While steaming services are typically a good alternative to cable, the costs can begin to add up. Check out these 13 streaming services that won’t cost you a penny.
1. Peacock
Peacock is a free streaming service owned by NBC Universal that offers original programming and limited free content on most devices.
Peacock also offers a $4.99/month Premium plan that includes live sports and events and a Premium Plus plan that offers an ad-free experience and allows you to download and watch select titles offline for $9.99/month.
2. Vudu
Vudu offers the best of both worlds: free streaming and paid rentals. This platform doesn’t offer any paid subscriptions and does serve up a fair amount of ads while streaming.
Unfortunately, Vudu does not offer any original programming, and much of its content is on the older side.
3. Plex
Stream free titles on Plex from anywhere in the world and on any device. Plex offers more than 50,000 titles and more than 250 channels of instant live TV.
You can also add your own music and media in the free Plex app to customize your entertainment experience.
4. Xumo
You can stream for free on Xumo Play without creating an account. While Xumo doesn’t offer any original programming, it does offer more than 190 channels to watch. It has recently been acquired by Comcast and partnered with iHeartRadio to offer even more free TV, movie, and radio content.
5. Freevee
Previously IMDb TV, Freevee is another free streaming service owned by Amazon. Freevee offers original programming plus thousands of free movie and TV titles.
Plus, if you are already an Amazon Prime customer, you can watch Freevee in the Prime Video app.
6. Kanopy
Download the free Kanopy app to enjoy ‘thoughtful entertainment’ on all your devices. Kanopy partners with public libraries and universities to offer ad-free streaming using your library card or university login.
You’ll find thousands of movies in various categories, including a Kanopy Kids section.
7. The Roku Channel
Stream thousands of TV shows and movies for free on The Roku Channel. You’ll find more than 350 streaming channels, with new titles added weekly.
One of the best things about this free streaming service is that it doesn’t require you to register an account or enter a credit card to watch.
8. Crackle
Crackle is a streaming service that offers free TV shows and movies. Crackle is completely free but does serve ads in its content. However, you can lessen the number of ads you’re shown by creating a free account.
Creating an account opens up other additional features, including:
- Parental controls
- Watch list
- Closed captions
9. Tubi
Tubi – now owned by FOX – is another service that lets you stream for free without setting up an account. However, choosing to do so will land you some additional features including:
- Parental controls
- Watch list
- Viewing history
Tubi offers live TV channels in various entertainment genres; unfortunately, many find the available content slightly dated.
10. Hoopla
Hoopla Digital differs slightly from most of this list’s other free streaming services. Hoopla is primarily an app for reading. You can watch free movies and TV shows, read free eBooks, and listen to free audiobooks – all you need is a membership to your local library, which is also free.
Sign up for the Hoopla app using your library membership number to “rent” titles for free.
11. Pluto TV
Pluto TV is considered one of the best free streaming services, as it offers more than 100+ live TV channels and more than 1,000 on-demand titles.
Pluto TV is easy to navigate, doesn’t require an account or password, and is a great alternative to Netflix.
12. Sling Freestream
Sling TV is a popular paid streaming service that has exploded in popularity. However, Sling also offers a free streaming option with 270+ free live TV channels and more than 40,000 on-demand movies and TV shows.
Sling TV’s free content includes news, adult and kids’ entertainment, and sports.
13. PBS Video
You can stream PBS content for free on your favorite device. The PBS Video free TV app gives you free access to more than 4,000 PBS and local shows on-demand.
While PBS’ free content library may be a bit thin, it does offer its PBS Passport plan to donors who donate at least $60 per year.
Save Your Money
Cable can cost hundreds of dollars each month. Keep your money in your wallet and try one of these free streaming services – better yet – try them all to maximize your savings!
This article was produced and syndicated by Cents + Purpose.
