The Best Free Streaming Services
With the launch of Disney+, HBO Max and Peacock, streaming services have become more competitive than ever. But when it comes to choosing which subscription service is right for you, don’t forget about the many free streaming options available.
For movie lovers on a budget, there’s good news: free and ad-free films are available through partnerships with libraries and schools. Enjoy the best of both worlds - no cost and no commercials!
You can find a variety of films, from blockbusters to indie favorites and classics, with these free streaming services. Create your own movie list today!
Check the list of the best free streaming services
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Peacock
NBC’s Peacock TV has arrived, boasting over 13,000 hours of content on its free tier. Viewers can enjoy classic shows like 30 Rock and The Office, as well as blockbuster films such as Jurassic Park and the Bourne Identity trilogy. With so much to watch, Peacock is sure to be a streaming powerhouse.
Peacock Free offers a range of programming and originals, including Peacock Premium ads, without requiring credit card information. Viewers can access shows like Brave New World and Intelligence, as well as live channels from brands like Saturday Night Live and the Today Show. Plus, with no cost involved, it’s a great way to explore what’s available on the platform.
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Crackle, launched in 2004 when Netflix was still selling DVDs, is a leader in the free streaming space. Owned by Sony and Chicken Soup for the Soul, it offers free movies and TV shows as well as original programming – something that sets it apart from other free streaming services. No registration is required to use Crackle, but creating an account allows users to save their progress while watching a movie and add favorites.
Crackle offers an expansive library of movies and TV shows, plus exclusive originals featuring big-name stars like Martin Freeman, Bryan Cranston and Rupert Grint – making it one of the top free streaming services available.
Pluto TV
TV Pluto, owned by Viacom, offers a cable-like experience with its live broadcast channels. Viewers can browse through a grid of programming featuring Viacom properties like TV Land Drama, BET Her, MTV’s Jersey Shore and VH1’s I Love Reality. Other recognizable brands such as CNN and Fox Sports are also available – though they offer curated clips instead of the full live stream.
Pluto TV won Tom’s 2021 Guide Best Free Streaming Service Award for its clean and simple interface, which allows users to easily switch between live and on-demand content organized into categories. Ads are present, but not more than cable. Registration is not required, though signing up for an account unlocks features such as designating favorite channels and re-watching shows on different devices.
voodoo
Vudu, owned by Walmart, is a digital marketplace where users can buy the latest movies and TV shows or stream free content. Subscribing to an account (or using a Walmart account) gives access to over 10,000 free movies and TV episodes. While the selection may not be as up-to-date as other streaming services, it includes recent titles such as Troy, The Prestige, All Is Lost and Hoosiers. Additionally, Vudu plans to produce original shows like Albedo with Evangeline Lilly.
Vudu’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to find free content, with the option to filter by free titles only. Ads are comparable to other free services, though they can be repetitive and interactive.
Roku channel
Roku Channel comes pre-installed on all Roku TVs and devices, and can also be downloaded to mobile phones and tablets. It’s also available online. You don’t need to create an account to watch, but signing up lets you pick up where you left off on another device.
The Roku Channel is a streaming service that provides viewers with access to movies and TV shows on demand, as well as the first episodes of premium cable shows like Game of Thrones, Billions, Outlander and Watchmen. It also features a Roku Live TV Guide for easy browsing.
Roku Channel has surged in popularity, thanks to the addition of Quibi’s defunct originals, including acclaimed series #FreeRayshawn and #Reno911.
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tubi
Tubi, now owned by Fox Corporation, offers a free streaming service with an impressive library of over 20,000 movies and TV shows. Titles include The Terminator, Foxcatcher, Kill Bill, The Craft and Fruitvale Station. While it doesn’t have the latest releases or originals like Netflix or Hulu do, Tubi’s catalog is still impressive for a free service - thanks to partnerships with more than 250 suppliers including Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM.
Tubi offers a user-friendly experience with sections like Recently Added, Family Movies, Action and Black Cinema. Plus, the Not on Netflix area provides an extra selection of smart and sassy titles. Signing up for an account gives users access to parental controls, a queue and viewing history.
Sling Free
Sling TV, a popular streaming service offering over 50 channels for $30 a month, has unveiled a free area with live and on-demand content. While the selection of free live channels is limited, ABC News is among them - though most of the other offerings are lesser-known.
Sling Free offers a limited selection of TV shows and movies, including Forensic Files, Hell’s Kitchen, Unsolved Mysteries, Roseanne and 3rd Rock From the Sun. Recent movie titles include Crocodile, Howl, The Illusionist and Double Identity. It appears to be an attempt to entice users into signing up for paid membership plans.
Xumo
Xumo, a free streaming service with no registration required, offers over 190 channels of live and on-demand content. Popular brands such as NBC News, Fox Sports, Funny or Die and TMZ are available on the app which can be downloaded on Roku, iOS and Android devices as well as several top smart TV brands.
Xumo offers a cable TV-style grid guide, allowing users to watch live while browsing channels. The on-demand section is divided by gender, but the interface makes it difficult to see what TV shows are available. Popular titles like 21 Jump Street, Forensic Files, Family Feud and Unsolved Mysteries can be found for free on the mobile app’s movie guide.
crunchyroll
Anime fans can get their fix on a budget with Crunchyroll, where they can watch shows like One Piece and My Hero Academia - but be prepared for plenty of ads.
Non-premium subscribers of Crunchyroll will have to wait longer for new episodes than those with a premium subscription, but the streaming service offers a wide selection of anime not available elsewhere, making the wait worthwhile.
Final note
Check out this list of the best free streaming services. Share it with your friends and let us know if you have any questions.
