You do not need another monthly subscription to watch plenty of movies, TV shows, live channels, local news and children’s programming.
Legitimate free streaming services make money through advertising or library partnerships instead of requiring a standard monthly subscription. Catalogs, supported devices and geographic availability change regularly, so always confirm that a title is included in the free section before watching.
What Does Free Streaming Mean?
Most services in this guide are free because they include commercial breaks. Others are available through participating public libraries. Optional rentals, premium subscriptions and paid upgrades may appear alongside free content, so check the label before selecting a movie or show.
1. Tubi
Tubi remains one of the simplest free streaming services for people who want a large on-demand movie and television library without paying a monthly subscription.
Tubi currently states that its service is free, legal and supported by advertising. No subscription or credit card is required to watch its free catalog.
Content includes movies, television series, live channels and other programming across genres such as comedy, drama, action, documentaries and family entertainment.
Best For
Use Tubi when you want a large selection of on-demand movies and shows and do not mind commercial breaks.
2. Pluto TV
Pluto TV combines free live streaming channels with an on-demand movie and television library.
The live guide works more like traditional television: choose a channel and watch whatever is currently playing. The on-demand area lets viewers choose individual available movies and episodes instead.
Possible categories include:
- Movies
- Classic television
- Reality programming
- Crime
- News
- Comedy
- Family entertainment
- Special-interest channels
Programming and channel lineups can vary by country and change over time.
Best for Channel Surfing
Pluto TV is especially useful if you miss browsing a traditional television guide instead of choosing every program individually.
3. The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel currently provides thousands of free movies and television shows along with Roku Originals, children’s entertainment and hundreds of live streaming channels.
You do not necessarily need to own a Roku streaming device. Roku currently supports watching The Roku Channel through its website, mobile app and compatible devices.
Free titles appear alongside optional premium subscriptions and other paid content, so look carefully for labels indicating that a title is free.
Roku Hardware Is Not Required for Every Viewer
The Roku Channel can be accessed outside a Roku streaming player on supported platforms, making it useful even if your household does not own Roku hardware.
4. Plex Free Movies and Live TV
Plex offers a free ad-supported streaming collection that includes on-demand movies, television shows and live TV channels.
You do not need to operate your own Plex Media Server to use its free streaming catalog. Plex currently states that its ad-supported movies, shows and live television are available free without a required subscription.
A free account can provide additional conveniences such as watchlists and the ability to continue watching across devices, but basic free streaming does not require a paid Plex plan.
5. Sling Freestream and Xumo Play
Sling Freestream
Sling Freestream is the free, ad-supported section of Sling. It currently advertises hundreds of live channels plus a large collection of on-demand movies and shows.
No paid Sling TV subscription is necessary, and Sling says viewers can begin watching Freestream without an account or credit card.
Creating a free account can add features such as favorites, profiles, watchlists and parental controls.
Xumo Play
Xumo Play is another free ad-supported streaming service offering live channels and on-demand programs.
Xumo currently says Xumo Play provides more than 350 channels and thousands of on-demand titles without requiring a subscription or login.
Do Not Confuse Free Streaming With Paid Packages
Sling also sells paid television packages, while Xumo sells streaming hardware and televisions. Those products are separate from the free streaming services described here.
6. Local Now
Local Now combines free entertainment with locally focused news, weather and information.
The service currently offers its movies, television shows and streaming channels free of charge. Entering your location helps Local Now provide geographically relevant content.
Local coverage varies by market, so it may not provide the same amount of local programming everywhere.
Useful for Local Information
If your main priority is local headlines and weather along with free entertainment, Local Now is worth checking before paying for another news or live-TV service.
7. Kanopy and Hoopla Through Your Library
Your public library may provide some of the best free streaming options available, particularly if you enjoy documentaries, independent films, educational programming or audiobooks and e-books in addition to video.
Kanopy
Kanopy partners with participating public libraries and educational institutions. Current public-library enrollment requires users to find a participating library, enter their library-card information and create a Kanopy account.
Viewing allowances and available titles depend on the library.
Hoopla
Hoopla works with participating public libraries to provide movies and TV along with e-books, audiobooks, comics and music.
Hoopla currently says eligible library patrons can watch movies without a monthly consumer subscription. An email address and participating library-card information are generally needed to create an account.
Your Library Sets the Limits
Not every library offers Kanopy or Hoopla. Monthly borrowing limits, catalogs and available features can also differ between library systems.
8. PBS KIDS Video and How to Choose a Free Service
PBS KIDS Video
Families with younger children can use PBS KIDS Video for educational streaming through its website and app.
The current PBS KIDS Video service includes full episodes, movies, clips, shorts and other programming designed for preschoolers and younger learners.
Choose Two or Three Services First
You probably do not need every free streaming app. Start with the services that best match what your household actually watches:
- On-demand movies: Tubi, The Roku Channel or Plex
- Live channel surfing: Pluto TV, Sling Freestream or Xumo Play
- Local news and weather: Local Now
- Library movies: Kanopy or Hoopla
- Younger children: PBS KIDS Video
Watch for Costs Outside the Free Plan
Free streaming does not necessarily mean watching costs nothing. Home internet, mobile data and streaming devices can still cost money. Some services also display paid rentals or premium upgrades next to free programming.
Avoid Fake Streaming Sites
A legitimate free streaming service should not demand gift cards, cryptocurrency or a suspicious “activation fee.” Use the provider’s recognized website or your device’s normal app store rather than an unknown download link.
Helpful Free Streaming Resources
Before You Watch
Free streaming catalogs, advertisements, channel lineups, borrowing limits, device support and geographic availability change regularly. Confirm that the movie or show is marked free, and review privacy and parental-control settings when children share the device.
Final Thoughts
The best free streaming services can provide far more entertainment than many people realize without adding another recurring monthly bill.
Start with one strong ad-supported service such as Tubi or Pluto TV, then check whether your library includes Kanopy or Hoopla. Add a live-TV option only if you use it. A small collection of free services is usually easier to manage than installing every streaming app available.