5 Free Streaming Alternatives to Hulu, Netflix, and Prime

If you’re ready to look beyond Netflix, Prime, and Hulu, you’ll find a whole range of streaming alternatives that are affordable (and sometimes even free). These platforms may slip in a few ads and won’t always carry the latest blockbuster, but they make up for it with hidden treasures: inspiring documentaries, international dramas, indie comedies, and even classic films that deserve a second look.

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After all, not every big-budget release on Netflix or Prime ends up being memorable (remember Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop reboot or Prime’s Citadel?), but these smaller services often shine by bringing fresh, original voices to the screen.

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Exploring them can feel like discovering a secret shelf in your favorite library full of stories you might have otherwise missed.

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Tubi

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Tubi has a huge catalog of movies and TV shows, supported by major studios like Paramount and Lionsgate. A great option if you’re okay with older content, indie films, and the occasional “B-movie.” It’s very accessible, though the library of recent and popular titles is thinner.

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Cost & Ads: 100% free, supported by ads. No subscription or credit card required.

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Check out Tubi→

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Pluto TV

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Pluto TV provides free streaming with a mix of on-demand shows and live, linear “channels” covering everything from news to classic TV. Excellent variety, especially if you like the live channel experience. Ads are frequent, and the lineup can change, but overall it’s a strong free option.

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Cost & Ads: Free, with ads.

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Check out Pluto TV→

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The Roku Channel

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The Roku Channel combines a large catalog of free movies and shows with live TV, plus the option to subscribe to premium add-ons. Super convenient if you already use Roku devices, but the content is often older.

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Cost & Ads: Free with ads, though some paid content is also available.

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Check out The Roku Channel→

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Kanopy

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Kanopy specializes in indie films, foreign cinema, documentaries, and cult classics. A goldmine for film lovers and documentary fans. The main drawback is limited access — your library or school must support it. Also, don’t expect to find the latest popular TV series here.

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Cost & Ads: Free with no ads if your library participates. Some libraries limit viewing by offering a set number of credits per month.

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Check out Kanopy→

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Scholastic TV

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Scholastic offers its own branded, free, ad-supported streaming app for families and children with over 400 hours of content, including classics like Clifford the Big Red Dog, The Magic School Bus, and Goosebumps. It's a standalone, trusted service that doesn't require a library card or third-party access. It’s focused on children's and family programming, and has limited initial platform availability (Roku and Amazon Fire TV for now)

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Cost & Ads: Free to use. Ad-supported.

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Check out Scholastic TV→

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