Free Apps Similar to Netflix in 2026
Netflix costs $15.49–$22.99/month and keeps raising prices. The good news: several free applications like Netflix exist that let you stream thousands of movies and TV shows at no cost. This guide ranks the best free apps similar to Netflix, explains what each offers, and helps you pick the right one for your viewing habits.
The best free apps similar to Netflix are Tubi (largest free library, 50,000+ titles), Pluto TV (250+ free live channels + on-demand), Peacock Free (NBC content + sports), and Crackle (movies and original shows). All are ad-supported and require no subscription or credit card.
Top Free Apps Similar to Netflix
All of the following applications like Netflix are completely free to use. They are legal, ad-supported platforms that license their content from major studios and distributors. No subscription, no credit card, and no trial — just sign up (or in some cases, not even that) and start watching.
Tubi
The largest free streaming library available — 50,000+ movies and TV shows across every genre. Owned by Fox Corporation. No account required to start watching. Available on Roku, Fire TV, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and web.
Pluto TV
Free live TV + on-demand. 250+ themed live channels organized like cable TV, plus an on-demand library. Owned by Paramount. No account needed. Best for viewers who miss the channel-surfing experience.
Peacock Free
NBC's streaming service has a robust free tier with NBC originals, sports highlights, news, and classic series like The Office and Parks and Recreation. A free account is required. Upgrade tiers available for more content.
Crackle
Sony-backed free streaming service with movies, TV shows, and Crackle originals. Smaller library than Tubi but includes some exclusive content. Free account required. Available on most major platforms.
Plex
Plex offers a free streaming hub with 50,000+ on-demand titles and 400+ live TV channels at no cost. Also doubles as a personal media server. Free account required. Strong library for movies and classic TV.
Kanopy
Free with a public library card or university login. Ad-free streaming of art-house films, documentaries, and educational content. Especially strong for independent cinema and foreign films. Check if your library participates.
Free Netflix Alternatives: Side-by-Side Comparison
Use this table to compare the top free apps similar to Netflix across the factors that matter most:
| App | Content Type | Library Size | Ads | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TubiBest Library | Movies + TV Shows | 50,000+ titles | ~ Ad breaks | All major |
| Pluto TV | Live TV + On-Demand | 250+ live channels | ~ Ad breaks | All major |
| Peacock Free | NBC, Sports, Movies | Thousands of titles | ~ Ad breaks | All major |
| Crackle | Movies + Originals | Hundreds of titles | ~ Ad breaks | Most platforms |
| Plex | Movies + TV + Live TV | 50,000+ titles | ~ Ad breaks | All major |
| Kanopy | Film, Docs, Education | 30,000+ titles | ✓ No ads | Most platforms |
Best Free App for Movies: Tubi
If you are looking for the closest free alternative to Netflix for movies, Tubi is the clear winner. With over 50,000 titles across all genres — action, horror, comedy, drama, romance, sci-fi, and international film — it rivals paid services in sheer catalogue depth.
Tubi does not require an account or credit card. You can start watching within seconds of downloading the app. Ad breaks are typically 90 seconds every 20–30 minutes, comparable to standard cable TV. The library skews toward older and mid-tier titles — you will not find brand new theatrical releases — but for catalogue depth, it is unmatched among free streaming apps.
Tubi is available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, iOS, Android, Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, Vizio, Xbox, PlayStation, and web browsers at tubi.tv.
Best Free App for Live TV: Pluto TV
For viewers who miss the live TV experience — flipping through channels, stumbling across something good — Pluto TV is the best free option. It offers 250+ themed live channels organized exactly like a cable TV guide, covering:
- News: CNN International, NBC News Now, Sky News
- Movies: dedicated channels by genre (action, comedy, horror, 80s movies)
- Sports: dedicated sports highlights and classic sports channels
- Reality and lifestyle: Keeping Up with the Kardashians 24/7, comedy channels, and more
- Kids: Nick Jr., Noggin, and children's content channels
Pluto TV also includes a growing on-demand library. No account is required to use the live TV channels — though creating a free account unlocks on-demand content and progress tracking. Available on all major streaming devices and platforms.
Are free Netflix alternatives legal?
Yes — all of the apps listed on this page are fully legal. Tubi, Pluto TV, Peacock Free, Crackle, Plex, and Kanopy are ad-supported platforms that license their content from studios and distributors. They operate legally in the US and are available through official app stores. They are not to be confused with piracy sites or unlicensed IPTV services.