Are you tired of each and every streamer you subscribe to whose prices increase year after year?Between relentless price increases and crackdowns on password sharing, the modern streaming landscape is starting to look a lot like the old world of cable. On the other hand, there are plenty of free streaming options and they’re than ever.
Here are 21 wonderful sites and apps to turn to when you need to see something new. (Keep in mind that many videos can have multiple videos loose at once, so if your variety has too many ad breaks or an incredibly low resolution in one source, look it up in another. )
The free streaming site Tubi, self-proclaimed by Lifehacker as the most productive streaming service of all time, offers videos and TV shows from several major studios with minimal (sometimes non-existent) advertising. The challenge is that, judging by random verification, streaming on PC is limited. to SD resolutions. But Tubi’s real appeal is its wide catalog of quirky content; The wide diversity of functions (more than 50,000) covers each and every conceivable viewing niche. There are several genre lists to help you explore the extensive catalog and even a segment dedicated to “Not on Netflix” videos. Supported devices: Tubi will be on desktop, as well as on Android, iOS, Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
PlutoTV is a free, ad-supported, live-streaming and on-demand hybrid service that offers a plethora of channels you can explore to watch “what’s going on” (with channels covering a wide diversity of categories and genres, adding an organization that broadcasts (endless episodes of a single show, from CSI to Doctor Who, Family Ties and Mystery Science Theatre 3000), as well as a collection of decent-sized videos and screens to stream on demand. The films are organized into categories, adding express themes such as “LGBTQ Cinema” and “Popcorn Movie Summer. “The service is owned by ViacomCBS, so much of the content mirrors what is found at Paramount.
The maximum number of options out there includes all the Hunger Games movies, original RoboCop, Charlie’s Angels movies from the early 2000s, and the Scarlet Johansson-starring adaptation of the Ghost in the Shell anime, which I have plans to see, and Yes. Through a free streaming service that peppers its programming with classified ads, it turns out to be more or less what the film deserves.
Supported devices: Most TVs, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, desktops, iOS and Android cellular devices
Available by default on all Roku devices, but also on desktops and as an app on most smart TVs, The Roku Channel offers a mix of catalog videos and TV series and exclusive original content (including a ton of screens ripped from the implosion of the sick). -the Quibi transmitter, designed for the pandemic era). The Live TV Channel Guide lets you sing along on more than 350 “live” channels that still broadcast broadcasts of old favorites like Family Feud and Little House on the Prairie, as well as news. , sports and videos.
Supported devices: Most TVs, Roku devices, desktops, iOS and Android cellular devices
Crackle is overlooked when other people talk about streaming free media on the internet, but you can get advantages from this service for various mobile devices and set-top boxes. You want to create an account, but once you do, it’s simple. to create a watchlist, get recommendations on new screens to cast, and browse Crackle’s full library of TV screens and videos. These come with the films Charlie’s Angels, Black Snake Moan, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014) and TV series like That Girl. !, 21 Jump Street, and 3rd Rock From the Sun. That’s part of Crackle’s good looks: you’re sure to find videos you’ve heard of, shows you really want to see, and even original content.
Supported devices: There are apps for PC, iOS, and Android. You can also load Plex on max streaming devices, adding Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and Apple TV.
Freevee, formerly IMDb TV, is another free, ad-supported streaming service that features thousands of popular TV shows and videos spanning other genres, adding comedy, drama, thriller, and animation. Freevee also gives you access to over 150 FAST channels (single ads). Compatible TV in linear format, such as cable TV) and a limited library of original content, some oddly clever (check out Primo, a funny, sweet comedy from some of Parks’ other people).
Supported devices: If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you must already take Freevee directly from the Prime Video app.
Otherwise, it has its own standalone app that can be accessed on all Amazon Fire TV devices, iOS and Android mobile devices, Xbox, PlayStation 5, and many smart TVs. If you don’t own one of those devices and aren’t an Amazon Prime member, you can still stream from your internet browser from Amazon’s internet site, at no cost (but not without ads).
Paid streaming service Fandango at Home (formerly known as Vudu) offers a free segment with a collection of recognizable videos floating between less familiar titles. You’ll want to sign up for a free account and watch some classified ads (and some videos are only available in SD, which is rarely very good), but have access to over 5,400 videos on your computer, phone, or streaming device. You’ll find plenty of videos from the 80s and 90s (as the rights to provide them have become cheaper), as well as a lot of stuff you’ve never heard of before (especially this, to be honest). They are some hidden gems.
Supported devices: Most TVs, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV
Redbox, an early competitor to Netflix, offers Redbox on Demand and Redbox Free Live TV. Redbox on Demand is a free, on-demand streaming option that allows you to watch videos and screens through a streaming app or your web browser, where you’ll find a limited variety. of videos with ads. On Redbox Free Live TV, you can find old favorites and syndicated shows on one of their dozens of channels (including some Crackle Originals), but this is live TV, so you possibly don’t have much control over anything.
Supported devices: You can watch Redbox on TVs and major platforms at most (there’s a full list here).
Vimeo would arguably be a far cry from YouTube in terms of length and popularity, but it’s still a wonderful video streaming service for short films and independent filmmakers. It’s also great for others who need the freedom and flexibility of an HD-compatible mobile device. Download service with strict privacy controls and video control, as well as an optimistic user community. For those who are simply looking for something amazing to watch, Vimeo’s staff picks are full of gems ranging from dramas to documentaries to science. fi.
Supported devices: You can use the Vimeo mobile app to take your videos with you (available on iOS and Android) or stream Vimeo videos directly to your TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox, Amazon Fire, or Apple TV.
Both Kanopy and Hoopla streaming facilities offer a wide variety of high-quality videos (Kanopy even offers The Criterion Collection), but they’re only available if your local library formula has a subscription, which also means you want a valid library. account to log in. It’s one more hurdle to overcome, but it’s worth it, considering the variety of what you can have. Check any of the sites to see if you can access them through your existing (free) library account.
Supported devices: Apps are available for top-quality TVs and streaming boxes (including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and Apple TV), as well as iOS and Android.
PBS hosts shows such as PBS Newshour, Antiques Roadshow, and This Old House. While many titles are reserved for paid members, some of PBS’s online variety (taken from its TV programming) can be obtained online for free, adding a number of film schools. Short. Depending on the show, you may be able to watch some episodes or trailers without a subscription. It’s not as smart as a full season and it’s free, but it’s enough to survive.
Supported devices: iOS. Android. Amazon Fire TV. Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, max TVs
TopDocumentaryFilms offers many documentaries divided by categories, from war, global conflicts, and crime to fitness and the environment. The categorization makes the offers easy to navigate, and the site has a network of users who provide ratings for each movie so you can get an idea. of what interests you before you start looking.
If you want a starting point, check out their list of the hundred most sensible documentaries to see what others are watching, or check out the main page to see their featured films. It’s more of an aggregator than a host (content is pulled from YouTube, Vimeo, and other sources), but that makes it a convenient and no-nonsense store for documentary fans.
Supported Devices: Access in your browser.
If the call doesn’t immediately give it away, Classic Cinema Online is ideal for longtime moviegoers who love the era of black-and-white films and artistically painted movie posters. There’s even an entire segment dedicated to silent films, if that’s your thing. If you’re looking for something specific, you can search for categories in the menu on the right, if you’re in the mood for a fake series or silent movie.
Supported Devices: Access in your browser.
With thousands of free TV screens and videos with names and titles you probably recognize, PopcornFlix prides itself on the fact that none of its systems or videos are more than two clicks away. All of them are absolutely free to watch on your computer, as well as on mobile apps or other compatible devices. Here are some hidden gems, plus a slew of popular (albeit old) Hollywood videos; One of the “most popular” entries in existence is Memory: The Origins of Alien, a feature-length documentary about the creation of Ridley Scott’s horror classic.
Supported devices: Apps are available for Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, and most smart TVs.
We’ve written a lot about Plex, which introduced a free, ad-supported streaming service in 2019. Although it offers paid live TV streaming, it also has a lot of free content, but you have to look at classified ads to watch any of its free content. Still, the convenience of being able to watch free videos and TV screens, as well as everything from your (or your friends’) media servers, all in one position and on any device, is pretty impressive. Additionally, Plex has recently added Crackle content, expanding what you can stream within the service.
Supported devices: There are apps for PC, iOS, and Android. You can also load Plex on max streaming devices, adding Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and Apple TV.
Internet Archive is a repository for all kinds of things. While you probably know it from the very useful Wayback Machine, it’s also wonderful for public domain movies, independent media, TV shows, news, and other media that you can freely watch. and to use and remix yourself, if you wish. There are many films, categorized as science fiction, horror or film noir, as well as art films, videos and educational films, special collections created to be saved in the Internet archive for posterity. , documentaries and even collections of archival material. It’s not the most searchable archive and it’s not designed for mobile screens either, but it is indeed a treasure trove of engaging material.
Supported devices: This is a browser, but you can cast to your TV with a compatible device.
Fandor is a subscription streaming service that offers a varied catalog of independent and foreign movies. However, it also offers an in-development library of individual videos and ad-supported videos.
Compatible Devices: Available online or in the Fandor app on iOS, Android, Chromecast, and Roku.
Shout! TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service where you can watch old and cult (very cult) TV videos and series, as well as original shows. Shout Factory TV also comes with FAST channels and curated live channels and events. The library is deeply quirky (current options come with a documentary about a Power Rangers fan convention), so be sure to find something engaging to keep you busy.
Supported Devices: Stream online through your internet browser or download the compatible app for your device (including iOS and Android phones and tablets, as well as Roku, Chromecast, and Apple TV). (You can read a detailed review of PCMag’s service. )
If you don’t have enough old feature films, old cult movies, and old TV series, The Film Detective will give you hope. It is a company that restores, distributes and transmits old films.
Supported devices: The service is available on the web, iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV, as well as its own app. They also run a 24/7 linear channel that you can place on platforms. . You can watch all of their content for free with ads.
For the Hispanic (and Portuguese-speaking) audience who love their telenovelas, soccer matches, news, shows, and movies, ViX offers an absolutely free 24/7 package (vix free) in Spanish and Portuguese. It also includes more than a hundred TV channels available on its website.
Supported devices: Android, iOS, Apple TV, Roku, Samsung, and Amazon Fire devices. The service features content primarily from TelevisaUnivision, but also from other third-party content providers.
No list of free TV shows and videos would be complete without YouTube, and not because of the sheer volume of mined and pirated media found there. In fact, YouTube hosts a ton of videos and TV shows published for free, some of which are YouTube originals and some of which can be obtained through Creative Commons licenses or shared in the public domain. YouTube also collects single videos with classified ads in its Movies section. If you want help locating something new, the Full Movies on YouTube subreddit lists New videos loose every day. Recent discoveries come with The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and Open Your Eyes, the Spanish film that was later remade as Vanilla Sky.
Supported devices: YouTube is YouTube; There is an app on virtually every platform and device out there.
If you prefer to download instead of streaming, Public Domain Torrents is the best option. As you might expect, most of the movies found are quite old, but many are also movie classics. And, as the site’s name suggests, they’re absolutely free to download. Best of all, many movies are available in optimized or encoded versions for fast mobile devices, but you can still get the highest quality download and encode them yourself.
Supported devices: This is up to you and your computer.