Quick snapshot
Zattoo is a free way to watch TV on your Mac or PC. It mainly provides channels that serve your region but also includes a handful of international stations (for example, Bloomberg and Press TV). After creating an account and installing the desktop app, you’ll see a lineup of channels available in your area.
Getting started
Register for a Zattoo account on their website, download the client, and sign in. The app immediately lists local channels and any available international feeds. Tuning to any station begins playback after a short pre-roll advertisement.
Playback quality and interruptions
- Streams are generally smooth and picture clarity is high.
- Expect a short 10–15 second commercial before the broadcast starts.
- Once the pre-roll finishes, the feed continues without further interruptions.
Built-in tools and notable gaps
- The app includes a TV schedule that helps you see upcoming programs and lets you search for channels.
- There are no options to adjust stream quality or bitrate.
- You can search the channel guide to plan viewing or find specific shows.
- Zattoo does not offer DVR or recording capabilities, so you can’t save broadcasts for later.
Who should consider it
Zattoo is a good option if you don’t have a traditional TV set at home or want to access local television while traveling. It delivers reliable live streams with a simple interface, but if you need advanced controls (recording, language switching, or quality settings), this service may feel limited.
Technical
- Windows
- Mac
- Free