The 5 Best Free Streaming Services in 2025

In the age of endless subscription services, free streaming platforms have become a haven for budget-conscious viewers. Whether you’re looking for movies, TV shows, or live channels without a monthly bill, 2025 has plenty of high-quality options. While free services typically include ads, the trade-off is access to a wealth of content at no cost. Below, we break down the five best free streaming services in 2025.

#1 – Tubi

Tubi remains a powerhouse in the world of free streaming, boasting one of the largest on-demand content libraries available. Owned by Fox Corporation, Tubi offers over 50,000 movies and TV episodes, spanning all genres. Whether you’re in the mood for Hollywood blockbusters, cult classics, or niche horror films, Tubi likely has something for you…as long as you don’t want to watch the latest and greatest.

One of Tubi’s biggest advantages is its partnership with major studios, including Paramount, MGM, and Lionsgate. This means you’ll often find well-known films that rotate regularly, keeping the library fresh. I also find that Tubi hits hard on the Gen-X nostalgia. All of my favorite 80’s cartoons are on there, allowing me to enjoy some of my childhood on demand!

In addition to movies and TV shows, Tubi has expanded its live TV offerings, including news, sports, and entertainment channels (this year you could even watch the Superbowl on Tubi). It even produces original content, competing with paid services in some respects. The platform is available on almost every device, making it accessible for all users.

The ads are decent. There is a short ad to start, then one or two every 30 minutes or so for movies and a mid-point for TV programs. I can accept that for all of the free content that they offer. This is why Tubi is one of the five best free streaming services in 2025.

#2 – Plex

Plex has evolved far beyond its origins as a media server. Today, it stands as one of the best free streaming platforms, offering thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows, and 600 live TV channels. The selection includes classic films, indie gems, and even some “modern” favorites, making it a great alternative to paid services. Like Tubi and all the other services, don’t expect the latest blockbusters to stream. That said, I had no issue finding stuff I wanted to watch.

One of Plex’s standout features is its ability to integrate your personal media library with its streaming content. If you have a collection of digital movies and TV shows, Plex’s interface lets you seamlessly browse them alongside free, ad-supported content. It also offers customization options, allowing you to curate your experience based on your interests. Plex is still my go-to media library program of choice. Not only is it the simplest to set up, it is by far the easiest (in my opinion) to use for the novice.

While ads are part of the free-tier experience, they are not overwhelming. Of the few free movies I watched, there was a 30-second ad to start the movie, and then there were 30-second breaks a few times through the movie. For free, it’s hard to complain.

#3 – Pluto TV

Pluto TV, owned by Paramount Global, offers a unique experience that blends live TV with an extensive on-demand library. Unlike traditional streaming platforms, Pluto TV mimics cable TV by providing over 250 curated channels featuring movies, news, sports, and reality shows. I honestly forgot Pluto TV existed until I started to do the research for this article and I am glad I found it. It really has improved in the last year.

Pluto TV’s interface is easy to navigate, with categories like action, comedy, and crime that help viewers find content quickly. The service includes dedicated channels for classic TV shows, anime, and even retro cartoons, making it a nostalgic favorite for many.

One of its biggest strengths is its lineup of live sports content including football, basketball, and extreme sports. Additionally, because it’s backed by Paramount, Pluto TV has exclusive access to shows and movies from the company’s vast library, making it a solid choice for free entertainment.

I am going to sound like a broken record, but the ad experience is good. I think that each of the services has decided to copy the 30-second start, and then the 30-second every 30 minutes model.

#4 – The Roku Channel

The Roku Channel has quietly become one of the best free streaming platforms, offering a mix of movies, TV shows, and live channels. Initially created for Roku device users, the service has expanded to be available on mobile, web browsers, and other smart TVs. I found it because my daughter bought a Roku-based TV and I saw it on the main page and gave it a go.

What sets The Roku Channel apart is its collection of premium shows and movies, often featuring content from Warner Bros., Sony, and other major studios. It also offers a selection of free, ad-supported channels, including news, reality TV, and family-friendly programming.

In recent years, Roku has invested in exclusive content, acquiring shows from defunct streaming services and producing original programming. While you can subscribe to paid channels through the platform, the free section alone provides plenty of high-quality entertainment. But don’t expect any Oscar-worthy original movies. Think low budget, but fun.

Roku was a bit more offensive with its ads. They weren’t too over the top, but I found them more frequent than the rest. Plus, they liked to use the same one over and over. If you are going to throw in ads, just rotate through a bunch. Now I can recommend Roku Channel as one of the five best free streaming services in 2025.

#5 – RetroCrush

RetroCrush is a newcomer to me (it’s been around since 2022) and is quickly replacing Crackle (which is slowly being dismantled due to bankruptcy) as the go-to for classic anime lovers. While not as expansive as Crackle or Crunchyroll, RetroCrush offers a small selection of older anime that will appeal to those who want a nostalgia blast. Plus, I did the logo!

The reason that I gave RetroCrush the #5 slot (and not Crunchyroll) is that while it is new, it is fully ad-supported, and the ads are few and far between when compared to the other services. The downside is that they have a catalog that is limited to shows that are 20+ years old. But if you wanted the latest, you probably wouldn’t be using free streaming.

Crunchyroll, on the other hand, has reduced its ad-supported features and added a $7.99 (starting) price tag for the service, knocking it from contention this year. My guess is that with the vacuum that Crackle left, Crunchyroll is cashing in on the anime scene.

Our Take

Free streaming services have come a long way and, in 2025, they offer more content than ever without requiring a subscription. Whether you prefer the vast on-demand libraries of Tubi and Plex, the live TV experience of Pluto TV, the premium offerings of The Roku Channel, or the limited classic selection on RetroCrush, I think these are the five best free streaming services in 2025.

While ads are a part of the experience, these services provide an excellent way to enjoy high-quality entertainment without breaking the bank. With so many great options, cutting the cord has never been easier.

Which services do you use? Tell us in the comments below.