Free apps similar to Netflix?

Alternative Apps
1

I’m looking for free streaming apps that are similar to Netflix. My budget is tight and I can’t afford a subscription right now. Do you have any suggestions for apps offering TV shows or movies for free? Really need recommendations.

2

Certainly! Below is a ranked list of 10 free streaming apps similar to Netflix that would suit your needs for watching TV shows and movies while on a budget. Each entry includes comprehensive details including links, pros and cons, key features, user reviews, and an expert verdict.

1. Tubi

  • Homepage link: Tubi
  • Pros:
    • Completely free and ad-supported, no subscription required.
    • Wide variety of content: Movies, TV shows, and documentaries.
    • Accessible on multiple platforms, including smart TVs, smartphones, and web browsers.
    • Offers classics and newer titles from major studios like Paramount, Lionsgate, and MGM.
  • Cons:
    • Frequent ads during streams.
    • May not have the latest mainstream hits or Netflix originals.
    • Limited access to international content.
  • Features:
    • Easy-to-navigate interface.
    • Genre-specific collections for easy browsing.
    • Personalized recommendations.
  • User Reviews:
    • ‘I love Tubi for its simplicity and wide range of free movies!’ – Rated 4.5/5 on app stores.
    • ‘Ads can get annoying, but I can’t complain for a free app.’ – Based on user comments on Reddit.
  • Verdict:
    Tubi is a strong Netflix alternative for people prioritizing free content. Despite ads, it offers a decent library that caters to diverse tastes.

2. Crackle

  • Homepage link: Crackle
  • Pros:
    • Free to use, no subscription needed.
    • High-quality content, including original movies and TV shows.
    • Works across multiple devices, including streaming platforms like Roku.
  • Cons:
    • Ads interrupt streaming more often than desired.
    • Limited selection compared to its subscription-based counterparts.
  • Features:
    • Curated content lists updated monthly.
    • Robust search and filter capabilities.
    • Parental controls for family viewing.
  • User Reviews:
    • ‘A remarkably good app for free content. Wish the ads were less frequent, though.’ – Average rating 4.2/5 on Google Play.
  • Verdict:
    Crackle provides a solid roster of free movies and shows but trades seamlessness for frequent ads.

3. Pluto TV

  • Homepage link: Pluto TV
  • Pros:
    • Offers both live TV and on-demand viewing.
    • Includes a variety of channels, covering genres like news, sports, and entertainment.
    • No account required to start streaming.
  • Cons:
    • Content tends to focus more on retro and niche titles.
    • Smaller library of blockbuster films.
  • Features:
    • A mix of live-streaming channels and on-demand movies/shows.
    • Intuitive UI organized into grid-style channel lists, similar to cable TV.
  • User Reviews:
    • ‘Pluto TV is my go-to for nostalgia. Tons of old shows I grew up watching.’ – 4.3/5 average user rating.
    • ‘The app glitches sometimes, but overall, great for free streaming!’ – User feedback on forums.
  • Verdict:
    Pluto TV’s unique live TV format makes it an attractive option for those looking beyond just on-demand content. It’s a great Netflix alternative for classic TV fans.

4. Peacock (Free Tier)

  • Homepage link: Peacock
  • Pros:
    • Limited yet solid content on the free tier, including NBC classics.
    • Intuitive and professional design.
    • Streaming available on almost every major platform.
  • Cons:
    • The best content is locked behind a paid subscription tier.
    • Ads are ubiquitous in free mode.
  • Features:
    • Famous for its collection of NBCUniversal-created shows like ‘The Office.’
    • Streamlined interface that mimics Netflix.
  • User Reviews:
    • ‘If you’re okay with ads, Peacock’s free tier is a no-brainer for classic NBC shows.’ – User on Reddit.
  • Verdict:
    Peacock’s free version is ideal for those craving classic series. The paid tier is tempting, but its free content is still impressive.

5. Vudu (Free Section)

  • Homepage link: Vudu
  • Pros:
    • Excellent streaming quality (HD and sometimes UHD).
    • Thousands of free titles available under ‘Movies On Us.’
    • Seamless experience across different devices.
  • Cons:
    • Requires creating an account before streaming.
    • Promotes paid content heavily alongside the free library.
  • Features:
    • Free movies are organized by genre and freshness.
    • No monthly subscription, but some titles require renting.
  • User Reviews:
    • ‘I appreciate the mix of free and premium options. Subtle ads are a plus!’ – Average rating 4.6/5 in app stores.
  • Verdict:
    Vudu is a worthwhile Netflix alternative if you’re okay with ads and browsing through paid options to find freebies.

6. Popcornflix

  • Homepage link: Popcornflix
  • Pros:
    • 100% free with a focus on full-length movies.
    • Family-friendly categories for kids and teens.
    • Minimal setup needed—start streaming right away.
  • Cons:
    • Many unknown or B-movie titles dominate the library.
    • User interface is less polished.
  • Features:
    • Subcategories like ‘Feel-Good Movies’ and documentaries.
    • Streams on a variety of devices.
  • User Reviews:
    • ‘Decent alternative if you like indies or older genres.’ – Scored 3.8/5 on user platforms.
  • Verdict:
    Popcornflix focuses on free but less mainstream titles, making it a hit-or-miss for Netflix enthusiasts seeking blockbusters.

7. Kanopy

  • Homepage link: Kanopy
  • Pros:
    • Free via library membership or university access.
    • Ad-free with excellent indie and classic movie options.
    • High-quality streaming with a focus on education.
  • Cons:
    • Requires a participating library card or college ID.
    • Limited monthly view caps depending on institution agreements.
  • Features:
    • Offers educational resources and critically acclaimed films.
    • Unique mix of arthouse, documentaries, and children’s programming.
  • User Reviews:
    • ‘Great for students or book nerds. I just wish more libraries participated.’ – Average score 4.8/5.
  • Verdict:
    Kanopy is a gem for anyone with library access! It’s targeted for cinephiles or educational purposes more than casual streaming.

8. The Roku Channel

  • Homepage link: The Roku Channel
  • Pros:
    • Completely free content with decent movie/TV options.
    • Integrates well with Roku-based devices.
    • No subscription or credit card needed.
  • Cons:
    • Smaller content library for non-Roku users.
    • Some free shows cycle out after limited availability.
  • Features:
    • Includes live TV streaming options.
    • Regularly updates its free library.
  • User Reviews:
    • ‘Love using it on my Roku device. Too bad some content disappears fast.’ – Rated 4.4/5 on devices.
  • Verdict:
    The Roku Channel is an excellent stopgap for free Netflix-style entertainment, although heavy integration into Roku devices limits its reach.

9. IMDb TV (Now Amazon Freevee)

  • Homepage link: Amazon Freevee
  • Pros:
    • Tied directly to Amazon’s massive ecosystem.
    • Good mix of TV series and films for free.
    • Supports IMDb-integrated recommendations.
  • Cons:
    • Only accessible via Amazon services.
    • Ads interrupt mid-stream.
  • Features:
    • Syncs with Amazon accounts for a seamless experience.
    • Includes some Amazon original shows.
  • User Reviews:
    • ‘A nice surprise from Amazon. It’s not Netflix, but the library is solid!’ – Rated 4.5/5.
  • Verdict:
    Freevee positions itself as a budget-friendly gem hidden within Amazon’s ecosystem.

10. Plex

  • Homepage link: Plex
  • Pros:
    • A comprehensive hub that merges personal media with free streaming.
    • Completely free once signed in.
    • Supports organizing personal content in a Netflix-style interface.
  • Cons:
    • Requires setup for personal content organization.
    • Free TV/movie library isn’t as robust as competitors.
  • Features:
    • Combines media server capabilities with streaming offers.
    • Cross-platform integration for all major devices.
  • User Reviews:
    • ‘Fantastic combo of my own library plus free streaming options.’ – Rated 4.7/5 on forums.
  • Verdict:
    Plex goes beyond Netflix-style streaming by offering both curated free libraries and a personal video hub.

Final Thoughts

While all these apps are budget-friendly and offer distinct features, Tubi and Pluto TV top the list for their breadth of content and accessibility. For those who have specific preferences or access to unique accounts (e.g., libraries), Kanopy and Peacock are exceptional. Consider these alternatives depending on your main priorities, such as content variety, user interface, or access models.