Best Netflix Alternatives for Movies, TV Shows, and Live Content

The best Netflix alternative depends on what you watch. Choose Max for HBO, Warner Bros., DC and prestige films and series; Prime Video for a broad included catalog plus rentals and purchases; Disney+ for family and franchise viewing; Hulu for current-season television; Apple TV+ for a smaller originals-first lineup; Paramount+ for CBS, Showtime-related programming, franchises and selected sports; Peacock for NBC, Bravo, Universal titles and selected live events; Tubi for free, ad-supported viewing; and YouTube TV when you need live channels, local stations, news, sports and DVR. No single service replaces every Netflix use case, so combining one focused library with a free service or live-TV plan can be more practical than looking for a one-for-one substitute.

Prices and catalogs below are for the U.S. and reflect information retrieved in October 2026. Promotional terms can expire, channel lineups vary by ZIP code and title rights change, so check the provider’s current checkout page and a title-availability guide before subscribing.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Roku Streaming Stick Plus with Voice Remote - 4K & HDR10+ | 4K & HDR Streaming Device for TV with...	$48.88	Buy on Amazon
2		Roku Streaming Stick HD with Voice Remote | Compact 4K Streaming Device for TV with Roku Voice...	$37.00	Buy on Amazon
3		Roku Streaming Stick 4K with Voice Remote - HDR10+ & Dolby Vision | Compact 4K Streaming Device for...	$59.99	Buy on Amazon
4		Roku Streaming Stick 4K - HDR & D. Vision Roku Streaming Device for TV with Voice Remote &...	$56.95	Buy on Amazon
5		Roku Ultra, Ultimate Streaming Player - 4K Streaming Device for TV | HDR10+, Dolby Vision & Atmos -...	$89.00	Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Which Netflix alternative is right for you?

Start with the type of viewing you want to replace rather than with a brand name. A household that mainly watches scripted dramas needs a different service from one that follows broadcast seasons, live sports or local news.

Best alternatives by catalog

Max: for HBO, Warner Bros., DC and prestige viewing

Max is the clearest choice when the shows and films you miss are associated with HBO, Warner Bros. or DC. It also suits viewers looking for A24-style prestige television and films: the emphasis is on acclaimed, conversation-driving programming rather than an attempt to cover every possible niche equally.

#1 Best Overall

Sale

Roku Streaming Stick Plus with Voice Remote - 4K & HDR10+ | 4K & HDR Streaming Device for TV with Roku Voice Remote - Free & Live Local News, Sports

• 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
• 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
• Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
• No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
• Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.

$48.88

Buy on Amazon

Choose Max when a household can name several HBO or Warner Bros. titles it wants to watch immediately. If your list is mostly family animation, current network episodes or live channels, another service will solve that specific need more directly.

Prime Video: for breadth and a built-in rental store

Prime Video is useful when “included with the subscription” and “available to rent or buy” need to coexist. Its storefront combines a broad included catalog with rentals and purchases, so a search can surface more options than the subscription catalog alone.

That flexibility also creates a budgeting trap: a title appearing in the Prime Video interface is not necessarily included. Before pressing play, check whether the label says included, rental or purchase. Prime Video works best for viewers who value one place to manage those choices and do not mind paying separately for occasional releases.

Disney+: for families and franchise marathons

Disney+ concentrates Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic programming in one service. That makes it a strong Netflix alternative for families, franchise fans and households that repeatedly revisit a defined set of characters and universes.

Disney also sells bundles that can change the value calculation. The following U.S. offers were listed by Disney in 2026:

The six-month Disney+ and Hulu offer is introductory, not a permanent $11.99 rate. Treat all three rows as time-sensitive U.S. pricing and verify the checkout total, renewal price and included tier before paying.

Hulu: for current-season television

Hulu is the most direct fit for viewers who want current-season television where those episodes are available. It is also sold in Disney bundles and as Hulu + Live TV, but those are different products: the regular Hulu library should not be assumed to include the live-channel lineup.

Rank #2

Sale

Roku Streaming Stick HD with Voice Remote | Compact 4K Streaming Device for TV with Roku Voice Remote & Long-Range Wi-Fi - Free & Live Local News, Sports

• HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
• Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
• No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
• Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
• TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.

$37.00

Buy on Amazon

Use Hulu when your watch list is driven by recently broadcast episodes rather than by a single film studio or franchise. Check the availability of a specific series in your market, because “current season” rights are not universal.

Apple TV+: for a smaller originals-first slate

Apple TV+ suits viewers who would rather have a concentrated set of original series and films than a very large mixed catalog. Its smaller, originals-first approach can make it easier to choose something, but it is not designed to be a complete replacement for every library title a household watches.

It is a sensible second service when your priority is a premium original series pipeline and you are comfortable using another app for older films, current network episodes or live programming.

Paramount+: for CBS, Showtime-related programming and selected sports

Paramount+ combines CBS programming, Showtime-related shows, recognizable franchises and selected sports. It is a practical match for viewers whose viewing habits center on those properties, especially when a household wants scripted entertainment and some sports in the same subscription.

“Selected sports” is important: the service is not a universal replacement for every league or local broadcast. Confirm that the exact event and your market are covered before subscribing for a season.

Peacock: for NBC, Bravo, Universal titles and live events

Peacock draws on NBC, Bravo and the NBCUniversal film and television library. It also carries selected live events and sports, giving it a hybrid library-and-event role.

Choose Peacock when NBC or Bravo programming is central to your household, or when a particular live event is confirmed on the service. Because event rights and plan access can vary, check the event listing rather than assuming that every NBC broadcast is live in the app.

Rank #3

Sale

Roku Streaming Stick 4K with Voice Remote - HDR10+ & Dolby Vision | Compact 4K Streaming Device for TV with Roku Voice Remote & Long-Range Wi-Fi - Free & Live Local News, Sports

• Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
• Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
• Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
• Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
• Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight

$59.99

Buy on Amazon

Tubi: the free, ad-supported option

Tubi is the straightforward choice when the first requirement is avoiding a monthly subscription. It provides movies and shows for free in exchange for advertising.

The trade-off is predictable: you accept commercial interruptions and a catalog that can change. Tubi works well as a permanent budget service or as a backup for evenings when a paid service does not have the title you want. It is not a like-for-like replacement for a paid, ad-light catalog.

Best Netflix alternative for live TV, local channels and sports

YouTube TV: the clearest cable replacement in this group

YouTube TV’s main U.S. plan was listed at $82.99 per month in 2026. The plan lists more than 100 channels, local networks, live sports and news, unlimited DVR, six household accounts and three simultaneous streams.

That combination makes YouTube TV the strongest fit here for someone replacing a traditional pay-TV package rather than merely adding an on-demand library. Unlimited DVR is useful for recording programs that are not available on demand, while household accounts and three streams address common family viewing patterns.

Local coverage is not identical everywhere. YouTube TV says channel availability varies by ZIP code, and the service is available in the United States. Enter your ZIP code on the official sign-up page before purchase to see the actual local-network lineup and regional sports availability for your home.

Hulu + Live TV: a different product from Hulu’s library

Hulu + Live TV is another live-TV option and should be evaluated separately from the regular Hulu catalog. It is offered in Disney bundles with ESPN options, including the bundle tiers listed above. If you want live channels, sports and a Hulu on-demand library together, compare the exact bundle’s channel list, sports access, advertising tier and renewal price.

What “live” does and does not mean

On-demand services can carry episodes or films without providing a live feed. Conversely, a live-TV service can have local or sports channels without owning every film and series in its on-demand library. Decide whether you need:

Rank #4

Sale

Roku Streaming Stick 4K - HDR & D. Vision Roku Streaming Device for TV with Voice Remote & Long-Range Wi-Fi - Free & Live TV (Renewed)

• Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
• Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
• Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
• No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
• Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote

$56.95

Buy on Amazon

• Local broadcast stations for news and network programming.
• Live sports, including the specific league or event you follow.
• A cloud DVR for recording programs.
• On-demand seasons and films for anytime viewing.
• Multiple household profiles or simultaneous streams.

Only subscribe after confirming each required item. “Has sports” or “has NBC” is too broad to establish that a particular game, station or event is included.

2026 comparison of Netflix alternatives

The table separates what is clearly established from details that were not stated in the current plan information. “Not stated” does not mean a feature is absent; it means you should verify it on the provider’s live plan page.

How to build a lower-cost replacement

Use one focused paid service

Pick the service that matches the largest part of your watch list. A family may start with Disney+, a prestige-drama viewer with Max, or a current-season television viewer with Hulu. This avoids paying for several catalogs that nobody uses.

Add a free backup

Tubi can fill gaps without adding another monthly bill. Keep expectations realistic: its ad-supported model and changing catalog are the exchange for a $0 subscription price.

Bundle only when the second library will be used

Bundles can lower the effective cost per service, but only if the household watches both libraries. The Disney+ and Hulu introductory offer rises from $11.99 to $12.99 after six months, so calculate the post-promotion cost rather than judging the first invoice alone. The Disney+, Hulu and HBO Max and Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Unlimited tiers have separate ad and premium prices listed above.

Use live TV only when you need live TV

At $82.99 per month, YouTube TV is solving a different problem from an on-demand service: channels, local networks, sports, news and DVR. If you only need films and series, a live-TV plan may add cost without replacing any catalog you actually watch.

Check where a specific film or series is available

Catalog licensing changes, and a title can move between services or appear as a rental rather than an included stream. JustWatch aggregates availability across services and lets you filter by price, genre, release date and popularity.

Best Value

Roku Ultra, Ultimate Streaming Player - 4K Streaming Device for TV | HDR10+, Dolby Vision & Atmos - Bluetooth & Wi-Fi 6 - Rechargeable Voice Remote Pro with Backlit Buttons - Free & Live TV

• Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
• Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
• The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
• No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
• Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.

$89.00

Buy on Amazon

1. Search for the exact film or series title.
2. Check whether the result is included with a subscription, free with ads, available to rent or available to buy.
3. Set your country and, where offered, your preferred services so the result reflects your market.
4. Compare the one-time rental or purchase price with the cost of adding a monthly service.
5. Repeat the check for the next several titles on your watch list; one title is not enough evidence that a subscription is worthwhile.

Make an older TV ready for multiple services

If your television lacks one of the apps you need, a streaming stick can be a simpler fix than replacing the TV. Tom’s Guide’s October 2026 device roundup identifies the Roku Streaming Stick Plus as a leading streaming device for watching Netflix, Prime Video and other services on a living-room television.

Before buying any device, verify that it supports the apps you intend to use, your TV’s available HDMI connection and the Wi-Fi band supported by your home network. A streaming stick adds app access; it does not provide subscriptions, unlock paid catalogs or change local channel rights.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Assuming a bundle price is permanent

Introductory rates have an end date. Record the six-month change on the Disney+ and Hulu offer and review every renewal price shown at checkout.

Confusing an on-demand library with live TV

Hulu’s regular library and Hulu + Live TV are distinct products. Similarly, a service carrying a network’s shows does not automatically provide that network’s live feed.

Ignoring ZIP-code restrictions

For YouTube TV, enter the home ZIP code before subscribing. Local stations and regional sports can differ even within the same country.

Treating storefront search results as included content

Prime Video displays included titles alongside rentals and purchases. Check the access label before assuming the monthly subscription covers a film.

Subscribing for one title without checking alternatives

Use JustWatch to compare the title across services and purchase options. A one-time rental can be cheaper than a full month, while a service can be better value if several titles on your list are available.

Expecting one service to cover every household member

Map each person’s must-watch list. A family-franchise viewer, a prestige-drama viewer and a live-sports viewer may need different services, and a carefully chosen bundle can be more efficient than forcing one catalog to do everything.

Decision checklist before you cancel Netflix

• Write down the five to ten titles your household watches most often.
• Classify each title as included subscription content, free ad-supported content, rental, purchase or live programming.
• Check availability in your country and, for local channels, by ZIP code.
• Compare the regular renewal price, not only an introductory offer.
• Confirm whether the plan has the required simultaneous streams, downloads or DVR; details not stated in the current plan information should be verified directly.
• Check every television and streaming device for app compatibility.
• Keep a free service such as Tubi as a fallback if reducing monthly cost is the priority.

Bottom line: choose by viewing job, not by subscriber count

There is no universal Netflix replacement. Max, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, Apple TV+, Paramount+, Peacock and Tubi each emphasize a different catalog or price model, while YouTube TV addresses the separate job of replacing live cable-style television. The most dependable choice is the one that covers the largest share of your actual watch list at its post-promotion price. Verify the current plan, local lineup and individual title rights immediately before subscribing.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1

Roku Streaming Stick Plus with Voice Remote - 4K & HDR10+ | 4K & HDR Streaming Device for TV with Roku Voice Remote - Free & Live Local News, Sports

$48.88

SaleBestseller No. 2

Roku Streaming Stick HD with Voice Remote | Compact 4K Streaming Device for TV with Roku Voice Remote & Long-Range Wi-Fi - Free & Live Local News, Sports

$37.00

SaleBestseller No. 3

Roku Streaming Stick 4K with Voice Remote - HDR10+ & Dolby Vision | Compact 4K Streaming Device for TV with Roku Voice Remote & Long-Range Wi-Fi - Free & Live Local News, Sports

$59.99

SaleBestseller No. 4

Roku Streaming Stick 4K - HDR & D. Vision Roku Streaming Device for TV with Voice Remote & Long-Range Wi-Fi - Free & Live TV (Renewed)

Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup

$56.95

Bestseller No. 5

Roku Ultra, Ultimate Streaming Player - 4K Streaming Device for TV | HDR10+, Dolby Vision & Atmos - Bluetooth & Wi-Fi 6 - Rechargeable Voice Remote Pro with Backlit Buttons - Free & Live TV

No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.; Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.

$89.00

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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