El rise of series has been caused by the launch of platforms such as Netflix, HBO and company. The fashion of streaming It is taking such magnitude that most users cannot live without a subscription to this service to be able to watch our favorite series and movies.
Today there are apps to watch series online on Android phones for almost any type of user: from those who prefer to pay a monthly fee for exclusive productions to those who are looking for free and legal apps funded by advertising. In addition, many of these platforms have apps for other devices such as smart TVs, Google TV, Apple TV, or even game consoles, making it easy to enjoy the same content on multiple screens.
En AndroidThe options are varied when choosing a platform, depending on the exclusivity each one has in broadcasting certain productions and whether or not they offer part of their catalog for free. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the Best Apps of series and movies in streaming what is available in Google Play, several of them well known to users and others not so popular but very interesting, including both paid alternatives and completely free and legal services.
What types of apps exist for watching series online on Android?
Before entering the list, it is important to understand what types of applications There are apps for watching series and movies on Android phones. This will help you choose better based on what you're looking for:
- Subscription platformsServices like Netflix, HBO Max, or Amazon Prime Video offer a very wide catalog of series and movies in exchange for a monthly fee.
- Free platforms with adsApps like Pluto TV, Rakuten TV (in its free version) or Plex, which allow you to watch content without paying, in exchange for showing advertising during playback.
- Live TV platforms and online DTTAlternatives such as Tivify, Microcanales or RTVE Play, which combine live channels with on-demand content, often with the option to watch past broadcasts.
- Freemium services: applications that combine free content limited with the possibility of unlocking more content and features with a paid subscription (for example, iQIYI or some Rakuten TV options).
- Apps from television networks and groups: such as Mitele or ATRESplayer, focused on offering on-demand and live everything that is broadcast on their own channels.
- Multimedia centers and aggregators: proposals like Plex, which allow you not only to watch free content from the platform itself, but also to organize and play your personal library of movies and series and locate on which service any title is legally broadcast.
The selection below combines all these categories, explaining in detail what each app offers, if any. free wayWhat type of catalog does it include, and in what cases is it worthwhile to view? Watch TV series online from your Android mobile device..
Netflix
It's not a surprise that it's on this list, but it should be. Its extensive catalog together with the plan for share accounts within the options allowed by the platform, also linked to its productions own stamp, make it one of the most used platforms to consume content streaming.
netflix offers thousands of series, films, documentaries and programs of all kinds of genres: drama, comedy, action, anime, true crime, and reality TV, among others. Its original productions are one of its strengths: we're talking about titles you can only find here, both in terms of big-budget series as well as exclusive films and self-produced documentaries.
The Netflix app for Android stands out for its highly polished interface, with personalized recommendations Based on what you see, there's a possibility of create lists of pending content and a powerful profile system, ideal for each family member to have their own history and suggestions. Furthermore, it allows Download episodes and movies for offline viewing, which is especially useful if you want to watch your favorite series on your mobile when you don't have data or WiFi.
Another notable aspect is its compatibility with virtually any device: in addition to your Android phone, you can use Netflix on tablets, smart TVs, devices with Google TV or Android TV, game consoles, and web browsers. Playback automatically adapts to your connection quality and, on compatible plans, offers HD resolutions and higher.
In some countries Netflix has experimented with Limited free content Accessible from the browser for those who don't yet have an account, similar to what other content testing platforms do. Although it's not a permanent option and isn't available in all markets, it's worth keeping an eye out because it occasionally offers a small selection of free series or movies to attract new users.
HBO
HBO is a very complete platform with great content, although its biggest tricks These are the brand's original series, considered by many to be some of the best productions in television historyTitles such as great dramas, historical miniseries, or more adult-oriented productions have made this service synonymous with quality.
Beyond its flagship series, the catalog includes a good selection of recent and classic filmsdocumentaries and children's content. Although the feeling compared to Netflix is ​​that There aren't that many options. In terms of quantity, HBO's strength lies in the quality of its catalog and focusing on prestige series.
The Android app lets you create profiles, download content for offline viewing, and resume playback right where you left off, whether on your phone, tablet, or smart TV. HBO is also available on many smart TVs, Android TV devices, and other media players, so you can start a series on your phone and easily continue watching it on your TV.
It doesn't have a stable free option like other ad-supported platforms, but its trial period And promotions through operators or pay-TV packages can make it more accessible for those who want to try their series for a limited time.
Rakuten TV
Little by little the Japanese platform, formerly Spanish under the Wuaki TV name, It seems that the gap that I was looking for is being made in the business of streamingwith a wide catalog and with great titles to offer. In addition, he is making important agreements to make documentaries, such as the one he has signed with Fútbol Club Barcelona which has led to exclusive content for sports lovers.
Rakuten TV combines several usage modes:
- Subscription catalog: with unlimited access to a set of movies and series through a monthly fee.
- Digital rental and purchaseYou can pay individually for the latest releases, just like an online video store.
- Free section with adsPart of the catalog is available completely free of charge. You will find children's films, documentaries and series free of charge, in exchange for viewing advertising during playback.
This free option has helped Rakuten TV gain traction among those looking for apps to watch movies and series for free and legallyThe free content is not the same as what you'll see if you pay for a subscription, and you can't access channels or titles categorized as premium, but it's an interesting alternative to complement other services.
The Android app also includes a section for live TV-style channelswhere you can tune into themed linear broadcasts (movies, series, entertainment, etc.), in an experience very similar to Pluto TV or free-to-air television with ads. All this is in addition to compatibility with Chromecast, Smart TVs, Android TV devices, and other systems, allowing you to easily send content from your mobile device to your television.
Amazon Prime Video
Another major company investing in this sector is Amazon with Prime VideoThis platform is notable for its original productions bearing the brand's seal. Amazon Originalswhich includes exclusive series, films, and documentaries. Many of these productions have become references within the streaming catalog world.
Prime Video has one big advantage: it's usually included within the Amazon Prime subscriptionMany users subscribe for other reasons, such as fast and free shipping, early access to deals, or the ability to listen to music on Amazon Music. If you're already a Prime member, you may have access to Prime Video at no extra cost, making this app almost essential for watching series and movies on your Android phone.
Additionally, the platform offers a channel subscription service It covers a variety of topics, allowing you to add paid services (such as movie, TV series, or sports channels) to your account without leaving the app. It also includes a selection of recent releases available for digital rental and purchase.
The Android app allows download content for offline viewingYou can create profiles, set up parental controls, and take advantage of the X-Ray feature, which displays contextual information about the actors, songs, or trivia in the scene being played. Prime Video also integrates with smart TVs, Fire TV, Android TV devices, and Chromecast.
Sky
Sky has historically been one of the most recognized brands in the pay-TV landscape. During its time as a streaming service accessible on mobile devices, its catalog diversified to include a wider variety of content, such as... comedy showsChildren's channels, entertainment spaces and, of course, a wide range of series like 'Vis a Vis' or 'The Walking Dead'.
These types of platforms combine on-demand content with linear channelsThis allows you to both binge-watch series and leave a channel running in the background, very much in line with the traditional television experience. The Android app, when the service is available, offers quick access to all these sections, with search, recommendations, and personalized playlists.
Although Sky's strategy and availability have changed in some markets, the concept it introduced—a hybrid between traditional pay TV and streaming app— has moved to other services that currently concentrate channels and on-demand content on a single platform.
Youtube
Oddly enough, we are not going to see any tutorial or a gameplaybut YouTube has also launched its own serial worksAlthough it hasn't released a standalone app, integrating all that content into the same platform of videos.
Within YouTube you can find full movies, series, documentaries and programsoften officially uploaded by production companies, distributors, or television channels. Furthermore, there are an increasing number of TV channels that broadcast live on YouTubeoffering news, entertainment programs or even classic films via streaming.
There are also films of public domain These can be viewed completely legally, as well as original YouTube content (formerly YouTube Originals), some of which is offered for free and some by subscription. A good way to start is to search for terms like "movies in Spanish" or "full movies" and use YouTube's filters to refine the results.
It is important to note that, although there may be Movies and series uploaded without authorizationTo avoid copyright issues, it's best to focus on official channels, content marked as free by the platform itself, or public domain films. The YouTube app for Android usually comes pre-installed, but if you don't have it, you can download it for free from Google Play.
Orange-TV
If we go to the Orange Series section within their app, we will access a wide choice Orange TV integrates on-demand content to enjoy, from different platforms and channels. movies, series, sports and themed channels in one place, ideal for those who have a television package with the operator.
The Android user experience allows you to watch live channels, pause broadcasts, access recent programs, and enjoy full seasons of many popular series. Through agreements with production companies and other platforms, Orange TV offers exclusive titles and recent premieres in addition to its regular offering.
Although the app you must improve various aspects related to functionalities and design, somewhat out of date Compared to other purely digital platforms, it remains an interesting gateway to paid content for the operator's customers who want to watch their favorite series and movies from their Android mobile or tablet.
ATRESplayer
Includes the content of everything that is broadcast in the group ATRESmedia, including current series and others that are issued in the pastThis way, you can access productions from channels such as Antena 3, laSexta, Neox, Nova, Mega or Atreseries, among others, from your Android mobile.
La app It has received several improvements recently for greater optimization and offers both live broadcasts and on-demand content. Many of the group's most popular series can be viewed for free with ads, while the Premium subscription expands the catalog with Early premieres, full seasons, and exclusive productions.
Its functions include the possibility of resume playback Pick up where you left off on any device, create lists, mark content as favorites, and set up parental controls to protect your little ones. It's also available on smart TVs and Android TV devices, making it easy to bring your mobile content to the big screen.
Mitele - TV on demand
The eternal competition to the previous platform, something more valued for its content offering and better implementation in AndroidAnd with the entire catalog of programs offered by the Mediaset television network. With Mitele you can watch on your mobile device. programs, series and movies from Telecinco, Cuatro, FDF, Energy, Divinity or Be Mad, among other channels.
Mitele offers a free, ad-supported option that grants access to a large portion of its live broadcasts and on-demand programs. For certain content, such as new releases or exclusive productions, a premium subscription is available. This combination makes it one of the more complete applications for those who regularly consume Mediaset group programming.
The app allows you to see the live broadcastsYou can pause some content, follow entire series, and receive recommendations based on your viewing history. Although the interface and stability have been criticized in the past, updates have refined the experience, making it, while not perfect, sufficiently functional for intensive use.
MOVISTAR +
The pay television company largest in Spain has an almost unique content, mixing the import of great titles with the production of series of Spanish origin that promote national talent. Their Android app provides access to live channels, on-demand content, and a vast video library of films and series.
Movistar+ stands out for its commitment to original content, with series, documentaries, and entertainment programs that can only be viewed through the platform. Furthermore, it brings together Channels for movies, series, sports and entertainment from different providers, creating a very broad ecosystem that you can access from your mobile phone, tablet or smart TV.
The app offers features such as Download content to view offlineLive streaming control (pause and rewind on many broadcasts), cloud recordings, and recommendations based on your preferences. It also lets you manage profiles and playlists, which is very useful if you share the subscription with other family members.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV is one of the free platforms most popular to watch Watch TV shows and movies online on AndroidIt arrived in Spain with around 40 channels, although the list has continued to grow, currently exceeding 60 varied channels: movies, series, comedy, music, sports, reality shows or themed channels dedicated to a specific series.
Their model is based on the live television with linear channelsThat is, each channel broadcasts content continuously, just like traditional TV, but accessible from your Android phone, tablet, smart TV, or web browser. It also has a section for content on demand where you can watch specific episodes or movies whenever you want.
Pluto TV is financed through advertising, so in exchange for being able to access all its content you will see ads from time to time. The great advantage is that You don't need to create an accountBy installing the application or opening its website you can start viewing the content, without registration or bank cards.
Its Android app is very intuitive: it features a channel guide, categories, recommendations, and a search function. It also integrates well with devices like Chromecast and Android TVs, making it an excellent option for watching. free and legal online series without complications.
tivify
Tivify is a similar option to Pluto TV, but focused on group the DTT channels and other free broadcasts on a single platform. It features more than 80 channels which you can watch completely free on their basic plan, making it a practical alternative if you don't have a TV antenna or if you want to watch your usual channels from your Android mobile.
Their offering includes the main national and regional networks, and some thematic channels for movies and seriesThis way, you can enjoy many of the series and movies that are broadcast on free-to-air television, but through the internet and without depending on antenna coverage.
Tivify offers several plans, including one FreeWith my plan, you don't need to register for an account, but you can access the channels for free. The main difference compared to the paid plans lies in features such as... content recordingThe resolution or temporary availability of some channels may be a factor. Even so, for many users the free plan is more than enough.
One of the most interesting features of Tivify is the possibility of View content broadcast in recent daysIn other words, if you missed an episode of a series that recently aired on a compatible channel, you can retrieve it from the app and stream it as if it were an on-demand service. For those who want to transform their digital terrestrial television (DTT) experience into a more modern streaming experience, Tivify is one of the options. Best apps to watch TV series online on Android.
Rlaxx TV
Rlaxx TV is another service of Free TV with ads which has reached various countries with a similar offering to Pluto TV. Of German origin, it offers a set of thematic channels and on-demand content focused on series, movies, documentaries and a variety of programs.
At the time of its initial expansion, the service had around 27 free channelsAlthough the number has been growing as it has signed new content deals. The platform is ad-supported, so you can watch its channels for free, though you will see some ads during playback.
One of the peculiarities of Rlaxx TV is that a good part of its Movies and series are in English or in languages ​​other than Spanish, although it has gradually incorporated localized content and subtitles. If this isn't a problem, you'll find a diverse selection of niche programs, series, and films that can complement other, more well-known services very well.
No registration is required to start watching the channels, which simplifies its use on Android mobiles. The app focuses on providing a TV-like experience, with a programming guide, categories and access to on-demand content in some cases.
Samsung TV Plus and Xiaomi TV+
Some mobile phone manufacturers have launched their own services Free television with commercials integrated into their devices. Among the most prominent are Samsung TV Plus and Xiaomi TV+.
Samsung TVPlus It is an exclusive option for those who have a Samsung mobile, tablet or TVThis app usually comes pre-installed on Samsung TVs and offers a selection of free channels depending on the region: news, entertainment, sports, movies, music, children's programming, etc. On Samsung phones and tablets, the app allows access to more than 50 varied channels, with an experience very similar to that of a digital terrestrial television system enhanced with additional thematic channels.
Xiaomi TV + It follows the same philosophy, but within the Xiaomi ecosystem. It offers over 200 free channels with sports programs, news, movies, entertainment, and series, accessible from certain televisions and devices of the brand. Although its presence on mobile devices may vary depending on the market, it is a clear example of how manufacturers integrate free streaming platforms directly on their products.
In both cases, the business model is based on advertising and deep integration with the device system, so that access to these channels is very quick and direct, without the need to install third-party apps.
vix
Vix is ​​an interesting option, especially popular in Latin America, that functions as a kind of Free NetflixThe platform offers a combination of movies, series and children's content, with a special emphasis on Latin American productions, although it also includes some international content.
Its main advantage is that it is Completely free and without needing to create an account To start playing its content, simply install the app on your Android phone and begin browsing the catalog. In return, it displays ads during playback, which is common with this type of AVOD (video on demand with advertising) service.
Vix's catalog is very extensive for Spanish-speaking audiences, with many telenovelas, Spanish-language films, and series of various genres. It's a good alternative for those who prefer content dubbed or produced in Spanish compared to the more Anglo-Saxon approach of other free platforms.
microchannels
Microchannels is an application that lets you know a small sample of AMC Networks content It is available through Spanish operators such as Movistar+, Vodafone TV, Orange TV, Grupo Euskaltel, and local cable providers. The idea is to offer some of the premium content normally seen on pay-TV channels for free.
Through Microchannels you can access AMC or SundanceTV seriesThe channel offers a wide selection of content, including movies from Canal Hollywood, DARK, Somos, and XTRM; documentaries from Odisea; children's programs from Canal Panda; original productions from Canal Cocina and Canal Decasa; and concerts from Sol Música. All of this is available as individual episodes or selected films, allowing users to discover this content without subscribing to a pay-TV package.
The platform's goal is to get you hooked on the content and eventually lead you to subscribe to one of these channels through your regular provider. In the meantime, the app functions as a free window to high-quality productions, accessible from your Android mobile and other devices, without the need for a traditional subscription.
Free Netflix (promotional content)
In addition to the classic subscription, Netflix has experimented on several occasions with offerings of select free content for users who are not registered. This concept, similar to Microchannels, is based on releasing certain episodes of series or full movies to try to get the user hooked and eventually pay for the subscription.
The list of series and movies available in this way is very small and changes periodically depending on what Netflix wants to promote at any given time. To access it, you usually need to open a specific web address in your mobile browser or keep an eye on the campaigns that the platform itself announces.
Although it's not an app or a permanent section, it is a legal and interesting way to view some free Netflix content on your Android mobile on a one-off basis, ideal for testing the quality of service before subscribing.
plex
Plex is famous for letting you create your your own Netflix at home with the content you choose, but in recent years it has also become a free streaming platform with thousands of movies and series available without a subscription.
On the one hand, Plex maintains its classic function of personal media serverYou install Plex Media Server on your computer or compatible device, add your video files, and the Plex app on Android automatically scans, organizes, and categorizes your TV shows and movies with cover art, synopses, and metadata. This way, you turn your own collection into a private streaming service accessible from your phone, tablet, Smart TV, or web browser.
On the other hand, Plex offers a portion of Free content with ads integrated directly into the app. You can see Thousands of free series, movies, and documentaries in more than 200 countries, with agreements with studios such as A24, Paramount, AMC, Magnolia, Lionsgate, and others. It also includes more than 600 free TV channelswith sports, news, children's programs and much more, accessible from the section of Live TV with a very comprehensive programming guide.
The platform has also recently incorporated the option to movie rental (Plex Rentals), where you can watch recent releases and classics by paying per title. All of this is in addition to features such as the ability to create a universal watchlist where you can store any movie or series, regardless of the service it's on, and a social recommendation and review system that lets you see what your friends are watching and comment on the content.
For use as a personal server, Plex requires you to install a current version of Plex Media Server on your device (e.g., a computer or NAS). Playback of DRM-protected content and some specific formats is not supported, but it works smoothly for most personal libraries. As for the free streaming portion, you only need the Android app and an internet connection to start watching. free online series and movies.
RTVE Play
RTVE Play is the Spanish Radio and Television's streaming platform and one of the best free apps Watch series, movies, and shows on your Android phone without a subscription. It gives you access to the entire catalog of La 1, La 2, Teledeporte, Playz, and Canal 24 Horas.
The app allows you to see the live broadcasts from RTVE channels and also access a wide catalog of on-demand content: complete series of all genres, films, documentaries, news programs, entertainment shows, and children's content. Many iconic Spanish productions are available to watch at any time.
Another great advantage is that you can Save content to view later and even Download episodes and movies for offline viewing, which is perfect for travel or situations where you don't want to use mobile data. Registration isn't required to view most content, although creating an account allows you to do so. synchronize viewing progress across devices and manage favorites lists.
RTVE Play is available for free on Android, and also has an iOS version and an app for smart TVs, making it an essential option for those looking for free and legal series and movies focused on Spanish and European productions.
iQIYI
iQIYI is a Chinese video platform that has been gaining a foothold in the West thanks to its enormous catalog of Asian movies and seriesIt is especially interesting for fans of dramas, Chinese, Korean or Japanese cinema and, in general, for those looking for oriental content with good image quality and Spanish subtitles.
The application combines content free and paidIn the free version, you can watch many series and movies without registering, though ads will appear during playback. To unlock all episodes, exclusive titles, and remove ads, a VIP monthly subscription is available, which also allows you to watch content on [platform name missing]. Full HD and use the same account on multiple devices at the same time.
Among its most notable features is the possibility of download chapters To watch them offline, which is very useful for keeping up with your favorite dramas on your phone. Furthermore, the app has a well-designed interface, with comprehensive information for each title, recommendations, and themed playlists.
For fans of Asian productions, iQIYI is one of the best free and freemium alternatives to watch series and movies on Android without resorting to websites of dubious legality.
MiTele (details as a free app)
Beyond the above general description, it is worth delving deeper into Mitele's role as Free app to watch series and moviesIts free option offers access to the live broadcasts Mediaset channels, with ads during playback, and many on-demand programs and series that can be watched anytime from your Android mobile.
The paid subscription to Mitele Plus adds exclusive content and removes some advertising, but for many users the free version is sufficient to continue watching. daily series, reality shows, entertainment programs and movies broadcast on free-to-air televisionIf you primarily watch TV series on free-to-air channels, Mitele is one of the essential apps, along with ATRESplayer and RTVE Play.
Atresplayer (detail as a freemium option)
Atresplayer also combines a mode free with ads and another paid (Premium) version. The free version lets you watch live broadcasts from the group's channels and access many programs and series episodes, although not always complete seasons or the full episodes. early releases.
The Premium subscription expands the catalog with exclusive productions, seasons available before they air on free-to-air television, and less advertising. For a user who simply wants to catch up on their favorite series from Antena 3 or laSexta, the free version on Android is sufficient; those looking for exclusive content and premieres In the paid section, you will find an experience similar to a traditional streaming platform.
How to choose the best app to watch series online on your Android mobile
With so many options available, it's normal to wonder which ones are the best. Best Apps To watch series online on Android in your specific case. Some practical recommendations to help you decide:
- If you're looking for exclusive productions and premieresIt focuses on subscription platforms like Netflix, HBO or Prime Video, which concentrate a large part of the most popular series.
- If you would like to free and legal contentIt combines apps like RTVE Play, Pluto TV, Rakuten TV (free), Plex, Vix, Microcanales, Tivify and the platforms of television groups (Mitele, ATRESplayer).
- To asian contentiQIYI is one of the most complete and convenient options, with Spanish subtitles and a mix of free and paid content.
- If your priority is the live television and digital terrestrial televisionFocus on Tivify, RTVE Play, Mitele, ATRESplayer and specific manufacturer services like Samsung TV Plus or Xiaomi TV+.
- If you have one large personal library Plex is ideal for organizing and watching TV series and movies from your Android mobile, complementing it with its free catalog.
By combining several of these apps, you can cover almost any need: from watching the latest episodes of digital terrestrial television on demand to binge-watching original series from paid platforms, as well as free classic films and children's content for the little ones. The universe of Apps to watch series online on Android mobiles It's so extensive that, with a good selection, it's easy to build a true entertainment center on your smartphone without depending on a single platform.
With all these options—paid, free, national, international, broadcast TV, and from global producers—your Android phone can become the perfect device to follow any series, discover new content and enjoy the best movies and television anywhere, adapting the type of app to your budget, tastes and way of watching streaming content.