In a crowded world of streaming services, we introduce UK viewers a budget-friendly option — a plethora of free platforms. Catering to diverse tastes, from Pluto TV’s extensive channels to Rakuten’s classic and contemporary mixes, we’ve shortlisted the top 13 free streaming services. Dive in and discover quality entertainment without spending a penny.
Update24/04/2024, 15:03
We’ve added all the latest information to our comparison of the top free streaming platforms so you can compare the likes of Pluto TV, BBC iPlayer and more.
- The best free streaming services 2024
- Pluto TV
- Freevee
- Kanopy
- Rakuten TV
- Crunchyroll
- Other on-demand free streaming services
- BBC iPlayer
- ITVX
- Channel 4+ / All4
- Using a VPN to access further free streaming channels
- Tubi
- Vudu
- Xumo
- The Roku Channel
- Crackle
- A comparison of the top free streaming services
- Free streaming services FAQs
The best free streaming services 2024
With Netflix’s prices on the rise and anti-password-sharing measures coming into place, it’s the perfect time to consider using a free streaming service in 2024. Even though you might not have heard of them before, there is actually a great range of platforms where you can watch many a well-loved series or blockbuster movie. That’s not to mention that most also have a free live-streaming TV option where you can choose from various channels of live content.
We have a great video summarising all of the best free video streaming services on our YouTube channel, see above to check it out. Now let’s get to our top picks for free TV and movie streaming:
Pluto TV
Pluto TV, a premier free streaming service from the US recognised globally, has made extraordinary strides since its launch. This completely free, ad-supported television service is owned by Paramount and is available in the UK, providing a unique offering to its viewers.
Pluto TV offers over 250 live TV channels with a diverse mix of genres that range from news, sports, movies, and series, to documentaries. It even hosts dedicated channels for popular shows such as Doctor Who and Antiques Roadshow UK. It ranks highly amongst free live streaming websites.
The platform’s selling point is its online accessibility, simply by searching for it on Google. Pluto has a great user-friendly interface, designed just for viewers desiring an old-school television experience. Unlike traditional streaming platforms, you don’t have to handpick programmes for viewing – simply tune in to a channel and enjoy the ongoing show. Pluto TV UK undoubtedly recreates the nostalgia you get from flipping through channels, all the while providing a modern, high-quality streaming experience.
Compatible with all standard devices – from smart TVs, computers, and smartphones to tablets, the streaming service dexterously balances high-quality viewing with zero subscription charges. Furthermore, it provides On Demand content, allowing viewers to watch their favourite shows and movies at their convenience. You can watch online or use the Pluto TV app.
In summary, the Pluto TV free platform offers a throwback TV viewing mode while showcasing a diverse and entirely free entertainment catalogue. Consequently, it’s a noteworthy contender in the evolving video streaming industry.
Freevee
What is Freevee? It is Amazon’s free streaming service, offering a wide range of quality content to viewers across the UK. By gathering free-to-air channels and digital sources in one place, it’s a refreshing platform for streaming.
The Freevee app offers viewers an impressive mix of content without any subscription costs. It appeals to a broad demographic with its diverse library of content, spanning free-to-air Freevee TV, movies, documentaries, sports, music, and more. Amazon Freevee UK guarantees there’s something for everyone with its range of current hits to timeless classics.
Whether you’re a movie buff favouring hits like Paddington, Good Will Hunting, or Get Out, or you’re an avid series follower seeking indulgence in Neighbours or MadMen, you’re sure to find something to watch. There are also some curated exclusives, like Freevee originals.
One thing that does stand out is the fact that Freevee UK delivers its intelligent curation, neatly aggregating content from various free channels and digital sources. It doesn’t stop there; it allows viewers to customise their viewing based on personal preferences. This innovative feature assures that you’re always in control, and can binge-watch your favourite shows at your leisure.
To sum it up, Freevee is ideal for those appreciative of diverse, high-quality entertainment choices without the constraint of subscription charges. Its unique curation and customisation features add to its appeal, while the requirement for specific devices and potential ad interruptions may warrant second thoughts for some.
Kanopy
Kanopy is a unique, lesser-known free streaming platform that collaborates with universities and public UK libraries to provide viewers with a wide range of films and series. It offers ad-free streaming and Kanopy movies include an extensive collection of documentaries, indie films, classic cinema titles and educational content. Whilst this service does require users to have a library card or be a student and prove so before being able to access its catalogue, Kanopy TV is a great streaming option that is free to use.
Users can watch on various devices and even access a dedicated Kids section. However, there are limitations on the number of films that can be streamed each month, and the platform caters to a more specific audience, particularly students.
Delving further into Kanopy’s vast offerings, the platform has some really great content, the likes of which are hard to find elsewhere for free. The range on offer extends far beyond typical on-demand films and series that are often available to stream for free. Kanopy immerses viewers in niche genres and topics.
Distinguishing itself further, Kanopy’s ad-free commitment enhances the viewer’s experience, allowing uninterrupted playing of whatever content takes their fancy. For an added personalised touch, the platform endorses creativity, allowing users to craft their own clips or playlists, thereby fostering a more involved viewing journey.
Film enthusiasts will relish the selection of classic and indie movies, while academics can utilise a plethora of educational material. Iconic blockbusters such as The Theory of Everything and Lady Bird as well as plenty of kids shows too.
True to its nature, Kanopy pulls viewers in with the lure of ad-free streaming, a vast collection fondly housing educational content, and the charm of niche genres. Ultimately though, Kanopy emerges as a unique forward-thinking streaming platform not just for students.
Rakuten TV
Rakuten TV is a great free streaming service available on a variety of platforms, including web, mobile, and smart TV apps. Although it includes ads, Rakuten TV offers a diverse catalogue of new and classic titles divided into categories, in a similar format to Netflix.
The platform can be accessed without logging in on the smart TV app, but an account is required for online streaming. Whilst Rakuten TV is available for free with ads, some premium titles are available to rent and purchase, similar to other streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video.
Beyond its core catalogue, Rakuten TV elevates its offering by including a number of Live channels to the mix. These channels span a broad spectrum of content that includes movies, TV shows, documentaries, and even music. This feature adds another layer of versatility to the platform, catering to varied tastes and interests of viewers.
Some notable titles available on Rakuten TV include acclaimed films such as The Big Short and popular TV shows like Kitchen Nightmares. This blend of various types of content, paired with the free access, positions Rakuten TV as a strong contender in the realm of streaming platforms.
Yet, it’s worth noting that the user experience does come with its share of ads – a necessary trade-off for the otherwise free access to the host of content available. Therefore, Rakuten TV is an attractive option for those seeking diverse streaming options without bearing significant costs, albeit coupled with the periodic interruptions of ads.
Crunchyroll
The free version of Crunchyroll offers access to a vast range of anime, manga, concerts, and dorama (Japanese TV drama), although not all content available on the platform is accessible with this tier. Users can watch content and read select manga titles with intermittent ads. The selection of anime is huge and pretty much incomparable to other streaming platforms, but it is worth bearing in mind that there isn’t much other non-anime content available.
One important limitation of the free version is that new episodes of current anime series are not typically available immediately after their release in Japan – there is usually a delay of about a week for free users, while premium users get access to new episodes within hours of their original broadcast.
The free tier also does not support HD streaming; the video quality is limited to 480p. Furthermore, while you can stream on various devices, free users may not be able to access all of the platform’s features across all devices.
There is the choice to subscribe to Crunchy Roll premium for £5.99 a month and there is even a 14-day free trial available. In essence, the free version of Crunchyroll is a robust option for casual anime fans who don’t mind waiting for the latest episodes and enduring occasional ads.
Other on-demand free streaming services
No discussion on free video streaming would be complete without at least mentioning the free online streaming services for major TV channels. Although they technically aren’t free as live TV streaming on all these platforms and streaming any content at all on BBC iPlayer requires a TV License.
Of course, the content on these platforms is limited to mainly the shows and movies that the channels air or have the rights to. Nevertheless, for anyone looking to watch something, you’re sure to find one of your favourite shows on there, be it old or new.
These well-loved video-on-demand streaming services are great options for free video streaming, offering high-quality content that’s safe and easy to access. There’s no need to use a VPN for example or go out of your way to find a device on which you can use to stream one of the many free streaming services. The most you will have to do is sign up and create an account for free to access the platform.
BBC iPlayer
For BBC iPlayer, the BBC also requires users to have a valid TV License but their very thorough check is limited to checking a box, so I will leave it at that. BBC iPlayer allows live TV viewing as well as offering pretty much all of the shows and movies it has aired. If you’re looking to binge every episode of Gavin & Stacey or Eastenders (although that might take a few years) then look no further!
Not only does the BBC have content from its main BBC One channel but also its 11 other channels, including content for kids from CBeebies and CBBC too. BBC iPlayer is available online as well as an app for mobile devices and on a TV. A big bonus of the BBC is there are no ads, none at all.
ITVX
ITVX is a personal favourite, it’s got all of the classics and newer programmes too. As well as streaming both ITV1 and ITV2 live there’s a whole host of TV series and movies available. How do I watch Harry Potter for free? I hear you ask, well ITVX currently has all of the movies as well as Fantastic Beasts too. That’s not to mention all of the other TV shows and movies that you can find on there too.
If you want to binge-watch all 10 series of Love Island then go ahead, nothing’s stopping you. Viewers can watch ITVX via the app on a TV or on mobile devices, some TVs even come with it pre-installed. There’s the option to pay for ITVX Premium to get rid of the ads and get access to hundreds of other shows and films. It comes in at £5.99 a month or £59.99 a year which is pretty decent. Users can make the most of a free 7-day trial of the premium version.
Channel 4+ / All4
With All4 again there’s not much difference from the others, obviously, the content is mostly limited to live and on-demand content found on Channel 4 and its 11 other channels. You can find a great selection of comedies on this platform since the channel tends to be a bit more adventurous in its programming there are shows like Friday Night Dinner and The Inbetweeners and much more.
If you wantp to stream The Great British Bake Off for free then simply log on to All4 and you can find all 6 series that were aired on Channel 4, ready to watch. All4 can be accessed online or via the app, there’s also the option to upgrade to Channel 4+ if you don’t want ads. It also gives you access to 1500 shows and movies for £3.99 a month or £39.99 a year. There’s even a 7-day free trial, so you can test out the paid version of All4 and see if it’s worth paying or not.
Using a VPN to access further free streaming channels
If you have a VPN subscription then you have access to a whole new world of free streaming. There is a wide range of mostly American streaming services that offer great catalogues of content completely free of charge. To access these, we recommend the following reliable VPN services and their listed offers:
Let’s get to business. We’ve put together a list of our favourite free streaming services while using a VPN that offer the best content as well as being easily accessible for UK viewers.
Tubi
Tubi is an ad-supported, free-to-stream platform that allows UK viewers to enjoy movies and TV series with a VPN, across various genres. Despite being free, it has a very sleek design which definitely adds to its appeal as a streaming service you would regularly use.
Tubi’s archive is complete with numerous TV shows and movies, including productions from renowned studios like Lionsgate, Paramount, and MGM. It’s a fusion of well-known TV series, classic and indie movies, along with some unique alongside niche gems.
This platform does not demand any credit card details or urge you to subscribe, and it’s designed to customise content based on users’ viewing habits. A distinctive feature is Tubi Kids, a dedicated section offering child-appropriate content.
Ideally suited for movie enthusiasts, families desiring child-safe content, and those appreciating free, legal media, Tubi ranks highly amongst the range of free streaming services.
Vudu
Vudu, owned by Fandango Media, is a streaming service combining rentals, purchases, and free streaming, granting UK viewers with a VPN a rich selection of content to match varied viewing habits.
Some of Vudu’s content is ad-supported and free, the expansive library also houses content available for either rent or purchase. Moreover, it provides an innovative option to convert tangible DVDs into digital copies. Vudu also maintains a marketplace, often garnering new releases for rent or purchase ahead of other services.
Vudu is a great choice for viewers who appreciate want a free streaming service with a medley of rental, purchase, and free ad-supported options. Unlike other platforms, you aren’t likely to catch all of the latest releases here for free, but there is still a wide selection of content to choose from.
Xumo
Xumo delivers a great variety of entertainment to viewers with a VPN. Through a partnership between Viant Technology and Panasonic, the service provides over 160 channels of live and on-demand content, traversing various genres. This broad offering includes news, sports, family-friendly viewing, numerous films, and TV shows.
Distinct features such as a live TV experience and the option to bookmark channels enhance viewing customization. While the ad-supported nature of Xumo may lead to sporadic interruptions, its extensive and varied content, combined with zero-cost access, positions it as an interesting option among free streaming platforms for those who like watching live TV.
The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel, by Roku Inc., offers UK viewers with a VPN a collection of free, ad-supported streaming content, easily available through the widely popular Roku streaming devices. The platform boasts accessible streaming through the web or the dedicated Roku app.
The Roku Channel caters to a wide array of viewers with an easy-to-navigate interface and simple tools that make the user experience intuitive. One of the attractive features it boasts is a Live TV option, bringing news broadcasts and select events right to your screens.
The Roku Channel is particularly beneficial to Roku device users, as it adds to their streaming library at no additional cost. It also plays a strong supplementary role for those already subscribed to other streaming services.
Crackle
Under the ownership of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Crackle is a hub for free, ad-supported streaming content, delivering an array of movies, TV series, and unique original programming.
Crackle’s versatile catalogue spans different genres, studded with exciting Crackle Originals, providing viewers with an engaging mix of content. It also keeps its content selection diverse by frequently updating its library each month.
One feature that sets Crackle apart is its emphasis on original content, it also allows users to stream without demanding account registration. Furthermore, the platform is widely compatible across multiple devices, ensuring a seamless viewing experience.
Although Crackle does lack content in comparison to other platforms it still has a lot to offer. Crackle sits perfectly with viewers who enjoy original narratives and people who don’t mind occasional ad interruptions for free content.
A comparison of the top free streaming services
Criteria | Pluto TV | Freevee | Kanopy | Rakuten TV | Crunchyroll |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Catalogue | Over 250 TV channels. 1000s of free movies, such as Spy Kids, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, CSI, Antiques Roadshow. | Over 3000 free-to-air TV, Freevee movies, documentaries, sports, music and more from Paddington to Super 8. | 1000s of on-demand films and shows, including a diverse selection of documentaries, classic films, indie titles, foreign movies and educational content. | Offers a catalogue of new and classic titles in various categories. Premium titles are only available to buy or rent. 90 live channels, with a range of movies, tv shows, documentaries, music and more. | Over 1,000 anime shows and movies. |
Special Features | Live TV streaming. On-Demand section. | Content curation and customisation features. | Ad-free streaming. Users can create and share clips and playlists. | Large catalogue of free content (with ads). Additional premium films and series available to buy/rent. | The Seasonal Sampler gives access to fresh content from Japan. Multilingual subtitles. Release calendar. |
Best For | Easy, casual viewing. Content is mostly old classic shows and films. | Viewers not wanting to be tied down to subscription costs, yet still appreciate variety in their entertainment choices. | Students or academics, but also families and young people. | For users looking for a free streaming platform with a diverse collection of movies and TV shows. | Anime lovers and those into Japanese pop culture. |
Rating | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Free streaming services FAQs
Our top free streaming picks would be Tubi and Kanopy. Tubi is an American site so requires a VPN to access. Kanopy has some great recent releases and requires a library card or student ID to access it.
No, new users cannot sign up for a free Peacock account anymore. Only existing users can make the most of a free account.
Kanopy offers some great new films for free such as Ladybird, Colette and Moonlight. While most free streaming services don’t tend to offer the most recent releases for free they do still offer a great selection of films.
Yes, Pluto TV is free to use so viewers can stream content such as Hell’s Kitchen for no cost at all.
ITVX has all the Harry Potter movies for free, you’ll have to watch the occasional advert but you can watch all 19 hours and 40 minutes of the beloved wizarding world and you don’t have to pay a penny.
Check out our video streaming page for all the latest streaming discounts available right now. If you’re thinking of paying for streaming services be sure to check our in-depth comparison of Netflix, Prime Video and more.