When the streaming services start to chip away at your budget and you have watched everything on them, where do you go next? Do you buy another expensive package from another provider with much of the same content?
Did you know you can actually watch movies and television for free?
Well, you can, and many of the free online streaming services are getting more contemporary and up to date with their programming. They have content just as strong as that on paid services but without the cost. Below, we give you 11 free streaming services to try right now.
1. Popcornflix
Popcornflix is one of the best free streaming services for forgotten classics. It also has a heady mix of newer content. It even has its own original programming, though it is quite niche, and you are unlikely to have seen it advertised.
It is totally free and makes money from advertising. Expect to see a few non-intrusive ads pop up while you watch.
2. Tubi
Tubi is actually backed by some heavy Hollywood hitters, with movies from companies such as Warner Bros, Universal, and Lionsgate. It claims to be the largest of the free movie and TV streaming services and that could quite well be true, as it boasts a vast array of content. It also has a user-friendly interface that can be watched in a browser or from a selection of apps.
3. Crackle
Crackle is Sony’s effort to enter the free movie streaming services market, which it does with access to a fantastic back catalog. Much of the programming can rival the best TV shows on Netflix, and it is easy to navigate and find the right content for you. Its search console is so in-depth you can even search by the actor.
Again, it is not available in Europe. If you want to access outside the US, you will need a suitable VPN.
4. Kanopy
Kanopy is a free streaming service with a twist. It is specifically set up as an educational tool, and you must log in using any public or university library card to watch. However, this does not mean their content is strictly educational in its subject matter.
The site does seem geared toward independent and foreign films, though it does have some more recent Hollywood efforts on its books. It also has a range of classic cinema hits, though you may find it a struggle to find more family-friendly entertainment on there.
5. Pluto TV
Pluto TV is owned by the Viacom network and allows access to much of its programming. It is based mainly on a selection of over 200 television channels. Each of these is broken down into niches, with some big names like Nickelodeon and MTV.
It has some on-demand features that come with advertising. This includes TV stations and many classic and contemporary movies from US cinema. There are a lot of options for watching, but this service is only available in the states.
6. Hoopla
Hoopla is one of the best free movie streaming services providing a wide range of entertainment options. As well as the streaming channel, the company also deals in audio and ebooks. Its streaming service, Hoopla Digital, has a regularly changing roster of classic cinema.
In addition, it actually has some extremely current television programming. It is free to watch with a public library card in the same way that Kanopy operates.
7. The Roku Channel
Roku is a popular service of digital media streaming players. It is used by many people to stream channels and movies over the internet. However, many people do not realize that Roku itself has its own streaming TV service.
You can watch the ad-supported network even if you do not have a Roku device. In addition to this, its content is extremely contemporary with many titles you would see on Netflix or Hulu. This makes it one of the best alternative free streaming services online.
8. Vudu Movies on Us
Vudu is one of the highest quality free streaming services, offering movies in up to 1080p. Its catalog is filled with a mix of free to view and pay per view movies. The Freeview content is preceded by a short advertisement, which is the reason they can provide so many videos and movies.
You do need to sign up to use the service. This is quick, free, and only requires a username, email, and password.
9. Free Streaming Services With Con TV
Con TV is the free streaming service for the geek in you. Its content focuses on anime, sci-fi, horror, and action. In addition to this, it often offers free to read comic titles featuring classic franchises such as Star Trek.
You can view it in a browser or install the app via Android or iOS. The website is extremely easy to navigate with sections for staff picks, categories by genre, and easy search functions.
10. IMDb TV
Another hidden gem that many people do not know about is the Internet Movie Database’s own free online streaming service. It features classic and contemporary movies in its catalog and is even branching out into original content. It also has extremely recent selections of various television series.
To watch, you need to have an IMDb account if you don’t already. However, you can also watch by logging in with your Amazon account details.
11. Classic Cinema Online
Classic Cinema Online is not contemporary or modern by any stretch of the imagination. However, it does allow you totally free access to a huge range of classic Hollywood movies. They are available across all genres and styles, even going as far back as silent movies.
Start Watching Today
Now you have these free streaming services, grab the popcorn and settle down for a cost-free night at the movies! If you want even more handy money-saving ways to be entertained, be sure to check out our handy blog. We have a selection of articles on technology and entertainment waiting for you right now.