Best legal Putlocker alternatives in 2026 [Free or under $10]

Annoyed that Putlocker is constantly getting banned and changing web addresses? Actually, I've found this to be an opportunity. This year alone, I've watched over 200 great movies and 30 shows — many on free, legal websites that I'll share with you in this guide.

Spend just 10 minutes reading this article and bookmarking the platforms I recommend, and you'll likely have all your movie needs covered.

Quick streaming recommendations

• Best free options: Tubi (largest library) and Pluto TV (live TV channels) offer thousands of movies and shows legally with minimal ads. Download Downie or PullTube from Setapp to save content for offline viewing  (e.g., from YouTube) when these platforms don't offer downloads.
• Best paid under $10: Netflix ($7.99), Hulu ($9.99/mo if paid annually), and Max ($9.2/mo if paid annually) deliver premium originals with ad-supported tiers. Students can get Hulu for $1.99/month or Prime Video with discounts.
• Smart streaming strategy: Rotate subscriptions monthly to maximize content while minimizing costs. Use free trials strategically and combine services based on your primary viewing needs (for me, sports = Peacock, cartoons = Max, popular shows = Netflix).
• Essential Mac tools: Enhance your streaming with Movie Explorer Pro for tracking, JustStream for TV casting, and VidCap for generating subtitles — all available through Setapp's 7-day free trial. 

TL;DR: What are the best legal Putlocker alternatives?

Streaming service	Key features	Notable content	Drawbacks
Free streaming services
Tubi	Largest free library, diverse genres, dedicated kids’ section, 200 TV channels	Wynonna Earp, The Nevers	Ad-supported, retro-heavy content
Roku Channel	Top-rated movies, sports, user-friendly interface, no registration required	The Reader, Home Alone, The Mentalist	Ads, limited to U.S. and select countries
Amazon Freevee (Prime)	Great for comedies, integrates with Fire TV, content merging with Prime (Aug 2025)	Desperate Housewives, Jury Duty, Deadpool	Ads, no picture-in-picture
Pluto TV	Live TV, reality shows, legendary movies	The Good Wife, Deep Water, Gladiator, Coraline, The Godfather	Ads, retro-heavy content
Plex	Movie tracking, Live TV, detailed overviews with IMDb ratings	The Death of Stalin, Filth, Requiem for a Dream	Some foreign films lack subtitles
Streaming services under $10
Hulu $11.99/mo. If paid $119.99/year in advance, it's  $9.99/mo.	Thought-provoking content, student discounts ($1.99/mo), bundle deals	Handmaid’s Tale, Severance, Little Fires Everywhere, Dopesick	U.S.-only payment cards, fewer originals, complex bundle options
Netflix $7.99/mo	Popular shows, offline downloads, strong recommendation engine, multi-genre	Bridgerton, 3 Body Problem, Nobody Wants This	No trial period, geographic content limits, limited animated movies
Max (HBO Max)  $10.99/mo. If paid $109.99/year in advance, it's  $9.2/mo.	Cartoons, award-winning series, offline downloads	Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake, Scavengers Reign, Station Eleven	No trial period, geographic content limits, limited animated movies
Prime Video $8.99/mo (standalone) or $14.99/mo ($139/yr) with Amazon Prime	Watch parties, X-Ray feature, student discounts, diverse originals	The Boys, The Rings of Power, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel	Confusing interface, some content requires extra fees
Peacock $7.99/mo or $79.99/yr	Sports, comedies, dramas, watch parties, discounts via Instacart+/Xfinity	Scrubs, Office, Law & Order, New Girl, Brave New World	No free trial. Unregular catalog updates

Your streaming decision framework

When I researched the issues users face with sites like Putlocker — constant buffering, malware risks, and legal concerns — I realized the real cost of questionable “free” streaming didn't justify the risks. Here's how to choose your ideal streaming setup based on your actual needs:

Match your primary viewing goal

• For discovering hidden gems without algorithms: Choose Tubi or Plex (both free). Their massive libraries and minimal curation mean you'll stumble upon indie films and forgotten classics that Netflix's algorithm would never surface.
• For staying current with popular culture: Netflix remains unmatched. When Bridgerton or Nobody Wants This trends on social media, you'll be part of the conversation.
• For family viewing with kids: Combine Tubi's (free) dedicated kids section with Max's superior cartoon library. Both offer parental controls that actually work.
• For sports and live events: Peacock delivers Olympics, EPL, and WWE, while Pluto TV (free) offers free sports channels.

Consider your technical setup

• Limited internet bandwidth: Free services like and Roku offer lower-quality streams that won't buffer constantly on slower connections.
• Multiple devices: Netflix and Prime Video sync seamlessly across Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. Free services often lack this polish.
• Offline viewing needs: Most paid services like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video offer legitimate downloads, while free platforms typically don't due to licensing restrictions. For platforms that allow downloads, I use Downie to save content for offline viewing during flights and commutes, always ensuring I'm following each platform's terms of service.

Budget-based streaming portfolios

• $0/month setup: Tubi + Pluto TV covers 90% of viewing needs with rotating content and live TV.
• $10/month setup: Pick one paid service (Netflix for variety, Hulu for dramas, Max for HBO quality) + all free options.
• $20/month setup: Rotate 2-3 paid services monthly based on new releases + maintain free service bookmarks.

Find out your exact subscription costs This free App Budget Tracker shows exactly how much you pay per year, month, or week. Just enter the tools or services you use and their prices, and everything else is calculated automatically.

Complete guide to 10 essential streaming alternatives

After testing dozens of platforms and meticulously tracking my viewing habits with Movie Explorer Pro, I've identified the streaming services that actually deliver value. This guide breaks down each platform's real strengths, hidden limitations, and ideal use cases — whether you're a budget-conscious student, a family looking for kid-friendly content, or someone who just wants to watch that one specific show without signing up for yet another subscription.

Free streaming services and free Putlocker alternatives

I promise: you’ll LOVE at least a few of the websites on this list. But first, let’s clear something up. Yes, I mentioned that these sites aren’t “loaded with ads,” but some level of advertising is usually unavoidable — it’s the trade-off for free content.

Sometimes, I use AdLock to block ads. It doesn’t work on every site (some won’t play movies if an ad blocker is on), but I try it each time; at the very least, it saves me from random pop-up ads across the web.

Also, free streaming sites tend to have a lot of retro content from the 2000s and 2010s. If that’s not your vibe, just filter by popularity, year of release, or genre to find something that suits your taste more easily.

Tubi for the largest free content library

Tubi TV claims to be the largest free movie and TV streaming website in the U.S., and after using it extensively, I believe it. With over 275,000 titles spanning everything from anime to action movies and plenty of recent releases, plus access to 260 TV channels, it's become my go-to for discovering content I'd never find elsewhere.

Best for: Budget-conscious viewers, indie film enthusiasts, families needing kids content, and anyone who wants maximum variety without subscription commitments. I use it for background viewing and for discovering hidden gems I'd never find elsewhere.

Problems solved:

• Subscription fatigue: When you hit your limit with paid services, Tubi provides endless content at zero cost.
• Content discovery paralysis: Unlike algorithm-heavy platforms, Tubi's vast unfiltered library lets you stumble upon unexpected favorites.
• Family viewing costs: The dedicated kids section rivals paid services, saving families $10-15/month.

Feature benefits:

• 200+ live TV channels eliminate the need for cable, offering news, sports, and entertainment streams.
• Dedicated kids section with age-appropriate content and basic parental controls keeps children entertained safely.
• Cross-device syncing remembers your place across Mac, iPhone, and smart TVs without requiring payment
• Minimal ad interruptions (4-5 minutes per hour) feel less intrusive than traditional TV commercials.

Strengths & limitations:

✓ Genuinely the largest free library available legally
✓ Surprisingly current content mixed with classics
✓ No registration required to start watching

✗ Heavy on retro content from 2000s-2010s
✗ Video quality maxes out at 720p for most content

Pricing info: Completely free with ads. No premium tier available.

Gems to watch: Wynonna Earp, The Nevers

Roku Channel for top-rated movies and sports

The Roku Channel surprised me with its quality-over-quantity approach. While you can watch without registering, I recommend signing up (it's still free) to sync across devices and access their impressive sports content.

Best for: Sports fans on a budget, movie buffs seeking critically acclaimed films, multi-device households, and viewers who prioritize content quality over library size.

Problems solved:

• Sports package costs: When my very-into-sport friend calculated his annual sports streaming bills, he said that Roku's free games could have saved him $100+.
• Quality uncertainty: Their focus on well-rated content means less time wasted on duds.
• Device fragmentation: Unlike some free services, Roku syncs viewing progress across all screens.

Feature benefits:

• Live sports streaming 
• Curated quality library prioritizes higher-quality, well-reviewed content (often from premium partners)
• User-friendly interface rivals paid services with logical organization and quick loading
• Cross-platform syncing maintains watchlists and progress without payment

Strengths & limitations: 

✓ Free access to sports content
✓ Higher average content quality than other free platforms
✓ Interface that doesn't feel like a free service 

✗ Limited availability outside the U.S. and select countries
✗ Smaller on-demand library compared to Tubi or Pluto

Pricing info: Free with ads (4-5 minutes per hour). No paid tier available.

Gems to watch: The Reader, Home Alone, The Mentalist

Amazon Freevee for great comedies (merged with Prime)

Around September 2025, Freevee was discontinued as a standalone service, but its free content didn’t disappear — it merged into Prime Video, where non-Prime members can still access free movies and shows.

I usually turn to Prime Video (ex-Freevee) when I want to catch up on hits from the past few years. It's where I watched Lost and Emma. Despite more frequent ad breaks than other platforms, Freevee shows you exactly where ads will appear and how many remain, making interruptions predictable.

Best for: Comedy lovers, Fire TV users, Prime members-to-be who want to explore free options first.

Problems solved:

• Ad unpredictability: The visual ad markers eliminate surprise interruptions during crucial scenes.

Platform confusion: Post-merger, everything will be in one Prime Video interface.

Feature benefits:

• Ad placement transparency shows exact interruption points, letting you plan bathroom breaks.
• Original content includes exclusive shows not available on other free platforms.

Strengths & limitations: 

✓ Strong comedy selection surpasses most free platforms
✓ Transparent about ad frequency and placement
✓ High-quality original productions

✗ To watch movies, you need to create an account and add a payment card even if you’re not going to buy anything
✗ No picture-in-picture support for multitasking
✗ More ads than competitors (2-6 minutes per hour)

Pricing info: Free with ads. Prime membership ($14.99/month) removes ads from some content.

Gems to watch: Desperate Housewives, Jury Duty, Deadpool (availability may vary/rotate in free section; check Prime Video).

Pluto TV for live TV and reality shows

Pluto TV fills a unique niche with its blend of live TV channels and on-demand content. With legendary movies like Good Will Hunting and The Crow alongside 250+ live channels, it's become my guilty pleasure destination for reality shows like Judge Judy that I watch while cooking or cleaning.

Best for: Reality TV addicts, background TV viewers, cord-cutters missing channel surfing, and anyone nostalgic for traditional TV experiences.

Problems solved:

• Channel surfing withdrawal: If you cancelled cable, Pluto's live channels can fill that random discovery void.
• Background entertainment needs: Perfect for tasks requiring partial attention without plot commitment
• Live TV costs: Replaces $50+ monthly cable bills with free streaming if you are ready to step back a little bit.

Feature benefits:

• 250+ live channels mostly recreate cable experience with news, movies, and specialty programming.
• 24/7 themed channels (like Comedy Central Pluto) provide endless genre-specific content.
• No decision fatigue — channels play continuously without requiring selection.
• Reality TV paradise with dedicated channels for court shows, cooking, and competition series.

Strengths & limitations: 

✓ Best free alternative to traditional cable TV
✓ Legendary movie selection rivals paid services
✓ Perfect for background viewing during chores

✗ Heavy on retro content from the 1990s-2000s (but it's definitely a pro for fans!) 
✗ Higher ad load than other free services

Pricing info: Completely free with ads (5-6 minutes per hour on live channels).

Gems to watch: The Good Wife, Deep Water, Gladiator, Coraline, The Godfather

Plex for watching and tracking movies

Plex impressed me with its dual functionality — it's both a free streaming service and a powerful media organizer. Every movie and show includes detailed overviews with IMDb ratings, trailers, and tracking options. The ability to bookmark, mark as watched, or add to collections makes it feel premium despite being free.

Best for: Movie collectors, data-driven viewers who love stats and ratings, media server enthusiasts, and anyone who wants Netflix-like organization without the price.

Problems solved:

• Viewing history chaos: When I couldn't remember what I'd watched where, Plex's tracking saved my sanity.
• Quality uncertainty: IMDb integration means no more gambling on unknown titles.
• Media library management: Organizes both streamed and personal content in one interface.

Feature benefits:

• Integrated IMDb ratings eliminate the need to check external sites before watching.
• Personal media server lets you stream your own content alongside Plex's library (locally free; remotely requires Plex Pass or Remote Watch Pass).
• Detailed tracking includes watch history, custom lists, and personal ratings.
• Live TV option adds 600+ free channels (news, entertainment, sports, etc.) to on-demand content.

Strengths & limitations: 

✓ Best free platform for organization enthusiasts
✓ Powerful media server capabilities
✓ Rich metadata for every title 

✗ Some foreign films lack English subtitles
✗ Vast library includes significant retro padding

Pricing info: Free with ads. Plex Pass (~$6.99/month) adds features like downloads and skip intro, but isn't necessary for streaming.

Gems to watch: The Death of Stalin, Filth, Requiem for a Dream

Paid streaming services and Putlocker alternatives under $10

I need your attention here. I first created this list a few years ago and am now updating it in 2026. Finding subscriptions under $10 is a bit harder than it was back then. However, you can still get some streaming services for under $10 on a monthly basis — and for others, only if you pay annually in advance.

If you’re going to invest in a full year with an annual subscription, I recommend reviewing the service’s library carefully. Make sure there are enough titles you’ll actually want to watch throughout the year and that the platform’s overall style matches your taste.

Hulu for thought-provoking content

Hulu has become my go-to for content that makes me think. My journey began with The Handmaid's Tale, and I've since discovered that Hulu consistently delivers disturbing, deep, and thought-provoking series like Severance and Little Fires Everywhere that stay with me long after watching.

Best for: Drama enthusiasts, students (special $1.99/month pricing), next-day TV watchers, and viewers who prefer quality over quantity in their streaming choices.

Problems solved:

• Network TV delays: When I missed live broadcasts, Hulu's next-day uploads meant no spoilers at work.
• Student budget constraints: The $1.99 student plan makes premium content accessible during college.
• Prestige drama access: Found all the Emmy-nominated series I'd been missing.

Feature benefits:

• Next-day TV episodes from major networks eliminate the need for cable DVR.
• FX on Hulu provides entire FX library, including exclusive originals.
• Student discount at $1.99/month (with verification) saves over $100 annually.
• Bundle options with Disney+ and ESPN+ provide family-wide entertainment.

Strengths & limitations: 

✓ Strongest drama selection among all platforms
✓ Best value for students at any streaming service
✓ Next-day access to current TV seasons 

✗ U.S. payment cards only (major limitation for international viewers)
✗ Confusing bundle options require careful comparison

Pricing info: $9.99/mo if paid annually. A pure monthly subscription is $11.99. Students pay $1.99/month with verification.

Gems to watch: Handmaid's Tale, Severance, Little Fires Everywhere, Dopesick

Netflix for staying on top of popular shows

In my experience, most shows trending on social media platforms come from Netflix, making it essential for staying current with popular culture. Think Bridgerton, Nobody Wants This, and The Menendez Brothers series. Beyond social media phenomena, Netflix's recommendation engine consistently surfaces content I actually want to watch.

Best for: Trend-conscious viewers, international content explorers, binge-watchers, and anyone who wants to participate in water cooler conversations about the latest shows.

Problems solved:

• Cultural FOMO: When everyone discusses the latest Netflix hit, you’ll be part of the conversation.
• International content discovery: Found amazing European and Korean content I'd never discover elsewhere.
• Decision paralysis: The algorithm actually works, suggesting that you genuinely enjoy.

Feature benefits:

• Smart downloads automatically grab next episodes based on viewing habits.
• Multiple user profiles keep recommendations accurate for different family members.
• Robust offline viewing with flexible quality settings for storage management.
• Global content library with professional subtitles and dubbing in multiple languages.

Strengths & limitations: 

✓ Largest selection of trending original content 
✓ Best-in-class recommendation algorithm 
✓ Seamless experience across all devices 

✗ No free trial period 
✗ Geographic content restrictions remain frustrating.

Pricing info: $7.99/month with ads (1080p quality), $17.99/month for Standard (ad-free, 1080p), $24.99/month for Premium (ad-free, 4K + HDR).

Gems to watch: 3 Body Problem, Decameron, Nobody Wants This, His Three Daughters

Max for cartoons and award-winning content

If I had to pick one platform for animation, it'd be Max. But beyond cartoons, HBO Max delivers consistently premium content that dominates awards seasons. Over the past decade, HBO series have set the standard for quality television, and Max continues that tradition.

Best for: Animation enthusiasts, prestige TV viewers, HBO loyalists, families needing quality kids content, and cinephiles who appreciate award-winning productions.

Problems solved:

• Premium content costs: When HBO cable packages cost $50+, Max's $9.99 delivers the same content
• Animation variety: Found everything from Adventure Time to Studio Ghibli in one place
• Adult animation drought: Filled the gap left by other platforms' limited mature animation

Feature benefits:

• Access to Warner Bros. theatrical releases on Max after theatrical window (typically weeks/months post-release, with some earlier for select titles).
• Complete HBO library includes decades of premium series and documentaries.
• Studio Ghibli collection offers the entire catalog with subs and dubs.
• DC Universe content provides comprehensive superhero entertainment.

Strengths & limitations: 

✓ Highest production values across most content
✓ Top animation library for all ages
✓ Strong documentary selection 

✗ Smaller overall library than Netflix
✗ Interface is less intuitive than competitors

Pricing info: $10.99/month with ads (Basic). If you pay $109.99/year in advance, your monthly cost is $9.2.

Gems to watch: Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake, Scavengers Reign, Station Eleven, Succession

Prime Video for diverse originals and bundles

Amazon Prime Video can be bought separately or as part of an Amazon Prime subscription, which also includes special shipping benefits, podcasts, e-books, and photo/video storage. As a bundle, it’s a pretty good deal. 

The mix of included options confused me first, but once you understand the system, it can become invaluable. The X-Ray feature alone — showing actor info and soundtrack details during playback — can change how you watch TV.

Best for: Amazon Prime members, trivia lovers who want production details, students (with a discount), and viewers who appreciate diverse original content spanning all genres.

Problems solved:

• Bundle value confusion: When I calculated Prime's total value (shipping, video, music), the video felt essentially free.
• Actor identification struggles: X-Ray instantly answers "where do I know them from?" without phone searches.

Feature benefits:

• X-Ray technology provides real-time information about actors, music, and trivia without pausing.
• Prime membership perks include free shipping, music, books, and even photo storage.

Strengths & limitations: 

✓ Best value if you are an active Amazon user
✓ Strong original content across all genres

✗ Confusing mix of free and paid content
✗ Interface makes finding included content difficult

Pricing info: $8.99/month for Prime Video only, $14.99/month ($139/year) for full Prime membership. Students get 50% off.

Gems to watch: The Boys, Fallout, The Rings of Power, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Peacock for sports and NBC favorites

Peacock initially drew me in with affordable paid tiers. Sports coverage — especially the Olympics and Premier League — justifies the price. Add in every episode of The Office and Parks and Recreation, and it's become essential for both live events and comfort watching.

Best for: Sports enthusiasts, NBC show fans, Olympics watchers, comedy series bingers, and anyone who misses traditional network programming.

Problems solved:

• Network show access: You’ll probably find all your NBC favorites without cable subscription.
• Live event coverage: Olympics and special events stream without cable authentication.
• Apple TV subscribers craving more content: Peacock + Apple TV bundle is $14.99/mo.

Feature benefits:

• Exclusive sports coverage includes Premier League, WWE, Olympics, and NFL games.
• Complete NBC catalog with current and classic shows from all NBC networks.
• Live TV streaming provides news and events as they happen
• Extended episodes include deleted scenes and bonus content for popular shows

Strengths & limitations: 

✓ Best sports value under $10
✓ Exclusive Olympics coverage unmatched elsewhere
✓ Deep comedy library from NBC's decades of content 

✗ No free trial to test the service
✗ Catalog updates less frequently than competitors

Pricing info: $7.99/month or $79.99/year with ads, $16.99/month ad-free. Various discounts through Instacart+, Xfinity, and credit cards. Apple TV and Peacock Premium bundle is $14.99/mo.

Gems to watch: The Office, Parks and Recreation, Law & Order franchise, Brave New World

Read also:

• Is Fmovies Safe
• Best Shows on HBO Max
• What Is Hulu
• Best Shows on Hulu

Making your movie nights better

Watching movies and TV shows is a big part of my life, so I try to make the process comfortable. Here's an interesting way to think about your streaming needs:

• To keep track of movies you've watched: Movie Explorer Pro creates a personal database with ratings, reviews, and watchlists.
• To stream from laptop to TV: JustStream wirelessly casts any content to smart TVs without cables.
• To generate subtitles with AI: VidCap creates accurate subtitles for downloaded content in multiple languages.
• To download videos for offline viewing: Downie and PullTube save content for flights and commutes.

All these tools come with Setapp's 7-day free trial, then from $9.99/month + tax for 260+ Mac and iPhone apps.