Last updated on January 23rd, 2024 at 02:18 am
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t fancy paying for a streaming service, you have a solution in the form of free streaming services. Legal, of course.
They may not have the top-rated shows as their premium counterparts, but they do provide you with hours of entertainment and enlightenment, nonetheless.
You have to pay a price, though. Not literally, but through having to put up with ads. Expect ads to run anywhere from 30 to 60 seconds every now and then when a show is on. But that’s not going to be any more than ads on a cable network.
Most of these free streaming services don’t even need you to sign up to enjoy live and on-demand shows. Registration allows you to enjoy certain benefits, though.
You’ll get to enjoy older and retro classic shows, for the most part, and some newer shows as well.
Let’s look at some of the best free streaming services that not only save you money but also provide you with hours of entertainment.
Accessibility
You don’t have to be in your living room with your TV to catch the show on the free streaming service.
Most allow you to watch live TV and on-demand shows through your web browser, mobile devices, and even game consoles.
Peacock
The best part of Peacock is its free plan allows you to enjoy over 13,000 hours of shows.
Registration is required. You don’t need to enter your credit card details to get started though.
You don’t only get to enjoy on-demand shows but also live TV.
Shows can be streamed via web browsers, mobile devices, and smart TVs like Android TV and Apple TV, not to mention devices like Chromecast and Playstation 4.
Among movie classics, you can enjoy are Battlestar Galactica, Harry Potter, and Jurassic Park.
Peacock has extended its wings to some countries outside of the US. However, the rest of the world has to still wait for the free service to reach them.
Check out Peacock.
Freevee
Freevee is the service you want if you’re into classic movies.
Formerly known as IMDb TV, it has now been taken over by Amazon and rebranded.
If you’re a Fire TV or Fire Stick owner, then Freevee is available by default.
Otherwise, you would have to access it through the Amazon Prime video app.
You don’t get to watch live TV but its array of on-demand shows will leave you satisfied.
Expect to catch top shows like Mad Men, Desperate Housewives, and The First 48.
Freevee originals include Leverage: Redemption and Judy Justice.
But then, don’t expect much from their originals.
If you’re outside of the USA, you can watch selected free shows through your Prime Video account.
Check out Freevee.
Tubi
Tubi is one of the few free streaming services available worldwide.
It doesn’t offer live TV or channel originals. But then it has an impressive catalog of 20,000 shows. Easily accessible through your web browsers and multimedia devices.
This large collection is made possible through its partnerships with Hollywood giants like MGM, Paramount, and Lionsgate.
Its library can be said to be as extensive as Netflix’s. But then don’t expect A-list fares.
But for a free streaming service, it doesn’t fail to raise eyebrows.
Why not, with such offerings as The Terminator, Foxcatcher, Kill Bill, and The Craft, among others.
Account registration isn’t required. If you sign up, you have the benefit of parental controls and viewing history.
A disappointment is most shows are streamed in 720p.
Check out Tubi.
Pluto TV
If live TV is your cup of tea, then you would have much to thank Pluto TV for.
No registration is needed to consume its services.
Popular TV shows and movies are available but not channel originals.
Catch classic shows like Baywatch, Stargate, and Degrassi on one of the best free streaming services.
But then after a while, you may grow tired of an overdose of retro content. But you can always switch to other types of content.
Sports are available via Fox sports. Sorry, you can’t get to watch live telecasts. Only highlights.
Ads intrude but not to the extent of distracting you from your viewing experience.
Check out Pluto TV.
Crackle
Like to watch shows from the UK? Check out Crackle, which has a good selection of channel originals.
On top of that, its range of classics will surely take you on a trip down memory lane.
Crackle isn’t a new kid on the block. It has been in action since 2004. Back when Netflix was despatching DVDs and wasn’t anywhere near streaming.
If you register for the Crackle service you get to include shows in your list of favorites. Not to mention keeping tabs on watch progress for your favorite movies.
Check out Crackle.
The above best free streaming services should keep you occupied over a boring weekend or an evening after a hard day’s work.