Tired of high streaming costs? The top free streaming platforms offer a range of popular movies and TV shows without any charges.
These services provide both live TV and on-demand content, featuring mainly older and classic titles, along with some newer releases and exclusive content. Streaming platforms are essential for home entertainment, but not all are affordable.
Free streaming services offer hours of TV and movies at no cost, with ads similar to cable packages. Since they’re free, you can sign up for all the top services we recommend, ranked for convenience.
1. Freevee
Top free streaming service
Specifications:
- Live TV: Yes
- Originals: Yes
- Registration: Yes
- Devices: Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Amazon Prime Video app on Android and Apple devices, Chromecast, PlayStation 3 and 4, Roku, Xbox One and 360, smart TVs, set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, web browsers
Pros:
- Easy access on Fire TV devices
- Unique originals
- Strong movie selection
Cons:
- Interface needs improvement
Amazon Freevee, previously known as IMDb TV, offers a vast collection of free on-demand content. The TV lineup includes popular free shows like Hell’s Kitchen, along with classic hits such as Lost, Desperate Housewives, and Mad Men.
Freevee also produces original content, including Bosch: Legacy and Leverage: Redemption, as well as the courtroom reality show Jury Duty.
The movie selection stands out among competitors, featuring titles like Deadpool, The King of Staten Island, Spy, Emma, and The Invisible Man.
2. Roku Channel
Best for free streaming service originals
Key Features:
- Live TV: Yes
- Originals: Yes
- No registration needed
- Compatible with: All Roku devices, Roku TVs, Android and Apple devices, Samsung TVs
Pros:
- First episodes of popular shows available
- Not limited to Roku devices
Cons:
- Some older content may not impress everyone
The Roku Channel is integrated into Roku TVs and devices, and is available for download on mobile devices or online. Watching doesn’t require an account. It offers on-demand movies and TV shows, along with a Roku Live TV Guide.
While it features first episodes of premium shows like “Game of Thrones” and “Billions,” its collection of full series is limited.
The channel has gained popularity with originals from Quibi, such as “Free Rayshawn” and “Reno 911,” original movies like “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story,” and a special continuation of “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.”
3. Pluto TV
The top choice for free live channels
Key Features:
- Live TV: Yes
- Originals: No
- Registration Required: No
- Supported Devices: Wide range including Amazon Fire TV, Android devices, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, and web browsers.
Pros:
- Offers a mix of linear and on-demand content.
- Features channels dedicated to popular shows and movies.
Cons:
- Primarily focuses on older content.
Pluto TV, a Viacom service, offers live TV streaming in a grid format. It features channels like TV Land Drama and MTV’s Jersey Shore. The service also includes curated clips from CNN and Fox Sports.
While Pluto TV mainly offers older shows, it recently added channels for Baywatch, Stargate, and Degrassi. For newer content, consider Peacock.
Pluto’s interface is simple, allowing easy navigation between live and on-demand content. The service has ads, but no more than cable TV. Registration is not required, but signing up provides extra features like favorite channels. A recent update added channels for Rocky and Sailor Moon.
4. Tubi
A top choice for free streaming
Key features:
- Live TV: No
- Originals: Yes
- Registration required: No
- Supported devices: Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Android phones and tablets, Apple TV, Apple phones and tablets, Chromecast, Comcast XFinity X1, Cox Contour, Nvidia Shield, Playstation 3 and 4, Roku, Samsung TV, Sony TV and Blu-ray players, TiVo, Vizio TV, Xbox One, Google Nest, Amazon Echo Show, web browsers
Pros:
- A selection of great movies
- Fast and user-friendly apps
Cons:
- The content is either excellent or dated, with little in between
Tubi is a free streaming service with over 20,000 movies and TV shows. It lacks the latest releases but still offers a notable collection.
Tubi, owned by Fox Corporation, has partnered with over 250 providers, including major studios like Paramount and MGM. Highlights include The Terminator and Kill Bill. It also features unique content like Lucha Underground and the former HBO series The Nevers.
Tubi’s user experience is smooth and organized, with categories like Recently Added and Black Cinema. While registration is optional, an account provides access to parental controls and a viewing history.
5. Crackle
A no-cost streaming platform full of unique content.
Specifications:
- Live TV: No
- Originals: Yes
- Registration needed: No
- Works on: Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Android phones and tablets, Android TV, Apple TV, Apple phones and tablets, Chromecast, LG TV, Playstation 4, Roku, Samsung TV, Vizio TV, Xbox One, web browsers
Pros:
- Classic TV shows
- Plenty of UK television series
Cons:
- Some content may be unfamiliar
Crackle, launched in 2004 and now under Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, is a pioneer in free streaming with movies, TV shows, and originals. No signup is needed, but an account saves your progress.
Crackle’s movie library is vast and more captivating than its TV shows. Although these are lesser-known titles, it’s known for originals starring famous actors like Martin Freeman and Bryan Cranston.
Crackle stands out from services like Peacock by not requiring registration. Just visit their website, select a show or movie, watch an ad, and start watching.
How to Select the Ideal Free Streaming Service for You
You’re not limited to one free streaming service. However, managing several apps can be cumbersome, so you might prefer to concentrate on just a couple.
Live Channels vs. On-Demand
Firstly, determine if live channels are important to you. If so, Pluto TV, Sling Free, Xumo, Peacock, or the Roku Channel are good choices.
If you’re more into on-demand movies and TV shows, Freevee, Peacock, Crackle, Tubi, or Vudu might be better for you.
Content Variety
The selection of content is a key differentiator among these services. While Peacock boasts well-known content, most others offer a similar lineup of free TV shows like Hell’s Kitchen and Roseanne.
Services like Freevee and Crackle have extensive movie libraries, while Peacock and the Roku Channel provide access to popular past shows.
Explore the titles available to see if the service has content that appeals to you. Remember, just because these services are free doesn’t mean they’ll have everything you’re looking for.
General Steps in Downloading Apps
In the digital age, enjoying movies from the comfort of your home has never been easier.
Free movie streaming apps offer a convenient way to access a vast library of films without breaking the bank.
Here’s a simple guide on how to download one of these apps and start your cinematic journey.
- Choose Your App: Research and select a reputable free movie streaming app that suits your preferences. Look for apps with good reviews and a wide selection of movies.
- Visit the App Store: Open the app store on your device, such as Google Play Store for Android or the App Store for iOS.
- Search for the App: Use the search bar to find the app you’ve chosen. Type in the name of the app and press enter.
- Download the App: Once you’ve found the app, click on the “Download” or “Install” button. Wait for the app to download and install on your device.
- Open the App: After installation, open the app. You may need to create an account or sign in if required.
- Browse and Enjoy: Start browsing the movie library. Select a movie, grab some popcorn, and enjoy your movie night!
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve talked about free movie streaming apps that provide a fantastic cinematic experience. Whether you love classics, big hits, or indie films, these services have something for everyone.
So, dive into an incredible movie-watching experience at no cost, and let the fun start!
