Puffer
puffer.stanford.edu
Free live TV streaming research project from Stanford
Alternative to CDVL
On this page: About · Where it fits · Compare · Information · Facts · Alternatives (1) · Related tools (5) · FAQ
About Puffer
Puffer is a research project from Stanford University's computer science department that lets users stream live U.S. TV stations affiliated with NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS, Fox, and CW networks directly in their browser at no charge. It works on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera browsers on computers and Android devices, but does not support iPhones, iPads, or Safari. The project has received recognition including a USENIX NSDI '20 Community Award and an IRTF Applied Networking Research Prize '21.
Published 2026-08-13 · Links checked 2026-09-07
Where Puffer fits
Puffer is tagged #live-tv, #research, #streaming, #stanford. Each tag links to every listed tool that shares it.
- #live-tv — the only listing with this tag so far
- #research — 14 listed tools share this tag, including CDVL
- #streaming — 7 listed tools share this tag
- #stanford — the only listing with this tag so far
Puffer is one of 72 Other tools listed on ToolDock. Also in Other: CreateEasily, Big Buck Bunny, Internet Archive — see the Other ranking (neutral, stable positions; no paid placement).
Compare Puffer with Other tools
Side-by-side pages use listing facts only: pricing, shared and unique tags, official-site facts where available, and verification dates.
| Tool | Pricing | Shared tags | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | #research | Puffer vs CDVL → |
Puffer alternatives & related Other tools
Puffer alternatives
Tools sharing tags with Puffer — each match reason is computed from real listing data.
Free video test material for video processing research
shares #research · also Other · both Free · CDVL alternatives →
✓ Links checked Sep 2026View →
See the full list of Puffer alternatives →
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Top Other tools right now
The highest-ranked tools in this category — see the full Other ranking.
Frequently asked questions
What is Puffer?
Puffer is a Other tool: Free live TV streaming research project from Stanford. It is listed on ToolDock with a direct link to its official site.
Is Puffer free?
Yes — Puffer is listed as free on ToolDock. Pricing label set at listing time; official pricing page linked where verified — see the official website for current details.
What are the best Puffer alternatives?
Alternatives to Puffer listed on ToolDock (matched by shared tags and category) include CDVL. See the full list of Puffer alternatives.