Top 10 Netflix Alternatives to Check in 2025

In today’s digital age, streaming platforms have become a staple for entertainment, with Netflix leading the pack for years. However, as the market grows, viewers are looking for fresh content, different pricing models, and unique features that may suit their preferences better. Whether you’re searching for free streaming services or premium platforms with high-quality content, there are plenty of Netflix alternatives to explore.

Top OTT Statistics For 2025

• The number of OTT users is estimated to have reached 3.92 billion.
• The market value of the OTT industry is over $316.40 billion.
• Users spend 17 hours streaming online video content weekly on OTT platforms.
• Americans spend an average of 3 hours and 9 minutes daily (or 21 hours a week) on OTT platforms.
• Over 70% of OTT users binge-watch content.
• The OTT Video Advertising market segment is expected to have a volume of $176.60 billion.

Here’s a rundown of 10 of the best Netflix alternatives for online streaming, both free and paid

1. Amazon Prime Video

This streaming platform, Prime Video, hosts the largest number of movies, television shows, and exclusive original products. Subscriptions lead to a full menu of access, including, for example, two popular shows: The Boys and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. It will have blockbuster film selections, documentaries, and more, plus free shipping and Amazon Music access as part of a Prime membership.

• Key Features: Widespread variety of content, 4K UHD streaming, offline downloads, and accessibility across multiple devices.
• Users: More than 200 million subscribers worldwide, a vast majority of whom are Prime members.
• Pros: It’s an excellent deal for those who already subscribe to Prime. Huge library, and high-quality streaming.
• Cons: The interface is sometimes clumsy, and some titles have an additional rental fee.

2. Disney+

Disney+ offers a wide range of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic titles as part of the service, making it a family-friendly and franchise-driven streamer. Exclusive originals like The Mandalorian and WandaVision will appeal to Disney fans and families alike. Many titles have 4K availability, including most blockbuster films and popular series.

• Key Features: Includes exclusive Disney and Marvel content; family-friendly programming; and great user interface.
• Number of Users: More than 160 million subscribers worldwide.
• Pros: Perfect for those into Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. Inexpensive with a great number of family-friendly titles.
• Cons: Has limited content outside of family-friendly genres, thus it might not attract some users who are looking to access adult or niche programs.

3. Hulu

Hulu is a mix of on-demand television with TV shows and movies, as well as live television. It is popular for available next-day viewing access for episodes from current seasons of their TV series, so excellent for keeping up with new shows. Hulu also originates critically acclaimed originals such as The Handmaid’s Tale, The Bear, and Only Murders in the Building.

• Key Features: Latest episodes of popular shows available; no advertisements; live sports and news.
• Subscribers: More than 48 million
• Pros: Ideal for viewers who want to see TV shows when they are new. Great variety, including live TV and sports with the premium package.
• Cons: Ad-supported plans are a nuisance. Content offerings differ by region and the interface isn’t as clean-cut as other services.

4. HBO Max

HBO Max is an extensive library of content that combines the best and most renowned HBO series and films, Warner Bros., DC, Studio Ghibli, and many more. Succession, Euphoria, and Game of Thrones are part of its exclusives, while subscribers can also enjoy streaming movies in 4K UHD, from Wonder Woman 1984 to The Matrix 4.

• Key Features: Premium content, including HBO Originals and Warner Bros. films, as well as a vast collection of classics.
• Number of Users: Over 70 million subscribers globally.
• Pros: Top-tier content from HBO and other major studios, 4K UHD, and Dolby Atmos streaming.
• Cons: Expensive subscription compared to other services. Content may be limited based on regional availability.

5. Peacock

Peacock is a service from NBCUniversal that provides a hybrid model offering free, ad-supported content in addition to paid, subscription-based tiers. Free accounts offer a sample of NBC shows, movies, as well as live sports. A paid subscription opens access to a larger volume of material, including some exclusive shows, such as Bel-Air, and complete seasons of The Office.

• Key Features: Free tier, live sports, and exclusive content from NBC Universal.
• Subscribers Count: more than 30 million.
• Pros: Free access to a variety of content, including classic NBC shows. Affordable premium plans.
• Cons: Ads in the free version. Limited content compared to other services with higher-priced tiers.

6. Apple TV

This is a top-tier, ad-free streaming service whose focus is predominantly on quality, original programming, such as critically acclaimed series such as Ted Lasso and Severance, all the way through to original feature films and documentary productions. There is also the aspect of seamless access via all Apple products and offline content viewing.

• Key Features: Quality, original programming. Streaming in 4K with HDR. Value for money given the price to subscribe.
• Approximate Users: 25 million users.
• Pros: Best for original content, very affordable, and family-friendly.
• Cons: Limited content as compared to other big services, mainly consists of Apple Originals.

7. Tubi

Tubi is a free, ad-supported service offering a wide range of movies and TV shows, diversified in all types of genres like action, drama, comedy, documentaries, and independent films. Because it doesn’t need a subscription, Tubi is best suited for viewers with the demand to gain access to entertainment without a cost.

• Key Features: Free, with minimal ads; extensive content library, across genres.
• Users: 51 million monthly active users.
• Pros: Free to use, with a good range of movies and TV shows. No need to create an account for access.
• Cons: Ads can be intrusive, and the selection may not include the latest blockbuster titles.

8. Shudder

Shudder is a premium subscription service that caters specifically to horror and thriller fans. It has a curated collection of horror films, including exclusive Shudder Originals like Host and The Creepshow series. It is the go-to platform for those who crave psychological thrillers, supernatural stories, and cult classics.

• Highlights: Exclusive horror content, indie films, and niche genre offerings.
• Number of Users: Estimated 2 million subscribers.
• Pros: Perfect for fans of the horror genre, a blend of classics and originals. Ad-free streaming.
• Cons: Horror content only; thus, it cannot be used as an all-around entertainment resource.

9. Vudu

Vudu offers video-on-demand services, from which users can rent or buy movies or TV shows besides free, advertisement-supported content. Its access to the new releases is found in HD and 4K UHD, plus Blu-ray quality as well. As a good store for owning movie copies digitally, Vudu excels.

• Highlights: Free content. Rent or purchase new releases in HD.
• Users: More than 100 million registered users.
• Pros: No subscription needed, good for DVD/Blu-ray rental or buying the newest movies. High-quality streaming.
• Cons: Extremely few free content, costly to buy and rent movies.

10. Paramount

Paramount+ is an all-inclusive streaming service from CBS that features on-demand TV shows, movies, live sports, and news. It offers subscribers access to CBS’s vast library of programming as well as its original shows such as Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and The Good Fight. Live sports and special events are also included.

• What’s Good: Live TV, sports, and news with on-demand movies and shows.
• Number of users: Over 60 million subscribers.
• Pros: Affordable price, offering of live and on-demand good content, and access to CBS’s deep library.
• Cons: A minimal number of contents outside CBS properties, ad-supported options could be disruptive.

What Else You Might Want To Know – FAQ

1. Which is the best alternative to Netflix to stream movies and TV shows?

Answer: Some of the best Netflix alternatives are Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and Apple TV+. These offer a mix of exclusive content, live TV, or specialized libraries – for instance, Disney+ is for family and franchise content, Hulu for next-day TV show releases, and HBO Max for premium movies and originals.

2. Is there free Netflix?

Answer: Yes, free streaming is available. Services such as Tubi and Peacock are free with ad-supported content. Tubi and Peacock have a vast collection of movies, TV shows, and documentaries. Pluto TV is a free service with live TV and on-demand content. Free services always include ads and will have less variety than paid platforms.

3. Which Netflix alternative is best for original content?

Answer: If you’re looking for exclusive original content, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV+ stand out. Amazon Prime Video has a strong slate of Originals like The Boys and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Disney+ offers exclusive franchises like The Mandalorian and Marvel series, while Apple TV+ is known for award-winning originals like Ted Lasso and Severance.

4. Can I watch live sports on any of the Netflix alternatives?

Answer: Yes, several of the Netflix alternatives provide live sports. Hulu + Live TV and Peacock both offer live access to most major sporting events. Paramount+ is also an excellent choice for live sports, especially for CBS sports, NFL games, and more. If you are a sports fan, these services offer live sports programming exclusively.

5. Are the Netflix alternatives cheaper than Netflix?

Answer: Yes, some alternatives cost less. Here’s a perfect example: while Tubi and Pluto TV are absolutely free; Peacock starts its low subscription plan at $5.99 per month; the plans start at only $9.99 a month for Apple TV; but HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video are as pricey as Netflix is going to have it, all of course, with their subscription plans.

Erinna

My name is Erinna, a passionate content writer at Helpful Insight. My role here involves creating organic, informative, engaging, and impactful content that resonates with the target audiences. Regardless of the genre or type of content, I strive to combine creativity with strategy to drive results and add value to every project.