You do not have to pay for quality entertainment. Whether you are trying to cut expenses or simply looking for more options, there are several streaming services that offer thousands of movies, TV shows, and even live channels at no cost. While most are supported by advertisements, they still give you access to hours of viewing pleasure across every genre imaginable. Here are 12 free streaming services that can help you save money while still enjoying everything from action blockbusters to old sitcoms and anime favorites.
Tubi
Tubi is often referred to as the best free alternative to Netflix, offering a library of more than 20,000 titles from well-known studios like Paramount, Lionsgate, and MGM. From cult classics and crime dramas to horror flicks and reality TV, Tubi has something for everyone. You do not need to create an account to start watching, but signing up allows you to save your progress, create watchlists, and apply parental controls. With new titles added frequently and an intuitive interface, Tubi has become a leading destination for free, legal streaming.
Crunchyroll (Free Tier)
Anime fans will appreciate Crunchyroll’s free, ad-supported plan. You can watch thousands of anime episodes, including simulcasts from Japan, without needing to pay. While premium memberships offer early access and ad-free viewing, the free version still provides plenty of popular titles across multiple genres. Whether you are into action-packed shounen, heartfelt romance, or mysterious thrillers, Crunchyroll is a haven for anime lovers on a budget.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV delivers an experience that combines both live television and on-demand viewing. It offers over 250 live channels, covering everything from news and sports to comedy and reality TV. Think of it like cable without the subscription fee. In addition to live channels, Pluto has a deep collection of on-demand movies and shows. There is no need to sign up, but creating an account lets you bookmark favorites and resume watching across devices. It is ideal for viewers who enjoy flipping through channels like traditional TV.
Amazon Freevee
Amazon Freevee, previously known as IMDb TV, is now a free section within the Prime Video app. It includes movies, classic series, and original productions, all available without a Prime subscription. You only need an Amazon account to get started. The catalog includes both familiar favorites and critically acclaimed newer content. It also features live channels for real-time viewing, making it one of the more robust ad-supported options on this list.
The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel is available through Roku devices, but it can also be accessed on smartphones and web browsers. It features a broad selection of free movies, TV shows, and even original content created just for Roku. You can also find live channels within the platform, similar to Pluto TV. The layout is user-friendly, and you can watch without an account, though signing in lets you track your viewing history. It is a solid all-in-one option for both live and on-demand entertainment without monthly payments.
MyFree DIRECTV
MyFree DIRECTV gives you access to approximately 90 live channels, including ones for news, classic TV, sports, and more. No credit card is needed, and the service is available across smart TVs, mobile devices, and web browsers. It is not as well-known as Pluto TV, but it is rapidly growing, with plans to add even more content in the future. If you miss having a traditional channel-surfing experience, MyFree DIRECTV might be worth exploring.
Read More: If You Have an Amazon Fire Stick You can Legally Stream Hundreds of Films. Here’s How.
Plex
Plex started out as a platform for organizing personal media libraries, but it now also offers a free, ad-supported streaming service. You can browse through a mix of live TV channels, on-demand titles, news, and even podcasts. Plex partners with studios like AMC and A24 to offer popular films and hidden gems. What makes Plex stand out is its ability to recommend content based on your viewing habits and its sleek, customizable interface. It is especially useful for users who want a central hub for multiple media sources.
YouTube (Free with Ads)
YouTube is already known as a go-to source for free videos, but many people overlook its “Free with Ads” section. This area includes full-length movies and TV episodes that are officially licensed by major studios. These are not user-uploaded copies but legal versions made available for public viewing. While ads are inserted at intervals, the variety is hard to beat. From nostalgic classics to lesser-known indie films. No subscription is required, and if you have a Google account, you can save favorites and continue watching later.
Hoopla
Similar to Kanopy, Hoopla partners with public libraries to deliver free digital content. It goes beyond movies and TV shows to include audiobooks, music albums, comics, and eBooks. All you need is a library card from a participating institution. Hoopla’s streaming is ad-free, but it does have borrowing limits that reset monthly. The platform is particularly great for families and younger viewers, offering kid-friendly content and educational programming along with mainstream films.
Sling Freestream
Sling Freestream is the free version of the Sling TV service. It provides access to over 200 live channels and around 40,000 on-demand shows and movies, all without needing a credit card. You can watch news, sports highlights, documentaries, reality shows, and more. If you decide to sign up for a free account, you can unlock additional features like DVR and personal watchlists. Sling Freestream is ideal for viewers who enjoy a traditional channel guide feel without paying for cable or satellite.
Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu)
Fandango at Home, which used to be known as Vudu, includes a generous collection of movies and shows available for free viewing with ads. The library changes often, so you will always find something new to watch. While some content is locked behind a rental or purchase fee, the free section still offers hundreds of titles spanning different genres. You will need to register to access content, but once you do, you can build a queue of favorites and even create multiple user profiles.
Kanopy
Kanopy is a streaming platform you can access using a public library or university card. Once logged in, you get access to an impressive catalog of documentaries, independent films, foreign movies, and educational content. There are no ads, making it a rare ad-free experience among free services. However, there is usually a limit on how many titles you can watch per month, often around six. It is a fantastic option for students, educators, or anyone who prefers thought-provoking and artistic cinema.
Final Thoughts
With subscription costs rising across platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, many viewers are turning to free streaming services to keep their entertainment expenses low. These 12 platforms prove that you do not need to sacrifice variety or quality. Whether you are looking for live TV, obscure indie films, Hollywood blockbusters, or educational programs, there is a free streaming service to match your taste. With just a few minutes of sign-up and a willingness to watch some ads, you can unlock thousands of hours of content without spending a single cent.
