Best Free Movie Apps For Free Streaming

15Mar

Paid applications like Netflix and Amazon Prime have grown in popularity in the age of streaming. But with the best free streaming services and apps, you can watch a variety of movies and TV shows for little to no money, all while taking advantage of the ease of streaming from the comfort of your own home.

You won’t have to worry about getting into trouble because these free movie apps give legal viewing options across a range of categories. We’ve examined each app and offered an in-depth review to make it easier for you to find the ideal free movie app for your streaming needs.

Quick-Tips:

Highly-compatible streaming apps are a must

Concurrent streaming is extremely helpful for viewing with friends and family

Know app-specific content before selecting a streaming platform

Notable developers can indicate high-quality standards for apps

Ads are going to likely be a part of your free streaming app

Each app is unique and do not all offer the same features

Fact-Check:

Having used many streaming apps for watching my favorite shows, I want to make sure the platform that I choose is safe to use and has great content. One of the best ways to verify both of these categories is by checking which platforms other viewers picked. According to Horowitz Research, several of the names on our list, like Tubi TV, Pluto TV, Vudu, and Crackle, made up more than 53% of viewership for free video streaming in the United States in 2021. This shows that our list of comprised of the very best platforms, giving you the peace of mind to choose the best platform.

Top free movie apps

Best Overall: Popcornflix
Best for Original Content: Crackle
Best for Live TV: Tubi TV
Best for Classic Movies: Pluto TV
Best for New Releases: Vudu
Best for Fire TV Devices: Amazon Freevee
Best All-in-one: Yidio

Best Overall: Popcornflix

Specs

Developer: Developed by Screen Media Ventures, LLC; Known for providing quality entertainment content
Compatibility: Available on the web, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Xbox, and more
Concurrent Streams: Supports multiple concurrent streams on the same account, allowing for shared viewing experiences with friends and family.

Pros

No subscription required
A diverse selection of content
Easy-to-use design
Availability in many nations

Cons

Limited content compared to other premium streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime
Ad-supported, users are presented with ads while watching
Quality issues reported by some users
Limited device compatibility
No download option is available; cannot download movies or TV shows for offline watching

We tested Popcornflix, and because of its diverse selection of content, it earned a top spot. Popcornflix is a free streaming app that allows you to watch movies and TV shows for free. For people residing outside of the United States, Popcornflix is also accessible through a variety of service providers like JustWatch.

We also went through the application and website. Both have very user-friendly interfaces, and the registration process is fairly simple. Users don’t need to pay for a subscription to view movies and TV shows on the app because it is totally free and supported by advertisements.

Hollywood blockbusters, independent movies, and vintage TV shows are among the wide variety of content that Popcornflix offers. Additionally, Popcorn Originals has its own dedicated section with featured content.

Best For Original Content: Crackle

Specs

Developer: Developed by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Sony Pictures, and Columbia Pictures; These are known for providing a diverse range of free entertainment content, including movies and TV shows.
Compatibility: Available on the web, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, various smart TVs, and consoles
Concurrent Streams: Crackle TV supports multiple concurrent streams on the same account, allowing for shared viewing experiences with friends and family.

Pros

Variety of original movies and TV shows
Availability of classic content
Availability on a variety of devices
Simple and easy-to-use interface

Cons

Limited selection of content compared to other paid streaming services
Ad-supported, users will need to sit through commercials while watching content
Video quality issues reported by some users, including buffering and low-resolution playback
Limited availability in some countries, which may limit accessibility for certain users and regions

Crackle is a great free streaming media service that offers a variety of movies and TV shows, and also has movies that are no longer accessible on Netflix. Having explored their selection, we think by expanding its movie collection, Crackle has stepped up its game in comparison to other best free streaming and viewing services.

There are many genres available on Crackle, including some of our personal favorites, like action films, sitcoms, thrillers, horror, and more.

You can also watch TV shows for free on Crackle. Like Popcornflix, Crackle is ad-supported, which is typically the catch with free streaming advertising, but the ads are worthwhile because you get to watch movies and television shows for no charge.

Best For Live TV: Tubi TV

Specs

Developer: Tubi TV is developed by Tubi, Inc., a leading provider of premium streaming services that is renowned for delivering top-notch entertainment content to viewers worldwide.
Compatibility: Available on the web, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, consoles, and most other platforms
Concurrent Streams: Tubi TV supports multiple concurrent streams on the same account, enabling viewers to enjoy their favorite movies and TV shows with their loved ones simultaneously.

Pros

Large library of movies and TV shows
No ads subscription option is available

Cons

Limited availability
Content rotation
No original content

Tubi TV is also a free streaming platform that is completely free to use. It is ad-supported, but in our testing of Tubi TV, it has far fewer advertisements than its competitors. Due to its affiliations with MGM, Paramount, and Lionsgate, Tubi TV stands out from its rivals by having the support of some of the largest names in the media industry.

With parental settings that allow parents to keep an eye on what their children watch, Tubi TV is a must-have for the family. Similar to other streaming platforms and services, it works without requiring you to create an account.

The “Not on Netflix” section of Tubi TV also has a separate segment devoted to great options that Netflix does not offer.

Best For Classic Movies: Pluto TV

Specs

Developer: Pluto TV is owned by ViacomCBS, a well-known media company that produces high-quality entertainment content
Compatibility: Available on the web, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, smart TVs, and consoles
Concurrent Streams: Pluto TV supports multiple concurrent streams on the same account, so you can share your viewing experience with your friends and family

Pros

Live TV
Large Library
User-Friendly

Cons

No On-Demand Viewing
Limited Customization
Picture Quality
Limited International Content

Pluto TV is a free streaming service that offers on-demand content and has live broadcasting from about 250 different channels. TV shows and movies are included in the on-demand content.

We believe that Pluto TV is a great streaming app, but there are some limitations in terms of the content selection, as the majority of what is offered is at least five years old. Pluto TV is ad-supported like the other many streaming websites and applications, but there is no way to purchase content without ads. We think that because of its somewhat outdated content and no way to pay to skip ads, Pluto TV is a solid option for free streaming.

Pluto TV has a very straightforward and user-friendly interface, but the absence of search and filtering options could make it more challenging to locate the content you want. However, if you’re a fan of James Bond and other popular franchises like we are, Pluto TV is a winner for you because it offers a wide variety of content.

The live networks on Pluto TV offer a variety of content, including news, sports, kid’s programs, Spanish-language shows, game shows, and more.

Best For New Releases: Vudu

Specs

Developer: Vudu is a digital media distribution service owned by Fandango Media, LLC, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal, which is known for providing high-quality digital media content to its users
Compatibility: Available on almost all platforms: the web, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, smart TVs, and consoles
Concurrent Streams: Vudu supports multiple concurrent streams on the same account, allowing for shared viewing experiences with friends and family

Pros

High-Quality Video: Vudu offers 4K UHD
Large Library: A vast collection of popular and lesser-known titles
No Subscription: Pay only for what you want to

Cons

Limited International Content: Not a wide selection of international content
No Original Content: Vudu does not produce original content

Vudu is a platform for streaming movies and TV shows that is free and supported by advertisements. With a huge selection of content, including the ability to rent and buy recent hits, Vudu is incredibly simple to use. In contrast to other such streaming sites and applications, Vudu also provides offline downloads. We also found that some of the movies are available in 4K, which is a huge step up from other free streaming services.

Some of our favorite TV shows like The Office, Game of Thrones, Friends, and Rick and Morty have complete seasons available for purchase.

Vudu has a large selection of movies and TV shows, but it also lacks original series and movies. There is no top category of subscriptions for Vudu.

The process of signing up for Vudu is fairly simple. If you intend to buy or rent content, you can input your credit card information for easy payment. Otherwise, you can just stick to free viewing.

Best For Fire TV Devices: Amazon Freevee

Specs

Developer: Developed by Amazon, known for providing a diverse range of entertainment content
Compatibility: Available on Fire TV devices, Android, iOS, web browsers, and select smart TVs
Concurrent Streams: Amazon Freevee supports multiple concurrent streams on the same account, allowing for shared viewing experiences with friends and family.

Pros

Good streaming quality
Availability on a variety of devices
Integrates with Amazon’s ecosystem, making it easy to use with other Amazon services

Cons

Limited selection of content compared to other paid streaming services
Ad-supported, users will need to sit through commercials while watching content
Some content requires a subscription to a premium service
Not available in all countries, which may limit accessibility for certain users and regions

With Amazon Freevee, you can watch a variety of free movies and TV shows, as well as live TV channels. For anyone like us who wants to watch live events and keep up with their favorite TV shows without having to pay for cable TV, this makes it a great option. In testing, we found that this app includes an intuitive user interface that makes browsing and finding new content simple, ensuring that you always have something new to watch.

Amazon Freevee is a terrific choice for those who want to follow their favorite shows in real-time, as it offers access to over 140 live TV channels, including news, sports, and entertainment.

Best All-in-one: Yidio

Specs

Developer: Yidio LLC developed Yidio through Brandon and Adam Eatros; both have been in the video aggregation industry since 2008
Compatibility: varies per streaming platform; iOS, Android, Roku, web browsers, and more
Concurrent Streams: Yidio supports several concurrent streams, varying depending on the platform you select

Pros

Can easily access a wide variety of streaming platforms
Quality and safety are assured with some of the biggest names in streaming
Great compatibility with various streaming platforms
Access to the some of most popular shows and movies

Cons

Yidio does not produce any content of their own
Most content is accessed through other platforms
A-list content typically requires payment to a subscription, although some platforms offer a free trial

We think that Yidio is best described as a marketplace in which you can search for your favorite content and find a streaming platform that offers that content. Because Yidio is not a streaming service in and of itself, it does not offer any unique content of its own. Despite this, Yidio is the perfect place to find the most popular streaming services in one place, allowing you to easily find content that is offered on some platforms, but not others.

Yidio is best used for its search functionality, which is far better than other single-service platforms. By having access to the content held by different platforms, even the most niche shows and movies can be found using Yidio, which is why it is we think it is the best all-in-one platform.

FAQs

Are there full episodes of TV shows on these sites?

Yes. When it comes to choosing an online streaming site, there are several factors to consider. We exclusively suggest free streaming sites that provide complete episodes. We’ve prioritized free streaming services that present entire seasons or series to prevent any disappointment when you’re engrossed in a captivating show.

Are Popcornflix, Crackle, Tubi TV, Pluto TV, and Vudu safe to use for free streaming?

Popcornflix, Crackle, Tubi TV, Pluto TV, Amazon Freevee, and Vudu are safe to use for free streaming. However, it is important to be cautious when downloading or installing any new apps or software. Always use a trusted source and ensure your device has up-to-date anti-virus and malware protection.

Can I watch these movies offline?

It depends on the app. Some of the apps, like Vudu, allow you to download movies for offline viewing. However, other apps like Popcornflix and Tubi TV do not offer this feature.

Are these apps available on all devices?

These apps are available on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV. However, availability may vary depending on your location and device.

Are free movie apps really free?

Yes, free movie apps like Popcornflix, Amazon Freevee, Crackle, Vudu, Tubi TV, and Pluto TV are free to use, but they generate revenue through ads or may require you to create an account or sign up for a free trial.

What are some tips for choosing the right free movie app?

There are several things you can do to help make the most informed decision about the right free movie app. Begin by checking the content library to see if it has movies and TV shows you want to watch. Make sure you can view the quality settings or ratings for the app because high-quality videos are important in the streaming experience.

To ensure minimal frustration after narrowing down your list, ensure your devices are compatible before attempting to download one of the apps. If you have a family, consider apps that offer parental controls and subtitles. Lastly, evaluate the app’s quality and user experience by reviewing user reviews and ratings.

Save money, steam free

Popcornflix, Crackle, Vudu, Tubi TV, Amazon Freevee, and Pluto TV are standout choices for free movie viewing applications. High-quality video, a sizable selection of films and TV shows, and support for a broad variety of devices are just a few of the distinct advantages that each of these platforms offers.

Individual tastes will ultimately determine which app is used, but all of these apps offer a great way to experience free movies and TV programs without having to pay a membership or renting fees. So, if you’re looking for a way to spend your evenings without spending a dime, these free streaming entertainment services are your best bet!

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Best Free Movie Apps For Free Streaming