Netflix is known for the type of movies, TV shows, and web series it hosts. However, it would be wrong to say and believe that this is the only platform to watch the latest and oldest movies and shows online. There are definitely many other sites that are similar to Netflix. Some of them are even free and provides the same level and kinds of content as the most acclaimed, Netflix.
Highly Recommended Netflix Alternatives
Below are 14 alternates to Netflix. Almost all of them are free of cost with as many categories of content as Netflix.
If you want to watch TV shows like Futurama or ER, then Hulu should be the first preference. It is a site that facilitates viewers with original as well as popular movies and shows. The best feature of Hulu is that it adds new and most recent episodes of shows as soon as they are released. On the other hand, unlike Hulu, Netflix releases seasons and not episodes as they get aired. That makes Hulu better than Netflix.
However, when it comes to buying a subscription, the user has to get it for $5.99 monthly. The worst part about a subscription is that even after paying a decent $5.99 there will be advertisements to watch. Whereas, Netflix doesn’t show ads against subscriptions. Nonetheless, there is a plan with $11.99 that doesn’t include ads at all. Besides that, if the user wants to add live channels or other sites, then they are supposed to pay $64.99 monthly. Channels like ABC, CNN, FOX, and sites like Showtime, and HBO are added in this hefty amount. On the flip side, there is another disadvantage for those who live other than Japan or the US. Hulu is not for every country.
Another alternative to Netflix is Amazon Prime Video. It is original programming and offers the most popular shows and movies. The content is from the oldest archives to the newest releases. Famous shows in Amazon Prime include Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Man in the High Castle, and The Boys are some to name.
How a person can make use of this site? Well, it is simple. You don’t need to get a separate account if you’re already a member of Amazon Prime. However, if not then it costs only $12.99 monthly. With that, you can also get the perk of getting free delivery or shipping on a couple of items sold on Amazon by different retailers. Free shipping is not just for goods but also on books from Kindle. In case you don’t want to avail all these amenities then there is another option – get a solo service. For such packages and plans, charges are way cheaper ($8.99 per month).
The third alternate to Netflix is much acclaimed and reputable HBO Max. This site offers more than your imagination. We can say that by the type and categories as in genres of content are added in HBO Max. Also, there is old and new content. For example, we have great shows like Game of Thrones and Westworld. From the recently added shows, there are examples of The Sopranos. New and upcoming movies and shows for which many are waiting desperately include Tokyo Vice and The Nevers.
However, there are many movies and shows like Friends and South Park which are completely missing on HBO Max. Also, there are some recent Warner Bros. films that are not uploaded on the HBO channel. But surely you can stream shows from other cable channels (for instance, TNT, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, CNN, etc.). You can also access movies and anime from Studio Ghibli and Crunchyroll.
As of now, the channel is providing access to the most recent movie “Wonder Woman 1984”. In this year, 2021 Warner Bros. will be releasing a set of 17 theatrical movies on this channel (HBO Max). It is speculated that all these movies will be released on theatre and HBO Max on the same day. This will be for a month’s test drive. Unlike many other cheaper services, HBO retail charges for a month are fixed to $14.99.
Honestly, it will be surprising to know if you are not aware of this channel. Disney Plus is suited well to kids and can become the dearest Netflix alternate. There are many movies along with shows that could serve as the best way to get entertained. In Disney Plus, Pixar, Marvel movies, Star Wars, and almost every famous show and movie is easily watched.
There are apparently two plans – monthly and yearly. The monthly subscription fee is only $6.99. However, you have to pay $69.99 for a year-long plan. These charges are not applied anymore because they are revised from March 2021. The monthly subscription plan will be $7.99 and for a yearlong plan, it will cost $79.99.
There used to be a weeklong trial initially. But now, you have to remember that there is no free trial anymore. Another noteworthy news is that Disney Plus may get free in Europe and the US.
Recently there was a launch in streaming service in NBCUniversal’s Peacock. Content on the site is mostly free and is run by advertisements. You can watch movies and shows like Two and a Half Men, Parks and Reactions, etc. In January 2021, Peacock streamed The Office, another famous TV show. However, some movies and shows on this site are only for premium users. To watch exclusive content, you are required to buy a plan that will cost only $4.99 every month. Remember, this plan will have ads but if you pay $9.99 every month then you will be able to watch content without any interruption of advertisements. Also, to check the services, you are allowed to access a 7 days trial.
Most of us know about YouTube. It is by far the most famous alternate to Netflix. The mechanism of this site is pretty unique as compared to those which are mentioned in this article. On YouTube, you are able to access different episodes of different shows, movies, and web series. Just like other sites, this too has different genres.
However, the collection is limited and haphazard. It can’t beat the competition with Hulu or Netflix though. But there are many creators who have started a channel and created comedy shows. Casey Neistat is one of such people. Sometimes these types of content have more viewership than the last show you watched on Netflix.
Want to know the real reason behind Crackle being famous? It is mainly because the content here on this site is completely and totally free of cost. If you are a cult classic freak or someone into Hollywood movies then this site would not disappoint you! On this site, there are approximately 150 movies and almost 75 shows with full episodes and seasons.
Despite all the good stuff, there are some drawbacks too. The first and the biggest is about the ad-based site. It means, content that you watch is free but there are some advertisements to watch to make the site run. These advertisements are pretty short (only 30 seconds) and you are required to watch these before starting a movie or show. Also, these advertisements are not just at the start. They appear up to 3 times in shows and 9 times in movies (that are more than 60 minutes long).
It is one of those sites where anyone can stream shows. With the most recent streaming updates, Discovery Plus tends to put all the discovery shows in the world of TV channels. People who love houses getting restored or seeing couples getting married right after 90 days of the meeting will love this site. Also, there are many original shows which are added to the collection. For example, 90 Day Fiancé is one of the massive hits of this website. Other than that, there are recently released episodes from the Magnolia network.
So, when it comes to the charges or fee structure, it starts from only $5 (monthly subscription with advertisements). However, it is $7 for a month without advertisements. If you are not sure about the subscription, there is an option of trial which lasts for 7 days.
Note: Verizon Wireless customers (unlimited version) get a yearlong subscription free.
If you are tired of Netflix and all the complexities to get to watch a movie or show, rely on Paramount Plus. It was initially recognized as CBS All Access. The parent company, ViacomCBS and Paramount Plus have combined a lot of content in one site. From Paramount Pictures you can watch many recent and classic movies. Also, this site contains shows, comedy central, BET, Nickelodeon, and MTV, etc. Apart from that, there are regular additions in the content including Star Trek Discovery, The Good Fight, etc. Other than that, many movies and shows are in the making including Microsoft’s Halo-based video games.
One of the best features of this site is that it allows the user to demand content they want to watch. However, the services around this web or channel are fixated for local news, live national news, and live sports news (include NCAA basketball, NFL football, etc.). Plans or subscriptions are priced economically – 5.99 with advertisements and $9.99 without the ads. There will be a slight change in the monthly plan of $5.99. It will become $4.99 for a month-long subscription (CBS stream will not be included in the $4.99 plan).
We have seen that the subscriptions are mostly $5.99 but Apple TV Plus is way cheaper. It is only $4.99 which is a reasonable amount to get HD quality shows and series. All that is added to this site is best for families. Snoopy in Space, The Morning Show, Helpsters, and For All Mankind are some of the most watched shows and series. This platform adds valuable content on a regular basis.
Even though there are many perks, it still can’t compete with the kind of collection Netflix contains. But it is not like Netflix in many ways. The biggest advantage of Apple TV Plus is that it is accessible globally, in all 120 countries.
If you are willing to watch recent or classic shows from Australia, Britain, or Ireland; Acorn TV is the best alternate for Netflix. No wonder it is a wonderful alternate for Netflix. Reason being, it contains shows and series like Doc Martin, Inspector George Gently, Midsomer Murders, etc. These are not American shows but are the legit source of entertainment. Movies on Acorn TV are not many.
Let us tell you that Acorn TV isn’t easily accessible like Netflix. It is because only residents of Canada and the US can buy subscriptions for $5.99 (on monthly basis). There are no advertisements in the plan. One of the biggest drawbacks of Acorn TV is that it isn’t downloadable. You simply can’t watch it offline.
This site like Briton contains British movies, shows, and series. Here, you can get hang of different genres (classic British detective series, dramas, sci-fi, comedy, etc.). At Britbox you can watch classics like “Doctor Who” and soaps like “Eastenders”, etc. The best part of Britbox is that it adds content as soon as it gets on the air or released. There are always shows and movies in the lineup to get uploaded.
However, to purchase this service, you have to pay $6.99 for a monthly subscription in the US. When it comes to the annual package it costs $69.99, a big bargain for those who want to try different alternates of Netflix. Remember, there wouldn’t be anything of the same type as Britbox on Netflix.
For a year, Pluto TV has gained popularity. The main reason for the fame is the type of content it uploads and free access. There are two streaming services out of which works as a cable provider. The cable TV services like the streaming option provide 100s of channels from where streaming becomes easy.
At Pluto TV anyone can watch live news that is covered from different sources and outlets. Other than that, one can watch free classic shows and movies. Kids and sports junkies love this website. Spanish audience also loves this site because it has Spanish content on site too.
In 2019 CBS Viacom purchased the site and since then new content is added on a regular basis. Some examples of shows are CSI and Star Trek. New movies and shows are added upon request too. Therefore, the best alternate for Netflix remains Pluto TV.
Shudder is one of the best alternates for those who love watching horror movies. It is recommended to those too who aren’t big fans of the horror genre. Reason being, there are many other genres included in the database. Shudder is always loaded with original movies and recent releases. It is soon about to start launching original shows like the anthology of Creep shows.
When it comes to the cost, it is pretty reasonable – $5.99 monthly and $56.99 annually. There is a 7 days trial too where you are not charged a penny. Remember, there is another plan with $4.75 monthly with ads.
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