Netflix was the platform that popularized digital streaming, and its name is synonymous with movie date nights and TV binge sessions. The competition is catching up, though, and with dozens of challengers in the market, how do you know which one to try?
Whether you’re looking to cut back on your streaming costs after Netflix’s controversial price hikes, or you’re just looking for something new and different to watch, here are nine of the best Netflix alternatives to add to your streaming rotation.
Many streaming services are only available in certain countries, which can mean missing your favorite show when you’re traveling abroad. CyberGhost VPN gives you an easy solution: our app changes your virtual location so you can keep watching as normal.
The 9 Best Netflix Alternatives
There’s no shortage of great Netflix alternatives to try if you’re looking for some new streaming options. We’ve rounded up nine of our favorites.
1. Hulu: Great for Current Shows and Live TV Options
Hulu is one of Netflix’s top competitors, and it’s easy to see why. Hulu has a solid selection of original content as well as popular shows and movies. It also has something that Netflix doesn’t: live TV. Plans with this feature offer more than 95 live TV channels.
Hulu also uploads episodes of many network TV shows the day after they air, so you can stay up-to-date with your favorites. Alternatively, Netflix does not upload shows from other networks until the full season has finished airing.
There are also a variety of premium add-ons available with Hulu. Sports fanatics can add on ESPN+, while families and Marvel lovers alike will love the Disney+ add-on.
Pros:
- Uploads network TV favorites right when they air
- Live TV options available
- Great selection of premium add-ons
Cons:
- Smaller content library than Netflix
- Pricing is similar to Netflix, so it may not be ideal for those on a budget
- Lower-tier plans still have ads
💡 Hulu is only available in the US, but if you’re traveling to another country, you can retain access with CyberGhost VPN. We have streaming-optimized servers for Hulu that can always access the platform.
2. Tubi: Best Free Alternative
One of the biggest downsides of Netflix is the pricing, which can be unaffordable if you’re on a budget. Tubi is one of the best free alternatives to Netflix. This platform has a wide range of movies and TV shows to watch without a paid subscription, including many classics and cult favorites.
While Tubi’s selection isn’t as extensive as what you’ll find on Netflix, it frequently updates its library, so you’ll always have something new to watch. The platform is ad-supported and free to use, but the ads aren’t as frequent as on a standard TV channel.
Pros:
- Completely free to use
- Good selection of content that updates frequently
- Apps available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Amazon Fire
Cons:
3. Apple TV+: Critically Acclaimed Original Shows
If you’re looking for high-quality original shows that rival Netflix’s quality, you might enjoy Apple TV+. This is a relatively new entrant to the streaming market, but it has already made waves with critically-acclaimed shows like Severance, The Morning Show, and Ted Lasso. The platform also has a small selection of recently-released movies.
Apple TV+ starts at $9.99 per month for an ad-free subscription, which is cheaper than Netflix’s Standard ad-free plan. You can also get three months of Apple TV for free when you purchase an Apple device.
Pros:
- Exclusive critically-acclaimed shows
- Extensive free trial available with Apple devices
- HD and 4K streaming options available
- Available in 100+ countries
Cons:
- Content library is still very limited when compared to Netflix
- User interface can be difficult to navigate
4. Peacock: Affordable Netflix Alternative
Peacock is NBCUniversal’s streaming service that makes a great budget-friendly alternative to Netflix. Pricing starts at $5.99 per month for ad-supported programming.
Peacock’s content library features many original shows and movies, as well as fan favorites from NBC and Bravo like The Office and The Real Housewives franchise. The platform is also known for offering live sports options and more than 50 live TV channels.
Pros:
- Fan-favorite shows that aren’t available on other platforms
- Extensive selection of live sports and TV channels
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Limited original content when compared to other streaming services
- No advanced 4K streaming options
- Movies rotate in and out frequently due to changing licensing agreements
5. Acorn TV: Watch Your Favorite UK Shows
If you enjoy British TV shows, try Acorn TV as an alternative to Netflix. Acorn TV features a variety of original programming, as well as popular network shows from the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Acorn TV is available in dozens of countries around the globe, including options in Europe, the Americas, and Oceania.
Some top titles on Acorn TV include Killing Eve, The Fall, and The Night Manager. The platform frequently uploads new shows, including dramas, comedies, documentaries, and lifestyle shows.
Pros:
- Easy way to watch British shows outside of the UK
- Large selection of original content
- No ads
Cons:
- Only has UK content available
- Only has shows – no movies available
- Maximum streaming resolution of 720p
6. Amazon Prime Video: Must-See Shows and Movie Rentals
Amazon Prime Video is another one of Netflix’s biggest competitors, with acclaimed original series like The Boys, Jack Ryan, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. If you already have an Amazon Prime account for your deliveries, you’ll get access to this streaming service for free. If not, you can purchase a standalone subscription separately.
One of the biggest benefits of Prime Video is its movie rental selection. While many movies are included for free with the platform, it also offers a selection of movies to rent. These are often recent releases or highly acclaimed movies that aren’t available on other platforms, making Prime Video one of the best alternatives to Netflix for movies. You also get some sports and live TV options, but not as many as some other services.
Pros:
- High quality original shows
- Extensive selection of movie rentals
- Comes free with Amazon Prime
Cons:
- Limited original content compared to competitors
- Standard subscription has ads
7. iQIYI: Watch Your Favorite Asian Dramas
iQIYI is often referred to as the “Netflix of China”, and it makes an ideal Netflix alternative if you enjoy watching Asian TV shows. iQIYI features popular dramas, anime, and reality shows from China, Korea, and Thailand.
The platform is available in many countries around the world, so you can tune in even if you don’t live in Asia. However, the content library varies widely depending on your location. Some content is available for free, while other titles require a premium subscription.
Pros:
- Content from many Asian countries in one place
- Some free content available
- Dubbing and subtitles available in a wide range of languages
Cons:
- Some content requires a VIP subscription
- Some content has ads
- Movie and TV options vary significantly between countries
8. Max: Acclaimed TV Shows and Movies
Max is leading cable network HBO’s streaming service, well known for high-quality original programming on par with the best Netflix originals. The platform offers a range of unmissable original shows, including Succession, True Detective, and Game of Thrones.
You’ll also find plenty of recently-released movies and TV shows from other networks, including a great selection of family-friendly shows. Live news and sports are available as an add-on. It’s important to note that Max isn’t the most budget-friendly streaming service – its cheapest subscription price is actually more expensive than Netflix.
Pros:
- Unique original content as well as HBO favorites from past decades
- New movies added frequently
- Good selection of family-friendly content with parental controls available
Cons:
- Very few reality TV options
- More expensive than Netflix
- Base subscription has ads
9. Paramount+: Something For Everyone
Paramount+ is another Netflix competitor with a diverse range of streaming options. Here you’ll find original content and shows from all of Paramount’s partner networks, including CBS, Comedy Central, VH1, Nickelodeon, and more. Its Showtime add-on offers premium cable shows. You’ll also find a selection of recently released movies and live sporting events, including the NFL.
The biggest benefit of Paramount+ is the wide range of genres available. Subscribers get access to dramas, kids’ shows, reality TV, sports, and movies. This makes it a good option for large households where everyone has different streaming preferences. It’s also more affordable than Netflix, with a standard subscription starting at $5.99 per month.
Pros:
- Many different types of content available
- Only place to watch fan favorites like Star Trek
- App available for a wide range of devices, including smart TVs and game consoles
Cons:
- Original content is limited
- Standard plan has ads
- Premium subscription required for some live TV options
Why CyberGhost Is the Best VPN for Streaming
Many streaming platforms are only available in certain countries, which can be a headache when you’re traveling abroad. CyberGhost VPN has streaming-optimized servers for many popular streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Max, and more.
This also works if your streaming service has different libraries in different countries. Many of our streaming-optimized servers offer a range of locations to keep you connected to your favorite shows.
CyberGhost VPN has easy-to-use apps for major streaming devices, and gives you up to 7 simultaneous connections, so everyone in the family can watch their own shows separately.
We also offer unlimited bandwidth, so you can binge-watch as much as you like without VPN data limits cutting you off.
Try it for yourself with our 45-day money back guarantee.
Discover Your New Favorite Shows!
Whether you’re looking to cut back on streaming costs or just want to switch up your streaming routine, we hope you’ve found a good alternative to keep you entertained while you take a break from Netflix.
Don’t let traveling abroad keep you from watching every episode of your new favorite show. Use CyberGhost VPN to retain access to your streaming accounts from anywhere.
FAQs
Plenty of free streaming apps exist, with Tubi and Pluto TV being two of the most notable options. Keep in mind that most free apps are ad-supported, and will have a smaller selection than Netflix. Free streaming apps may only be available in certain countries, but you can use CyberGhost VPN to keep watching when you travel abroad.
The best streaming service for you will depend on your personal preferences. Netflix still has an excellent selection of original content as well as many popular movies and TV shows from other networks. However, other services like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Max have strong content libraries, and can easily rival Netflix.
Netflix is one of the most expensive streaming platforms on the market. It has cited increasing production costs and declining customer demand as the reason for recent price increases.
Netflix allows users with Basic, Standard, and Premium plans to download content to their devices. This is a convenient way to watch content when you’re on the go and won’t have Wi-Fi access.
Note that you can’t download content using your web browser—you’ll need to use the Netflix app. There are also some titles that are not available for download, and the Basic with Ads plan doesn’t allow downloads at all.
Netflix has a larger selection of HD and 4K content than any other streaming service. The platform also has content in a wide range of genres and languages, and updates its selection frequently to keep viewers engaged.
Both Netflix and Peacock have a great selection of content available. The right platform for you will depend on your preferences. Netflix has a wider selection of original shows and movies. Peacock is the only place to stream many popular comedies, such as The Office, Parks & Recreation, and 30 Rock. Peacock also streams live sporting events, while Netflix doesn’t.
Some shows and movies leave Netflix due to a change in licensing agreements. In many cases, the content will move to another streaming service.
If you’re traveling, you’ll need a VPN to access the same streaming content you would get at home. This is because streaming platforms have different content libraries for different countries. Connecting to a VPN server in your home country will help you access your usual library.
Additionally, many work and school networks ban streaming. A VPN will hide your activity from the network so you can unblock streaming services.
The best streaming service for you will depend on your personal preferences and budget. For example, Netflix is known for its huge selection of titles across a wide variety of genres, Max is a popular choice for prestige television, and Peacock offers live sports and network favorites at affordable prices.
Leave a comment