With Netflix's recent price increases pushing the premium plan to $22.99/month, many viewers are searching for more affordable alternatives.
15 Best Netflix Alternatives in 2024: Save Up to $240/Year
This guide explores the best Netflix alternatives in 2024, including both free and paid options that can help you save hundreds of dollars annually while still enjoying quality entertainment.
Premium Streaming Services
1. Peacock
Peacock offers an impressive streaming library with plans starting at just $5.99/month (with ads) or $11.99/month (ad-free). You'll find NBCUniversal content, including The Office, Parks and Recreation, and current NBC shows. The service also offers a free tier with limited content, perfect for casual viewers. A premium subscription could save you $132/year compared to Netflix.
2. Max (Formerly HBO Max)
Max delivers premium content including HBO originals, DC Universe, Warner Bros. movies, and exclusive Max originals. Plans range from $9.99/month (with ads) to $19.99/month (ultimate ad-free), offering potential savings of $36/year compared to Netflix's premium plan. The platform supports 4K streaming and allows up to 4 simultaneous streams on the ultimate plan.
3. Amazon Prime Video
Included with Amazon Prime membership ($14.99/month or $139/year), Prime Video offers a vast library of movies, TV shows, and award-winning originals like The Boys and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. The annual plan saves you $96/year compared to Netflix's premium tier. Prime membership includes additional benefits like free shipping and music streaming.
4. Hulu
Starting at $7.99/month (with ads) or $17.99/month (no ads), Hulu offers next-day streaming of current TV shows from major networks, original content, and a vast movie library. Bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+ for additional savings at $14.99/month. Learn more about getting Hulu for free through legitimate methods.
5. Discovery+
Perfect for reality TV and documentary fans, Discovery+ costs $4.99/month (with ads) or $8.99/month (ad-free). Features content from Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, and more. Annual plans offer additional savings of up to 20%.
6. Paramount+
Starting at $5.99/month (with ads) or $11.99/month (ad-free), Paramount+ offers CBS content, Paramount movies, and originals like Star Trek series. Includes live CBS sports and news coverage. Save 16% with annual subscription plans.
7. Disney+
At $7.99/month (with ads) or $13.99/month (ad-free), Disney+ provides access to Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content. Bundle with Hulu and ESPN+ for better value at $14.99/month.
Free Streaming Services
For maximum savings, consider these completely free alternatives. Check out our guide to 13 best free streaming services for more detailed information.
8. Pluto TV
A completely free, ad-supported streaming service offering 250+ live channels and thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows. Popular channels include CBS News, CNN, and MTV. No registration required to start watching.
9. The Roku Channel
Free streaming platform featuring 300+ live TV channels, movies, and TV shows. No Roku device required - accessible through any web browser or mobile device. Includes some original content and recently added local news.
10. Amazon Freevee
Formerly IMDb TV, Freevee offers free, ad-supported streaming of movies, TV shows, and originals. No Prime membership required. Features content from major studios and networks, plus original programming.
11. Tubi
Owned by Fox, Tubi offers over 40,000 free movies and TV shows with ads. Features content from major studios including Paramount, MGM, and Lionsgate. No registration required to start watching.
12. Crackle
Sony's free streaming service offers movies, TV shows, and original programming with ads. Features rotating content from major studios and networks. Available on most streaming devices and smart TVs.
Specialty Streaming Services
13. The Criterion Channel
Perfect for film enthusiasts, The Criterion Channel offers classic and contemporary art house films at $10.99/month or $99.99/year. Features curated collections, director spotlights, and exclusive special features.
14. Shudder
Horror, thriller, and supernatural streaming service priced at $5.99/month or $56.99/year. Exclusive content and curated collections for genre fans. Save over 31% with annual subscription.
15. Kanopy
Free streaming service available through public libraries and universities. Offers thoughtful entertainment including documentaries, foreign films, and educational content. Check with your local library for access.
Money-Saving Tips for Streaming Services
Before subscribing to any streaming service, consider these cost-saving strategies:
- Rotate subscriptions seasonally based on content you want to watch
- Share family plans with household members to split costs
- Look for annual subscription discounts (typically 15-20% savings)
- Check if your credit card or phone plan includes free streaming subscriptions
- Consider ad-supported tiers for significant savings
- Use free trials strategically to binge-watch specific shows
- Combine compatible services in bundles (like Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+)
For more ways to reduce entertainment costs, explore our guide on how to save money on entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Netflix Alternatives
What is the cheapest Netflix alternative in 2024?
Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Tubi, and Crackle are completely free, ad-supported streaming services. For paid services, Peacock offers the lowest-cost premium tier at $5.99/month with ads, saving you $204/year compared to Netflix's premium plan.
Can I watch Netflix shows on other streaming services?
While Netflix originals are exclusive to Netflix, many popular shows and movies are available on other platforms. For example, The Office is on Peacock, Friends is on Max, and various movies rotate between different streaming services.
How can I legally stream movies and TV shows for free?
Several legal free streaming options exist, including ad-supported services like Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Freevee, and Tubi. Many public libraries also offer free streaming through services like Kanopy and Hoopla with your library card.
Which streaming service has the best value for money?
The Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle at $14.99/month offers excellent value, providing diverse content for different viewers. Amazon Prime Video is also cost-effective at $139/year when considering the additional Prime benefits. For pure savings, ad-supported tiers of services like Peacock ($5.99/month) or Paramount+ ($5.99/month) provide extensive libraries at low cost.
