Samsung’s real dominance lies in TVs, with Samsung hoarding around 33% of the global TV market share in the first quarter of 2021.
And, on average, Samsung holds 30% of the TV market share since 2016. That’s a lot of eyes daily staring at a Samsung TV screen.
So, in 2016, Samsung decided to launch an app, a free streaming service for Samsung consumers that’ll work on Samsung TVs, tablets, and smartphones.
Now, Samsung has taken a step further by making a Samsung TV Plus web service– meaning everyone can use it for free on any device.
It’s evolved from an app to a streaming service that is ad-supported. So, it won’t cost consumers a penny. We’ll take a closer look at the Samsung streaming app and try to provide you with all the necessary info about Samsung TV services.
What Is Samsung Plus?
Before we dive into it, we want to talk about Samsung Plus to clarify the confusion. People often think of Samsung Plus and Samsung TV Plus as the same thing, whereas these two things couldn’t be more different.
Samsung TV Plus is a mobile app and web service to enjoy Samsung’s free TV. It’s a Samsung streaming app and web service to stream original content for free.
Samsung Plus Mobile, on the other hand, is Samsung’s e-learning platform. It’s a centralized space for users to communicate with each other, learn about their Samsung device, and ask for support and help from one another as well as from Samsung’s customer support.
In short, Samsung Plus has got nothing to do with Samsung TV services.
You can learn a lot about Samsung TV Plus from your Samsung Plus mobile app, which is the extent of their connection.
Samsung Streaming App – Worth Keeping or Not?
If you want to enjoy Samsung’s free TV, there are two ways to do it.
You can either download the Samsung TV Plus app on any of your Samsung devices, or you can use the web client. The app does come pre-installed on every Samsung Smart TV since 2016.
So, is it good enough? Should you keep it or remove it, we talk about the good and the bad, and you make the decision.
Compatibility
Since it’s a Samsung TV app, it is compatible with Samsung’s Smart TVs. It’s also compatible with a bunch of new Samsung devices. But, if you have a pre-2016 Samsung TV, you won’t get to enjoy the free Samsung live TV app.
Since the app is available on the Play Store and Samsung’s Galaxy Store, you can also download it on your Samsung smartphones and tablets.
User reviews of the Samsung TV Plus app are mixed on the Play Store, but a majority of users have a positive response.
Only recently, Samsung launched the web version of the Samsung TV Plus, but it’s only available in the US for now. It’s basically a BETA version, so it won’t exactly be a premium streaming experience right now.
Availability
This is where Samsung lags behind competitors like Apple TV, Disney+, and other OTT streaming services.
It’s been around for almost 6 years now, but it is still only available in 27 countries. The list includes some European countries, South American countries, a couple of Asian countries, and the United States as well.
Countries like Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, and India were only recently added to the list. And Samsung plans to add more European countries by 2022. Looking at the way the TV Plus app has evolved, it comes as no surprise that Samsung is expanding its operations too.
The channel catalog is getting bigger and better, and the best thing is that Samsung collaborates with every country’s local channels to provide a personalized and customized channel catalog.
Verdict
All things considered, Samsung TV Plus app is worth a go.
It’s a no-strings-attached app that’s got plenty of channels in every category. From news to sports and entertainment, TV Plus does have it all. The built-in Samsung TV guide keeps everything accessible with relative ease.
You will have to bear some ads here and there, but you also won’t have to pay any monthly or annual subscription.
The latest Samsung Smart TV models will come with a dedicated TV Plus button. It further emphasizes that Samsung has big plans for their free streaming service.
Samsung TV Channel Guide
Because Samsung TV Plus is a cable-like service, it collaborates with local TV channels to provide area-specific channels and content. American audiences get to access American channels and so on.
This format has helped Samsung TV Plus become more relevant. Otherwise, there’s no way Samsung could keep the services free and compete with the likes of Disney+. Apple TV+, and Netflix.
With every region and country considered, Samsung’s Free TV app has approx. 1100+ channels that viewers can stream 24×7 for free.
US viewers have the highest number of channels available with over 160+ channels in various categories.
You can check out the complete list of Samsung TV Plus channels from the official website.
Here is a Samsung TV channels list on the TV Plus app with all the categories available to the US audience.
News & Opinions
NBC News NOW, CBSN, LiveNOW(FOX), BloombergTV+, WeatherNation, TYT, USA Today, and more.
Sports
beinSPORTS XTRA, fubo Sports Network, Impact Wrestling, EDGESports, Outdoor America, World Poker Tour, Cars, Power Nation, and more.
Food, Home & Travel
QVC, HSN, Million Dollar Listing, The Design Network, Loupe 4K, Tastemade, Bon Appetit, America’s Test Kitchen, Journey, and more.
Reality
Hell’s Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, Skills + Thrills, Project Runway, MTV PlutoTV, The Challenge, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and more.
International
New KPOP, New KDRAMA, Asian Crush, and CJ ENM.
Latino
Estrella TV & News, Canela.TV, Cine Romantico, Sony Canal Competencias & Comedias & Novelas, PrendeTV, and more.
Comedy
Fail Army, COmedy Dynamics, Are We There Yet Channel, Always Funny Videos, That Girl, Family Ties, and more.
Gaming
IGN, ESTV, MinecrafTV, VENN, and BCC Gaming.
Kids
Nick PlutoTV, PBS Kids, Moonbug Kids, The LEGO Channel, pocket.watch, Toon Goggles, Kidoodle.TV, ZooMoo, and more.
Science & Nature
Samsung Wild Life, Love Nature, The Jack Hanna Channel, Weather Spy, and more.
Sci-Fi & Horror
Unidentified, The Asylum, Dust, Anime All Day, and Midnight Pulp
Movies & Music
Paramount Movie Channel, Movie Sphere, The Movie Hub, Gravitas Movies, CineVault Westerns, Documentary+, Vevo Latino, Vevo Pop, Vevo R&B, XITE 80s/90s/Rock, and more.
Game Shows
Deal Or No Deal, Fear Factor, Buzzr, Wipeout Xtra, WILD’N OUT!
This is the most popular and binge-worthy channel and content collection available on Samsung live TV Plus app.
After a seamless integration of Pluto TV, Samsung landed a deal with Rakuten TV as well, so new channels will be added to the Samsung streaming app very soon.
And you can be sure that as soon as new channels and content come up on the Samsung free TV app, we’ll update our Samsung TV channel guide too.
How to get Samsung TV Plus on an Older TV?
Samsung TV Plus is a good option to have on your Smart TV because of the variety of content on offer and the fact that it is free. But, you must have a Samsung Smart TV manufactured between 2016 to 2021. As of now, those are the only Samsung Smart TVs that support the Samsung TV Plus app.
Only Korean consumers can use TV Plus on Samsung Smart TVs in 2013 models.
So, first, make sure your TV Isn’t too old.
However, if you do have a TV Plus supported model and still can’t see the TV Plus app on it, here’s what you should do.
- Go to ‘Home.’
- Navigate and click on ‘Live TV.’
- Navigate and click on ‘Channel List.’
- Select ‘Samsung TV Plus’ from the ‘Category List.’
Now, Restart your Samsung Smart TV and you should be able to access the Samsung TV Plus app.
If it still doesn’t work, you’ll have to reset your TV. Here’s how to do that:
- Go to ‘Home.’
- Navigate and click on ‘Live TV.’
- Navigate and click on ‘Channel List.’
- Click ‘Edit Channels.’
- Click ‘Restore Samsung TV Plus.’
Restart your TV once again, and the TV Plus app should appear in the app list.
As for getting the TV Plus app on older models, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it won’t happen for models older than 2016.
So, better get a new Samsung Smart TV. Check out these 3 great Samsung Smart TV deals that will come with the Samsung TV Plus app.
| 55-inch4K UHD HDR Smart TVAlexa built-in Around $580 On Amazon |
| 43-inch4K UHD Quantum HDRDual-LED Backlights Alexa built-in $120 Off! Around $600 On Amazon |
| 32-inch2019 Model (Samsung TV Plus enabled) 720p LED1-year limited warranty Wall-mount Around $320 On Amazon |
Conclusion
With that subtle plug, we bring our Samsung TV Plus guide to a close.
We hope this answers questions like what is TV Plus? What channels can you see on the Samsung live TV Plus app? And other queries that frankly Samsung’s FAQ forums don’t pay heed to.
Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments, we’ll answer them the best we can.
FAQs
How much is Samsung TV Plus per month?
Samsung TV Plus is 100% free because it is ad-supported. In short, your only cost is having to sit through commercials and product ads, which doesn’t seem too bad considering the quality and quantity of content you get to enjoy.
Does Samsung TV Plus have local channels?
Yes, Samsung TV Plus will have local channels depending on your location. It will pick up channels using the antenna or the cable box when you scan for channels to complete your Samsung TV setup.
So, if you are in Italy, you’ll get Italian TV channels, and if you’re in Brazil, Samsung TV Plus will host Brazilian channels for you for free.
How do I activate my TV Plus?
All you have to do is turn on the Smart TV and sign in with your Samsung Account. As soon as you do that, it instantly activates the TV plus app so you can start watching your favorite channel.
If for some reason, that doesn’t happen, you can turn it on manually by locating the Samsung TV Plus app from the app bar.
Does Samsung TV Plus have ESPN?
No, Samsung TV Plus does not have the ESPN channel in its content catalog.
But, the Galaxy Store and the Play Store on your Samsung Smart TV do have the ESPN app. So, if you have an ESPN subscription, you can download the app and enjoy ESPN on your Samsung Smart TV.
