How to Stream for Free: Your Guide to Movies and Shows Without Paying

Watching your favorite shows and movies doesn’t always have to come with a subscription fee. There are plenty of ways to enjoy them for free. Many of these options are completely legal.

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In this guide, we’ll explore the best services you can use today to stream shows and movies for free.

Tubi

Tubi offers over 275,000 TV shows and movies, plus more than 300 exclusive originals. Sadly, it doesn’t have the latest movies from popular platforms, like Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and Netflix. However, many indie and classic titles are available on Tubi TV. 

Its Espanol channel offers plenty of Spanish movies as well. There’s also a kids’ channel with lots of cartoons, including nostalgic gems like ‘Baby Shark’ and ‘Scooby-Doo.’ 

It’s important to note that content on Tubi TV will have ad interruptions after every five to fifteen minutes. Also, remember that this service only works in the U.K., U.S., North America, and some parts of Latin America.

Plex 

Plex’s library has more than 50,000 free movies, most of which are indies and classics. However, most of those films came out between 2015 and 2000, so you won’t find any of the latest hits. The streaming service also shows advertisements, which can be annoying to some users. 

The best thing about Plex is that it works as a great personal media server. You can organize and watch your personalized media collection on different devices. For instance, you can add movies and shows to your Plex media server with your computer. Then you can stream the added content on your phone after signing in to your Plex account. 

Roku 

Roku is perfect for anyone with a Roku device, since it already has the Roku Channel built in. The service includes many independent movies, Roku Originals, and classics. With lag-free and smooth streams, you can enjoy old films like ‘RoboCop’ and ‘Apocalypto.’

The channel also offers many parental controls. You can check content ratings and then restrict playback with a four-digit PIN.

Pluto

Pluto is more than a simple run-of-the-mill streaming site. It works more like cable TV, offering a wide variety of on-demand content and live channels. 

With more than 200 channels, you can browse and find content for every mood. Its library also holds more than 1,000 TV shows and movies, so you’ll always have something to watch. 

The site is completely free and legal. Moreover, its app is compatible with several different devices, including iPhone, Samsung, Roku, and Fire TV. 

Xumo TV

You can watch Xumo TV without having an account or a paid subscription. The platform boasts an extensive collection of live channels and on-demand movies and TV shows. It’s operated by Charter Communications and Comcast, and offers content from both niche providers and well-known networks. 

The service allows you to stream in 1080p with minimal buffering. While it does show ads, they’re thankfully short and spaced out. 

Xumo TV is completely legal and supported in several regions, including Canada, the United States, and some parts of Western Europe. Since content availability varies by region, you might need to use a VPN if you’re outside these areas. 

Sling Freestream

Sling Freestream started in early 2023, so it’s fairly new compared to other streaming sites. Sling is a paid streaming platform for live TV. It’s great for live sports and other content if you don’t have cable. Sling Freestream, on the other hand, is the brand’s completely free streaming service.

Although it’s not as rich in content as Sling, Sling Freestream still has an extensive library. You have the option to choose from over 500 live TV channels and can expect around 40,000 hours of fun on-demand content. 

While you don’t have to make an account, the user experience is much better if you do. You can create multiple profiles on a single account. The service will even suggest various movies and TV shows depending on what you’ve watched in the past. 

There’s a lot of content to pick from, but titles like Bob’s Burgers, Bounty, American Dad!, and Family Feud offer a good starting point. 

YouTube

With over one billion hours of content and 100 million visitors, YouTube is the world’s largest video repository. While it isn’t really well known as a place to stream TV shows, there are still quite a few available. 

If you love web series, YouTube has some of the best ones you can find. There are also complete episodes of several shows, including Merlin, My Strange Addiction, and Beauty and the Beast. Classics like Mr. Bean are well-stocked as well and completely free to watch. 

How to Stream Movies with a VPN?

NOTE: This section is only for educational purposes. We are strongly against the infringement of copyrighted material. 

Here’s how a VPN works for streaming movies and shows (with NordVPN as an example):

  1. Go to NordVPN’s pricing page, pick a plan, and complete the payment. A long-term plan usually offers better savings.
  1. Download the NordVPN app from its website or your device’s app store, then install it.
  1. Open the app and connect to a nearby VPN server for faster speeds.
  1. Visit your favorite streaming platform, find the movie you want, and press play.

Conclusion 

Free streaming is more accessible than you might think. With the right websites, you can enjoy a huge library of shows and movies without paying a cent. Explore different platforms, discover hidden gems, and start watching right away. It’s simple, legal, and a great way to enjoy endless entertainment.

FAQs

Are free movie websites illegal?

Many free movie sites share unlicensed content, making them illegal. However, there are legitimate services that let you stream for free without any legal risk. Platforms like The Roku Channel, Plex, and Tubi TV offer licensed movies and shows you can enjoy safely.

Is it illegal to stream movies on 123Movies?

Streaming movies on 123Movies can be risky. The site is known for sharing copyrighted content without permission. In many regions, this is illegal, so it’s safer to stick to licensed free streaming platforms.

Is Tubi TV safe?

Tubi TV is generally safe to use when downloaded from trusted sources like the App Store, Google Play, or your TV’s official marketplace. The platform offers legally licensed, ad-supported content without malware or suspicious redirects. 

Which is better, Pluto or Tubi?

Pluto TV is great if you enjoy live TV with a traditional channel guide. Tubi is better for those who like choosing what to watch on demand. Both platforms offer plenty of free entertainment, so it comes down to whether you prefer live channels or browsing a large library.

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Picture of Ahsen Jawed

Ahsen Jawed

Hi, I am Ahsen, a tech admirer who keeps an eye on the latest innovations and upgrades in the world of microphones, cameras, and all other digital products which add joy and ease to our lives. As a content writer for over a decade, I adore describing inventions and new technologies in filmmaking and content creation. I aim to help readers make sound decisions by letting them explore popular brands through simple and understandable content backed by years of experience and knowledge.

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