content costs nothing, according to Outlook India.
In this guide
- Key takeaways
- Quick comparison
- 1. Waves by Prasar Bharati
- 2. JioTV (for Jio users)
- 3. Samsung TV Plus
- 4. YouTube live news
- 5. Amazon MX Player
- 6. DD Free Dish (satellite)
- Watching a free live TV app on your TV
- Frequently asked questions
Key takeaways
- Waves (Prasar Bharati) is free for everyone, with paid premium content.
- JioTV is free for Jio users and has 1,000+ live channels.
- Samsung TV Plus gives Samsung smart TV owners 200 free channels.
- Avoid “free live TV” APKs; they copy channels illegally and can carry malware.
Quick comparison
| App | Live channels | Cost | Who can use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waves | 65+ | Free (premium extra) | Anyone, Android and iOS |
| JioTV | 1,000+ | Free for Jio users | Jio SIM users |
| Samsung TV Plus | 200 | Free | Samsung smart TV owners |
| YouTube | News channels’ official live streams | Free | Anyone |
| Amazon MX Player | Shows and films (not live TV) | Free with ads | Anyone |
| DD Free Dish | Satellite TV (not an app) | No monthly fee | Needs a dish and set-top box |
1. Waves by Prasar Bharati
Waves is the official OTT app of India’s public broadcaster, launched on 21 November 2024. It streams live TV channels, radio, classic shows such as Ramayan, Mahabharat and Shaktimaan, and films. Most content is free; premium plans start at Rs 30 a month.
2. JioTV (for Jio users)
JioTV is the most complete free live TV app if you use a Jio SIM, with 1,000+ channels and 7-day catch-up. See our full JioTV app guide for login and JioTV+ on smart TVs.
3. Samsung TV Plus
Samsung TV Plus comes built into Samsung smart TVs and now offers 200 free channels in India, covering entertainment, movies, news, sports and regional content. Read our Samsung TV Plus India guide.
4. YouTube live news
Most major Indian news channels run official live streams on their verified YouTube channels. Open YouTube, search the channel name and look for the red LIVE badge and the verified tick.
5. Amazon MX Player
Amazon MX Player is not a live TV app, but it is a free, ad-supported service with web series, reality shows and movies. You can open it in the Amazon app, Prime Video, on Fire TV or on the web.
6. DD Free Dish (satellite)
If you want free TV channels without the internet, DD Free Dish is Prasar Bharati’s free-to-air satellite service. You buy the dish and set-top box once, with no monthly fee.
Watching a free live TV app on your TV
Most of these apps work on Android TV and Fire TV. If your TV is not smart, see our Fire TV Stick price in India guide. For paid live sports and films, compare JioHotstar plans and ZEE5 plans.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best free live TV app in India?
For Jio users, JioTV has the most channels. For everyone else, Waves by Prasar Bharati is free and legal, and Samsung TV owners also get Samsung TV Plus.
Is there a free live TV app for Android TV in India?
Yes. JioTV+ works on Android TV for JioFiber and AirFiber users, YouTube works on every Android TV, and Samsung TV Plus is built into Samsung smart TVs.
Can I watch live cricket free on these apps?
Big cricket events are usually streamed by the rights holder, such as JioHotstar for ICC events. Free apps may show highlights or news, but not full matches.
Are free live TV APKs legal?
No. Apps that offer paid channels for free usually stream them without permission. They can stop working at any time and put your phone at risk.
Related guides
Final thoughts
The best free live TV app depends on your SIM and TV. Jio users should start with JioTV, everyone can use Waves, and Samsung TV owners get Samsung TV Plus for free. Stick to official apps and skip risky APKs.
