Cutting the cord doesn’t have to mean missing out on TV shows and movies. With paid platforms like Netflix and Hulu continuing to raise prices (and even cracking down on password sharing), ad‑supported streaming has become more appealing than ever. Dozens of free services now offer solid libraries of on‑demand films, live channels, and even original programming.
Here are 10 of the best free streaming services to check out in 2025.
1. Tubi (Fox)
- Sign‑up required? No (optional for personalization).
- Live TV & On‑demand? Both.
- Content: Tubi is the juggernaut of free streaming. As of 2025, it hosts over 275,000 movies and TV episodes, as well as more than 300 exclusive originals, including cult classics, children’s programming, and buzzy originals. Tubi has grown to over 100 million monthly active users and has even branched into live sports with an NFL Thanksgiving game.
- Ads: Relatively light (typically 4–8 minutes per hour).
- Verdict: With its massive catalog and light ad load, Tubi is arguably the best all‑around free streamer in 2025.
2. The Roku Channel
- Sign‑up required? Not for most devices.
- Live TV & On‑demand? Both.
- Content: Roku’s free channel has exploded, offering over 500 live linear channels and more than 80,000 free movies and shows. In addition to popular licensed titles like Knives Out and Downton Abbey, Roku Originals—bolstered by its 2021 acquisition of Quibi’s library—add unique short‑form series.
- Ads: Lighter than many competitors (often under 7 minutes per hour).
- Verdict: A top‑tier free option, especially convenient for Roku device owners, though you can watch on other platforms as well.
3. Pluto TV (Paramount)
- Sign‑up required? No.
- Live TV & On‑demand? Both.
- Content: Pluto remains the king of FAST (free ad‑supported TV) services, with hundreds of live, linear channels and thousands of on‑demand titles ranging from CBS News to Star Trek marathons. Its vast channel lineup is perfect for channel surfers and nostalgia fans.
- Ads: Heavy rotation and often repetitive.
- Verdict: Fantastic for channel surfing and background viewing; patience for ads is required.
4. Sling Freestream
- Sign‑up required? No.
- Live TV & On‑demand? Both.
- Content: Launched as Sling Free in 2023 and rebranded to Sling Freestream, this tier now includes over 700 live channels and more than 41,000 hours of on‑demand movies and shows. Recent additions range from Barney marathons to niche sports and horror channels. CableTV.com notes that Freestream even includes local FOX and CBS affiliates and a free 10‑hour cloud DVR.
- Ads: Comparable to cable TV.
- Verdict: A huge improvement over its rocky launch; now one of the most robust FAST options.
5. Local Now
- Sign‑up required? No.
- Live TV & On‑demand? Both (focused on news and lifestyle).
- Content: Owned by Allen Media Group, Local Now aggregates local news, weather, and entertainment channels. In 2025, it will reach over 70 million U.S. households and has recently added Live Now Fox, Fox Weather, and Fox Sports channels. It also carries movies and lifestyle programs.
- Ads: Moderate.
- Verdict: A go‑to for free, hyper‑local news and weather updates, with a growing entertainment library.
6. Plex Free TV
- Sign‑up required? Optional (needed to sync media across devices).
- Live TV & On‑demand? Both.
- Content: Better known as a media server, Plex now operates a free, ad‑supported streaming service with hundreds of FAST channels and a sizable movie library that rivals Pluto’s. The on‑demand catalog includes major studio films, independent gems and cult favorites, all organized with Plex’s slick interface.
- Ads: Moderate (similar to other FAST services).
- Verdict: Often overlooked, Plex’s combination of personal media management and expansive free streaming makes it a powerful all‑in‑one solution.
7. Fandango at Home (Free Section)
- Sign‑up required? Yes (Fandango account).
- Live TV & On‑demand? On‑demand only.
- Content: Fandango unified its Vudu and FandangoNOW services under the Fandango at Home banner. It’s free section features a rotating library of more than 20,000 ad-supported movies, spanning genres from documentaries to family favorites. While rentals and purchases remain the core of the service, the free catalog includes hidden gems and classics.
- Ads: Moderate, though some devices can feel clunky.
- Verdict: Worth browsing for movies you won’t find elsewhere, but the interface prioritizes rentals.
8. Free Amazon Streaming (Watch for Free on Prime Video)
- Sign‑up required? Yes (Amazon account; no Prime membership needed).
- Live TV & On‑demand? Both (select live channels plus on‑demand).
- Content: Amazon announced in 2024 that its Freevee brand will be folded into Prime Video, with the stand‑alone Freevee app shutting down by August 2025. Free ad‑supported content is now presented inside Prime Video under a “Watch for Free” section, offering thousands of shows and movies—including originals like Bosch: Legacy and Judy Justice—alongside curated live channels.
- Ads: About 8–10 minutes per hour, shorter than traditional TV.
- Verdict: A strong free offering, especially for existing Prime Video users; just don’t expect the Freevee app to stick around.
9. Popcornflix
- Sign‑up required? No.
- Live TV & On‑demand? On‑demand only.
- Content: Popcornflix was left in limbo after its parent company went bankrupt, but it returned under new ownership in early 2025. The service primarily streams B‑movies, action flicks, and cult horror titles. While the app works again on many platforms, its future is uncertain, and the library remains modest.
- Ads: Repetitive and sometimes intrusive.
- Verdict: A niche destination for campy, late‑night fare; check availability on your device.
10. Kanopy & Hoopla (Library‑based)
- Sign‑up required? Yes (library card or university login).
- Live TV & On‑demand? On‑demand only.
- Content: These services partner with public libraries to provide free streaming of movies, documentaries, Great Courses lectures and more. Because libraries pay per view, borrowing limits apply; for example, Jacksonville Public Library reduced Kanopy borrows to 10 tickets per month and Hoopla borrows to 8 per month due to rising costs. Even so, both offer high‑quality selections you won’t find on commercial platforms.
- Ads: None (content is ad‑free).
- Verdict: Perfect for cinephiles and learners with a library card—just watch your monthly allotment.
Other Free Streaming Options in 2025
- Crunchyroll (Free tier): Anime fans can still watch select episodes for free with ads, though new simulcasts require a subscription.
- NewsON: Aggregates live local newscasts from stations around the U.S., free without login.
- Samsung TV Plus / LG Channels: Built‑in FAST services on Samsung and LG smart TVs offering hundreds of ad‑supported channels; available only on compatible devices.
- PBS App: Many local PBS stations offer live streams and on‑demand episodes of shows like Frontline and Nature at no cost.
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