Long gone are the days when you had to purchase a cinema ticket to watch your favorite movies and shows. Today, you don’t have to visit the cinema when you can stream your favorite shows with the ease of your mobile phone – just install an app on your device and enjoy unlimited TV series and shows without spending a dime. While there are many apps for you to choose from, we’ve successfully shortlisted 25 of the best streaming apps that you can use on your mobile phone. Let’s get started!
The Best Free Streaming Apps – Quick List
- A&E: Immerse yourself in interesting movies and shows anytime.
- ABC: Your one-ticket to enjoy free full episodes of various famous TV series.
- CBS: CBS has a big selection of high-quality movies and allows you to receive alerts on new releases.
- Crackle: By visiting this site, you can watch movies from as far back as the 1990s.
- FilmRise: FilmRise allows you to watch TV shows from various genres without having to sign up.
- Filmzie: You will discover films created by independent filmmakers and small production studios.
- HISTORY: HISTORY makes it possible for you to always find something to binge-watch in HD quality.
- Hulu: With over 90 channels available in its library, you can depend on this service to get high-quality streaming.
- Iflix: Iflix should be your top choice if you want to download all your top shows to stream them later offline.
- Kanopy: Put your library card to good use by letting it grant you access to endless entertainment for free.
- Lifetime: Lifetime offers a description box under every movie that lets you get an idea of a movie’s content before you start streaming.
- MEGOGO: It boasts a vast content library containing shows across several genres.
- NBC: Enjoy late-night shows and ground-breaking series from popular channels like Bravo and Peacock.
- Popcornflix: A new streaming player offering an impressive content collection.
- Plex: It contains many live and on-demand shows you can view during a movie night.
- Prime Video (Freevee): One of the best streaming platforms that allows you to watch legal content for free.
- Pluto TV: You can trust Pluto TV to take you to another realm with its diverse content catalog.
- Redbox: Choosing Redbox guarantees high streaming quality for any movie you choose.
- Roku: Enjoy live and on-demand content for free on your mobile device.
- The CW Network: This service made it easy for interested users to get behind-the-scenes clips from their favorite shows.
- Tubi: Tubi boasts a simple interface that lets you find your desired show easily.
- Viki: For all Kdrama lovers, Viki allows you to watch your favorite actors with subtitles available in different languages.
- Vudu: Known as a platform that sells movies, you can still enjoy selected free movies from its library.
- YouTube: With different channels available for you to choose from, you can enjoy any show from around the world.
- Yidio: Your one-stop destination to enjoy content available on other streaming platforms.
Detailed List – The Best Apps for Streaming TV Shows
Watching a movie on your phone doesn’t have to be complicated when you can visit your app store and download a streaming app. However, we are not telling you to download any random software. That’s why we made this list of the best apps available to download on your device.
1. A&E
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 735K | Yes | 4 | Depends on your network speed | No | Yes | The U.S. and Canada | Yes |
A&E sits at the top of our list as it has a good application that makes it easy to stream TV shows on your iPhone or Android. Its easy-to-use features let you find popular shows like Accused: Guilty or Innocent? and Intervention. The platform also offers exclusive access to deleted scenes from your show of interest.
You don’t need to sign in or pay a dime before you can start binge-watching a movie. However, you may need to sign in to access its complete content library. On the platform, you will see a Watch List tab containing your viewing history, which allows you to continue a show you stopped halfway before.
2. ABC
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 Million | Yes | 4 | 720p | Yes | Yes | The U.S | Yes |
This service is one of the best streaming apps that houses TV shows aired by the popular ABC TV network. It has an app version for iOS and Android devices, although not every Android device supports its app. So, before downloading the app, you must confirm if it works perfectly with your Android phone.
If the app is good to go on your device, you must create an account and start watching live TV series. You will find complete episodes of top-notch series like Switched At Birth, The Good Doctor, and many others. If you’re also interested in programs that involve interviews with your favourite celebrity, you can access them on the platform for free.
3. CBS
7-day free trial ($5.99/month)
Contains an extensive content library
Requires signing up
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1 Million | Yes | 4 | 720p | Yes | Yes | Canada, USA, UK., Australia, and some parts of Asia and Europe | Yes |
CBS has the largest collection of most of the popular shows you’ve probably heard of. On it, you can stream shows like NCIS: Sydney, Yellowstone, and The Equalizer. However, you must create an account before accessing any of these titles.
As a new user, you will get a 7-day free trial, after which you must pay a minimum subscription fee of $5.99. Using the app notification feature, you can receive an alert whenever the service uploads new episodes of your favourite series. Even if you want to binge-watch episodes of previous seasons of Criminal Minds or Young Sheldon, CBS can satisfy your entertainment needs.
4. Crackle
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 435K | Yes | 4 | 1080p | No | Yes | USA | Yes |
Developed by Sony, it is a top option to pick if you’re looking for where to find famous TV shows and movies. One of the reasons for its growing popularity is that you don’t have to pay any fee before you can start using the platform. However, you are required to register before you can access its library.
If you wish, you can take a trip down memory lane through the service truckload of TV shows that goes as far back as the 1990s. That means you can find any show you want to watch, whether classical movies or the latest release. In addition, the app has a feature that automatically stores your last watch to help you keep track of the shows you’ve watched.
5. FilmRise
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16K | Yes | 4 | 720p | No | Not in many regions | All locations | No |
This is one streaming platform you can trust to find any show or movie you are searching for. It uploads new content daily in genres such as horror, drama, action, crime, and documentaries. It even contains other movie categories like Animals, Cops & Robbers, Coming of Age, Action Comedies, and Biopics to make movie searching more fun.
FilmRise does not require users to create an account before using its app. By downloading the app on your mobile device, you can stream as much as you want and create a personal watchlist of what you want to stream later. Apart from its iOS and Android apps, it has native apps for your Fire TV, Roku, and Xbox.
6. Filmzie
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 236K | Yes | 5 | 1080p | No | Yes | Germany, the UK, the US, Canada, and France | Yes |
The Filmzie platform was designed to provide a space for small production studios and independent filmmakers to share their work with the public. So, if you are looking for unique titles to watch, this streaming service should be your go-to destination. The app is straightforward and has a smooth interface that doesn’t require creating an account before you can start streaming.
To add to its uniqueness, it arranges its movies using catchy categories like Festive Films, Cuddle-Up Comedies, Top Rated on IMDb, Directed by Women, Undiscovered Gems, Independent Cinema, and Asia’s Top Cinema. You can also watch your preferred movie trailer before you start streaming to have an idea of what to expect.
7. HISTORY
Free and Paid ($4.99/month)
Attractive interface
Doesn’t support offline downloading
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.5 Million | Yes | 5 | 720p (HD) | Yes | Yes | The US | Yes |
HISTORY boasts a well-designed interface with a simple layout and robust content library. Sadly, all the shows in its library won’t be accessible unless you pay for a HISTORY channel cable subscription. Nevertheless, with the free content available, you will still have a fun streaming experience, as its videos are all HD quality.
It organizes its platform using various topics, making it easy to find your desired show. You can enjoy shows like The Unbelievable with Dan Aykroyd, History’s Greatest Mysteries, and Top Gear. Even if you leave the app to do something else with your phone, you can always pick up from where you left off once you reopen the app. Unfortunately, you will have to bear with its unskippable ads while streaming.
8. Hulu
Free and Paid ($9.99/month)
High-quality movies and TV shows streaming
Limited international availability
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Million | Yes | 7 | 720p (HD) | Yes | Yes | The US, Puerto Rico, some areas in Japan | Yes |
You may have heard of the streaming platform Hulu, which houses the most popular shows today. The site requires you to sign up for an account before selecting the show to watch. The service uses your watch history to recommend similar movies you may enjoy. Apart from shows, you can also stream interesting movies and TV series like Only Murders in the Building and What We Do in the Shadows.
Apart from using this platform on your phone, you can also connect your account to your smart TV to enjoy your show on the big screen. Hulu is a paid platform that offers various subscription plans to choose from. However, you can enjoy a 30-day free trial to stream any movie and show available in its library. One downside you may experience while using the app is that it occasionally crashes.
9. Iflix
Free
Offers subtitles in multiple languages
Contains mostly Asian content
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 285K | Yes | 5 | 720p (HD) | Yes | Yes | Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Vietnam | Yes |
On Iflix, you can access a large catalogue of shows from different countries worldwide for free. You don’t have to think of which device to use as this platform is compatible with your mobile phone, laptop, and tablet. It has an offline feature that allows you to stream your shows when you’re not connected to the internet.
However, you will mostly find Asian content on the platform. So, if you are a big fan of Asian dramas, this is the best option to stream them for free. You don’t have to worry about the language barrier as the app has a special feature that includes English, Thai, Malay, and Indonesian subtitles. Kids are not left out of the fun; the site has a section that contains shows and movies that children will find exciting to stream.
10. Kanopy
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 130K | No, but you can use the ExtremeVPN split tunneling feature | 3 | 1080p | Yes | Yes | All locations | No |
Kanopy is a unique platform that requires you to use your library card number or university/college email address to access its content library. Once you log into the platform, you can stream thousands of movies on your mobile device with no ad interruption.
The movies on this platform are categorized into different sections like adventure, animal films, quick flicks, and many more. Under each selected movie, you will find its rating, synopsis, and cast details to give you an idea of what to expect before you start streaming. You will also find related videos below any movie thumbnail you stream to help you easily find titles that may appeal to you.
Kanopy has a section dedicated to kids on its app; you can find it on the menu page. There, you will find movies suitable for kids, and you can even set parental controls if you want to. Despite the app being free, you can stream movies on the platform without getting bombarded with ads.
11. Lifetime
Free and Paid ($3.99/month)
Offers popular TV shows
Free trial period is short
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 Million | Yes | 5 | 720p | Yes | Yes | The U.S | Yes |
Why have boring moments when you can download the Lifetime app on your iPhone or Android phone and enjoy an entertaining moment with interesting shows? The streaming platform hosts full seasons of popular shows like Married At First Sights, Dance Moms, and Little Women.
You will surely find something to watch as it regularly updates its library with the latest episodes, previews, and behind-the-scenes TV series. It also has a watchlist section that helps you track what you’ve been watching. If you are still deciding which movie to watch, you can always check out the description and information under each movie to help you choose.
However, some of its available shows will require a pay-TV subscription before you can access them.
12. MEGOGO
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.6 Million | Yes | 5 | 1080p (HD) | Yes | Yes | The UK, countries in Eastern and Central Europe | Yes |
MEGOGO offers different options for movies, TV shows, cartoons, and series lovers. The platform is designed to make it easy for you to pick movies and shows from your preferred genre. You can even decide to stream one based on the cast lists.
One perk of using this service is that it offers rewards in points for every action you take on the app. These points can then be used to get package discounts or subscribe to enjoy more premium content.
13. NBC
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 Million | Yes | 6 | 1080p | Yes | Yes | The U.S. | Yes |
Upon logging into the NBC app, you will gain access to full episodes of Top TV shows from popular platforms like Peacock TV. Although it has annoying ads, you can still use this platform to enjoy high-quality videos on your smartphone.
The app makes it easy to stream almost every NBC show you can think of. These include top shows like Parenthood, About a Boy, The Voice, and America’s Got Talent. The app also allows you to watch shows available for daytime and late-night viewing.
14. Popcornflix
Free
Easy-to-use platform
Doesn’t categorize content properly
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 573K | Yes | 5 | 1080p | No | Yes | Canada and USA | Yes |
Popcornflix is a new player in the streaming market that offers a diverse collection of movies and TV shows on its app. You will be surprised that visiting the app daily will always land you something exciting to stream.
Although it doesn’t have an extensive library, it still has a good selection of content, meaning you will always find something to stream anytime. If you have a unique taste in movies, you can always check out its alternative genres category, like Classic Horrors, to see if something may interest you.
15. Plex
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4 Million | Yes | 4 | 720p, 1080p | Yes | Yes | All countries | No |
Plex is one service you can trust to get never-ending entertainment from various TV shows and movies from different countries. It even has a section dedicated to podcasts, so if you like to listen to people’s opinions about different topics, you can always check out this section.
It also provides a section for music lovers which contains different songs, including recent albums and famous tracks. You can even use it as a media player to access photos, videos, and music saved on your device.
16. Prime Video (Freevee)
| Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 131K | Yes | 4 | 1080p (HD) | Yes | Yes | The U.S | Yes |
You may wonder what Amazon Prime Video is doing on this list. But you need to know that the platform has an entire section on its app that contains movies and shows you can watch for free. This service is called Freevee. Formerly called IMDb TV, Freeview hosts a free collection of licensed and original TV shows and movies you can stream on your mobile device.
The service is ad-supported, which means that instead of paying them a subscription fee, you help them by watching the adverts within a video, which will convert into revenue for Amazon. One lovely feature of the app is its organization. It categorizes its movies to allow you to find trending and recently uploaded movies on the app without stress.
You will also be able to find genre-specific lists such as comedy, drama, thriller, and so on. Within each list, you can filter the result by language and subtitle. This free service also offers unique collections such as Freevee Originals and Movies of the Month. Apart from downloading the app on your smartphone, you can enjoy your movies on your smart TV and PC using its web browser and TV app.
17. Pluto TV
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 Million | Yes | 6 | 480p | No | Yes | Australia | Yes |
With over 100 videos available in Pluto TV’s diverse library, you can enjoy shows from popular channels, including NFL Channel, CNN, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon. It has a simple and well-organized interface, so you will easily find movies that fit your preferred genre or language.
Although the platform generates revenue through advertisements, you don’t have to worry about them as they won’t interrupt your streaming time.
18. Redbox
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 Million | Yes | 5 | 720p | No | Yes | US | Yes |
Redbox has a mobile app that allows you to enjoy on-demand movies for free. Select the Watch Free tab from the menu page, and you will be greeted with a list of ad-supported movies you can stream without spending a dime.
The platform boasts a well-organized interface such that you can tell which movies will be leaving the free zone soon, which are the popular ones, and what are the recent additions. You will also be able to select films based on their genres. The Redbox app is compatible with your Android, iPad, and iPhone.
19. Roku
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7 Million | Yes | 5 | 1080p | Yes | Yes | U.S | Yes |
Are you a fan of Roku originals like Reno 911 and Most Dangerous Game? Then, the Roku app is the perfect streaming platform to download to your mobile device. With its app, you can convert your smartphone into a remote control and connect to entertaining live TV shows. You can also transfer your app’s content to your TV from your smartphone; that way, you can enjoy your favourite shows on a big screen.
You can search for shows by their title using the Search Bar feature on the Roku app. Also, the app has a Private Listening feature that allows you to watch videos privately when you connect your headphones.
20. The CW Network
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3 Million | Yes | 7 | 720p, 1080p | No | Yes | U.S | Yes |
The CW Network offers an extensive library filled with different shows of interesting genres. Amazingly, the platform does not require you to sign up for an account before using it. Once you download the app on your phone, you can freely stream cast interviews and get a sneak peek at future episodes of your favourite TV series. You will surely be able to watch CW’s original series like Riverdale, Supernaturals, and Dynasty.
The app does not support offline viewing, which means your internet connection has to be on any time you want to stream movies using the app. However, no hidden fee, identification process, or password is required before you can use the service. However, you may experience ad interruption while streaming.
21. Tubi
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.6 Million | Yes | 4 | 720p, 1080p (HD) | No | Yes | US, Canada, New Zealand, Mexico, and Australia | Yes |
Tubi prides itself in being one of the largest streaming services, which means you’re sure to find a movie or show that is exciting to watch on its platform. With perfectly designed apps suitable for Android and iOS, you can stream without going through any stress. Movies and TV shows are organized according to their genres, making it very convenient for you to find your preferred media without stress.
The Tubi app can be customized according to your preferred theme. You can choose between a dark or light theme, depending on your preference. One major downside of this app is the number of ads it displays, which can be frustrating.
22. Viki
Free and Paid (4.99/month)
Offers Asian content
Free trial is limited
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Million | Yes | 4 | 720p | No | Yes | USA | Yes |
This should be a go-to platform for anyone who enjoys the drama and stories K-dramas portray. Not only Korean dramas; you will also find dramas from Chinese, Thailand, the Phillippines, and any film produced in Southeastern Asia.
You don’t have to worry about your language barrier as the app offers subtitles in different languages such as English, Spanish, French, Chinese, German, Portuguese, Arabian, and more. So you can hop on this site and stream episodes of Reborn Rich, Boys Before Flowers, or your favourite Japanese mangas.
However, the app offers only a 7-day free trial, after which you are expected to pay $4.99 monthly.
23. Vudu
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Million | Yes | 4 | 720p | Yes | Yes | The USA | Yes |
Vudu is well-known for making movies available for people to buy. But if you don’t mind a little ad interruption while streaming, there are thousands of free movies available on this service you can watch. It even provides movie trailers so you can have an idea of the movie before you watch it.
To view the list of free movies available, you must locate the Free page on the menu and look for movies with the FREE WITH ADS label attached to their thumbnails. From this list, you can explore the different options available, including recent additions and popular titles.
The Vudu platform has a curated list to help you find your desired show faster. These lists include Big Time Movie Stars, All-Time Movie favorites, Most Watched Movies, Hidden Gems, and LOL Comedies.
24. YouTube
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Legal | Sign up | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 Billion | Yes | 7 | 720p, 1080p | Yes | No | All countries except Iran, China, North Korea, Turkmenistan, and Sudan | No |
Unsurprisingly, YouTube makes this list as it hosts many TV channels that post free movies and episodes for free on their page. Channels like Movie Central and Horror Central offer thousands of movies and series that will keep you glued to your phone screen. Even if you’re looking for niche-specific content, you only need to find a channel that posts similar videos. For instance, Kdrama lovers can always check out the KBS World TV page for episodes of interesting series.
You can also watch trailers, cast member interviews, and behind-the-scenes videos of your favourite TV show. If you want to be notified anytime the channel posts a new title on its page, you just have to click the bell icon. That way, you will always receive an alert anytime a new post comes up.
25. Yidio
| No of monthly visits | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance | Video quality | Sign up | Legal | Available in | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 697K | Yes | 3 | 720p | Yes | Yes | All countries | No |
Founded in 2008, Yideo has lived up to many movie lovers expectation. It boasts an easy-to-use interface that brings shows from different streaming platforms to one place. Using the app can help you monitor the shows you enjoy watching and receive notifications on their newest episodes.
The streaming service lists shows from various platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Showtime, and over 100 more platforms. Upon clicking on your chosen movie or TV show, you will directed to where you can watch the show. If you have the app where the film is, it auto-launches it; if not, you will need to download it.
For instance, suppose you want to watch May-December. Once you click on the movie to watch, it will automatically open your Netflix app for you to stream it or prompt you to download it if the app is not available on your phone.
Conclusion
You don’t need to go the extra mile to catch up with your favourite TV shows anymore. Thanks to mobile technology, you can now enjoy the convenience of streaming from your Android and iOS phone. As many streaming apps are available, we highlighted the top ones that can help you view whatever content you feel like watching.
From Hollywood movies and Kdramas to reality shows and documentaries, you will surely find an app from this list that will give you the show you want in your preferred language. It’s not a bad idea to download multiple streaming apps to ensure you get your desired show.
FAQs
