Subscription-based streaming services can dig a hole in your finances over time, as many paid options vie for your membership and that dollar wad in your wallet.
Beyond the screens of popular profit-hunting platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV, there are plenty of free alternatives, offering you top-of-the-shelf visual entertainment ranging from prime TV Shows to the latest series and documentaries, all without having to punch in the digits of your credit card.
1. Amazon Freevee
Amazon Freevee used to be IMDb TV before a name change. If you are in the U.S. or the U.K., you can substitute Amazon Freevee for the paid Amazon Prime Video (with limitations on the availability of certain shows and movies). Think of the Freevee as a medium that offers you top-notch, original video content, but with a sprinkle of ads.
Amazon Freevee doesn’t require an Amazon Prime subscription. Its diverse coverage means you can stream it through Apple TV, Google TV, Echo Show, Fire TV, and a long list of supported devices.
2. YouTube
The most popular and arguably the largest free streaming platform on the planet, YouTube is home to millions of shows, movies, and documentaries, with hundreds of thousands of new programs added daily. What makes YouTube special is its diverse libraries of themes too sensitive for Netflix and most other subscription platforms, all at no cost, save a few seconds of commercials.
3. Pluto TV
With a name that is out of this world, PlutoTV mimics traditional television channels that could be live. The free streaming platform serves on-demand TV shows, documentaries, and series, including Family Ties, Hotline, Origin, and hundreds of others. PlutoTV is monetized through ads, so there may be occasional commercial interruptions.
4. Tubi
What makes Tubi a delight is its extensive library of movies and TV series from Hollywood heavyweights. Viewers can enjoy an avalanche of contemporary hits and cult classics depending on personal preference, and the platform allows you to stream from nearly any kind of device, including Apple TV, PlayStation, Amazon Fire TV, and Android.
5. Kanopy
If you have a public library card or a college ID, Kanopy allows you to stream freely on its platform. Unlike most subscription and free services, Kanopy has a curated selection of movies, documentaries, and educational content that entertains and educates. It’s also home to Academy Award winners like The Whale, The Look of Silence, and Radio Bikini.
6. Xumo
If you’re seeking free and on-demand entertainment with some live channels for news and sports, Xumo has got you covered. The streaming service offers over 290 channels. The plethora of device compatibility makes Xumo the best fit for anyone looking to save every penny on a subscription-based streaming service.
7. The Roku Channel
The selection of free movies on Roku Channel is breathtaking for a service that comes at no cost. The Roku store prides itself on its ”ever-changing selection of original series and TV shows,” and in addition to movies and TV Shows, your Roku device gives you “free access to over 350 live television channels” that keep you entertained and informed all for free.
8. Vudu
Vudu, Roku’s official movie and TV Store, is primarily a rental and purchase platform, but with a selection of free movies that play ads for you to see. If you want the ad-free content on Vudu, you’ll have to swipe the card.
9. Crackle
While Crackle is free, it allows for ad-supported videos that may interrupt your watch time. Many viewers consider the ads a small price to pay for the rich library of entertainment that comes at no cost. Crackle is home to boxing films, World War I documentaries, and exclusive original programming.
10. Popcornflix
Due to the ease of its user interface and its diverse collection of movies across genres, many fans of Popcornflix consider it the go-to entertainment option for its few ads policy that could adequately rival services on paid subscriptions. From action to thriller and romance, the categories of movies on Popcornflix are near-endless.
11. Hoopla
Hoopla is a lot like Kanopy—you need a library card to watch movies and TV shows. The free platform prides itself on an all-in-one digital app with over a million titles you can choose from. In addition to movies, you can also download audiobooks and ebooks for free with your library card.
12. Vimeo
Vimeo has a lot of similarities with YouTube, and you can stream thousands of on-demand video uploads for free. From indie short films to what’s new and noteworthy, the robust library of Vimeo can keep you entertained all year long without having to pay a cent.
13. Con TV
For fans of comic con panels and cult classics, Con TV holds an extensive library for free streaming. What separates Con TV from the rest is its niche-specific content that caters to the streaming demands of viewers who seek content in the action, horror, thriller, and adventure genres.
14. Plex
Plex partners with Paramount, Lionsgate, MGM, and Crackle to deliver tens of thousands of titles and over 200 TV channels, all for free. There are the occasional ads that pop up, but the ease of access is worth the inconvenience. Plus, you don’t need to log in or download the Plex app before enjoying the service.
15. DistroTV
Like Plex, DistroTv does not require you to sign up or download an app before accessing its library of movies, TV shows, and documentaries. You can access Distro through its website. The free service also supports many devices including Android, Fire TV, iOS, and Roku.