How to watch TV over the internet: available free-to-air channels

Forget about the antenna. Today, watching TV over the internet is the most flexible way to access your favourite content from anywhere. In this article, we go straight to the point: we explain how to connect step by step, which free-to-air channels you can watch online for free, and the best streaming platforms to complete your entertainment setup.

Free-to-air channels available online

Below is a more complete list of TV channels you can watch for free over the internet:

1. RTVE Play: Offers all channels from the RTVE group, including:

   • La 1

   • La 2

   • Canal 24 Horas

   • Teledeporte

   • Clan

2. Atresplayer: Atresmedia’s platform, including:

   • Antena 3

   • La Sexta

   • Neox

   • Nova

   • Mega

   • Atreseries

3. Mitele: From Mediaset, where you can watch:

   • Telecinco

   • Cuatro

   • FDF

   • Divinity

   • Energy

   • Be Mad

   • Boing

4. Regional Channels:

   • TV3 (Catalonia)

   • Telemadrid (Madrid)

   • Canal Sur (Andalusia)

   • À Punt (Valencia)

   • ETB (Basque Country)

   • TVG (Galicia)

   • Aragón TV

   • CMMedia (Castilla-La Mancha)

   • IB3 (Balearic Islands)

   • TPA (Asturias)

   • 7RM (Murcia)

   • Canal Extremadura

   • La 7 (Castile and León)

5. Other TV channels:

   • Real Madrid TV

   • Gol Play (limited free content)

   • DMAX

   • Trece TV

6. News channels:

   • Euronews

   • Canal Parlamento

Most of these platforms require free registration to access live broadcasts. Many also offer additional on-demand content, some free and some via subscription.

Keep in mind that channel availability may vary depending on your location, and some specific content—such as certain sports events or premieres—may be restricted in the free online version.

Best streaming platforms to watch TV over the internet

Beyond traditional channels, there are many streaming platforms offering a wide range of content. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Movistar+

Movistar+ combines live TV channels with on-demand content. It includes free-to-air channels as well as themed and premium channels. It also produces original content and offers live sports events.

Key features:

• Wide selection of live channels

• Exclusive original content

• Option to watch on mobile devices

Zapi

Zapi is a streaming platform that offers a selection of live TV channels, including free-to-air channels and some international ones. It also includes on-demand content.

Key features:

• Easy-to-use interface

• No long-term commitment

• Cloud recording option

Rakuten TV

Although Rakuten TV is mainly known for renting and buying movies, it also offers a selection of free streaming channels.

Key features:

• Free channel section

• Large catalogue of paid movies and series

• No subscription required for free channels

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What should you consider when watching TV over the internet?

Before diving into internet-based TV, it’s important to understand a few key concepts. Streaming, which is the foundation of this type of broadcasting, allows you to watch multimedia content in real time without downloading it first.

To enjoy an optimal experience, you should consider:

• The quality of your internet connection

• Compatible devices

• Available streaming platforms or services

• The type of content you want to watch

Remember: your experience largely depends on your internet connection. A fast and stable broadband connection will give you the best results, especially if you want to watch HD or 4K content.

Requirements to watch TV over the internet

Let’s break down the basic requirements for smooth, high-quality viewing, starting with the device you’ll use.

Smart TV or TV decoder

To watch TV over the internet, you need a device capable of connecting online and playing multimedia content. The most common options are:

• Smart TVs: TVs with built-in internet access and pre-installed apps

• TV decoders or TV boxes: External devices that turn a regular TV into a Smart TV

• Game consoles: Most modern consoles support streaming apps

• Computers and mobile devices: You can watch directly on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone

If your TV isn’t “smart,” no worries—you can upgrade it using devices like Chromecast, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV Stick.

Internet connection

The cornerstone of a good streaming experience is a stable, fast internet connection. If you’re still choosing between broadband technologies, a modern broadband connection is clearly the most recommended option thanks to its speed and stability.

Recommended speeds:

• Standard quality streaming: 3–4 Mbps

• HD (720p): 5–8 Mbps

• Full HD (1080p): 8–12 Mbps

• 4K UHD: 25 Mbps or more

These are minimum recommendations. Higher speeds provide smoother playback and allow multiple devices to stream at the same time.

Image quality

The image quality you get depends on:

• The resolution of your viewing device

• The quality offered by the streaming service

• Your internet speed

Most streaming platforms automatically adjust image quality based on your connection. If you want the best possible quality, consider improving your home Wi-Fi performance.

TV over the internet has completely changed how we consume audiovisual content. We’re no longer tied to fixed schedules or the need to sit in front of the TV at home. Thanks to streaming, you can enjoy your favourite shows whenever and wherever you want.

If you’re looking for the best way to enjoy TV over the internet, we invite you to explore OlinTV. You’ll get access to a wide range of channels and content, backed by a powerful broadband network for a smooth, uninterrupted streaming experience. Discover the future of television today.

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