Top 10+ Best Free Streaming Services In 2024

Most people would probably prefer not to consider how much money they spend on video streaming services each month, let alone annually. Watching the latest on-demand originals, popular movies, and live-streaming channels can easily cost $50 or more per month. However, you can save on costs by using one or several free video streaming options.

It should be noted that these free solutions are not as sophisticated as paid streaming services, nor do they provide as much or high-quality content. Consider these to be complementary services that will fill any gaps in your entertainment needs. You can get by just watching free services if that's what fits your budget, but you should expect some compromises.

What is the best overall streaming service?

Of all the streaming services we tested, Netflix was our favorite. Why? It has a dependable, user-friendly interface, a variety of features, and a diverse, constantly changing catalog. It regularly adds new originals from around the world, and you can even find titles using secret codes. The addition of an ad-based tier makes it even more affordable compared with rivals Disney Plus and Max. Other high-quality streaming services are available, so while Netflix is currently our top choice, it may not be suitable for your budget or preferences.

Streaming services have undergone major changes in the past three years alone. With our extensive best list, which includes Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, and Max, we can assist you in determining which platforms are best for you. You may also want to go through our lineup of the best live TV streaming services. We've reviewed each of these streaming services individually and assigned numeric ratings based on catalogs; app design and features; and overall value. Some judgments are based on our personal content preferences, so if you enjoy a particular show or style of show, you may have a different favorite.

Factors to Consider When Chossing A Streaming Service

Simultaneous streams: Services usually charge more for more streams. Be sure you're covered for yourself and other members of your household, and consider whether you have to pay extra to share your account.

Finding shows and movies: Is the interface user-friendly? It should be fairly simple to find things to watch using menus and other features.

4K content: If you have a device or smart TV that streams in 4K, you'll want to know which streaming services offer content in ultra HD. Keep in mind that accessing 4K may require a higher subscription tier, depending on the service.

Kids' programming: Some streamers offer a vast choice of family-friendly titles for all ages, while others have limited catalogs. The finest kids streaming services have something for every age.

The Best Free Streaming Services In 2024

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Top 10+ Best Free Streaming Services In 2024

1. Kanopy

While free, users will require a public library or university card to take use of Kanopy's selection of ad-free movies, like Parasite and Moonlight, as well as documentaries, award-winning international films and series. To get started, just enter your library card information, or if you are a registered student or faculty member of a participating university, you can sign up with a valid university login.

2. YouTube

The video-sharing platform isn't just for adorable animal clips and music videos. YouTube also features a limited selection of free series and movies with advertisements, such as The Great Gatsby and Scream.

3. Vudu

The Walmart owned Vudu is a digital marketplace where you can buy the latest movies and TV episodes while simultaneously streaming free content. To utilize Vudu, create an account (or use your Walmart account). After that, you'll have access to more than 10,000 free movies and TV episodes. None of them are recent blockbusters, but the variety is the best among free streaming providers. Troy, The Prestige, All Is Lost, Hoosiers, and Four Weddings and a Funeral are examples of contemporary films that outperform television. And, unlike other free sites, Vudu intends to create unique content, such as the sci-fi series Albedo starring Evangeline Lilly.

4. Amazon Freevee

Along with original content, the ad-supported service provides free TV episodes and movies. It's available for free streaming on Fire TV, Prime Video, Apple TV, Echo Show, Google TV, and other platforms. Current feature film titles include Red Sparrow, The Devil Wears Prada, The Lorax and more.

5. Roku Channel

This service promises TV and moviegoers a "always-changing selection of free movies, shows, live news, kids' TV, and more." In addition to free movies, the Roku Channel provides live TV and original content, such as Meet Me In Paris, a reality rom-com film produced by Reese Witherspoon and Zoë Saldaña.

6. Crackle

Crackle was a pioneer in the free streaming space, having launched in 2004 - when Netflix was still sending DVDs. Crackle, owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, offers free movies, TV shows, and even original programming, setting it unique from many of the other free streaming services on this list. Crackle does not require registration; however, an account allows you to add favorites and preserve progress while watching a movie.

The film library is significantly larger and more fascinating than the television library. Crackle is one of the best free streaming services because it offers original content starring top actors such as Martin Freeman, Bryan Cranston, and Rupert Grint. It's just that these are their lesser-known titles, and while we're always eager to discover new projects, we're also concerned that there could be a bad reason why we're unaware of these shows.

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7. Sling Freestream

Sling is one of the best cable TV alternatives on the market, costing $40 per month for 50+ channels. They recently relaunched Freestream, a free service offering live and on-demand content. We love Sling because several TG staffers have used it to cut the cord, and a free version could be the key to getting more people to try the platform.

Sling Freestream debuted with 210 channels and 41,000 on-demand titles spanning genres such as news, sports, game shows, crime dramas, nature, home improvement, and cooking. Some of the channels are familiar, such as 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. Plus, users can add on premium streaming services like AMC Plus and Showtime.

8. Xumo

Xumo is another free streaming service providing live and on-demand content. The app comes on several major smart TV brands and can also be downloaded on Roku, iOS and Android. No registration is required. Xumo provides over 190 channels, including top brands such as NBC News, Fox Sports, Funny or Die, and TMZ.

Xumo's main experience is a grid-style guide, similar to what you'd find on cable TV – with Pluto and Peacock. You can watch live as you channel surf. The on-demand area lists all the channels, sorted down by category. The design doesn’t make it that easy to see what TV shows are accessible, either. It looks like Xumo has the usual free fare: 21 Jump Street, Forensic Files, Family Feud and Unsolved Mysteries. The mobile app at least offers a movies option that you may peruse.

9. Tubi

Think of Tubi as a free version of Netflix, with an on-demand collection of over 20,000 movies and TV series. Of course, Tubi doesn’t have the newer, high-profile films that a subscription platform boasts, nor originals. But their repertoire is still impressive for a free streaming service.

Tubi (now owned by Fox Corporation) was able to build it by partnering with over 250 providers, including Hollywood heavyweights Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM. Recent available titles include The Terminator, Foxcatcher, Kill Bill, The Craft and Fruitvale Station. Personally, our streaming media editor Henry T. Casey loves Tubi for one show and one show only: Lucha Underground, a stylized wrestling show on El Vez. Recently, Tubi added the former HBO series The Nevers.

10. Netflix

There's a reason why Netflix has become synonymous with streaming in general. The former movie rental service has evolved into a top-tier streaming app that is a must-have in 2024, even if you pay a premium to share your password. When large originals like The Witcher or Stranger Things premiere, they captivate millions of viewers while also receiving critical acclaim and awards, providing us with the closest thing we have to water cooler conversations these days.

The streaming service provides more original series, features, documentaries, and specials than any of its competitors, in addition to a vast range of recognized network shows. Every week, new series and movies arrive. And the corporation doesn't mind catering to a variety of preferences, offering gaming alternatives and categories for children, anime, and foreign language titles from around the world.

11. Plex

Plex now offers a surprising amount of free on-demand streaming material. The portfolio comprises Crackle's entire collection of movies and TV shows, as well as films from MGM, Warner Bros., and other big studios. Although you cannot download this content to your media server, you do not need to set aside space for it either.

Conclusion

Some of the services featured in this roundup are only available for free, with no option to pay for an improved experience.

These include Crackle, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Tubi, and Xumo. You can still create an account with such services (save for CW Seed and Xumo), but you will not receive additional content or be able to block advertisements.

Accounts, on the other hand, typically allow you to track what you watch and personalize other aspects of your experience.

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