- Netflix alternatives at a glance
- Ten Netflix alternatives worth trying
- The library card trick for free streaming
- Free with ads or ad-free: the trade-off
- How to choose a Netflix replacement
- Trying a new streaming service the smart way
- More ways to watch together
- My plain advice on leaving Netflix
- Frequently asked questions
Netflix alternatives fall into three groups: free streaming services that show ads, specialist services for things like anime, horror or classic cinema, and library-backed services you can use with a library card. If you mainly want something to watch tonight without signing up for another plan, start with the free and library options.
Netflix is still the default for many households, but it's no longer the only place to find something good. Shows come and go, and plenty of people simply want a change.
Here are ten Netflix alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. Some are free with adverts, some specialise in a genre, and two work with your public library.
Before you sign up for anything, think about what you watch most. A horror fan, an anime fan and a classic film lover would each pick a very different service from this list.
And if you'd rather not add another monthly plan at all, there's a library option that many people have never heard of.
Netflix alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the provider's own site describes a free version or free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated there. Read what each plan includes before you sign up.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criterion Channel | Classic film streaming | Classic and arthouse cinema | No |
| Crunchyroll | Anime streaming | Anime series and films | Trial only |
| hoopla | Library streaming app | Films and TV through your library | Yes |
| Kanopy | Library streaming service | Films free with a library card | Yes |
| MUBI | Curated film streaming | A curated selection of films | Trial only |
| Plex | Streaming and media app | Free films and your own media | Yes |
| Pluto TV | Free streaming TV | Live-style free channels | Yes |
| Shudder | Horror streaming | Horror and thrillers | Trial only |
| The Roku Channel | Free streaming service | Free films, shows and live news | Yes |
| Tubi | Free streaming service | Free films and series with ads | Yes |
Ten Netflix alternatives worth trying
Criterion Channel
Best for: Film lovers who want classic, arthouse and world cinema chosen with care.
Crunchyroll
Best for: Anime fans who want a huge library of series, films and new episodes.
hoopla
Best for: Library members who'd like films and TV alongside ebooks and audiobooks.
Kanopy
Best for: Viewers with a library card or university login who want ad-free films and documentaries.
MUBI
Best for: Cinema fans who'd rather pick from a curated selection than scroll endlessly.
Plex
Best for: People who want free films and shows plus a home for their own media library.
Pluto TV
Best for: Viewers who like flicking through free channels, the way you would with TV.
Shudder
Best for: Horror and thriller fans who want a service built around the genre.
The Roku Channel
Best for: People who want free films, shows and live news with no extra sign-up.
Tubi
Best for: Anyone happy to watch ads in exchange for free films and series on demand.
The library card trick for free streaming
Here's what most people don't know. Kanopy's own site says you can start streaming films with your public library card or university login, because it partners with public libraries and universities to bring ad-free films and series to your TV, phone and tablet.
Not every library takes part, and some limit how much you can watch, but it's worth checking. Your library card may already give you a streaming service you never knew you had.
Free with ads or ad-free: the trade-off
Free streaming services make their money from adverts, so you'll see breaks in films and shows, much like regular TV. For background viewing, that's rarely a problem. For a film night, the breaks can grate, and that's when a specialist or library service earns its place.
It's also worth knowing that free services rotate their catalogues. A film you spotted a few weeks ago may have gone, and new ones arrive all the time, so treat them as a lucky dip rather than a fixed library.
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How to choose a Netflix replacement
- What you watch: genre services beat general ones for horror, anime or classics.
- Ads: free services show adverts, so decide if that bothers you.
- Devices: check there's an app for your TV and phone.
- Where you are: some services and titles differ by country.
- Library access: see if your library offers a streaming service.
Trying a new streaming service the smart way
- List the three shows or films you most want to watch.
- Search for them on each service before you sign up.
- Start with a free or library service to see if it's enough.
- Use any trial for a week when you've got time to watch.
- Put a reminder in your calendar before a trial ends.
More ways to watch together
Streaming is more fun with company, even at a distance. Here's how to use Watch Together on Messenger with friends and family.
And if live sport is the one thing keeping you on a big package, my guide on how to watch sports on YouTube TV might help you decide.
Do you make streaming services or video apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on leaving Netflix
You don't need to cancel everything at once. Try a free service for a fortnight and see whether you miss what you had.
And check your library card first. It's the most overlooked streaming service there is, and it might cover more of your viewing than you'd expect.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Netflix?
It depends on what you watch. Genre services suit specific tastes, while free services suit casual viewing.
Is there a free alternative to Netflix?
Yes. Several free streaming services show films and series with ads.
Can I stream films with my library card?
Some libraries partner with streaming services, so check your library's website.
Which streaming service is best for anime?
Anime-focused services have the biggest selection of series and new episodes.
Are free streaming services legal?
The services on this list are legal and licensed.
Do free streaming services have ads?
Yes. Ad-supported services show adverts instead of charging a monthly plan.
Which service has classic films?
Specialist services focus on classic, arthouse and world cinema.
Can I watch these services on my TV?
Most have apps for smart TVs and streaming sticks. Check your device.
Are these services available outside the US?
Some are, some aren't, and the catalogue often differs by country.
Is there a streaming service just for horror?
Yes. At least one service on this list is built around horror and thrillers.
Can I try a streaming service before committing?
Some offer free trials, so check each service's sign-up page.
How do I avoid piling up streaming sign-ups?
Review your sign-ups every few months and cancel the ones you haven't opened.
