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?
Now Netflix has axed its cheapest ad-free plan, there’s no better time to switch up your streaming service. Whether you want to ditch Netflix for good or you just want something 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 the shows you like 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 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. Unlike Netflix, Hulu uploads episodes of many network TV shows the day after they air, so you can stay up-to-date with your favorites.
Like Netflix, Hulu offers a low-cost ad-supported plan and a more expensive ad-free plan. There are also a variety of bundles and premium add-ons available. Sports fanatics can add on ESPN+, while families and Marvel lovers alike will love the Disney+ add-on. You can upgrade to the Hulu + Live TV plan to access more than 95 live TV channels.
Pros:
- Uploads network TV favorites right after they air
- Good value Disney+ and ESPN+ bundles
- Option to add live TV
Cons:
- Smaller content library than Netflix
- Similar pricing to Netflix, so it may not be ideal for those on a budget
- Not available worldwide
Hulu is only available in the US, but if you’re traveling to another country, you can retain access with CyberGhost VPN. Connect to one of our streaming-optimized servers in the US to access the platform securely and reliably.
2. Tubi: Best Free Alternative
If you’re fed up with streaming price hikes or you need to cut costs, 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:
- No option to remove ads
- Doesn’t offer HD streaming
- Not many recent releases
- Only available in Canada, the US, Mexico, and Australia
3. Apple TV+: Critically Acclaimed Original Shows
If you’re looking for high-quality original shows, 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+ has just one subscription plan, which is cheaper than Netflix’s Standard ad-free plan. There are no ads and you can share your subscription with up to five people. You can get three months of Apple TV for free when you purchase an Apple device.
Pros:
- Exclusive critically-acclaimed shows
- Free trials available
- HD and 4K streaming options
- Available in 100+ countries
Cons:
- Content library is very limited when compared to Netflix
- User interface can be difficult to navigate
4. Peacock: Affordable Netflix Alternative
Peacock is NBCUniversal’s streaming service. Its ad-free subscription is slightly cheaper than Netflix’s comparable plan, which can make all the difference if you’re on a tight budget.
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. You can also watch live sports and more than 50 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
It’s not a direct competitor, but 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. It has a particularly good selection of murder mysteries.
Some top titles on Acorn TV include Killing Eve, The Fall, and The Night Manager. The platform frequently uploads new shows and movies, including dramas, comedies, and documentaries. It’s available in dozens of countries around the globe, including Europe, the Americas, and Oceania.
Pros:
- Easy way to watch British shows outside of the UK
- Low-cost subscription
- No ads
Cons:
- No US content
- Limited content library
- Maximum streaming resolution of 720p
6. Amazon Prime Video: Must-See Shows and Movie Rentals
Amazon Prime Video is 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 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, you can also rent recent releases and highly acclaimed movies that aren’t available on other platforms. This makes Prime Video one of the best Netflix alternatives for movies. You also get some sports and live TV options, but not as many as 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, 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 are 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 the home of on-demand content from cable network HBO, 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 add-ons. Max’s pricing is on a par with Netflix, but arguably its content library is better.
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 ad-supported plan
9. Paramount+: Something For Everyone
Paramount+ is another Netflix competitor with a diverse range of streaming options. You’ll find original content and shows from all of Paramount’s partner networks, including CBS, Comedy Central, VH1, and Nickelodeon. 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. Its ad-free subscription includes Showtime and is much more affordable than Netflix’s comparable plan.
Pros:
- Excellent variety of content
- Only place to watch fan favorites like Star Trek
- Cheap ad-free plan
Cons:
- Limited original content
- 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 that provide easy access to streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Max.
Our streaming-optimized servers are available in many different 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.
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FAQs
Some Netflix alternatives are free – Tubi and Pluto TV are two of the most popular platforms. Keep in mind that most free apps are ad-supported, and they won’t have as much content as Netflix. Free streaming apps may only be available in certain countries, but you can use CyberGhost VPN to keep watching when you travel abroad.
Netflix still has an excellent selection of original content as well as many popular movies and TV shows from other networks. However, it’s eliminating its more affordable plans, making other services with strong content libraries like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Max, even more appealing.
Netflix has cited increasing production costs and declining customer demand as the reason for recent price increases. Additionally, the company’s earnings have been low in recent years, which may also impact prices.
Netflix allows users on all plans to download content to their devices. This is a convenient way to watch when you don’t have Wi-Fi access. You’ll need to use the Netflix app to download content, not a web browser. Not every title is available to download, and the ad-supported plan is limited to 15 downloads per month.
Netflix has a larger selection of HD and 4K content than any other streaming service. It has a huge amount of content covering a wide range of genres and languages, and it updates the selection frequently to keep viewers engaged. The user interface is also easier to use than other streaming platforms.
Both Netflix and Peacock have a great selection of content available. Netflix has a wider range of original shows and movies, but 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 is only just dipping its toes into the sports market.
Some shows and movies leave Netflix due to changes in licensing agreements. In many cases, the content moves to another streaming service.
If you’re traveling abroad, you can use a VPN to access the titles you usually watch at home. This is because many streaming platforms are only available in certain countries, and others have different content libraries in different countries. To keep watching as normal, simply connect to a VPN server in your home country. A VPN also allows you to unblock streaming services on restricted Wi-Fi at work or school.
The best streaming service for you will depend on your personal preferences and budget. 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 an affordable price.
Can I use a VPN to unblock a streaming service from a different country?
Some streaming fans may connect to a VPN server in the country where a certain streaming service is available in order to watch from a different country. While we don’t snoop on our users’ online activity, this is against our terms of service and is not acceptable.
Rest assured that CyberGhost VPN never logs your browsing data and your activity is always private, but you should always comply with all relevant terms and applicable law, including copyright.
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