Cutting the cord and getting rid of expensive cable bills is becoming more and more popular. But finding quality free streaming services to replace cable can be a challenge. This guide will provide a comprehensive list of the top 18 free streaming apps for movies, shows, and live TV that you can enjoy in 2022 without spending a dime.
These streaming services offer thousands of hours of on-demand and live content across various genres like movies, TV shows, news, sports, and more. Most are available on popular streaming devices like Roku, Firestick, Apple TV, smartphones, and web browsers. Many also have free ad-supported versions so you can stream totally free.
This list of the best free streaming apps is constantly updated with the latest and greatest options. Read on for the top recommendations to meet all your cord-cutting streaming needs!
Here are the top 18 best free streaming services for 2022:
Movies & TV Shows
1. Tubi
Tubi TV is one of the most popular free streaming services available today. It offers thousands of hit movies and TV shows on-demand without needing an account or subscription.
Tubi has content deals with major studios like MGM, Paramount, and Lionsgate so their library is constantly expanding. You‘ll find movies in nearly every genre including comedy, drama, action, horror, documentary, and more.
Their interface makes it easy to browse and discover new content to watch. You can stream Tubi on Roku, Firestick, mobile apps, and browsers. It‘s completely free but does have short ad breaks.
Overall, Tubi is a must-have app for free streaming thanks to its huge on-demand library. It‘s very similar to Netflix but 100% free.
2. YouTube
YouTube is packed with free movies and TV shows if you know where to look. Many major studios have their own official YouTube channels where they make movies available to stream for free with ads.
For example, you can find free movies from Lionsgate Movies, Paramount Movies, MGM Studios, and more. There are also tons of user-uploaded movies and shows on YouTube. Just be aware of quality and legitimacy issues with user uploads.
While YouTube is known for short clips and viral videos, it‘s also a surprising source of free movies you can stream from any device with the app or browser. Definitely utilize YouTube in your cord-cutting streaming lineup.
3. The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel is Roku‘s free streaming service available on Roku devices and the web. It provides free on-demand movies and TV shows as well as live news, sports, and entertainment.
The Roku Channel doesn‘t require any subscriptions, accounts or fees. It‘s completely free and streams ad-supported content. They partner with major studios to license movies and shows.
Given Roku‘s massive user base, The Roku Channel is easily one of the best free streaming services today. If you own a Roku streaming player, it‘s a must-have app for your device.
4. IMDb TV
IMDb TV is a free streaming service owned by Amazon and available on Fire TV devices. It provides hit movies like La La Land and TV shows like Chicago Fire for free streaming.
The content library is somewhat limited compared to larger services but very solid for a free option. IMDb TV works on Fire TV and also has apps for Roku, mobile devices, and browsers.
One cool feature is X-Ray which provides extra info and trivia while you watch. If you own a Firestick or Fire TV, IMDb TV is a great addition for free shows and movies.
5. Pluto TV
Pluto TV takes a unique approach to free streaming. In addition to on-demand movies and TV shows, it also offers over 250 live TV channels spanning genres like news, sports, comedy, lifestyle, and more.
The live channels really make Pluto TV feel like a cable or satellite replacement. It has live streams from CBS, NBC, CNN, Comedy Central, and many others. You can browse the TV guide and tune in just like regular TV.
Pluto TV works on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, mobile apps, and the web. It‘s free and ad-supported. The combination of the extensive on-demand library and live channels makes Pluto TV one of the top free streaming platforms.
6. Peacock
Peacock is NBCUniversal‘s free streaming service with current NBC shows, news, and sports. It offers a limited amount of content for free with ads. You can unlock the full library with a paid subscription.
With a free account, you can stream classic shows like The Office and 30 Rock. You also get next-day access to current NBC shows like Saturday Night Live. Peacock has live sports like Sunday Night Football too.
Even with the limited free tier, Peacock is worthwhile for NBCUniversal fans. It‘s available on most devices including Fire TV, Roku, phones, and computers. Sign up for a free account to start watching.
7. Crackle
Crackle, owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul, is a long-running free streaming provider with on-demand movies and TV shows. You can watch hits like Casino Royale along with Crackle Originals.
The content on Crackle rotates regularly so the library stays fresh. It‘s ad-supported and available on most devices without needing an account. Crackle used to be known as Sony Crackle when it was part of Sony.
Crackle offers an easy, account-free way to stream free movies and shows on your favorite devices. While the library is smaller than other picks, Crackle is ad-free and convenient.
8. Vudu
Vudu, owned by Walmart, is primarily known as a rental and purchase platform. But they also have a selection of ad-supported free movies you can watch without paying.
Many of the free movies on Vudu are older classics from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and early ‘00s. But you‘ll also find some newer movies in the mix. Selections rotate frequently.
Vudu is available on Roku, Fire TV, game consoles, phones, and browsers. You can easily browse just their free movies to find something to watch at no cost.
9. Plex
Plex is a popular media server software used by cord-cutters to manage their movie and TV libraries. In addition, Plex offers its own free streaming service called Plex Free-to-Watch Movies.
It provides free ad-supported movies from studios like MGM, Lionsgate, and Legendary. Selections get updated regularly so you‘ll always find new movies to choose from.
Plex Free-to-Watch is available directly in the Plex app without a Plex Pass subscription. You can stream the movies on any device with the Plex app including Roku, Fire TV, phones, TVs, and more.
10. Popcornflix
Popcornflix is a free ad-supported streaming service with hundreds of movies in genres like action, comedy, drama, horror, and more. It‘s owned by Screen Media Ventures.
In addition to their website, Popcornflix is available as apps for iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, and many other platforms. You can stream completely free without even needing an account.
While Popcornflix doesn‘t have any brand new blockbuster releases, their library of older movies is decent for a free service. Their ads are kept short and non-invasive. Give Popcornflix a try if you want an easy free movie streaming option.
11. Kanopy
Kanopy is an on-demand streaming platform with over 30,000 indie movies, documentaries, and foreign films. Here‘s the catch – you need a library card to access Kanopy for free!
Many local libraries partner with Kanopy to offer it for free to their cardholders. All you need to do is sign up with your library card number to start streaming.
With an emphasis on indie films and thought-provoking documentaries, Kanopy provides a viewing experience you won‘t find on mainstream services. The movies come from respected production companies like A24, Paramount, and more.
If your local library offers Kanopy, take advantage of this free access to quality, artful films you can‘t find elsewhere.
12. Hoopla
Just like Kanopy, Hoopla partners with local libraries to offer free streaming to library cardholders. They have hundreds of movies, TV shows, audiobooks, and more.
To use Hoopla, you just need to enter your library card number during signup. From there, you can browse and borrow titles on-demand without any fees.
Hoopla has content from Warner Bros., MGM, PBS, National Geographic, and other top studios. Most libraries offer a monthly borrowing limit so make the most of it!
13. Redbox Free Live TV
Redbox, known for its DVD rental kiosks, also has a free live TV streaming service called Redbox Free Live TV. It offers over 100 channels with news, sports, movies, entertainment and more.
Redbox Free Live TV closely mimics the cable TV experience with its channel guide and live streams. And it‘s entirely free with ads.
You can watch on a web browser or use the Redbox mobile app on iOS and Android devices. This free live TV streaming is a handy option for news, sports, and entertainment.
Live TV
14. Pluto TV
As mentioned above, Pluto TV has over 250 live TV channels covering categories like news, sports, movies, comedy, lifestyle, and more. You can stream the live channels completely free on all major devices.
Pluto TV‘s channel lineup feels like a scaled down cable package with popular channels from major networks. It‘s a great way to replace cable TV with free live streaming.
15. The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel offers more than 190 free live TV channels in addition to its on-demand movies and shows. You can watch news from ABC, CBS, Cheddar and more. There are also live sports, movies, entertainment, and other channels.
The live streaming is completely free if you have a Roku device or use The Roku Channel website. It closely mimics the experience of paid live TV services.
16. Samsung TV Plus
Samsung Smart TVs come with a preinstalled app called Samsung TV Plus. It offers over 190 free live TV channels spanning categories like news, sports, movies, entertainment, and more.
There are no accounts, fees, or subscriptions required. If you own a recent Samsung Smart TV, you instantly have access to tons of free live channels. Stream from providers like ABC News Live, Bon Appetit, Fubo Sports Network, PBS Kids and many others.
Samsung TV Plus is essentially free cable TV for all 2016-2022 Samsung Smart TV owners. Check your app menu for the Samsung TV Plus app.
17. Xumo
Xumo TV is another free streaming provider with both live channels and on-demand movies/shows. They focus on specialty programming spanning categories like Sports, Action Movies, Snackable TV, Adult Swim, and more.
In total, Xumo offers over 190 free live channels to choose from. And there are thousands of free on-demand movie and show titles as well.
Xumo is available on Roku, Fire TV, LG and Samsung smart TVs, iOS, Android, and the web. It‘s a great free option for live and on-demand content.
18. Plex Live TV
The Plex media server software now includes a free Live TV service. It provides over 80 free live TV channels from providers such as Tastemade, Yahoo Finance, Newsy, and more.
To use Plex Live TV, you‘ll need the Plex media server installed on a device like a Roku, Fire TV, computer, or Plex server box. Plex Live TV offers a cable-like channel guide for their free live streams.
While limited compared to Pluto TV, The Roku Channel and others, Plex Live TV is a handy free live streaming option for existing Plex users.
Summing Up the Best Free Streaming Services
Cutting cable TV doesn‘t mean you have to sacrifice access to content. As this guide highlighted, there are tons of free streaming options for both on-demand and live TV content.
Services like Tubi, The Roku Channel, and Pluto TV offer thousands of hit movies and shows available on-demand. And apps like Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and Samsung TV Plus provide a cable-like experience with free live channel streams.
Take advantage of these free streaming providers to enjoy endless entertainment without expensive cable bills. All you need is an internet connection and a compatible streaming device to start watching.
Try out several apps to see which free streaming services have the content libraries and viewing experiences you prefer. Mix and match on-demand apps like Tubi with live TV apps like Pluto to replicate a full cable setup 100% free.
Cutting the cord has never been easier thanks to the proliferation of free streaming options. Ditch cable TV and start streaming like a pro with this comprehensive guide to the top free streaming services!
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