ThopTV offered a convenient way to stream hundreds of live TV channels, movies and TV shows completely free.
However, after its ban in India and removal from various app stores, users are looking for the best alternatives to get their entertainment fix.
I have compiled this list of top 12 free apps similar to ThopTV based on parameters like content catalog, streaming quality, device support, ease of use and legitimacy.
12 App Similar To ThopTV to Watch Live Tv Channels
1. Pluto TV
Pluto TV provides live TV streaming legally by partnering directly with content creators, producers and media houses.
It offers over 250+ live channels spanning news, sports, movies, cartoons, entertainment etc.
Unlike ThopTV, this similar app has proper rights for the channels it streams. Video quality is fairly good with HD options for select popular channels. Hundreds of movies and TV show titles are offered as an on-demand catalog too.
Easy channel navigation, kids mode and availability across devices via mobile apps and web player give it advantage. Limited ads support the free viewing experience similar to regular TV.
2. Stremio
Stremio allows users to organize video content from multiple sources including live TV channels and video on-demand libraries. It essentially acts as a media center aggregating content scattered across platforms.
With add-ons giving access to live TV, movie and series catalogs, it proves an excellent alternative. Fast streaming, multi-device support, calendar of releases etc. enhance experience.
3. Mobdro
Mobdro app indexes live TV streams from public sources aggregating 1000+ channels. Sports events coverage is particularly impressive spanning major soccer leagues. Extensive regional, news and entertainment options too.
Easy browsing, streaming directly within app, Chromecast support, and downloads for offline viewing make them popular. Video quality can vary across channels but is mostly reliable.
4. Popcorn Time
Popcorn Time brings torrent streaming and downloads to an easy-to-use Netflix-style interface. It offers the latest movies, full-length TV shows, and Anime shortly after release or broadcast.
Content is sourced from torrents, and presented legally using Open-source software. Downloads begin instantly while streaming so you don’t have to wait for full downloads to start watching.
It is available cross-platform for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android. The catalog spans thousands of titles across movies, shows, anime and more. You can filter, search, and bookmark favorites – much better UX than plain torrent clients.
5. Cinema APK
Cinema APK offers a wealth of movies, and series as well as 700+ live TV channels spanning multiple languages – English, Hindi, Spanish etc. making it a good ThopTV replacement.
Easy categories like Movies, TV Shows, Live TV, etc allow for discovering content quickly. The favorites section permits the creation of personalized channel lists easily. With Chromecast support, Cinema APK delivers holistic entertainment.
6. Live NetTV
As the name suggests, Live NetTV focuses heavily on live TV streaming across languages. It contains over 800 channels with EPG facility. Multiple customizable categories are available e.g. News, Sports, General Entertainment, Movies etc.
Easy browsing of channels based on category along with support for external players, downloads and reliable streams make them a preferred choice.
Limited on-demand movie catalog though. For live TV streaming including news and sports, Live NetTV excels.
7. Showbox
Showbox offers an extensive collection of new movies and TV shows catalogs allowing binge-watching the whole series easily. Handy download support allows offline viewing and big-screen streaming via Chromecast.
Latest cinema releases are often available showing faster additions compared to competitors.
Intuitive sorting by genres, ratings, and recency simplifies content discovery. While live TV support is limited, the massive VOD collection makes them a top entertainer.
8. TeaTV
TeaTV features hundreds of TV series and movies with support for external players, downloads and Chromecast rendering. Latest cinema titles get indexed rapidly in high-quality HD formats like 1080p or 720p.
Easy categorization into movies, shows, genres etc. along with the native Android experience make TeaTV popular.
The lightweight app size with basic interface help it run smoothly across low-end devices too giving it an advantage over ThopTV.
9. Freeflix HQ
As the name suggests, Freeflix HQ offers an ad-free streaming experience across 1000+ movies, full-length shows and documentaries – great for cord-cutters.
The interface makes discovery seamless based on genres, recently added, most popular and search.
It delivers high-quality streams from various online sources. You can request any missing movie or show you want to watch. It allows external video players and Chromecast support.
Given the extensive media library, ability to request titles, zero ads, and steady improvements make them top alternative to try. Watch your favorite programs freely without any subscription fees. Highly recommended!
10. CatMouse APK
Focused primarily on movies + shows, CatMouse APK offers an easy way to search and stream the latest superhit titles for free.
You can browse an extensive catalog or search for specific programs. This similar app delivers streams in standard to HD quality sourced from various online media sources.
Beyond on-demand movies + shows, it also features some live TV channels across news, sports, movies and general entertainment.
I found the media library interface quite intuitive and streaming worked seamlessly across Android and Fire TV devices.
11. MegaboxHD
Megabox HD offers on-demand movies and TV shows for free without account signup, although ads are present. Support for downloading content for offline use gives it flexibility.
An attractive interface displaying media content conveniently helps in discovery. The latest movies get indexed quickly from torrents and are presented in high-definition quality with metadata. However, scope is limited to the VOD library missing out on live TV channels facility.
12. Oreo TV
Oreo TV focuses primarily on Indian users, offering 250+ live TV channels spanning multiple Indian languages, popular shows, and movies. Channel coverage is excellent when it comes to Indian content.
Beyond live TV streaming, it also offers video-on-demand for missed episodes or full series binge watching. Some International channels are available too across sports, news and entertainment.
It provides steady video streaming quality. The interface allows easy channel browsing by language or category filters. Works well across Android, Firestick/Fire TV, iOS and Android TV boxes.
Conclusion
I have compiled this guide on the top alternative apps to banned ThopTV app for accessing both Live TV and VOD movie/shows content. T
he options suggested excel in parameters like large channel catalogs, extensive VOD collections, multi-language interfaces, downloading flexibility, Chromecast support and ad-based revenue model enabling free usage.
Hopefully you can easily find the best options matching your preferences for an all-round cable TV replacement service with excellent entertainment choices.
Do try combining a live TV-focused app along with a Movies/TV Shows specialized option for a complete experience just like ThopTV but completely legal!
FAQs
Why did ThopTV get banned in India?
ThopTV offered live TV streaming from various channels illegally without licenses raising copyright violations. Court ordered ISPs to block it under public performance rights violation. Thus cleaner alternatives emerged.
Are the ThopTV alternative apps suggested completely legal?
The replacement apps listed rely on legit methods like ads, public indexes or licensed content aggregators instead of piracy ensuring users don’t violate laws using them.
