We have included both premium and free Netflix alternatives for a broad range of users in this article. Expand the table below and move to any streaming platform you wish to read more about. You can also read our explainer on why you should look to switch away from Netflix before you check out the alternatives.

Why You Should Switch Away From Netflix?

In the last few years, Netflix has been continuously increasing its prices and changing its subscription plan tiers. Apart from that, the bad content selection is also being cited for Netflix’s poor performance and decline in subscriber count. Here, we have discussed both the issues in detail:

Expensive Pricing

Analysts note that pricing is one of the major reasons why people are looking for a Netflix alternative that provides quality content without having to pay a hefty monthly price. Currently, there are hundreds of online streaming services that offer content as good as Netflix, if not better at almost half the price.
For example – in 2018, Netflix’s mid-tier plan (HD, 2 screens) was priced at $10.99 per month, which saw a hike again in 2019 and moved to $12.99. And in 2022, the mid-tier plan costs $15.49 for viewing content in 720p with just two simultaneous streams. That’s laughable. You can check out how much a Netflix subscription costs worldwide from our list attached here. If we talk about the top-tier plan, it currently costs $19.99 per month (up from $15.99 in 2018) to have 4K playback with four simultaneous streams. The base plan (480p, 1 screen) has seen a hike of $2 from 2018 and now costs $9.99 per month. This figure is expensive if you take competing streaming services into account. You can get 4K streaming with four simultaneous streams from other services at the same price or for cheap as compared to Netflix’s base plan.
Not just that, we have been hearing that Netflix will soon introduce a way to crack down on password sharing, which would be pretty anti-consumer and drive away more users.

Poor Content Selection

Talking about the content, Netflix has not won an Oscar yet, whereas Apple TV+ has already bagged the Best Picture Award for Coda in 2022. Yes, Netflix won 44 Emmys (11 from The Crown alone) in 2022, but HBO Max, with its much smaller catalog, bagged 19 awards, and Apple TV+, with just 60+ titles, took home 10 Emmys. To give you a number, Netflix currently has over 17,000 titles (movies and TV shows) available for streaming.
All I’m saying is that Netflix is considerably hiking the price without offering quality content. Whereas the competition is consistently bringing more thought-provoking content at half the price of Netflix’s top-end premium plan. There is enough reason why you should look for a Netflix alternative right now. That said, here are the streaming sites you should consider over Netflix:

1. Hulu

If you are looking for a streaming platform like Netflix but one that is affordable and has a good library of movies, TV shows, and originals, Hulu should be your first pick. In terms of catalog size, Hulu is nowhere near Netflix with just 3000+ titles. However, it has partnered with top studios to bring classic shows like The Simpsons, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Frasier, etc to its platforms. Among the new and popular ones are Only Murders in the Building, The Handmaid’s Tale, How I Met Your Father, The Dropout, Abbott Elementary, etc., which have received great applause from viewers and critics alike. The base plan starts at $6.99 per month, which is ad-supported and can be streamed on two screens simultaneously. However, I would suggest you get the bundled plan that brings all Disney+ and ESPN+ content along with Hulu shows and movies for $13.99 per month. In case you want a streaming platform like Netflix with live TV channels, in that scenario too, Hulu is a better pick. Under the $75.99 monthly plan, you can access content from Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+, and live TV with unlimited recording. ProsCons3000+ titles (movies and shows)Shows ads under the base planePopular shows and originals availableDisney+, ESPN+, live TV available Pricing: 30 days free trial, Base plan starts at $6.99 per monthSupported Regions: USVisit Website

2. Apple TV+

In my opinion, Apple TV+ is churning out much better original shows and movies than Netflix. Sure, Apple TV+ does not have a massive collection of shows and movies right now, but it brings original shows that go on to win awards and accolades. Some of the popular Apple TV+ shows are Ted Lasso, the recently-released Severance, Tehran, and more. I love Apple original films, including the Academy Award winner for Best Picture, Coda, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Greyhound, The Sky is Everywhere, etc.
In terms of quality content, Apple TV+ is simply much better than Netflix. And the best part is that Apple TV+ is very cheap at $4.99 per month and is available on almost all the platforms, unlike other Apple services. You can stream Apple TV+ on your browser, PC, gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation, smart TVs, streaming devices, and of course all Apple devices. I will highly recommend Apple TV+ in place of Netflix for an affordable and equally entertaining viewing experience. ProsConsExcellent selection of OriginalsSmaller catalog than NetflixQuite cheaper than NetflixAvailable on almost all platforms Pricing: 7 days free trial, Paid plan at $4.99 per monthSupported Regions: Check the listVisit Website Pricing: 30 days free trial, Standalone plan at $8.99 per month, Bundled plan at $14.99 per monthSupported Regions: Available in over 200 countries except for Mainland China, Syria, North Korea, and IranVisit Website

4. HBO Max

HBO Max’s top-tier plan ($14.99) costs almost like Netflix’s mid-tier plan ($15.49), but it hosts some of the best TV shows and movies. You can find popular shows like Succession, Euphoria, Game of Thrones, Chernobyl, Big Little Lies, Barry, and Tokyo Vice on HBO Max. As for movies, you can watch the recently-released films on HBO Max from the last six months. That’s quite good, right? For example, you can catch up with the Robert Pattinson starrer The Batman, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, Drive My Car, and a lot more.
In comparison to Netflix, HBO Max has an exciting catalog to offer. With the top-tier plan, you can watch 4K content on HBO Max with 3 simultaneous streams. And the base plan at $9.99 per month comes with ads and FHD support. To sum up, if you are looking for a streaming platform like Netflix, but with exciting new originals and recently released movies, HBO Max tops the list. Pricing: 7 days free trial, Base plan starts at $9.99 per monthSupported Regions: In 61 regions across Europe, the U.S., Latin America, and the CaribbeanVisit Website

5. Disney+

Disney+ was launched recently, but it has quickly become one of the popular streaming platforms and now stands as a potential alternative to Netflix. Its catalog size is huge, with movies and shows from Marvel, Pixar, National Geographic, Walt Disney, and more. You will also find movies of the Star Wars franchise on Disney+ and critically-acclaimed shows from HBO like The Wire in India. As for kids, there are an endless number of classic Disney content from the yesteryear days.
In summation, Disney+ offers a broad range of content you won’t find on Netflix or other streaming services. Not to mention, Disney+ is affordable in comparison to Netflix. It offers just one plan that costs $7.99 per month and it unlocks 4K content and four simultaneous streams. That’s incredible value for money, right? Netflix offers content at 720p with just one stream under its $9.99 base plan. Simply put, Disney+ has a growing and diverse library of content and it’s much cheaper than Netflix. ProsConsHuge catalog sizeNoneMarvel, Pixar, Star Wars — content for all ageVery affordable Pricing: 7 days free trial, Base plan starts at $7.99 per monthSupported Regions: The US, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, India, UK, and 41 other countries.Visit Website

6. Mubi

Mubi is not a free Netflix alternative, but it houses some of the best worldwide cinemas that you won’t find anywhere. The main selling point of Mubi is art-house cinema, documentaries, and film festival movies that generally don’t find a theatrical release. Basically, it’s a hub of indie movies, and for cinephiles, Mubi serves the rarest and most curated list of films. To name some, Mubi hosts Portrait of a lady on fire (listed in our best LGBTQ movies list), The Godfather, 2001: A Space Odyssey (a good movie like Interstellar), Drive My Car, and much more. Its subscription costs $10.99 per month, which is still lower than Netflix’s mid-tier plan. I would say if you are a cinema-lover, Mubi offers you a better experience than Netflix. ProsConsHub of Indie moviesNot for mainstream usersNiche contentHouses cult classics as well Pricing: 7 days free trial, Pain plan at $10.99 per monthSupported Regions: In more than 195 countriesVisit Website

7. Paramount+

For users who are on the lookout for a streaming app like Netflix that hosts sports, live TV, and local news, Paramount+ is a great pick. Earlier it was known as CBS All Access, but now it has been rebranded to “Paramount+” with content from ViacomCBS and Paramount Pictures. Along with sports and live TV, you will also get access to shows from MTV, Viacom network, Comedy Central, CBS, etc.
As for sports, you can watch NFL football, basketball, soccer, and more. Paramount+ subscription price is low as compared to Netflix and offers a base plan of $4.99 per month that is ad-supported, and you won’t get content from CBS. To unlock all the content without ads, you need to upgrade to the monthly $9.99 plan. ProsConsSports, live TV, local newsShows ads in the base planHosts CBS, Paramount, etc. contentQuite affordable Pricing: 7 days free trial. The base plan starts at $4.99 per monthSupported Regions: Australia, Canada, Latin America, Middle East (as a pay TV channel), Nordics, and United StatesVisit Website

8. Discovery+

Discovery+ is a new streaming app like Netflix, and it houses content from Discovery network’s vast catalog. This includes documentaries and shows from Animal Planet, Science, Discovery, Food Network, TLC, DIY Network, etc. It’s owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, so you get many cable TV networks operating in your region. For example –with Discovery+, you will also get channels like History, Lifetime, BBC, and more. If you like having access to traditional channels along with online content, Discovery+ will be a match for you.
In India, it has developed many Originals, which include documentaries, shows on nature, crime, history, mythology, science, and adventure. Not to mention, the service is cheap in comparison to Netflix. With an ad-supported subscription, you will have to pay $4.99/ month and $6.99/ month if you don’t want ads. It also has 4K content for many titles, and you can play simultaneous streams on two devices. ProsConsContent from all Discovery Network channelsShows ads in the base planDocumentaries and shows of nature, crime, adventure, science, etc.Quite cheap Pricing: 7 days free trial. The base plan starts at $4.99 per month (Ad-supported)Supported Regions: The US, UK, Canada, India, Europe, and some Asia-Pacific countriesVisit Website

9. Sling TV

If you are looking to replace Netflix with an streaming television service, Sling is one of the best options out there. In essence, this is a cable TV alternative to Netflix, where you can watch some of the most of the popular TV networks such as ESPN, BBC, CNBC, CNN, Disney, Cartoon Network, Food Network and more. Bear in mind that Sling TV is just available in the US and lets you stream live TV channels from its region only.
As for pricing, the base plan that comes with 31 channels costs $35 per month. The subscription cost goes up to $50 per month with a total of 47 channels. Yeah, it’s more expensive than Netflix but users who miss traditional TV programming can get Sling TV for an online experience. Plus, you can also record live TV and sports with Sling TV. Pricing: 3 days free trial. The base plan starts at $35 per monthSupported Regions: The USVisit Website

Free Alternatives to Netflix

10. Peacock

If you are looking for a free alternative to Netflix, you can take a look at NBC’s Peacock. It’s a streaming app like Netflix but offers an ad-supported tier without any charge. Peacock’s free catalog contains classic hits like The Office (US), Downton Abbey, House M.D., Parks and Recreations, and more. Among the new and original shows, you can watch Below Deck, Botched, Difficult People, etc.
Apart from that, if you choose to pay $4.99 per month, you will get live sports and events with limited ads. The top-tier $9.99 monthly plan does not show any ads and lets you download content as well. I think the free plan of Peacock is quite good, although it’s ad-supported. If you are interested in live sports, you can go for the $4.99 plan. ProsConsFree Netflix alternativeShows adsLive sports, eventsClassic shows available Pricing: Free (Ad-supported), Premium plan starts at $4.99 per monthSupported Regions: The US, UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Italy, and SwitzerlandVisit Website Pricing: Free (Ad-supported)Supported Regions: The US and UKVisit Website

12. Plex

Plex has long been known as one of the top media server apps, but in 2019, the company launched its free online streaming service similar to Netflix with an ad-supported model. It offers more than 50,000+ titles and 200+ live TV channels for free, which is just amazing. You can head over to its website, search for the movie or show, and click on “Play” to start watching content for free. No need to even create an account. In case a movie or show is not available on Plex for free, it will display where it’s available, and you can connect your streaming service and continue watching on Plex.
Pricing: Free (Ad-supported)Supported Regions: More than 220 countriesVisit Website

13. Sony Crackle

Crackle is one of the completely free Netflix alternatives that you can find in the online streaming space. It’s co-owned by Sony, so you will get content from Sony’s studio along with cult classics, popular Hollywood movies, and loved sitcoms. Some of the popular shows and movies on Crackle are Sherlock, Snatch, Melancholia, Train to Busan, The Chosen, Monster, Hell’s Kitchen, etc.
Crackle also hosts movies and shows from partner studios. Having said that, keep in mind that it’s ad-supported, and you will have to watch a 30-second commercial before watching a movie or show. All in all, Sony Crackle is a worthy and free Netflix alternative, and you can give it a try. ProsConsDecent collection of Hollywood movies and showsAd-supportedFree to useLimited content Pricing: Free (Ad-supported)Supported Regions: USA, Canada, Australia, and 18 countries in Latin AmericaVisit Website

14. YouTube

YouTube may seem like a video sharing site, but it offers a lot to make it a viable alternative to Netflix. The company has developed several YouTube Originals that include Wayne, Impulse, Best Shot, Origin, Weird City, Cobra Kai, and a lot more. Most of these original shows can be watched for free on YouTube, but shows with a “Premium” tag would require a YouTube Premium subscription, which costs $11.99 per month. Note that in January 2022, YouTube shut down its Original Content Group.
Apart from that, YouTube also offers live TV channels under the YouTube TV service. It offers more than 90 channels and major networks like ABC, FOX, CBS, PBS, and BBC are all available here. You can also watch live sports with YouTube TV on channels like ESPN, NFL, CBS Sports, etc. Best of all, you also have the DVR feature, using which you can record live sports and events without any restrictions. That said, YouTube TV is an entirely paid service and starts at $64.99 per month. YouTube is one of the biggest ad-supported streaming platforms, where millions of creators put out their work for free. You can watch as much content as you want without paying anything. Major studios also offer select movies and shows for free on YouTube. So no matter if it’s original content, free videos or live TV channels, YouTube has you covered from all sides. ProsConsDecent collection of OriginalsAd-supportedFree for the most partNo more Originals from YouTubeOffers live TV but it’s paid-onlyA bit expensive Pricing: Free (Ad-supported), YouTube Premium starts at $11.99 per month, YouTube TV starts at $64.99 per monthSupported Regions: Almost everywhere except China, North Korea, Iran, Sudan, and TurkmenistanVisit Website

15. Tubi

Tubi is again one of the top free alternatives to Netflix, and it does not require a credit card to register on the website. It has a wide library of content from studios like Paramount, Warner Bros, MGM, and Lionsgate. Some of the popular movies on Tubi are Fist of Fury, Crazy on the Outside, Freedom, Origin Story, Kill Plan, and more.
Sure, it does not have mainstream content, which is much-talked in public discourse, but you will find niche content on this platform. All you have to do is sign up for a free account, and you are done. So if you are looking for a legal free platform like Netflix, Tubi is a great pick. ProsConsFree Netflix alternativeShows adsDecent selection of contentno mainstream contentPartnership with Paramount, Warner Bros., etc. Pricing: Free (Ad-supported)Supported Regions: United States, Canada, Mexico, India, Japan, Australia, New ZealandVisit Website

16. Pluto TV

Pluto TV is a streaming platform like Netflix, but it’s completely free. You don’t need to add your credit card details, just sign up for a free account, and you are ready to explore the vast catalog of Pluto TV. It offers free streaming options from cable TV providers around the world in an ad-supported model.
Apart from that, you can watch live sports, shows, and movies without paying anything. There are more than 250+ TV channels on Pluto TV. It’s powered by Paramount Streaming and available in the US, Australia, Europe, the UK, and Canada. ProsConsLive TV, sports, showsShows adsFree-to-use channelsMore than 250 channels Pricing: Free (Ad-supported)Supported Regions: US, Australia, Europe, the UK, and CanadaVisit Website

17. Vudu

Vudu is another streaming app like Netflix on this list that lets you watch movies and TV series for free. It’s ad-supported, and you will encounter a few ads in between a show or a movie. Vudu brings a decent collection of content from the house of Warner Bros, Discovery, and NBCUniversal. Some movies are paid-only, where you can rent or buy to stream the movie.
There are many popular movies from Marvel Studios and Warner Bros., which you can buy at a lower price than the competition. I think for free movies and shows, Vudu is a pretty good service, and you can definitely consider it in place of Netflix. Pricing: Free (Ad-supported), Rent and Buy availableSupported Regions: The US and MexicoVisit Website

18. Kanopy

Kanopy is a niche alternative to Netflix and in line with a service like Mubi. It does not host mainstream cinema, instead, Kanopy brings classic cinema, indie films, and top-notch documentaries – all available to stream for free to individual users. Basically, if you are fed up with Netflix’s poor selection of movies and shows and want to watch meaningful and thought-provoking cinema, Kanopy is the best pick.
The content is provided by public libraries and universities so you get an ad-free experience without any cost. Having said that, you will need a library card or university login to register on Kanopy. To name a few titles available on Kanopy, you have got one the best LGBTQ+ movies like Moonlight, The Bookshop, Captain Fantastic, Colette, Lady Bird, and much more. If you are a film student, Kanopy is a better choice than Netflix. ProsConsFree Netflix alternative to watch indie cinemaRequires a library card or university loginFree to useNo ads Pricing: FreeSupported Regions: UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, SingaporeVisit Website Which is the best free alternative to Netflix? Which is the best paid alternative to Netflix? Apple TV+, HBO Max, and Disney+ are some of the best paid alternatives to Netflix for their amazing selection of shows and movies.
Is there anything like Netflix but free?

Free Netflix Alternatives You Should Check Out

So these are the 18 best alternatives to Netflix that you can consider for streaming movies and TV shows online. I love what Apple is doing with Apple TV+ and HBO Max’s push for better stories in mainstream cinema. Depending on your preference, you can choose the service that suits your preference from the list above. So what would be your choice? Let us know which streaming service you like the most in the comment section below. In case you are looking for a list of the best Netflix movies, check out a curated selection via the linked article. And to find the best movie sites to legally watch movies, we have a handy list for that as well.