The Simple Way to Watch All Your Favorite Shows for Free

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10 Free Ways to Stream TV Shows & Movies (Legally) in 2025 (cheapism.com)

Free Streaming in 2025: Your Guide to Entertainment Without the Bill

For many households across the nation, the idea of “cutting the cord” from traditional cable once meant sacrificing a vast array of entertainment. However, as subscription streaming services like Netflix and Hulu continue to raise their prices and tighten sharing policies, a new landscape has emerged: free, ad-supported streaming. These platforms offer an increasingly robust selection of on-demand movies, live channels, and even original programming, proving that quality entertainment doesn’t always come with a monthly bill.

Here are 10 of the best free streaming services worth exploring in 2025:

1. Tubi (Fox)

Leading the pack in free streaming is Tubi, a Fox-owned platform that has truly become a powerhouse. Without requiring a sign-up (though optional for personalization), Tubi boasts an astonishing library of over 275,000 movies and TV episodes, complemented by more than 300 exclusive originals.

Its content spans cult classics, children’s shows, and even live sports, as evidenced by its recent NFL Thanksgiving game broadcast. With over 100 million monthly active users and a relatively light ad load—typically 4 to 8 minutes per hour—Tubi stands out as arguably the best all-around free streaming option for 2025, offering both live TV and on-demand content.

2. The Roku Channel

The Roku Channel has rapidly expanded its offerings, now featuring over 500 live linear channels and more than 80,000 free movies and shows. While it’s particularly convenient for Roku device owners, it’s accessible across various platforms, with most content not requiring a sign-up.

Beyond popular licensed titles, Roku Originals, bolstered by its 2021 acquisition of Quibi’s library, provide unique short-form series. The ad experience is generally lighter than many competitors, often under 7 minutes per hour, making it a top-tier free option for both live and on-demand viewing.

3. Pluto TV (Paramount)

Pluto TV continues to reign as a pioneer in Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST), offering hundreds of live, linear channels alongside thousands of on-demand titles. From CBS News to dedicated Star Trek marathons, its vast channel lineup is ideal for those who enjoy channel surfing and a touch of nostalgia.

No sign-up is required to dive into its extensive library of both live and on-demand content. While a fantastic choice for background viewing, users should be prepared for a heavier and sometimes repetitive ad rotation.

4. Sling Freestream

Originally launched as Sling Free in 2023 and later rebranded, Sling Freestream has seen significant improvements, emerging as one of the most robust FAST options available. It now offers over 700 live channels and more than 41,000 hours of on-demand movies and shows, including everything from Barney marathons to niche sports and horror channels.

Notably, Freestream even includes local FOX and CBS affiliates and a free 10-hour cloud DVR. Ads are comparable to traditional cable TV, making this a comprehensive choice for both live and on-demand entertainment without a subscription.

5. Local Now

Owned by Allen Media Group, Local Now is a specialized service that aggregates local news, weather, and entertainment channels. By 2025, it is expected to reach over 70 million U.S. households, having recently expanded its offerings to include Live Now Fox, Fox Weather, and Fox Sports channels, in addition to movies and lifestyle programming. Requiring no sign-up, Local Now offers both live and on-demand content with moderate ads, positioning itself as a premier destination for hyper-local updates and a growing general entertainment library.

6. Plex Free TV

While primarily known as a personal media server, Plex has successfully ventured into the free, ad-supported streaming space. It now operates hundreds of FAST channels and a substantial movie library comparable to Pluto TV’s.

The on-demand catalog features major studio films, independent cinema, and cult favorites, all presented through Plex’s polished interface. An optional sign-up is available for syncing media across devices, but it’s not required for streaming.

With moderate ads similar to other FAST services, Plex’s combination of personal media management and expansive free streaming makes it a powerful and often overlooked all-in-one solution for both live and on-demand content.

7. Fandango at Home (Free Section)

Fandango at Home, which unified Vudu and FandangoNOW, features a dedicated free section with a rotating library of more than 20,000 ad-supported movies, spanning genres from documentaries to family favorites. While its core business revolves around rentals and purchases, the free catalog offers hidden gems and classics.

A Fandango account is required to access the service, which is exclusively on-demand. Ads are moderate, though some users report a less-than-seamless interface on certain devices.

It’s a platform worth browsing for unique film finds.

8. Free Amazon Streaming (Watch for Free on Prime Video)

In 2024, Amazon announced the integration of its Freevee brand into Prime Video, with the standalone Freevee app slated to shut down by August 2025. Now, free ad-supported content is seamlessly presented within Prime Video under a “Watch for Free” section.

This offers thousands of shows and movies—including popular originals like Bosch: Legacy and Judy Justice—alongside curated live channels. An Amazon account is required (though not a Prime membership), and ads typically run about 8–10 minutes per hour, shorter than traditional TV.

This robust offering is particularly convenient for existing Prime Video users, providing both live and on-demand options.

9. Popcornflix

After a period of uncertainty due to its parent company’s bankruptcy, Popcornflix made a comeback under new ownership in early 2025. This service primarily caters to fans of B-movies, action flicks, and cult horror titles, offering on-demand content without requiring a sign-up.

While the app is now functional on many platforms, its future remains somewhat uncertain, and its library is modest. Users should be prepared for repetitive and sometimes intrusive ads, and it’s advisable to check device availability.

This is a niche destination for specific late-night fare.

10. Kanopy & Hoopla (Library-based)

For cinephiles and learners with a library card, Kanopy and Hoopla offer a unique, ad-free streaming experience. These services partner with public libraries and universities to provide free access to movies, documentaries, Great Courses lectures, and more.

Because libraries fund these services on a per-view basis, borrowing limits apply; for instance, the Jacksonville Public Library has adjusted limits to 10 Kanopy tickets and 8 Hoopla borrows per month due to rising costs. Despite these limits, both platforms offer high-quality, curated selections often not found on commercial streaming services, making them invaluable for on-demand, ad-free viewing.

Other Free Streaming Options in 2025

Beyond these top ten, several other free streaming services are available:

Crunchyroll (Free tier): Anime enthusiasts can watch select episodes for free with ads, though new simulcasts typically require a subscription.
NewsON: This service aggregates live local newscasts from various stations across the U.S., available for free without requiring a login.

Samsung TV Plus / LG Channels: Owners of compatible Samsung and LG smart TVs have access to built-in FAST services offering hundreds of ad-supported channels directly on their devices.
PBS App: Many local PBS stations provide free live streams and on-demand episodes of beloved shows like Frontline and Nature, all at no cost.