Streaming services are fabulous for watching TV shows and movies.
But, you may not know which service is right for you, and you may be paying for more than they need. Subscription fees can really start to add up.
Even if you already subscribe to a paid streaming service like Netflix, Disney Plus, or Hulu, you may want to add some free options to the mix for more variety. Or to find something that’s not available on the other paid services.
You may even find a new service you like better that’s worth switching to the paid version.
That’s why I wanted to share with you ten free streaming services that will help you discover and enjoy TV Shows & Movies without having to pay anything!
Sure, you’ll have to put up with commercials – but it’s just like watching a cable channel – only it’s free, so what do you have to lose?
You can watch these streaming services on your Safari Web Browser on your iPhone or iPad, download the platform’s app, or watch on your computer’s browser for a larger-screen experience.
Here are ten free streaming services that you may not be aware of that are worth exploring…
1) Peacock
🏆 Best All-Around Option.
NBC-owned Peacock is one of the newer entries on this list, but it already has more than 13,000 hours of content for its Free tier. And it’s the good stuff! The free tier doesn’t even require you to enter your credit card information to take advantage of it. They even have originals like Brave New World and Intelligence, and “live” channels, based on brands like Saturday Night Live and the Today Show. There’s lots of good stuff to watch on Peacock Free, which makes it our number one choice.
https://www.PeacockTV.com/FreeSignup
2) Pluto TV
🏆 Best Option for Live TV Streaming.
Pluto TV has many movies and shows in their on-demand library. But what makes it truly remarkable is the free live TV streaming. The service offers the ability to browse content in a grid similar to the cable TV guide. It’s just like watching “real” TV. Viacom owns the platform, so you’ll see a lot of their properties like TV Land Drama, BET her, MTV Teen, and VHI Reality. You’ll also find curated clips from big companies like CNN and Fox Sports.
3) TV Network Apps & Websites
🏆 Best Option for Current TV Shows.
Major Networks like ABC, NBC, Fox, CBS, The CW, Food Network, History Channel, HGTV have apps or websites that allow streaming of some of their content for free. The generosity varies from network to network, but there’s usually something available to watch for free. And if you have a Cable TV provider login, you can get access to even more content to stream — an excellent option for watching when you’re away from home. Just use good ol’ Google to search for your favorite networks, and look for the “Watch Now” option.
4) Vudu
🏆 Best Option for Movie Bingeing.
The Walmart-owned digital movie and TV streaming platform, Vudu, has free content and paid content. After signing up, you can access over 10,000 free movies and TV episodes. You can filter to browse only the free titles, which are clearly marked as “Free with Ads.”
5) Sony Crackle
🏆 Best Option with Original Content.
Crackle was one of the first Streaming Services. In addition to TV and movies, it also has excellent original programming. In addition to being available on iPhones, iPads, smart TVs, desktops, and gaming consoles, Crackle is also available as in-flight entertainment and in some hotel chains. It doesn’t require any registration, but having an account allows you to add favorites and save your progress when watching a movie. If you’ve never heard of Crackle, it’s worth giving a look.
6) YouTube
🏆 Best Option for Niche Interests.
You may not think of YouTube as a streaming app, but there’s a ton of free things to watch regardless of your interests. Many YouTube channels have full-length shows that look as good as anything you’d find on TV. You download the YouTube app for your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV here…
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/youtube-watch-listen-stream/id544007664
7) IMDBtv
🏆 Best Option for Popular Classic Shows.
The Internet Movie Database has been a wonderful resource for filmographies for years. And now, they offer streaming options. You can find the IMDBtv channel on your Fire TV or Fire TV Stick. Or, if you don’t have one of those, you can access it through the Amazon Prime Video app. IMDBtv has a large library of free streaming content thanks to their Parent Company Amazon.
8) Tubi
🏆 Best Option for Discovery.
Tubi is a streaming service with an on-demand library of over 20,000 movies and TV shows. Unlike Netflix and Hulu, Tubi doesn’t have the big hits or any originals. But their catalog is still impressive for a free service. Tubi was able to grow by partnering with over 250 providers, including big companies like Paramount, Lionsgate, and MGM. You’ll have a choice of several genres like Recently Added, Classics, Comedy, Indie Films, Action, etc… They also have Currated Collections with Nostalgia TV, Award Winners, Cult Classics, etc…
9) Xumo
🏆 Best Option for News & Sports.
Xumo gives you access to over 190 channels that include top shows from NBC News, Fox Sports, TMZ, Funny or Die. It emulates a traditional television watching experience, supported by tv-style commercial breaks. The platform shines with its live and previously-aired sporting events, sporting news, and analysis programs. And, it also includes mainstream news and opinion channels. The Comcast-owned service averages 10 million monthly active users.
10) Sling Free
🏆 Best Option for Classic Shows.
Sling recently added a free section for live and on-demand shows. Of course, they are hoping you’ll bump up their paid plan, which gives you over 50 channels. A good deal if you’re open to a paid option. Or, just eat at the free buffet and enjoy their free content.
BONUS OPTION: Amazon Prime
🏆 Best Option for Sorta-Free Movies.
If you already have an Amazon Prime subscription, you may not know that you have free Movies you can stream on the site. Just click on the “Prime Video” link in the top menu bar. You can even order Popcorn for your next movie date on the same site. If you’re not already a Prime Member, you may want to consider joining. Besides the Free TV and Movies, you’ll also get one to two-day delivery of goods, streaming music, video, e-books, gaming, and grocery shopping services.
You can give Amazon Prime a Try Here.
Have you tried any of these services? Which is your favorite? Did I miss any? Leave your comments below!
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Any information on mirroring IPhone to tv would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
I mirror by means of Apple TV. You can find them on Apple.com or at Walmart.
I just discovered SLING has Turner Classic Movies on it. It’s an extra $5/month, but you not only get streaming, but all the movies of the month are also OnDemand, AND you can record them in Sling too!
Thank you, iPad Pete. Love your helpful emails.