Best Free Streaming Websites: Movies, TV Shows & More

Video Marketing
Best Free Streaming Websites: Movies, TV Shows & More
Article by Clara Autor
Last Updated: October 04, 2024

Finding quality free streaming websites can be challenging in the era of digital entertainment. It’s crucial to know where to look to avoid harmful malware and low-quality videos. Fortunately, several reputable free streaming sites offer a wide range of movies, TV shows, documentaries, anime, and other content without compromising quality.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best free streaming sites where you can have a safe and enjoyable viewing experience. We’ll also compare their pros and cons, the types of content they offer, and their country availability.

10 Best Free Streaming Websites

The global video streaming market is expected to reach $1 trillion in revenue in 2024, and experts project a compound annual growth rate of 8.27% in the next three years. The market is booming with seemingly endless options, including free and highly affordable live or on-demand content.

Binge all your favorite shows and movies on these ten best free streaming websites:

  1. Tubi
  2. Crackle
  3. Amazon Freevee
  4. Pluto TV
  5. The Roku Channel
  6. Kanopy
  7. Hoopla
  8. Crunchyroll
  9. Plex
  10. YouTube
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1. Tubi — Best Overall 

Tubi
[Source: Tubi]

Tubi is the most-watched free TV and movie streaming service in the United States. This ad-supported video-on-demand service has a massive content library of over 200,000 TV episodes and movies, along with 250 FAST (free, ad-supported television) channels.

Additionally, Tubi has a growing collection of Tubi Originals for diverse audiences to enjoy. It is 100% free to use with no subscription fees or hidden charges.

  • Available in: United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, Mexico, and LATAM
  • Supported platforms: iOS and Android devices, Smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox One and Series X, PS 4 and 5, TiVo

2. Crackle — Independent Movies & TV Shows

Crackle
[Source: Crackle]

Crackle is an excellent free streaming website. It has an extensive collection of award-winning older movies and television titles, with the occasional new addition popping up. Owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, the platform provides users access to popular and classic entertainment without a subscription.

  • Available in: United States and its territories
  • Supported platforms: iOS and Android devices, Smart TVs, Amazon Fire, Roku, PS 5, Xbox Series X

3. Amazon Freevee — formerly IMDb TV

Freevee
[Source: Freevee]

Amazon Freevee (formerly IMDb TV) is a free, ad-supported streaming app with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and original content. As part of the Amazon ecosystem, the platform provides access to quality entertainment without a subscription, ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to beloved TV series.

  • Available in: United States, the UK, Germany
  • Supported platforms: iOS and Android devices, Smart TVs, Amazon Fire, Xbox, PS5

4. Pluto TV — Paramount-owned Live TV and On Demand Content

Pluto TV
[Source: Pluto TV]

Pluto TV is an excellent free streaming website that offers over 250 live TV channels and an extensive on-demand library of movies and shows. The platform is owned by Paramount and provides news, sports, entertainment, and niche channels.

The live TV experience mimics traditional cable TV, where you can scroll through channels and catch content as it airs. The platform does not require subscriptions or signups.

  • Available in: United States, Latin America, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, Norway, Sweden, Italy, Denmark
  • Supported platforms: iOS and Android devices, Smart TVs, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, TiVo, Xbox, PlayStation

5. The Roku Channel — Movies & TV Shows 

The Roku Channel
[Source: The Roku Channel]

The Roku Channel is one of the top free streaming websites, with a wide selection of popular films, family-friendly shows, over 350 live channels, and exclusive Roku Originals. You can gain easy access to entertainment you love even if you don’t own a Roku product.

  • Available in: United States, Canada, the UK, Mexico
  • Supported platforms: iOS and Android devices, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire

6. Kanopy — Documentaries & Award-Winning Films

Kanopy
[Source: Kanopy]

Kanopy is unlike any of the other free streaming websites on our list. It allows users to watch videos by registering with their public library card or university login. The website provides its academic and arts-focused audiences with ad-free films, series, and documentaries. It is an excellent resource for educational and thought-provoking entertainment.

  • Available in: United States, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Europe, Middle East
  • Supported platforms: Desktop, iOS and Android devices, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Chromecast, Samsung TV
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7. Hoopla — Video, Music, Audiobooks, and eBooks

Hoopla
[Source: Hoopla]

Hoopla is another free digital media service that partners with libraries to offer a wide range of content beyond TV and movies, including music, audiobooks, and eBooks. Users can access Hoopla’s extensive catalog for free using their library card. The platform features no ads and has a user-friendly interface.

  • Available in: United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
  • Supported platforms: iOS and Android devices, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire, Roku,

8. Crunchyroll — Anime

Crunchyroll
[Source: Crunchyroll]

Crunchyroll is the best free streaming website for anime. It has over 100 million users and is the undisputed go-to platform for anime content. It offers ad-supported streaming for selected titles, with new episodes of ongoing shows uploaded within an hour of premiering. The platform also offers a selection of manga and Asian dramas.

  • Available in: Worldwide
  • Supported platforms: iOS and Android devices, Smart TVs, Amazon Fire, Roku, Nintendo Switch, PS4 and PS 5, Xbox, Apple Vision Pro

9. Plex — Live TV and On Demand Content

Plex
[Source: Plex]

Plex offers free, ad-supported access to more than 200 live channels and thousands of on-demand films and TV shows. Users can also manage and stream their own personal media across devices for a unique and highly customized streaming experience. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to organize content and sync libraries.

  • Available in: United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America, Caribbean
  • Supported platforms: iOS and Android devices, Smart TVs, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, Xbox

10. YouTube — Movies & TV Shows

YouTube
[Source: YouTube]

YouTube is one of the most popular and versatile free streaming platforms in the world, offering millions of user-generated and professional content. It also has hundreds of ad-supported, full-length mainstream movies and TV shows that users can stream for free.

  • Available in: United States
  • Supported platforms: iOS and Android devices, Smart TVs, Amazon Fire, Roku, PS5, PS4, and PS4 Pro, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Xbox One S, & Xbox One X

Best Free Streaming Websites Compared

Streaming Website Pros Cons Types of Content Countries Available
Tubi
  • Broad device compatibility
  • Legally licensed content
  • No hidden charges
  • Primarily older or lesser-known titles
  • No offline viewing
Movies, TV shows, Tubi Originals, FAST channelsThe US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Mexico, and LATAM
Crackle
  • Exclusive original content
  • User-friendly interface
  • Region-locked content
  • No offline viewing
Movies, TV shows, original contentThe US and its territories
Freevee
  • Attractive interface
  • Broad selection of content
  • Seamless Amazon integration
  • Some region-locked content
  • No offline viewing
Movies, TV shows, originals, 150+ FAST channelsThe US, the UK, Germany
Pluto TV
  • Cable-like live TV experience
  • Broad device compatibility
  • Frequent ads
  • Region restrictions
Movies, TV shows, hundreds of channelsThe US, Latin America, Western Europe
The Roku Channel
  • Access to Roku Originals
  • Live TV and on-demand library
  • Older titles and classics
  • Region restrictions
Movies, TV shows, live TV, originalsThe US, Canada, the UK, Mexico
Kanopy
  • Ad-free experience for library card owners
  • Niche content
  • Limited viewing hours
  • No offline viewing
Films, classic cinema, documentariesThe US, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Europe, Middle East
Hoopla
  • Completely ad-free
  • Broad selection of content
  • Downloads for offline access
  • Titles vary depending on library catalog
  • Borrowing limits set by libraries
Audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, TV, magazines, musicThe US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
Crunchyroll
  • Extensive anime library
  • Simulcast episodes from Japan
  • Frequent ads
  • Some shows require a subscription
Anime, select Asian dramasWorldwide
Plex
  • Stream your personal media library
  • Live channels
  • Older titles
  • No offline viewing
Movies, TV shows, live TV The US, Canada, Europe, Latin America, Caribbean
YouTube
  • Broad device compatibility
  • Vast collection
  • 480p playback
  • Sign-in required
Movies, TV showsWorldwide

Best Streaming Websites Takeaways

In the digital age, streaming is more accessible than ever — you are free to enjoy your favorite content without breaking the bank. Tubi, Crackle, Freevee, and even YouTube offer extensive libraries of free, ad-supported movies and TV shows, while services like Kanopy and Hoopla provide niche, educational content ad-free through libraries.

Whether you’re looking for entertainment or deep diving into niche topics, these free platforms provide a diverse selection.

Best Streaming Websites FAQs

1. What is the best free streaming site?

The best free streaming website depends on your preferences and the type of content you enjoy. Tubi is considered one of the best overall platforms, with its vast selection of movies and TV shows across various genres.

Crunchyroll provides a robust library of anime content, while Pluto TV offers more than 250 live cable channels. For educational content and documentaries, Kanopy is an excellent option if you have access through a library card.

2. Are free streaming sites safe?

Reputable platforms like Tubi, Crackle, Pluto TV, and YouTube offer legal, ad-supported content and are generally safe to use. It’s best to stick to these trusted platforms with clear privacy policies and positive reviews. Lesser-known or illegal streaming sites can expose users to security risks, including malware and phishing attempts.

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