Tired of your cable bill creeping higher every year? You’re not alone. Streaming services were once hailed as the affordable alternative, but with each new platform launching and prices rising, it’s starting to feel like we’re back where we started – just with more subscriptions to manage. Before you add another charge to your monthly expenses, take a moment to explore the world of Free Streaming Services. You might be surprised at the wealth of entertainment available without spending a dime.
The top free streaming services offer a fantastic way to watch a wide range of movies and TV shows, including both classic favorites and more recent content, all completely free of charge. These platforms provide access to extensive libraries of both live TV channels and on-demand programming.
While the best streaming services that require subscriptions definitely have their place, offering premium content and fewer interruptions, the sheer number of them can quickly become overwhelming and expensive. At some point, subscribing to everything feels just like paying for cable again, but with extra steps and logins. This is where the best free streaming services step in as a brilliant solution. They offer countless hours of free TV and movies at absolutely no cost. Yes, you will encounter advertisements, but this is a familiar model, similar to traditional cable television or the ad-supported tiers found on many paid streaming platforms.
Since they don’t cost anything, there’s no reason not to explore the best free streaming services. We’ve put together a ranked list to help you navigate the options, because even free time is valuable.
Top Free Streaming Services Available Now
Why Trust Our Recommendations? At Tom’s Guide, our team of writers and editors dedicates significant time to thoroughly analyze and review products, services, and apps to ensure we recommend only the best for you. Learn more about our rigorous testing, analysis, and rating process.
By Kelly Woo
Kelly Woo is a seasoned entertainment journalist with a passion for streaming content (perhaps a little too much!). As the Streaming Department Lead at Tom’s Guide, she is deeply involved in reviewing and testing major streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video, and exploring the ever-evolving landscape of digital entertainment.
Tubi
The home page in tubi
Image: Tubi platform interface showcasing movie and TV show categories, highlighting user-friendly design.
1. Tubi
Best Overall Free Streaming Service
Specifications:
- 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
Reasons to Choose Tubi:
- Excellent selection of films
- User-friendly and responsive apps
Reasons to Consider Other Options:
- Content quality can be inconsistent; recent releases are limited
Think of Tubi as the free streaming service equivalent of Netflix, offering an extensive on-demand library with over 20,000 movies and TV shows. While Tubi doesn’t feature the latest blockbuster titles or original series found on subscription platforms, its catalog is remarkably impressive for a service that costs absolutely nothing.
Tubi, now part of Fox Corporation, has built its impressive library by partnering with over 250 content providers, including major Hollywood studios like Paramount, Lionsgate, and MGM. This collaboration allows them to offer a diverse mix of recent hits and beloved classics.
Navigating Tubi is a breeze. During our testing, we found Tubi’s interface to be clean and intuitive. The homepage is well-organized into categories such as “Recently Added,” “Family Movies,” “Action,” and “Black Cinema.” Exploring the menu reveals even more genres and curated collections, including the playfully named “Not on Netflix” section. While account registration is optional, creating a free account unlocks features like parental controls, a personalized watch queue, and viewing history.
Roku Channel
The roku channel home screen
Image: Roku Channel’s main interface displayed on a TV screen, showing featured content and navigation options.
2. Roku Channel
Best Free Streaming Service for Originals
Specifications:
- Live TV: Yes
- Originals: Yes
- Registration Required: No
- Supported Devices: All Roku devices and Roku TVs, Android phones and tablets, Apple phones and tablets, Samsung TVs
Reasons to Choose Roku Channel:
- Access to first episodes of popular shows
- Availability beyond Roku devices
Reasons to Consider Other Options:
- Older on-demand content can be less appealing
The Roku Channel app is pre-installed on all Roku TVs and devices, but it’s also conveniently available for download on smartphones and tablets. You can also access it through web browsers. Roku Channel allows you to watch as a guest without registering, but signing up for a free account enables you to seamlessly continue watching content across different devices.
Like other free streaming services, Roku Channel offers a selection of on-demand movies and TV shows. It also features a Roku Live TV Guide, enabling viewers to easily browse through live channels. A standout feature of Roku Channel is its offering of first episodes from premium cable hits like “Game of Thrones”, “Billions”, “Outlander”, and “Watchmen.” While full seasons of these high-caliber shows aren’t available, you can find complete series like “This Old House.”
Roku Channel’s position in our free streaming service rankings has risen thanks to the addition of original content acquired from the now-defunct Quibi platform. This includes critically acclaimed series like “Free Rayshawn” and “Reno 911”. Roku is also becoming a home for original movies, such as “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.” Furthermore, Roku earned appreciation for reviving the NBC-canceled series “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” with a holiday special.
Pluto TV
best free streaming services
Image: Pluto TV interface showcasing a grid-style live TV guide, highlighting channel options and program listings.
3. Pluto TV
Best Free Streaming Service for Live Channels
Specifications:
- Live TV: Yes
- Originals: No
- Registration Required: No
- Supported Devices: Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Amazon Kindle and Fire tablets, Android phones and tablets, Android TV, Apple TV, Apple phones and tablets, Chromecast, Roku, web browsers
Reasons to Choose Pluto TV:
- Combines linear and on-demand content
- Dedicated channels for popular shows and movies
Reasons to Consider Other Options:
- Content leans towards older or retro programming
Viacom-owned Pluto TV boasts a respectable library of on-demand movies and shows, but its true strength lies in its live TV streaming experience. Viewers can browse through a wide array of live channels presented in a familiar grid format, reminiscent of a traditional cable TV guide. The channel lineup heavily features content from Viacom’s network of channels, including MTV, TV Land, VH1, and BET. You’ll also find recognizable brands like CNN and Fox Sports, although these channels primarily offer curated clips rather than live broadcasts.
During our exploration of Pluto TV, we found its interface to be clean and straightforward, making it easy to switch between live and on-demand content. Both sections are organized into categories, simplifying the process of finding specific genres or types of programming. Like other free streaming services, Pluto TV includes ads, but the ad load is comparable to what you’d expect from cable television. Registration is not required to use Pluto TV, but creating a free account unlocks features like saving favorite channels and resuming playback across multiple devices.
Plex
Plex logo
Image: The Plex logo, a stylized icon representing the media server and streaming platform.
4. Plex
Best Free Streaming Service with Local Media Hosting
Specifications:
- Live TV: Yes (with antenna)
- Originals: No
- Registration Required: Yes
- Supported Devices: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, iOS, PS4, PS5, Roku, Select Smart TVs, Web browsers, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Reasons to Choose Plex:
- Excellent platform for managing local media libraries
- Effective content discovery features
Reasons to Consider Other Options:
- Integration of free streaming and local media can be clunky
- Limited unique streaming content
Plex initially focused solely on its Media Server, which allows users to organize and stream their personal media collections across various devices. However, Plex has increasingly shifted towards content discovery and streaming in recent years. Interestingly, the “What is Plex?” section on their official website no longer even mentions the media server functionality, highlighting this strategic shift.
For streamers, Plex’s primary appeal lies in its discovery capabilities. You can integrate your existing streaming service subscriptions into your Plex profile and manage a universal watchlist across all platforms. You can also connect with other Plex users to see what they are watching and get recommendations. Plex also offers a selection of free, ad-supported programming, although it doesn’t produce original content. Live TV functionality is also available, but requires setting up a Plex Media Server and connecting a tuner and antenna.
Despite Plex’s push into becoming a more mainstream streaming service, its core strength and primary user base still revolve around its media server functionality. This feature truly distinguishes Plex from other free streaming services. If you’re not interested in managing local media, Plex might not be the most compelling free streaming option due to its somewhat limited content library.
However, there are indications that Plex is expanding its free streaming content offerings, with more shows being added regularly. It’s worth exploring if you’re curious about its unique blend of features.
Crackle
crackle
Image: The Crackle logo against a red background, representing the free streaming platform’s brand.
5. Crackle
Free Streaming Service with a Strong Lineup of Originals
Specifications:
- Live TV: No
- Originals: Yes
- Registration Required: No
- Supported Devices: 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
Reasons to Choose Crackle:
- Offers a selection of classic TV shows
- Features a variety of UK television series
Reasons to Consider Other Options:
- Many titles are less well-known or obscure
Crackle is a pioneer in the free streaming space, launching way back in 2004, even before Netflix had fully transitioned to streaming. Owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Crackle provides access to free movies and TV shows, including original programming, which sets it apart from many other free streaming services on this list. Registration is optional; creating a free account allows you to save favorites and track your viewing progress.
Crackle’s movie library is notably larger and often more appealing than its TV show selection. Crackle stands out as one of the best free streaming services due to its investment in original content, featuring recognizable actors like Martin Freeman, Bryan Cranston, and Rupert Grint. However, it’s worth noting that these originals tend to be their lesser-known projects. While discovering hidden gems can be exciting, it’s also wise to be aware that there might be reasons why some of these shows haven’t gained wider recognition.
Sling Freestream
the sling free home screen
Image: Sling Freestream interface displayed on a TV, showcasing channel categories and live programming options.
6. Sling Freestream
Best Free Streaming Service for Classic TV
Specifications:
- Live TV: Yes
- Originals: No
- Registration Required: No
- Supported Devices: Roku, Comcast devices, LG, Samsung, Vizio and Xbox
Reasons to Choose Sling Freestream:
- Easily accessible, especially for existing Sling subscribers
- Offers a selection of recognizable TV shows
Reasons to Consider Other Options:
- Content library includes filler content; requires some filtering
Sling is a well-established cable TV alternative with its paid service starting at $40 per month for 50+ channels. Recently, Sling launched a free, no-cost service called Freestream, offering both live and on-demand content. Many Tom’s Guide staff members have used Sling to cut the cord, and a free version could be an excellent way to attract new users to the Sling platform.
Sling Freestream debuted with over 210 channels and 41,000 on-demand titles spanning genres like news, sports, game shows, crime dramas, nature, home improvement, and cooking. The channel lineup includes familiar names like “ABC News Live,” “ESPN On Demand,” “Family Feud,” “Forensic Files,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Rick Steves Europe,” “VH1 I Love Reality,” and “The Walking Dead Universe.” Furthermore, users have the option to add premium streaming services like AMC Plus and Showtime as add-ons.
Fandango at Home
Fandango at Home main page
Image: Fandango at Home’s landing page, showcasing a variety of movie posters and promotional banners for free content.
7. Fandango at Home
Best Free Streaming Service for Popular Movies
Specifications:
- Live TV: No
- Originals: No
- Registration Required: Yes
- Supported Devices: 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, TiVo, Vizio TV, Xbox One, Blu-ray players, web browsers
Reasons to Choose Fandango at Home:
- Offers a selection of well-regarded movies
- Includes some popular sitcoms
Reasons to Consider Other Options:
- Free content is not always family-friendly
- Finding high-quality free content requires some browsing
Formerly known as Vudu, Fandango at Home is a digital marketplace where you can purchase or rent the latest movies and TV shows, but it also provides a significant amount of free, ad-supported content. Account registration is required to access the free section. Once signed up, you can explore a vast library of free movies and TV episodes. While you won’t find many brand-new blockbusters in the free section, the selection is generally strong compared to other free streaming services. The movie selection tends to be more robust than the TV offerings.
The Fandango at Home interface is user-friendly, and free content is clearly marked for easy identification. Advertisements are present, similar in frequency to other free streaming services, but they can sometimes be repetitive and occasionally include interactive ad formats that require user input.
Our Testing Methodology for Free Streaming Services
The content libraries of free streaming services are constantly changing, with shows and movies arriving and departing frequently due to licensing agreements and content deals.
Therefore, we regularly revisit these services to ensure they consistently offer a worthwhile selection of content. Specific titles may fluctuate, but we assess the overall quality and breadth of the available programming.
In addition to content evaluation, we test these services across the best streaming devices to guarantee a consistent and high-quality user experience across different platforms. This testing process is how we observed, for example, that Freevee often receives more prominent placement and promotion on Fire TV devices compared to other platforms.
Finally, we engage in hands-on testing by actually watching shows and movies on each service. This allows us to assess the functionality of the apps, playback quality, ad frequency, and overall user experience. While we don’t expect free streaming services to match the polished performance of paid platforms, we appreciate those that offer well-designed and reliable apps.
Are Free Streaming Services Truly Free?
Yes, all the free streaming services included in this guide are genuinely 100% free to use. Some require a free account sign-up, while others don’t, but none of them charge any subscription fees.
However, there is a trade-off: advertisements. According to a report by Wurl Analytics, free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) services typically show an average of nine minutes of ads per hour.
While this is less than the approximately 15 minutes of ads per hour common on traditional cable TV, it’s more than the ad-supported tiers offered by Netflix and Max (which are around four minutes per hour). Of course, Netflix and Max subscriptions come with a monthly fee ($7 and $10 respectively) and provide access to a much larger library of premium, ad-free content.
Choosing the Right Free Streaming Service for Your Needs
The great thing about free streaming services is that you don’t have to limit yourself to just one. Since they are all free, you can explore and use multiple services to maximize your entertainment options. However, if you prefer to streamline your viewing experience, you might want to focus on one or two services that best align with your preferences.
Consider your viewing habits and priorities. If live TV channels are important to you, services like Pluto TV, Sling Freestream, Xumo, Peacock, and Roku Channel are excellent choices. If you primarily watch movies and TV shows on-demand, then Freevee, Peacock, Crackle, Tubi, or Fandango at Home might be more suitable.
Content selection is another crucial factor. While many free streaming services share a core selection of older TV shows, some services specialize in specific genres or content types. For example, Peacock stands out with its library of recognizable, brand-name content. Freevee and Crackle are known for their more extensive movie libraries. Roku Channel and Peacock offer access to a wider range of past hit TV shows. Take some time to browse the available titles on each service and see which ones offer content that appeals to your interests. After all, even though these services are free, they should still provide you with something you actually want to watch.
