14 Best Netflix Alternatives in 2026: Save Up to $240/Year

Netflix raised its prices again in 2025, pushing its standard plan to $17.99/month — and millions of subscribers are looking for smarter options. The U.S. streaming market is more competitive than ever, per The Point, with dozens of services offering comparable content at a fraction of the cost. Whether you want premium originals, live TV, or completely free streaming, there's a Netflix alternative built for your budget. If you're also exploring free movie apps or ways to get YouTube Premium for free, this guide pairs perfectly with those options. Let's dive in!

Jump to

• Quick Answer
• Summary Table
• Full Listing

Summary Table

14 Best Netflix Alternatives in 2026: Save Up to $240/Year

Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.

1. HBO Max

HBO Max is one of the strongest Netflix alternatives for viewers who prioritize prestige television and blockbuster films. It carries HBO originals like The Last of Us and House of the Dragon, plus Warner Bros. theatrical releases, giving subscribers access to a deep, high-quality library that rivals Netflix's breadth without duplicating its content.

Key details:

• Plans start at $9.99/month (ad-supported) or $15.99/month (ad-free)
• Includes same-day access to new Warner Bros. theatrical releases
• Strong catalog of documentaries, anime, and DC content

2. Disney+

Disney+ fills a gap Netflix can't easily match — exclusive access to Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content under one subscription. For families and franchise fans looking to replace or supplement Netflix, it offers an enormous library of recognizable titles at a competitive price point.

Key details:

• Plans start at $7.99/month (with ads) or $13.99/month (ad-free)
• Bundle options available with Hulu and ESPN+
• Best for: Families, Marvel and Star Wars fans

3. Hulu

Hulu stands out among streaming alternatives because it combines an on-demand library with next-day access to current TV episodes from major broadcast networks — something Netflix doesn't offer. It's particularly valuable for cord-cutters who want to keep up with ongoing series like Abbott Elementary without paying for cable.

Key details:

• Starts at $7.99/month (ad-supported); $17.99/month ad-free
• Live TV add-on available starting at $82.99/month
• Strong library of FX originals and Hulu exclusives

4. Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is one of the strongest Netflix alternatives for value-conscious streamers, bundling video access with an Amazon Prime membership that also covers free shipping and other perks. The library spans originals like The Boys and Reacher, plus licensed movies and TV. Standalone video-only plans start around $8.99/month, while full Prime membership runs $14.99/month.

Key features:

• Included with Amazon Prime ($14.99/month or $139/year)
• Add-on channels (HBO, Paramount+) available directly
• Offline downloads on mobile devices

5. Peacock

Peacock stands out among streaming alternatives as one of the few services with a genuinely free ad-supported tier, making it appealing for anyone looking to cut costs. Owned by NBCUniversal, it offers access to NBC shows, classic series like The Office, live sports, and WWE content. Premium plans start at $7.99/month for broader access.

What you get:

• Free tier available with ads (limited content)
• Premium: $7.99/month; Premium Plus (ad-free): $13.99/month
• Live NFL, Premier League, and WWE coverage included

6. Apple TV+

Apple TV+ positions itself as a quality-over-quantity subscription service, offering a small but critically acclaimed library of originals like Ted Lasso, Severance, and The Morning Show — all without licensing filler content. At $9.99/month, it's a lean option for viewers who prefer fewer, higher-quality titles rather than an overwhelming catalog.

Notable perks:

• $9.99/month; free 3-month trial with new Apple device purchases
• Included in Apple One bundle plans starting at $19.95/month
• Available on non-Apple devices (Roku, Fire TV, smart TVs)

7. Paramount+

Paramount+ serves as a strong Netflix alternative for fans of CBS, MTV, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon content under one subscription. It also carries NFL games, Champions League soccer, and exclusive originals like Tulsa King and Star Trek series. Plans start at $5.99/month with ads or $11.99/month ad-free, making it noticeably cheaper than Netflix's standard tier.

Key features:

• Essential plan: $5.99/month (ads); Paramount+ with Showtime: $11.99/month
• Live CBS and sports coverage included
• Large back-catalog of classic TV and films

8. Sling TV

Sling TV is worth considering as a streaming switch if you primarily miss live TV channels rather than on-demand libraries. Unlike Netflix, Sling delivers cable-style live channels — news, sports, and entertainment — without a satellite dish or contract. The Orange plan starts at $40/month, and bundling with other services can replace both Netflix and a traditional cable bill.

Key features:

• Orange or Blue plans from $40/month; combined plan $55/month
• 50+ live channels including ESPN, CNN, and HGTV
• No long-term contracts required

9. Tubi

Tubi is one of the best completely free Netflix substitutes available, supported by ads rather than a monthly fee. It offers over 50,000 movies and TV episodes spanning multiple genres, making it a practical option for budget-conscious cord-cutters who don't want another subscription bill. Content skews toward older titles and B-movies, but the library is surprisingly wide for a no-cost service.

Key features:

• 100% free — no credit card or subscription needed
• Available on most smart TVs, Roku, Fire Stick, and mobile
• Ad-supported with short, infrequent ad breaks

10. Crackle

Crackle is a completely free, ad-supported streaming service that makes a solid Netflix alternative for budget-conscious viewers who don't want another monthly subscription. Owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, it offers a rotating library of Hollywood movies, original series, and TV shows across genres like action, comedy, and thriller.

What you get:

• 100% free — no credit card or subscription required
• Originals like StartUp and The Oath not available elsewhere
• Available on Roku, Fire TV, iOS, Android, and web browsers

11. Pluto TV

Pluto TV offers a genuinely different experience from Netflix by combining on-demand content with 250+ live TV channels — all at zero cost. It's one of the fastest-growing free streaming platforms, making it a strong pick for cord-cutters who miss the feel of traditional channel surfing without paying cable prices.

Key features:

• 250+ live channels including news, sports, and niche entertainment
• On-demand movies and shows organized by genre
• No account required to start watching immediately

12. BritBox

BritBox is the go-to subscription service for fans of British television who find Netflix's UK content selection too thin. It streams the largest collection of British drama, comedy, and mystery available in North America, pulling directly from BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 archives. Pricing sits at $8.99/month, undercutting Netflix's standard plan.

Notable perks:

• $8.99/month with a 7-day free trial
• Exclusive titles like Vera, Doc Martin, and classic Doctor Who
• New British series added same day as UK broadcast

13. AMC+

AMC+ gives cord-cutters a focused streaming alternative built around premium cable content, including AMC originals, IFC, Sundance TV, and BBC America programming. If you've finished Netflix's drama catalog and want shows like The Walking Dead, Better Call Saul, or Interview with the Vampire, this is a strong pick. It also includes a solid selection of indie and international films through its IFC and Sundance channels.

Key details:

• Starts at $8.99/month (ad-free)
• Bundled into some cable/satellite packages at no extra cost
• Best for: Drama fans and indie film lovers

14. Discovery Plus

Discovery+ is a niche-focused streaming substitute that covers reality TV, true crime, nature documentaries, and home improvement — content areas where Netflix's library is comparatively thin. It pulls together programming from Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, and Animal Planet under one subscription. For households that primarily watch unscripted content, it often replaces Netflix entirely at a lower monthly cost.

Key details:

• Plans from $4.99/month (with ads) or $8.99/month (ad-free)
• 90,000+ episodes across lifestyle, science, and true crime genres
• Best for: Reality TV and documentary fans

Final Words

From free ad-supported platforms to affordable premium picks, these 14 alternatives prove you don't need Netflix to enjoy great streaming. If you're still on the fence, explore streaming bundles that save money before committing to anything new.