25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (2024)

With so much content on the internet nowadays, it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out what streaming site is best for you. While you probably know the big ones like Netflix and Disney+, you might not know there is a whole world of completely free—and legitimate—streaming sites available.

Sounds too good to be true? Most free streaming services are ad-supported or through government institutions like public libraries, so they are completely legal to use. Unsure about where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. From genre-specific sites to fantastic all-arounders, we’ve gathered 25 of the best free streaming services.

1. Tubi

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (1)

Want a free streaming service that is the best all-arounder when it comes to content and availability? Tubi is that service. With a massive collection of nearly 50,000 movies and TV shows, you’ll never run out of things to watch. From popular hits like Hell’s Kitchen and Gossip Girl to Tubi originals like investigative documentaries and streaming films, Tubi caters to just about everyone. Boasting an impressive 80 million monthly active users, Tubi is available in the U.S., the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Panama.

Live TVIn the U.S. only
OriginalsYes
Registration RequiredNo
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo
AnimeYes
AdsYes
Supported Devices
  • Amazon Fire TV and TV Stick
  • Samsung, LG, and Sony Smart TVs
  • iOS devices and Apple TV
  • PS4 and PS5
  • Xbox One and Xbox Series S
  • Chromecast
  • Roku
  • TiVo
Pros
  • Massive library of content
  • Easy-to-navigate app and website
  • Ads aren’t as intrusive as other sites
Cons
  • Videos are only 720p
  • Audio quality isn’t great
  • Not available in the EU2. Pluto TV

2. Pluto TV

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (2)

With over 250 live channels covering news, sports, entertainment, and more, plus thousands of titles available to watch at any time, Pluto TV provides a cable-like experience without the cost. Owned by Paramount, Pluto TV is available in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, most of Europe, and Australia (via 10Play). You can watch a ton of premium Paramount content or tune in to show-specific channels featuring series like The Amazing Race, Frasier, and Murder She Wrote that loop 24/7 if you just want to throw on an old favorite in the background. Sign up for a free account to tailor your experience with watchlists, profiles, and more—because who doesn’t love personalization?

Live TVYes
OriginalsNo
Registration RequiredNo
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo
AnimeYes
AdsYes
Supported Devices
  • Amazon Fire TV and TV Stick
  • Roku
  • Chromecast
  • TiVo
  • iOS devices and Apple TV
  • Xbox
  • PlayStation
  • Samsung, Sony, and LG smart TVs
  • Windows app
Pros
  • Unique, niche channels
  • Lots of live TV content
  • Huge library of old and new shows
Cons
  • Videos sometimes lag or freeze
  • There have been reports of audio sync issues
  • Ads can be really intrusive

3. Crunchyroll

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (3)

Crunchyroll is the best streaming site for anime fans, and it’s available virtually everywhere in the world. It offers four subscription tier options, including a free ad-supported option. While the free tier is more limited in content than the paid options, there is still a ton of anime series available whether you’re looking to binge a classic or discover something different.

Live TVNo
OriginalsYes
Registration RequiredYes
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo
AnimeYes
AdsYes
Supported Devices
  • iOS devices and Apple TV
  • Android devices and Android TVs
  • Amazon Fire and Amazon Fire TV
  • PS4, PS5
  • Xbox
  • Nintendo Switch
  • Roku
  • Google TV
  • LG Smart TV
Pros
  • Easy to search through series
  • Extensive library of anime that isn’t available anywhere else
  • Frequently added new shows and episodes
  • HD streaming available
Cons
  • Some content is for premium subscribers only
  • Frequent playback errors and trouble loading videos
  • Content availability varies by country; its whole catalog is only available in the U.S.

4. TVNZ+

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (4)

If you’re a Kiwi looking for a free streaming platform, there is no better option for you than TVNZ+. It features a vast library of local and international series to make binging super simple. New episodes of popular shows like The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon are also added weekly, and you can also stream news and sports, so you can keep up with your faves.

Live TVYes
OriginalsYes
Registration RequiredYes
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo
AnimeLimited selection
AdsYes
Supported Devices
  • iOS
  • Android
  • Xbox
  • PlayStation
Pros
  • Top-notch options for popular sports, including the NFL and Cricket
  • Clean interface
  • Vast library of content
  • New content is regularly added, including shows that drop the same day as they air in the U.S.
Cons
  • Live TV is limited only to six channels
  • Ad break lengths vary depending on how popular a series is

5. Kanopy

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (5)

Need another reason to love the library? If you’re a public library user or university student in the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, you may be able to access Kanopy for free. This streaming site offers “thoughtful entertainment” including an array of documentaries, classic films, and kids programming—with no ads at all.

Live TVNo
OriginalsNo
Registration RequiredYes, with an eligible library card
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo
AnimeNo
AdsNo
Supported Devices
  • iOS devices
  • Android devices
  • Roku
  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Apple TV and Airplay
  • Chromecast and Google TV
  • Samsung TV
  • Telstra TV
Pros
  • No advertisements
  • Unlimited kids content
  • Lots of classic and independent films
Cons
  • Limited streaming credits
  • Not all libraries participate
  • Smaller content library available with few new and popular shows

6. YouTube

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (6)

YouTube is known for having content creator videos, but you might not realize it also has a wide variety of movies free with ads if you’re in the U.S. From spaghetti westerns and action thrillers to children’s movies and animated features, there is a lot on hand. To access them, you must be signed into your YouTube account, then go to “Movies & TV” and click on the “Free with ads” tab at the top. Then, grab the popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the movie.

Live TVNo
OriginalsNo
Registration RequiredYes
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesOnly movies
Offline Downloads on MobileNo
AnimeNo
AdsYes
Supported Devices
  • iOS devices
  • Android devices
  • PS4, PS5
  • Roku
  • Apple TV
  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Xbox
  • Chromecast
  • Samsung, Vizio, Sony, Sharp, LG, and Hisense smart TVs
Pros
  • Supported by a well-known and legitimate website
  • Good audio and closed caption options
  • Good selection of popular and niche movies
Cons
  • Free “Movies & TV” section is hard to find through the website or app
  • Only movies are available for free
  • Unpredictable ad breaks
  • Video quality varies between movies

7. PBS KIDS

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (7)

PBS KIDS is an app that’s available in the U.S. and offers thousands of age-appropriate videos for kids. Tune in to popular kids’ shows like Arthur, Curious George, and Sesame Street or turn on one of the limited selection of kids movies to keep your kids entertained for hours. New episodes of the PBS original series air weekly through the app.

Live TVYes
OriginalsYes
Registration RequiredNo
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileYes
AnimeNo
AdsYes
Supported Devices
  • iOS devices
  • Android devices
  • Apple TV
  • Amazon TV and Fire Stick
  • Chromecast
  • Samsung smart TVs
Pros
  • Kids-only content, so there is no risk of them stumbling into adult content
  • Ads are minimal and kid-friendly
  • Educational content
Cons
  • The app is known to occasionally freeze or crash
  • Only available in the U.S.
  • The app isn’t available on all smart TVs

8. Plex

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (8)

Want to watch live and on-demand worldwide? Plex is a free ad-supported television platform that is available virtually everywhere, unlike other free, ad-supported television (FAST) services on this list. Note that, as with all streaming services, geo-restrictions mean that not all content is available globally. It’s incredibly easy to use, and you can use the Plex Media Server to add your own personal library of content to keep it all in one place. This could include your own home movies or content that you have the rights to own. Plex even allows you to share your library with friends and family, as long as they also have a Plex account.

Live TVYes
OriginalsNo
Registration RequiredNo
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo
AnimeNo
AdsYes
Supported Devices
  • Apple TV
  • Chromecast
  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Google TV
  • Roku
  • Smart TVs
  • Android devices
  • iOS devices
  • NVIDIA Shield
  • PlayStation
  • Xbox
Pros
  • Available worldwide
  • Content in multiple languages
  • Compatible with many devices
  • You can add your own media and share it with friends
Cons
  • Difficult to find free content using its search function
  • Long ad breaks
  • Not many popular movie options

9. ITVX

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (9)

If you’re looking for a way to binge your favorite British series for free, look no further than ITVX.

ITVX is a fantastic destination for British TV lovers, featuring a mix of dramas, reality shows, movies, and live TV from the ITV channels and beyond. While there is a free version, you can also upgrade to the ad-free premium version for the ultimate uninterrupted binge.

Live TVYes
OriginalsYes
Registration RequiredYes
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo, only with premium subscription
AnimeNo
AdsYes
Supported Devices
  • Amazon Fire
  • Android devices and TV
  • iOS and Apple TV
  • Google TV and Chromecast
  • Freely
  • Freesat
  • Freeview Play
  • Samsung and LG smart TV
  • NOW Smart Sticks and Boxes
  • PS4 and PS5
  • Roku
  • Virgin Media
  • YouView
  • Xbox
Pros
  • Parental controls
  • Minimal ad breaks at preset intervals
  • Easy to navigate
Cons
  • Website and app can be slow to respond on occasion
  • Issues with buffering after pausing or skipping forward or backward
  • The app and website sometimes crash

10. Viu

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (10)

Viu is a popular go-to streaming site for K-dramas, J-dramas, and everything in between. With availability in 16 markets across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa, you can enjoy shows in several different languages and with subtitles. If you grow tired of the free, ad-supported service, you can always upgrade for ad-free viewing.

Live TVNo
OriginalsYes
Registration RequiredNo
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo, premium users only
AnimeYes
AdsYes
Supported Devices
  • iOS devices and Apple TV
  • Android devices and Android-enabled smart TVs
  • Chromecast
Pros
  • Minimal ad breaks
  • Content available from a variety of different countries and in several languages
  • Smooth user experience
Cons
  • Shows are cycled on and off the platform, so they may only have limited availability
  • Subtitle availability and accuracy can vary depending on the program

11. The Roku Channel

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The Roku Channel is another place to catch free movies and TV shows, available in the U.S., the UK, and Mexico. If you have a Roku device, you can easily access it, but it also works on smartphones, smart TVs and through a web browser. With over 400 channels, there is a nice mix of classic and newer content, plus options for premium add-ons like Starz and Showtime.

Live TVYes
OriginalsYes
Registration RequiredYes
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo
AnimeYes
AdsYes
Supported Devices
  • Roku devices
  • iOS devices
  • Android devices
  • Chromecast
  • Samsung, Android, and Google smart TVs
Pros
  • Unique original series and movies
  • Premium subscription options and add-ons
  • Limited selection of popular series premieres for free
  • Voice search with Roku remote
Cons
  • Ad breaks can be random
  • Less device availability than other free streaming services

12. 7Plus

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (12)

Want to keep up with all your favorites Down Under? 7Plus has got you covered. There are a ton of great blockbuster films, local series, reality shows, and live sports available on the app. All you need to do is sign up for a free account with an Australia postcode and start streaming immediately.

Live TVYes
OriginalsYes
Registration RequiredYes
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo
AnimeNo
AdsYes
Supported Devices
  • Apple TV
  • Amazon Fire Stick
  • Chromecast
  • Fetch
  • Foxtel IQ
  • Hubbl
  • Telstra TV
  • Android/Google TV
  • Roku
  • Sony Bravia
  • Samsung Tizen
  • PS4 and PS5
  • Android devices
  • iOS devices
Pros
  • Local Aussie shows and news
  • Big selection of global sporting events, including NFL, AFL, and Cricket
  • User-friendly interface
Cons
  • Issues connecting to the app on certain devices
  • Videos can lag if there is a high volume of users
  • Long ad breaks

13. Sling Freestream

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (13)

Like many of the other services on this list, Sling Freestream is a free, ad-supported television platform. It offers a lot of the same or similar content as Tubi and Pluto TV and is only available in the U.S. currently. A major benefit to Sling Freestream though, is that it offers 10 hours of DVR storage even to free users (with an account), so you can record live shows and watch them later.

Live TVYes
OriginalsNo
Registration RequiredNo
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo, but DVR options
AnimeYes
AdsYes
Supported Devices
  • Amazon Fire
  • Apple TV
  • Chromecast
  • Cox
  • LG, Samsung, Vizio, and Xfinity smart TVs
  • TiVo
  • Roku
  • Android devices
  • iOS devices
  • Xbox Series X/S
Pros
  • Premium channel packages available for add-on
  • DVR storage even for free users
  • Good video quality
Cons
  • Long and frequent ad breaks
  • Repetitive content on Live channels

14. CTV

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (14)

While there are a lot of free streaming services for Americans, Canadians need not feel left out from the mix. With CTV, you can access a ton of local and international content, including catching new episodes of current shows as they drop weekly.

Live TVYes
OriginalsYes
Registration RequiredNo
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo
AnimeNo
AdsYes
Supported Devices
  • iOS devices and Apple TV
  • Android devices and Android TV
  • Samsung smart TVs
  • Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
  • Amazon Fire devices
  • Roku
  • Chromecast
Pros
  • Limited ad breaks
  • Able to watch new episodes the week they air
  • Smooth interface
Cons
  • Bad and uneven audio quality
  • Videos occasionally crash after ad breaks

15. ABC iView

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (15)

Aussies rejoice! Here’s another free, on-demand video service just for you. ABC iView offers an array of local Aussie series that drop on the service shortly after they air and are available for free for a limited time—perfect if you missed an episode live. ABC iView also streams a ton of international content, such as fan-favorite movies and live TV, that airs across the ABC channels.

Live TVYes
OriginalsYes
Registration RequiredYes
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo
AnimeNo
AdsYes
Supported Devices
  • Samsung smart TVs
  • Hisense smart TVs
  • LG smart TVs
  • Android TVs
  • Sony TVs
  • Amazon Fire Stick
  • Foxtel Now
  • NVIDIA Shield
  • Vodafone TV
Pros
  • New episodes of shows currently airing
  • Local news
  • Lots of kids’ programming
Cons
  • Website can be glitchy
  • Episodes are only available for a limited time for free

16. Documentary+

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (16)

Looking for content that educates and informs, as well as entertains? Documentary+ is a streaming site with high-quality and award-winning documentaries across topics and genres. The films are available on-demand through the app, but you can also watch it live through FAST services like Sling Freestream and Tubi.

Live TVYes, through FAST services
OriginalsYes
Registration RequiredNo
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo
AnimeNo
AdsYes
Supported Devices
  • iOS devices
  • Android devices
  • Roku
Pros
  • High-quality documentary films
  • Interface is nice
  • Easy to search with categories and search bar
Cons
  • Website is slow and can be laggy
  • Niche content without wide appeal

17. RTÉ Player

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (17)

RTÉ Player is a great free streaming service for fans of Irish TV. It offers a ton of popular RTÉ series in English and Irish, along with international content—both live and on-demand. If you’re in Ireland, you’ll have full access to the site, but viewers outside of Ireland can also watch selected content for free (with ads), or you can choose to upgrade to an ad-free international version.

Live TVYes
OriginalsYes
Registration RequiredNo
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo
AnimeNo
AdsYes
Supported Devices
  • Android devices
  • iOS devices and Apple TV
  • Chromecast
  • Smart TVs
Pros
  • International availability
  • You can turn on ‘Kids Mode’ or Parental Control for age-appropriate content with a free account
  • Irish content you won’t find elsewhere
  • Get personalized recommendations with a free account
Cons
  • Website may feel slow and dated
  • Not all content is available outside of Ireland
  • Some viewers report frequent crashes during streaming

18. ThreeNow

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (18)

ThreeNow is another option for New Zealand viewers that offers free, ad-supported content on-demand and live. It’s especially great for catching up on local favorites like The Block NZ, 7 Days, and Te Reo Māori content, as well as international hits, documentaries, and reality TV.

Live TVYes
OriginalsYes
Registration RequiredYes
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo
AnimeNo
AdsYes
Supported Devices
  • iOS and Apple TV
  • Android and Android TVs
  • Chromecast
Pros
  • User-friendly interface
  • Live TV for popular channels like Bravo and HGTV
  • Local New Zealand content
Cons
  • Streaming quality isn’t the best and often has buffering or loading issues
  • The web browser and app sometimes glitch
  • Limited availability of closed captions or subtitles

19. Fandango at Home

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (19)

Fandango at Home, formerly known as Vudu, offers a mix of paid and ad-supported content through its “Free with ads” section, making it unique among streaming platforms. While it doesn’t have an extensive library, it’s great if you like watching classic television or older, less well-known films.

Live TVNo
OriginalsNo
Registration RequiredYes
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo
AnimeNo
AdsYes
Supported Devices
  • Apple TV
  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Android TV
  • Chromecast
  • Roku
  • Xfinity Flex and X1
  • iOS devices
  • Android devices
  • PS4 and PS5
  • Xbox
  • Smart TVs
Pros
  • Big selection of older movies and shows for free
  • Great variety of shows and movies, including comedy specials and classics
  • Easy to navigate and find free content
Cons
  • Long load times on the app and website
  • Low streaming quality
  • Newer content is not free

20. Crackle

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (20)

Crackle is a streaming service with a particular emphasis on classic films and original programming. Crackle frequently rotates and grows its selection of content, which ensures that there’s always something new to discover. Although its TV selection can be a bit lackluster, it offers a ton of movies that aren’t available on comparable services.

Live TVNo
OriginalsYes
Registration RequiredNo
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo
AnimeYes
AdsYes
Supported Devices
  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Android Devices and Android TV
  • iOS devices and Apple TV
  • Chromecast
  • Google, LG, Vizio, and Samsung smart TVs
  • PS5
  • Xbox Series S
  • Roku
Pros
  • Create and manage parental controls with a free account
  • Great mix of popular and classic films
Cons
  • Small library of TV shows
  • Buffering and loading issues are common
  • No live TV options

21. Arte

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (21)

If you’re living in France, Germany, Monaco, Luxembourg, Austria, or Switzerland, Arte is a great free streaming option. It’s a culture-focused public service channel that features documentaries, independent films, and more, with no ads to bog you down. The content is very accessible with a variety of languages and subtitles available across the platform.

Live TVNo
OriginalsNo
Registration RequiredNo
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo
AnimeNo
AdsNo
Supported Devices
  • Android devices and Android-enabled smart TVs
  • iOS devices and Apple TV
Pros
  • The platform is accessible in multiple languages
  • The web interface is very user-friendly
Cons
  • The library is quite limited and made up mostly of older films and documentaries
  • It’s only available in limited countries within the EU

22. Retina Latina

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (22)

Looking to explore Latin American film and culture? Retina Latina is a free streaming platform with short films, documentaries, and features from across Latin America and the Caribbean, featuring some of the best cinema the region has to offer. It’s funded by the Colombian Ministry of Culture with support from other Central and South American countries.

Live TVNo
OriginalsYes
Registration RequiredNo
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo
AnimeNo
AdsNo
Supported Devices
  • Web browser
  • Android devices
Pros
  • Tons of great Spanish language content
  • No account needed
  • No ads
Cons
  • Limited library of content
  • Mostly films with few series options

23. Hoopla

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (23)

Like Kanopy, Hoopla is a streaming service that is accessible through eligible public libraries in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It’s more limited in its availability than Kanopy and often has more obscure titles, but with no ads and no subscription it’s a great option if your library already offers it.

Live TVNo
OriginalsNo
Registration RequiredYes, with eligible library card
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileYes
AnimeNo
AdsNo
Supported Devices
  • iOS devices
  • Android devices
  • Amazon devices
Pros
  • Free through a library card
  • No ads
  • Able to watch offline
Cons
  • Not many popular titles; mostly niche content
  • Most content only streams in SD, not HD

24. Films for Action

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (24)

Similar to Documentary+, Films for Action offers thousands of documentaries and short films that focus on social and environmental issues with no ads and no sign-up required. The films range from BBC and PBS documentaries to content-creator videos, so be aware that not all films on the site come from the most reputable sources.

Live TVNo
OriginalsYes
Registration RequiredNo
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo
AnimeNo
AdsNo
Supported Devices
  • Web browser only
Pros
  • Unique content you won’t find elsewhere
  • Educational and awareness-raising content
  • Content from around the world
Cons
  • Some content may not be high-quality or truthful
  • Some content is for rent or paid subscribers only

25. Joyn

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Joyn is a free German streaming service that offers live TV streaming of more than 60 channels, plus many international and German series and movies on-demand. With everything from Blockbusters and hit TV shows to sports and game shows, Joyn is perfect for finding something new to watch or rediscovering an old favorite.

Live TVYes
OriginalsYes
Registration RequiredYes
On-Demand TV Shows & MoviesYes
Offline Downloads on MobileNo
AnimeNo
AdsYes
Supported Devices
  • iOS devices and Apple TV
  • Android devices and Android smart TVs
  • Amazon Fire devices
  • Huawei devices
Pros
  • Offers dubbed versions of international films and shows
  • User-friendly interface
Cons
  • Slow load times
  • Low video quality

Are free online streaming services legal?

Yes, there are plenty of free online streaming services that are perfectly legal—like all the ones included above. These platforms have licensing agreements which allows them to add a variety of content to their sites for streaming, supported by advertisements or funding from elsewhere.

On the flip side, not all free streaming sites are legal or legitimate. Many others, like piracy sites, don’t have the rights to put up content on their sites. Accessing content from piracy sites or downloading it to watch at home may be illegal and can lead to fines or other penalties, depending on your location.

Beyond just the legal issues, many of these sites can be risky to use as they often have malware or other security threats embedded in the content or the ads on the site themselves. You don’t want to risk a pesky computer virus or stolen personal information just to watch the latest episode of your favorite show, after all. To avoid any issues, stick with well-known streaming sites and ones that are owned by major companies, such as the ones we’ve listed above.

Safely stream online with a VPN

ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for streaming your favorite content. Whether you’re on a public Wi-Fi network at school or work, ExpressVPN encrypts your traffic, allowing you to bypass network restrictions for a seamless streaming experience just like if you were back at home! With support for up to eight simultaneous connections, including on smart TVs, smartphones, and other devices, you can enjoy your shows from home, on the go, or even while traveling.

Stream securely with ExpressVPN in three simple steps!

  1. Sign up for ExpressVPN and its blazing-fast service.
  2. Connect to one of our global VPN servers optimized for speed.
  3. Let ExpressVPN run in the background as you stream on the best free streaming services.

Get ExpressVPN

How to choose a streaming service that is best for you

Getting overwhelmed with the amount of sites available at your disposal? Before signing up—even to free sites—it’s best to figure out exactly what you’re hoping to get out of a streaming service and whether you’ll actually use it. You should consider:

  • Price: Are you willing to pay to get better content, higher quality videos, or perks like DVR storage? If so, what’s your monthly budget? If not, what are you willing to give up in exchange for free streaming?
  • Content availability: Take stock of what you most frequently watch. Are you an anime fan, a reality TV show enthusiast, or a film buff? Figuring out what you watch most frequently will help you find the service that is right for you.
  • Location: Unfortunately, not all streaming services are available in all regions, and content may vary even for global services. You’ll need to figure out which services are available where you live that fit your needs.
  • Device capability: It’s also important to consider how you like to watch content. Do you stream on your phone, your computer, or a smart TV? Not all streaming services offer device compatibility, so be sure to look into this before subscribing.

FAQ: About the best free streaming services

Are there any legal free movie websites?

Yes, there are many free and legal movie websites available, including Kanopy and Hoopla (with library card access) and FAST platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Crackle, which offer a selection of movies for free viewing.

How do you stream on TV for free?

Streaming on your TV for free is simple with the right tools! You can use a smart TV to download apps from free services like YouTube, TVNZ+, Crunchyroll, and ITVX. If you don’t have a smart TV, devices like Rokus, AppleTVs, gaming consoles, and Amazon Fire Sticks can help you access these apps and then can be connected to your TV for streaming.

Where can I watch local channels for free?

There are a ton of options for watching local channels for free, depending on your location. For instance:

  • U.S. viewers can watch local channels through PlutoTV or Tubi
  • Australian viewers can use ABC iView or 7Plus
  • New Zealand viewers can use ThreeNow or TVNZ+
  • British viewers can tune in using ITVX

What is the best free live streaming app?

One of the best free live streaming apps is Pluto TV, which offers a wide variety of live TV channels, including news, sports, movies, and entertainment. It mimics the traditional TV experience with easy channel surfing and requires no subscription. Other great options include Plex and Tubi, which also provide free live streaming and on-demand content.

Which streaming app has the most family-friendly content?

PBS Kids is one of the best streaming apps for family-friendly content, offering a variety of educational and entertaining shows tailored for young children with classics like Arthur and Sesame Street. Many of the other options also have family content, and some, like Freevee and Crackle, allow you to set parental controls to restrict what your children can watch.

25 Best Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies & TV Shows Online in 2024 (2024)
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