Alternative Apps for Netflix: Exploring Streaming Options in 2025

Netflix is one of the most popular and biggest name in streaming apps in the world, offering a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content. But in 2025, many people are looking for alternative apps for Netflix. Why? Rising subscription costs, regional content limitations, and increasing competition, many users are seeking alternative apps that provide similar or complementary streaming experiences.

Let’s explore some free and paid streaming apps like Netflix—perfect for different tastes, budgets, and entertainment needs.

Why Consider Alternative Apps for Netflix?

Before diving into the alternatives, it’s worth understanding why users might look for apps like Netflix:

• Cost: Netflix’s subscription prices have increased over time, with plans ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 per month in the U.S. as of 2025. Free or lower-cost alternatives can be more budget-friendly.
• Content Variety: Netflix’s library varies by region, and some users may want access to specific genres, live TV, or content not available on Netflix.
• Ads and Features: Some alternatives offer ad-free experiences or unique features like live channels, offline downloads, or niche content.
• Competition: The streaming market is booming, with the global OTT market projected to reach $630.5 billion by 2028, driving innovation and diversity in streaming platforms.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the best alternative apps for Netflix, categorized into free and paid options, with insights into their strengths and limitations.

Free Alternatives to Netflix 

Free streaming apps are ideal for users looking to cut costs while still enjoying a wide range of movies, TV shows, and sometimes live TV. These platforms are typically ad-supported but offer legal and accessible content.

1. Tubi

Tubi is a free, ad-supported streaming service with over 40,000 movies and TV shows, backed by major studios like Paramount, Lionsgate, and MGM.

Features:

• Extensive library across genres, including classics, cult favorites, and Tubi Originals like The Downfall of Diddy.
• Personalized recommendations and fewer ads compared to traditional cable.
• Available on smart TVs, mobile devices, and streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV.

Pros:

• Completely free with no subscription required.
• Regular updates with new releases and popular titles.
• Legal content with a user-friendly interface.

Cons:

• Ad-supported, with commercials interrupting playback.
• Content library may not be as extensive as Netflix’s for recent releases.

Best For: Budget-conscious viewers who don’t mind ads and want a broad selection of movies and shows.

2. Pluto TV

Launched in 2014, Pluto TV offers over 250 live channels and thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows, combining a traditional TV guide experience with streaming flexibility.

Features:

• Live channels covering news, sports, comedy, and music, including NBC News Now, CNN, and MTV.
• On-demand library with titles like Legally Blonde and Hell’s Kitchen.
• Mobile apps support casting to smart TVs.

Pros:

• Free with no subscription or account required.
• Unique live TV experience not offered by Netflix.
• Wide device compatibility, including computers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.

Cons:

• Ads can be frequent, especially during live streams.
• Search functionality is limited compared to Netflix.

Best For: Users who enjoy browsing live channels or want a mix of live and on-demand content.

3. Stremio

Stremio is a free, open-source streaming app that aggregates content from various sources, including torrents, using add-ons like Torrentio with Real-Debrid for enhanced access.

Features:

• Access to a wide range of movies and TV shows, including some not available on Netflix.
• Supports add-ons for customized content sourcing.
• Available on Android, iOS, and desktop platforms.

Pros:

• Free and ad-free with the right setup.
• Highly customizable with add-ons for premium content access.
• Community-driven with an open-source model.

Cons:

• Relies on torrents, which may raise legal concerns in some regions.
• Mobile compatibility can be inconsistent, and loading times depend on seeders.

Best For: Tech-savvy users comfortable with add-ons and seeking free access to diverse content.

4. Crackle

Crackle is a free, ad-supported service offering a smaller but curated selection of movies and TV shows, including cult classics like Starship Troopers and Ace Ventura.

Features:

• Original content alongside licensed titles.
• Available on smart TVs, mobile devices, and gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation.
• Simple interface for browsing genres.

Pros:

• Free with no subscription required.
• Decent selection of recognizable titles for casual viewing.

Cons:

• Limited library (around 150 movies and 75 shows).
• Frequent ads can disrupt viewing (up to nine ads for longer movies).

Best For: Viewers looking for free, casual entertainment with a focus on classics.

5. Kanopy

Kanopy provides free streaming for users with a library card or university login, focusing on educational content, documentaries, and indie films.

Features:

• Ad-free streaming with a curated selection of high-quality content.
• Includes classics, indie films, and educational documentaries.
• Accessible on mobile devices, smart TVs, and streaming devices.

Pros:

• Free for library cardholders or students.
• Ad-free experience with a focus on meaningful content.

Cons:

• Requires a library or university affiliation.
• Limited mainstream content compared to Netflix.

Best For: Students, educators, and cinephiles interested in documentaries and indie films.

6. Plex

Plex is a media server app that also offers free, ad-supported streaming with over 50,000 titles and 200+ live TV channels.

Features:

• Combines personal media management with free streaming content.
• Live TV channels and on-demand movies and shows.
• Available on most devices, including Roku, smart TVs, and mobile apps.

Pros:

• Free with a robust library for a no-cost service.
• Option to integrate personal media libraries.

Cons:

• Ads can interrupt streaming.
• Content availability may be limited outside the U.S.

Best For: Users who want to combine personal media with free streaming content.

Paid Alternative Apps For Netflix

Paid streaming services often provide ad-free experiences, exclusive originals, and larger content libraries. These alternatives compete directly with Netflix in terms of quality and variety.

I. Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is a leading Netflix competitor with over 26,000 titles, including Amazon Originals like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

Features:

• Offline downloads and 4K streaming.
• X-Ray feature for actor and music details.
• Included with an Amazon Prime membership ($14.99/month) or standalone ($8.99/month).

Pros:

• Competitive pricing, especially with Prime membership benefits.
• Large library with early access to theatrical releases.
• Option to rent or buy additional content.

Cons:

• Interface can be less intuitive than Netflix’s.
• Some content requires additional purchases or subscriptions.

Best For: Prime members or viewers seeking a cost-effective, expansive library.

II. Hulu

Hulu offers over 3,000 titles, including originals like Only Murders in the Building and next-day access to network TV shows.

Features:

• Ad-supported ($7.99/month) and ad-free ($17.99/month) plans.
• Bundles with Disney+ and ESPN+ for $14.99/month.
• Live TV option for additional cost.

Pros:

• Affordable base plan with a strong selection of current TV shows.
• Flexible bundles for families and sports fans.

Cons:

• Smaller library compared to Netflix.
• Only available in the U.S. and Japan.

Best For: Viewers who want next-day access to network TV and affordable bundles.

III. Disney+

Disney+ provides access to Disney’s extensive library, including Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and originals like The Mandalorian.

Features:

• Ad-supported ($7.99/month) and ad-free ($13.99/month) plans.
• 4K UHD streaming and offline downloads.
• Simultaneous streaming on multiple devices.

Pros:

• Affordable with a family-friendly focus.
• High-quality originals and exclusive franchises.

Cons:

• Limited non-Disney content.
• May not appeal to viewers seeking adult-oriented programming.

Best For: Families and fans of Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars content.

IV. Apple TV+

Apple TV+ focuses on high-quality originals like Ted Lasso and Severance, with a smaller but critically acclaimed library.

Features:

• Ad-free streaming for $9.99/month.
• Shareable with up to five people.
• Free three-month trial with Apple device purchases.

Pros:

• Affordable and ad-free with top-tier production quality.
• Growing library of award-winning shows.

Cons:

• Limited content compared to Netflix (fewer than 200 titles).
• Lacks extensive licensed content.

Best For: Fans of premium originals and sci-fi content.

V. Max (Formerly HBO Max)

Max offers a robust library of HBO originals, Warner Bros. movies, and shows like The Last of Us and Succession.

Features:

• Ad-supported ($9.99/month) and ad-free ($15.99/month) plans.
• 4K UHD streaming on premium tiers.
• Access to recent theatrical releases.

Pros:

• High-quality originals and a strong movie selection.
• Free with existing HBO subscriptions.

Cons:

• Content fluctuations due to Warner Bros./Discovery mergers.
• Higher-tier plans are pricey.

Best For: Fans of prestige TV and recent blockbuster movies.

VI. Peacock

Peacock, from NBCUniversal, offers a mix of free and premium content, including NBC shows like The Office and live sports.

Features:

• Free tier with ads and limited content.
• Premium plans ($7.99/month with ads, $13.99/month ad-free).
• Live TV channels and sports like NFL and WWE.

Pros:

• Affordable with a free tier option.
• Strong selection of NBC and Bravo content.

Cons:

• Free tier has limited content and frequent ads.
• Some content requires premium subscriptions.

Best For: NBC fans and sports enthusiasts on a budget.

Niche and Regional Alternatives To Netflix

For users with specific tastes or regional preferences, these apps offer unique content not typically found on Netflix.

A. Mubi

Mubi is a curated streaming service for cinephiles, focusing on art-house cinema, documentaries, and festival films.

Features:

• $10.99/month with a 7-day free trial.
• Curated selection of 30 films, refreshed daily.
• Available in over 195 countries.

Pros:

• High-quality, rare films like Portrait of a Lady on Fire.
• Ideal for indie and international cinema fans.

Cons:

• Limited library size due to curation.
• Not suited for mainstream viewers.

Best For: Cinephiles and fans of indie and global cinema.

B. Acorn TV

Acorn TV specializes in British, Irish, and Australian TV shows, particularly murder mysteries and dramas.

Features:

• $6.99/month with a 7-day free trial.
• Originals and classic series like Midsomer Murders.
• Available in the U.S. and Canada.

Pros:

• Affordable with a niche focus on British content.
• Ad-free streaming.

Cons:

• Limited to specific genres and regions.
• Smaller library compared to mainstream services.

Best For: Fans of British mysteries and international TV.

C. Disney+ Hotstar

Popular in India, Disney+ Hotstar combines Disney+ content with Bollywood movies, Indian shows, and live sports like cricket.

Features:

• Starts at $5.99/month (ad-supported).
• Extensive Indian content alongside Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars.
• Live sports streaming.

Pros:

• Affordable with a diverse library for Indian audiences.
• Live sports and regional content.

Cons:

• Primarily focused on India and Indian diaspora.
• Ad-supported base plan.

Best For: Indian viewers and fans of Bollywood and cricket.

Open-Source Netflix Alternative Apps

For users who prioritize privacy and control, open-source streaming solutions offer a different approach.

Jellyfin

Jellyfin is an open-source media server that allows users to stream their own media collections, with support for movies, shows, music, and live TV.

Features:

• Free with no subscriptions or tracking.
• Supports multiple devices, including Android, iOS, and Roku.
• Customizable with a focus on user control.

Pros:

• Complete privacy with no data collection.
• Free and community-driven.

Cons:

• Requires setup and personal media collection.
• Limited TV app support compared to Plex.

Best For: Tech-savvy users who want to manage their own media.

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Choosing the Right Netflix Alternative

Selecting the best alternative depends on your priorities. Here are key factors to consider:

◉ Content Preferences: If you want mainstream movies and originals, Prime Video or Disney+ are strong choices. For indie films, try Mubi or Kanopy. Sports fans may prefer Peacock or Disney+ Hotstar.

◉ Budget: Free options like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Stremio are ideal for no-cost streaming, while paid services like Apple TV+ and Hulu offer affordable plans.

◉ Ads: Apple TV+ and premium tiers of Max and Disney+ provide ad-free experiences, while free services like Tubi and Crackle rely on ads.

◉ Device Compatibility: Most services support smart TVs, mobile devices, and streaming devices, but check for specific platform availability (e.g., Jellyfin’s limited TV support).

◉ Region: Some services, like Hulu and Peacock, are U.S.-exclusive, while others like Mubi and Disney+ Hotstar cater to specific regions.

Final Thoughts – Explore the Best Alternative Apps for Netflix in 2025

In 2025, streaming isn’t limited to just one platform. There are many Alternative Apps for Netflix that offer great entertainment, flexible pricing, and exclusive content. Whether you’re looking to cut down on subscription costs, explore international films, or enjoy live TV, the choices are more diverse than ever.

Free streaming platforms like Tubi and Pluto TV are excellent Netflix alternatives that offer a wide range of movies and shows without any subscription fees. These ad-supported services provide incredible value, especially for casual viewers.

If you’re willing to spend a little, paid services like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max stand out as top Alternative Apps for Netflix. These platforms offer high-quality originals, blockbuster movies, and exclusive content that rivals Netflix’s library.

Looking for something unique? Niche apps like Mubi focus on independent, international, and classic cinema—perfect for film enthusiasts. For tech-savvy users, Jellyfin, an open-source media server, gives you full control over your media library, offering a customizable and ad-free experience.

With so many Netflix alternatives available in 2025, there’s no shortage of streaming apps to match your viewing preferences, budget, and lifestyle. From mainstream services to indie gems, the world of digital entertainment is bigger and better than ever.