Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video are the platforms of the day, but it may cost something. In 2024, what are the best free streaming services to use as an alternative?
A subscription here, a subscription there. Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video are great, but all those services combined can make for a nice cost. Fortunately, anno 2024, there are plenty of free streaming services you can use.
Or well, streaming services…? In this article, we are dealing with Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television services, better known as FAST services. It comes close to regular television viewing, but thanks to a nice selection of on-demand titles, these free alternatives are really worthwhile.
FAST: what is this free alternative to Netflix?
FAST: Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television, that is. It’s a term that has been taking the streaming landscape by storm since last year. Services typically offer a load of channels and on-demand titles that you can watch for free.
How exactly is that possible? The name says it all: advertising. As with regular television, the channels and titles feature advertising, which you have to sit out for a while to watch the content for free. Big advantage of the FAST services compared to Dutch television is that the commercial breaks are a lot shorter. Profit, in other words.
However, it’s worth noting that many of these services mainly operate outside Europe. But with a VPN, it is very simple to move your digital location to, say, the United States. So this makes it just possible to watch the channels even if you are in the Netherlands.
What exactly is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your Internet connection and hides your IP address, increasing your online privacy and security. Popular VPN services include NordVPN, ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. With a VPN, users can bypass geographical restrictions, safely use public Wi-Fi and surf the Web anonymously.
The best free streaming service as a Netflix alternative
Now that we know exactly what a FAST service is, it’s time to get acquainted with the best options in 2024. From streaming services that come standard on your smart TV to apps you can download on a Chromecast or Apple TV, they’re all here.
#1 Tubi: on-demand, just like Netflix
Where many FAST services lean mainly on live television, Tubi takes a similar approach to Netflix. The streaming service has a large library of movies and series that you can watch whenever you want. It likes that, as the FAST service now has more than 64 million users.
FOX is the party behind the free streaming service, providing material from ABC, NBC and others in addition to its own content. Westworld, How It’s Made, that sort of thing. All viewable on your Android, iPhone, PlayStation and Samsung and Sony televisions.
You can watch these titles for free (Image: TubiTV)
#2 Samsung TV Plus: standard with your Smart TV
Samsung TV Plus is a personal favorite. The streaming service comes standard with your Samsung Smart TV and has a wide range of television channels. Whereas with other services these channels are certainly worthwhile, with Samsung TV Plus, as far as I’m concerned, it’s all the rage.
The Netflix alternative lets you watch Top Gear episodes 24 hours a day or enjoy a lot of swearing during a Hell’s Kitchen marathon. The nice thing about TV Plus is that the distribution of content is extremely clear and you can even choose which category you look for your content in.
The streaming service in action (Image: Samsung)
#3 Pluto TV: the masterful free answer to Netflix
We previously called Pluto TV the masterful free answer to Netflix and we stand by it. In the United States, this FAST service is the go-to place for on-demand content and live television. Movies, series, news and sports: it’s all there.
Paramount is the party behind this service and offers viewers 250 channels to enjoy. Franchises like Star Trek and CSI appear regularly, and the partnership with CBS makes it seem like you’re watching American television (and thus commercials).
Pluto TV (Image: Pluto TV)
#4 Plex: if streaming services were personal
Plex is a unique in the list, as the free alternative to Netflix also features that streaming service’s personalization. Through your viewing habits and library, you develop a personalized environment where content is selected for your own tastes.
Finding really really well-known titles might be a bit tricky, but with a little searching you can find wonderful gems like The Walking Dead, IP Man, and Are We There Yet.
(Image: Plex)
#5 Crackle: Netflix, but only for Sony content
Crackle does what Netflix does, but only with Sony content and completely free. The streaming service has a nice selection of movies, series and live television. The number of commercials here is a little higher, but it’s a lot better than watching a movie on regular television.
Titles like Halloween (1978), New York, I Love You and Puncture are titles you can watch on the streaming service.
(Image: Crackle)
