In today’s fast-paced technologically advancing era, streaming services that bring you live TV and on-demand content is only the tip of the iceberg.
Existing and emerging streaming services do not only bring variety to the gold standard of the industry but the fact that it’s so portable has enabled adventurous, outgoing people to have ease of access with a few touches of their phone screen.
While most services require subscriptions in order to watch their streams, we have added some free options for you to choose from as well.
Take a look at some of our top picks for recreating the cinematic experience just about anywhere you may be.
Netflix
Formidably, one of the most widely used streaming services is Netflix. With its modest origins as a DVD mail order service, it has grown into the industry leader. It works with Smart TVs, computers, tablets, and mobile phones so you can watch your favorite shows and movies anywhere, anytime.
There’s no limit on streaming whatever you like, movies, documentaries, television shows, and the best part is you have a mammoth collection to choose from. Traditionally, one would have had to wait for their DVD to arrive with the mail order service or you’d have to wait while the selected program or movie completed downloading. However, Netflix’s online streaming service eliminates the need for any hassle and investment of time and effort.
Popcornflix
Popcornflix is a subscription-free video-on-demand service that provides access to movies and TV shows whenever you want them. Popcornflix offers free movies and TV shows in exchange for viewing sponsored content.
With no subscription fees or hidden costs, Popcornflix is a breeze to sign up for. Additionally, Popcornflix offers free movies and TV shows without requiring users to sign up for an account. However, suppose you were to sign up. In that case, you’ll have access to certain features enabling you to rate material and make GIFs based on what you’re watching, enhancing your streaming experience and making it more engaging.
Amazon Prime Video
Widely known as Prime Video, this brilliant streaming service is owned by the e-commerce giant Amazon and goes toe-to-toe with Netflix. One key advantage is if you already have Amazon Prime, by default you are granted access to additional bonus features such as brand-new releases, two-day shipping, cloud storage, and music streaming services. The platform, which is available in many countries, may call for a full Prime membership to utilize all of its features. Access to the service does not require a Prime membership in the United States, the United Kingdom, or Germany; however, in Australia, Canada, France, India, Turkey, and Italy, it is only available through a distinct website.
HBO Max
HBO Max provides subscribers with an extensive library of popular films from WarnerMedia’s library, like DC Comics, New Line Cinema, Warner Bros., and beyond, including The Criterion Collection and Studio Ghibli. Historically, HBO has been a go-to destination for both, current and archived film releases. It’s not called the home box office for no reason.
Warner’s vast reserve of brands, from the hilarity of Cartoon Network to the majesty of HBO, gives HBO Max one of the best and most extensive streaming libraries. Yet, mainstream movie fans who are interested in films from before this century are the ones who will really appreciate its incredible film catalog.
Vudu
Fandango Media, a collaborative project between NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery, is the owner of Vudu, the American online video retailer, and streaming service. Initially, the Vudu Box, a digital video player, was the primary emphasis of the service. Walmart acquired Vudu in 2010. Consequently, Vudu was purchased by Fandango Media in 2020 for an unspecified figure.
Vudu is quickly becoming one of the most popular Android apps because of its convenient movie-viewing options. The app’s library is packed with some of the most well-known films ever made. With Vudu, you can either watch movies online or save them to your system to watch at a later time.
Sony Crackle
In operation since 2004, Crackle offers free access to a wide variety of streaming content. Crackle may not be familiar to you because it has gone through multiple title changes since its inception. It premiered as Grouper but was rebranded as Crackle a year after being purchased by Sony Pictures, making the move official in 2008. After much consideration, Sony renamed the service Sony Crackle in 2018.
Exclusive movies and TV shows from Sony Pictures and its affiliates like Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures, Screen Gems, Sony Pictures Classics, and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions may be found on Crackle.
Each month, Crackle updates its library by adding and removing viewership content.
Hulu
Hulu is a market leader in the streaming sector, providing access to some of the most popular television shows and movies. Alternatively to traditional cable, Hulu offers a wide variety of channels and gives you considerable autonomy over how you spend your viewing time.
The distinctiveness of Hulu lies in its supplementary channels. Included upgrades are Spanish-language programming, additional entertainment options, and extended sports coverage. When you sign up for Hulu Live TV, you could pay an extra $9.99 per month to watch on any number of compatible apps at once. Other massive streaming services like Netflix do not offer such features.
Tubi
The Fox Corporation owns the American OTT platform and ad-supported streaming service Tubi. The company, headquartered in Los Angeles, California, began streaming services on April 1, 2014.
Almost a decade down the line, since January 2023, 64 million people use Tubi every month.
The variety of comedic, dramatic, anime and kid-friendly programming in their collection is impressive. The user experience is clear and straightforward, with helpful options that provide personalized suggestions.
If you loathe signing up for services, Tubi TV is the perfect alternative. New movies and TV episodes are uploaded weekly, and there’s no cost to use the service.
Twitch
When it comes to Twitch, video games are what it’s all about. Live broadcasts of video games may be watched by anybody, anytime on Twitch. Even if 15 million people use Twitch every day, its popularity cannot be denied by non-gamers.
The website serves as a hub for a variety of activities, including gaming, live e-sports, and even some news reporting to an extent. Those who are interested in a long-term commitment to the service can choose from a variety of subscription plans.
Almost every Android game ever made is now playable on your TV by streaming live gameplay from players all over the world. You can make money on the platform by playing video games all day long too. In conclusion, Twitch is the go-to solution for all hardcore gamers.
Disney +
Considered a one-stop solution for families, Disney+ debuted in early 2019, and offers fresh options for streaming subscribers. The streaming titan makes it simple for families to catch up on their favorite Disney+ series and movies on the move by making Disney+ available to stream on Android and iOS smartphones.
Disney Plus is now one of the best video streaming services because of its extensive library and ability to accommodate a broader spectrum of viewers’ preferences than it did at its debut. It gets most things right and has minimal shortcomings so if you have a family, consider yourself already taken care of in the family entertainment sector.
