Disney+ and Hulu Cost Too Much? Try These Free Alternatives!

With Disney+ and Hulu recently raising their prices, keeping up with streaming services is becoming harder than ever. Luckily, there are fantastic free streaming options out there that won’t cost you a penny! Let’s take a look at the best alternatives to Disney+ and Hulu that can keep you entertained without breaking the bank.

Disney+ has raised its ad-free subscription price to $15.99 per month (up from $10.99), while the ad-supported version costs $9.99 per month. Hulu’s ad-supported plan is now $9.99 per month (up from $7.99), and its ad-free plan has increased to $18.99 per month (up from $14.99). Hulu with Live TV now costs $82.99 per month for the ad-supported version and $95.99 per month for the ad-free version. The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+ (with ads), Hulu (with ads), and ESPN+, now costs $10.99 per month (up from $9.99), according to The Verge.

According to CNET, making it one of the more expensive options for those who want live television. According to Variety, it’s easy to see why subscribers might start rethinking their monthly subscriptions. Thankfully, several free streaming platforms are available that offer loads of content—ranging from classic sitcoms to blockbuster movies. Let’s break down some of the best options.

1. Roku Channel

The Roku Channel isn’t just for those who own a Roku device—it’s available through the Roku app on mobile devices, or even in your web browser. Roku Channel offers a mix of classic TV shows, movies, and even original content like the popular series Die Hart starring Kevin Hart. With partnerships that bring in shows like This Old House and movies such as The Fugitive, there’s variety here for everyone. Plus, Live TV channels are available, offering news, sports, and kids’ programming.

• How to Watch: Available on Roku devices, smart TVs, web browsers, and mobile apps.
• Roku Channel Official Site: https://www.roku.com/whats-on/the-roku-channel
• Content Highlights: Classic TV, popular movies, original series.

2. Pluto TV

If channel surfing is your thing, Pluto TV will be your best friend. Owned by Paramount Global, Pluto TV offers hundreds of live streaming channels that mimic the traditional cable experience. Whether it’s classic MTV shows, cult favorite movies, or Doctor Who marathons, Pluto TV delivers a massive lineup—all for free. Plus, on-demand content is available if you’re in the mood for something specific.

• How to Watch: Available on most streaming devices, smart TVs, mobile apps, and web browsers.
• Pluto TV Official Site: https://pluto.tv/
• Content Highlights: Live channels for news, sports, classic TV, and films.

3. Tubi

Tubi, owned by Fox, offers an enormous library of over 50,000 titles. It’s basically an ad-supported version of Netflix, with a gigantic catalog of movies and TV shows, including some recent releases. From reality TV to action flicks and even kids’ programming, Tubi has a surprisingly deep lineup. Yes, there are ads, but hey—it’s free!

• How to Watch: Available on almost all devices, including streaming boxes, mobile, and smart TVs.
• Tubi Official Site: https://www.tubi.tv/
• Content Highlights: Massive library of movies, TV series, and live news channels.

4. Vizio WatchFree+

Vizio WatchFree+ is great if you own a Vizio smart TV, offering over 260 live channels and a variety of on-demand content. It’s built right into Vizio TVs, letting you access live TV and movies at no cost. With an expanding channel lineup, it’s an underrated competitor in the free streaming game.

• How to Watch: Available exclusively on Vizio smart TVs.
• Vizio WatchFree+ Official Site: https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus
• Content Highlights: A mix of live TV channels, movies, and on-demand series.

5. Crackle

Crackle has been around for years, providing a wide range of movies and TV shows, including some exclusives and original content. Thanks to a partnership with Sony Pictures, you can expect some quality films in their rotation, albeit with ads. Crackle offers a great mix of cult classics, comedies, and drama series.

• How to Watch: Available on streaming devices, mobile apps, and web browsers.
• Crackle Official Site: https://www.crackle.com/
• Content Highlights: Sony movies, original series, and a rotating collection of fan-favorites.

6. Plex

Plex has come a long way from being just a media server tool. Now, it’s a platform offering tons of free, ad-supported movies, TV shows, and live channels. With documentaries, Bollywood movies, and even live TV channels, Plex is one of the most flexible options out there. It also allows users to add their own content.

• How to Watch: Accessible on most devices, smart TVs, web browsers, and through the Plex app.
• Plex Official Site: https://www.plex.tv/
• Content Highlights: On-demand movies and TV, user-uploaded content, live channels.

The Low-Cost Alternatives for Live TV

Still want live TV but don’t want to break the bank? Affordable live TV services like Sling TV, Philo, and Frndly TV might be more budget-friendly options compared to Hulu’s hefty price. Hulu with Live TV, currently at $76.99 per month, is significantly pricier than other options like Sling, Philo, or Frndly TV.

• Sling TV: Starting at $40 per month for their Orange or Blue package, Sling offers a decent lineup of live TV channels, including sports, news, and entertainment. You can add extra bundles for niche content, but even the basic package has a solid mix. According to CNET, Sling’s big advantage is its customization options.
• Sling TV Official Site: https://www.sling.com/
• Philo: At just $25 per month, Philo is one of the most affordable live TV options, offering over 70 channels of entertainment, lifestyle, and news content. Unlike other services, Philo skips out on sports to keep costs low. Channels like AMC, HGTV, and Comedy Central make it a solid option if you’re okay with missing live sports. Philo Official Site
• Frndly TV: Starting at just $6.99 per month, Frndly TV is perfect for those looking for family-friendly entertainment. It offers over 40 live channels, including Hallmark, A&E, The Weather Channel, MeTV, and MeTV Toons. The biggest advantage of Frndly TV is its affordability and focus on wholesome content, making it a great option for budget-conscious families.
• Frndly TV Official Site: https://www.frndlytv.com/
• YouTube TV (Ad-Supported): Another option is the ad-supported version of YouTube TV, rumored to be in the works, according to The Verge. Though not free, it’s expected to offer a reduced cost compared to the full subscription.
• YouTube TV Official Site: https://tv.youtube.com/

Comparing Hulu with Live TV to DirecTV and Cable

When it comes to Hulu with Live TV versus DirecTV or traditional cable, there are some stark differences in pricing and content flexibility. DirecTV Stream starts at $74.99 per month, which is comparable to Hulu with Live TV, but offers packages with more channels, including regional sports networks that Hulu may lack. Traditional cable, depending on your provider, can range anywhere from $50 to $150 per month, often with extra fees for HD content or DVR services.

• Flexibility: Hulu with Live TV has the advantage of no contracts and the ability to cancel anytime, something traditional cable can’t offer without penalty fees.
• Content: DirecTV and cable may have more sports and local channels, but Hulu with Live TV has the added benefit of access to Hulu’s streaming library.
• Price: For those willing to sacrifice sports and local news, Philo, Sling TV, and Frndly TV remain the most budget-friendly live TV options compared to both Hulu and DirecTV.

Are Disney+ and Hulu Pricing Themselves Out?

Disney’s latest price hikes have left many subscribers wondering if it’s still worth the cost. As of now, Disney+ ad-free is $15.99 per month (up from $10.99), while the ad-supported version costs $9.99 per month. Hulu ad-supported is $9.99 per month (up from $7.99), and without ads, it’s $18.99 per month (up from $14.99). The Disney Bundle—which includes Disney+ (with ads), Hulu (with ads), and ESPN+—now costs $10.99 per month (up from $9.99), according to The Verge.

And let’s be real, with rising costs everywhere, entertainment is often the first thing to get cut from the budget.

Disney+ even saw a dip in subscribers during the second quarter of 2024, losing 11.7 million subscribers, as reported by CNBC. Hulu’s numbers dropped too, although less dramatically. Clearly, people are looking for more budget-friendly options that don’t add financial strain.

Is it Time to Ditch Disney+?

If you want to keep your entertainment budget in check, these free streaming platforms are worth checking out. From classic movies on Tubi to live channels on Pluto TV, or original content on the Roku Channel, there’s no shortage of options. And if you still want live TV, Sling TV, Philo, and Frndly TV offer affordable alternatives to Hulu with Live TV or DirecTV.

In a world where every dollar matters, it’s good to know you don’t have to choose between putting food on the table and getting your binge-watching fix. Let us know what your favorite free streaming service is, and if you’re still hanging onto Disney+ or Hulu, we’d love to hear why!

This news comes to us via Pirates & Princesses on PiratesAndPrincesses.net.

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