Best Apps to Watch NFL Free in 2026

You know that feeling when Sunday arrives and all you want to do is flop on the couch, grab a snack, and watch the NFL without any hassle?

Well, the best apps to watch NFL free in 2026 are here to save our day.

The truth is that nobody wants to be hunting for shady links or spending a fortune just to catch a game of the Seahawks, Chiefs, or Patriots.

And the best part: you can do this in a completely legal and safe way, with official apps that offer free broadcasts (or parts of them).

Let’s check out the best ones!

1st App: NFL+

To start, the official NFL app couldn’t be left out.

NFL+ is like that reliable friend who always solves your problems.

It is the league’s own app, so you can trust it without a doubt.

Although it has a paid version, it also offers many free contents, such as highlights, analyses, news, and live broadcasts of some local and prime-time games.

On NFL+, the process is quite simple.

Just download the app (available for iOS and Android), create a free account, and you’re ready to start watching content without needing to enter your credit card details.

Want to watch a full game?

If the game is available in your local broadcast area, you can watch it for free on your phone or tablet, no stress.

However, for TV, you’ll need the premium version.

Additionally, the app is super intuitive: it has sections for replays, news, fantasy football, and even exclusive podcasts from the league.

Another advantage is that NFL+ doesn’t consume as much data as other services, so you can watch even if your Wi-Fi isn’t the best.

In summary, if you want to start with an official, clean, and functional option, NFL+ is the perfect choice.

And yes, it’s one of the best apps to watch NFL free in 2026 because it combines quality, legality, and practicality like no other.

2nd App: Tubi TV

Now let’s talk about Tubi TV, the favorite of those who love free content.

It is a service from Fox, completely legal and without tricks.

Although its main focus is movies and series, Tubi also broadcasts sports events and NFL-related programs, especially during the season.

To use it, just download the app on your smartphone, smart TV, or access it through your browser.

After creating an account (or logging in without one if you want to watch quickly), you’ll have access to thousands of free contents with ads, but nothing too intrusive.

During the season, Tubi offers rebroadcasts from Fox Sports, which includes NFL games broadcasted for free, depending on your location.

Want to watch? Here’s a mini tutorial:

1. Open the Tubi app.
2. Go to the “Sports” tab.
3. Search for NFL.
4. Click on the available game or program and you’re set — pure joy!

The cool thing is that the app has a lightweight interface and works even on simpler connections.

Additionally, since it’s from Fox, the content is of high quality and has official broadcasting rights.

In other words: everything is legal and without headaches.

3rd App: Pluto TV

Pluto TV is another giant in free streaming.

With dozens of live channels and on-demand content, it has won over many for being 100% free and, best of all, completely legal.

During the NFL season, Pluto TV always brings channels dedicated to analyses, highlights, and CBS Sports programs, which means a lot of American football content for free.

The app is available on practically everything: Android, iOS, FireStick, Roku, and Smart TVs.

As soon as you enter, you can start watching without creating an account.

Just open it and explore the channels.

To find NFL content, just go to:

• “CBS Sports HQ” – for news and analyses.
• “NFL Channel” – yes, Pluto has a channel just for NFL content, with replays, highlights, interviews, and specials.

If you’re tight on money and don’t want to spend but want to stay updated on everything happening in the league, Pluto TV is one of the most relaxed options.

Moreover, since it’s fully ad-supported, it doesn’t break any copyright rules.

And let’s be honest: you can hardly feel the difference from a paid app in terms of quality.

It’s one of the best apps to watch NFL free in 2026 precisely because of this balance: good image, guaranteed legality, and a lightweight app.

4th App: Yahoo Sports

A surprise for many, but Yahoo Sports is still going strong, and it’s one of the best ways to watch NFL games for free (on mobile devices).

It has had a partnership with the NFL for years, which is why it broadcasts local and national “prime time” games (Sunday Night, Monday Night, and Thursday Night Football) at no cost.

Just download the app and allow access to your geographical location — this lets the system know which broadcasts are available in your area.

Then just go to the “Watch” tab and choose the game.

Oh, and you don’t even need to register! Simple as that.

Besides the broadcasts, the app is comprehensive: it provides real-time statistics, updated scores, videos with highlights, tactical analyses, and even integrated fantasy football.

The interface is straightforward, which is great for those who don’t want to waste time.

For all these reasons, Yahoo Sports easily makes it onto the list of the best apps to watch NFL free in 2026.

It’s practical, reliable, and has that benefit of being very “user-friendly,” meaning you can watch everything on your phone without hassle.

5th App: CBS Sports

Wrapping up the list with a bang, here comes the CBS Sports App, which is a true sports hub.

It broadcasts all the games that air on CBS, and during the NFL season, this means a good number of games available for free streaming.

Even though some games are exclusive to subscribers, many others are available to watch without needing to pay.

The app is easy to use: download it, open it, go to the “Watch Live” tab, and see what’s on.

Depending on your location, NFL games, highlights, and analysis programs will appear.

You can also receive score notifications, view real-time statistics, and even watch interviews with players.

Moreover, the CBS Sports App is great for those who want to follow other sports after the season.

It has NCAA, NBA, Formula 1, and much more.

In other words, it remains useful all year round.

It’s definitely one of the best apps to watch NFL free in 2026, because it offers everything in one place: news, videos, broadcasts, and live coverage.

And yes, at no cost and legally.

Choose Your App and Score a Touchdown!

• Official NFL App (Play Store / AppStore)
• Tubi TV (Play Store / AppStore)
• Pluto TV (Play Store / AppStore)
• Yahoo Sports (Play Store / AppStore)
• CBS Sports (Play Store / AppStore)

In the end, it can be said that watching the NFL for free, legally, and with quality has never been easier.

With options like NFL+, Tubi TV, Pluto TV, Yahoo Sports, and CBS Sports, you can create a true sports streaming combo without spending a dime.

Each app has its own style — some are more direct, others offer more extra content — but all fulfill the mission of keeping you informed about every touchdown without breaking the bank.

So, if you love American football and want to enjoy it the best way, download these five apps, make a good snack, and prepare your heart, because the best apps to watch NFL free in 2026 are ready to ensure you don’t miss a single play.

And the best part: all within the law!