Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
There is no single best Netflix replacement. Choose Hulu for current-season television, Max for HBO and premium dramas, Disney+ for family franchises, or Prime Video if you already pay for Amazon Prime. If documentaries are your priority, PBS and library services such as Kanopy may be a better fit than another general-purpose subscription. This guide is for U.S. viewers; prices and availability were checked August 18, 2026, and can change.
Choose by what you want to watch
| If you mainly want… | Start with… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Current network and FX television | Hulu | It offers current episodes of many shows, alongside FX programming, reality TV, originals, and movies. Next-day availability depends on the show, network, rights, and plan. |
| HBO and premium television | Max | A strong choice for HBO programming, Warner Bros. movies, DC titles, documentaries, and acclaimed drama and comedy. |
| Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars | Disney+ | Its franchise and family focus is a clear advantage for households that regularly watch those titles. |
| A service you may already have through Prime | Prime Video | It combines included titles with rentals, purchases, and add-on channels. Check which category a title is in before assuming it comes with membership. |
| A focused slate of originals | Apple TV+ | Best suited to viewers who want its particular original series and films, not a vast back catalog. |
| NBC, Bravo, WWE, and selected sports | Peacock | Its network programming and live-event mix can be useful, but the cheapest tier may have a more limited catalog. |
| CBS, Paramount, Nickelodeon, Star Trek | Paramount+ | A targeted pick for its franchises, CBS programming, and selected sports—not necessarily the broadest all-purpose library. |
| Documentaries or no monthly bill | PBS, Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, or a participating library | Free options trade a subscription fee for ads, rotating catalogs, or availability limits. Library access depends on your local system. |
“Best” depends on your watchlist. A focused service can be better value than a larger one if it has the shows, films, or documentary subjects you actually want.
The best Netflix alternatives, by use case
Hulu: best for current TV and a broad entertainment mix
Hulu is a logical Netflix alternative if you mainly watch network-adjacent television, FX, reality shows, or current-season episodes. Hulu advertises many current-season episodes the day after broadcast, but that is not a guarantee for every show or network. Its catalog also includes full seasons, originals, movies, and kids programming. Check Hulu’s current plans and catalog before subscribing.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The trade-off is that its least expensive plans include ads, and Hulu says some titles may still have brief ad breaks on an otherwise ad-free plan because of streaming rights. Hulu’s U.S. page listed Disney+/Hulu bundles from $12.99 per month and a Disney+/Hulu/Max option from $19.99 per month on August 18, 2026. Confirm the included tiers and checkout price: a bundle only saves money if you would otherwise pay for the same services and plans.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Choose Hulu if you want a steady supply of current and catalog television. Skip it if you mainly want movies, a documentary specialist catalog, or the lowest-cost ad-free viewing.
Max: best for HBO, prestige TV, and Warner Bros. films
Max is the stronger fit for viewers who want HBO series, premium drama and comedy, Warner Bros. movies, DC programming, and documentaries. It has a distinct premium-TV identity rather than trying to be the answer to every viewing habit.
Plan names, prices, advertising, sports access, and video quality can change, so compare the current options at Max rather than assuming the entry tier includes every feature. Movies and shows can rotate, and availability may differ outside the U.S.
Choose Max if HBO and premium-library programming are central to your watchlist. Skip it if you need next-day network episodes or a deep stream of casual viewing at a low price.
Disney+: best for families and major franchises
Disney+ is an easy choice for households that regularly watch Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, or National Geographic programming. The clear franchise focus can be a strength for families and a limitation for everyone else: it is less of an all-purpose source for reality TV, current network shows, or a wide variety of adult dramas.
Rank #2
- 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.
Disney+ is also offered in bundles with Hulu, and bundle lineups can change. Hulu notes that the services may use separate apps, even where some Hulu content is accessible through Disney+. Check the exact plan, app access, and profile controls at Hulu’s bundle page and Disney+.
Choose Disney+ for family viewing and franchises you follow. Skip it if those brands make up little of your watchlist.
Prime Video: best value if you already use Amazon Prime
If you already value Prime membership, Prime Video can add movies, originals, rentals, purchases, and subscriptions to other channels in one place. Its potential value is strongest as part of a membership you already want—not automatically as a standalone Netflix replacement.
Pay attention to labels. A title being available on Prime Video does not mean it is included with Prime: it may require a rental, purchase, or add-on channel. The interface brings these options together, so check the price and access type on the title page before pressing play. See Prime Video for current membership and viewing terms.
Choose Prime Video if you already pay for Prime or are happy to rent individual movies. Skip it if you want a simple, predictable included-only catalog.
Rank #3
- 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.
Apple TV+: best for quality over quantity
Apple TV+ is an originals-first option for viewers who want its specific series and films rather than a large library of older titles. It can work especially well as a complement to a broader service: keep it for a show you follow, then reconsider when the titles you want are finished.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →JustWatch reported that Apple TV+ represented 13% of U.S. streaming engagement in Q2 2026 and had the strongest annual gain among the services in its comparison. That is an indicator of activity on JustWatch—not a subscriber count, catalog-size measure, or quality score. Read JustWatch’s report and methodology. Check Apple TV for current availability and terms.
Choose Apple TV+ if you prefer a concentrated original lineup. Skip it if you want a large supply of familiar library films and television.
Peacock: best for NBC, Bravo, and selected sports
Peacock brings together NBCUniversal programming, including NBC and Bravo shows, selected films, WWE, and some live sports. It can be good value if those are the titles or events you want, and it may be worth subscribing only during a show’s run or a sports season.
Comparison coverage listed U.S. prices on August 18, 2026 of $7.99 per month for Select, $10.99 for Premium, and $16.99 for Premium Plus. Treat those as date-specific figures and verify them on Peacock’s plans page. Select is more limited than a full-library tier; do not compare its price as though the catalogs were identical. Premium Plus may still have exceptions to ad-free viewing, particularly for live programming. Sports rights, regional availability, and blackouts also matter.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #4
- 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
Choose Peacock for its NBCUniversal shows and events. Skip it if you expect the entry tier to contain everything or want a broad movie-first service.
Paramount+: best for CBS and specific franchises
Paramount+ is most compelling if you follow CBS, Paramount films, Nickelodeon, Star Trek, Yellowstone-related programming, or the sports available in your market and plan. It has a recognizable catalog identity, but is not necessarily as deep a general-purpose library as Netflix or Prime Video.
Comparison coverage listed Essential at $8.99 per month and Premium, including Showtime, at $13.99 per month for new U.S. subscribers in 2026. Those are not guaranteed current prices; check the Paramount+ signup page for plan features and checkout terms. Live CBS and sports availability can depend on plan, market, rights, and blackout restrictions.
Choose Paramount+ for the named franchises and programming. Skip it if none of those are regular viewing for you.
Free and library-based alternatives
Free services are useful additions, but usually are not like-for-like replacements for a paid subscription. Expect ads, rotating rights, and less consistent access to new releases or current-season episodes.
Best Value
- Streaming made easy: Roku Express lets you stream free, live and premium TV over the Internet—right to your TV. It’s perfect for new users, secondary TVs and easy gifting—but powerful enough for seasoned pros
- Quick and easy setup: Just plug it into your TV with the included High Speed HDMI Cable and connect to the internet to get started
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Compact and power-packed, you’ll stream your favorites with ease; from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, Netflix, The Roku Channel, HBO, Showtime and Google Play to cable alternatives like Hulu with Live TV and PlayStation Vue, enjoy the most talked about TV across free and paid channels
- Low cost, no extra fees: For under $30, Roku Express streaming device includes a High Speed HDMI Cable—and there’s no monthly equipment fee; with access to free TV on hundreds of channels, there’s plenty to stream without spending extra
- Simple remote: Incredibly easy to use, this remote features shortcut buttons to popular streaming channels
- PBS: Public-service programming, documentaries, news, and selected shows. Availability varies by program and location.
- Tubi: An ad-supported on-demand library of movies and television.
- Pluto TV: Free, ad-supported live channels as well as on-demand titles.
- The Roku Channel: Free ad-supported programming, with optional premium add-ons that are separate from the free offering.
- Kanopy and Hoopla: Library services that may provide films and other video through participating library systems. Check whether your library offers them and what access limits apply.
If documentaries are your main reason for looking beyond Netflix, start with PBS and your library before adding another paid general-entertainment service. Their documentary selection and access rules vary; they are not guaranteed to carry a particular film. Free services are also a sensible way to fill gaps between paid subscriptions.
Best pairings for different households
| Viewing pattern | Pair to consider | Why it may work |
|---|---|---|
| Current TV plus family franchises | Hulu + Disney+ | Combines Hulu’s TV emphasis with Disney’s franchise catalog. Compare the bundle with the exact standalone tiers you would buy. |
| Network TV plus HBO | Hulu + Max, or a current bundle if offered | Useful when you want both current-season programming and premium originals. Check whether the bundle includes the ad-supported or ad-free versions you want. |
| Prime benefits plus occasional new films | Prime Video, with selected rentals | Can avoid maintaining another full subscription if you only want a few specific movies. |
| Broad entertainment plus documentaries | Your preferred paid service + PBS or library access | Free and library options can supplement a general catalog without another monthly bill. |
| One big show at a time | Rotate monthly between services | Subscribe for a season or a specific title, then cancel before the next renewal if the rest of the catalog is not worth keeping. |
A bundle is not automatically a bargain. It may use different tiers than the standalone plans you would have chosen, require multiple apps, or include a service you rarely use. A promotional price can also end; compare the ongoing checkout price, not just the introductory offer.
How to compare plans before you subscribe
- Check the plan, not just the service name. Entry tiers can have ads, a restricted catalog, fewer streams, or fewer features than premium tiers.
- Decide whether ads matter. “Ad-free” may exclude live channels, sports, or titles with rights-related interruptions. Some plans also limit downloads or video quality.
- Count actual viewing. A low-cost service used weekly may be better value than a more expensive bundle you rarely open.
- Verify downloads and screens. Stream limits, offline downloads, profiles, parental controls, 4K, HDR, and audio features vary by plan and title. Check the provider’s current plan details instead of assuming they apply across the service.
- Check device support. An older smart TV may no longer support every app. Confirm compatibility with your television, streaming stick, phone, or game console before subscribing.
- Consider travel and location. U.S. availability does not establish availability abroad; downloads and playback may also be restricted while traveling.
- Read the billing terms. Annual billing may lower the effective monthly price but makes rotation less flexible. If you subscribed through Apple, Google, Amazon, Roku, a carrier, or a cable provider, cancellation may need to happen through that billing provider. Cancellation terms vary; do not assume a refund or prorated charge.
Find a specific movie or show before paying
Streaming catalogs change, and a title listed on a service may be temporary, limited to a particular plan, or available to rent rather than included. Search the exact title on JustWatch’s U.S. guide before subscribing. Its availability listings are a useful snapshot, not a promise that a title will remain on a service; check the provider’s own page before paying.
How market-share figures should be read
JustWatch’s Q2 2026 U.S. report assigns engagement shares of 20% to Netflix, 17% to Prime Video, 15% to Disney+, 13% to Apple TV+, 11% to Hulu, 10% to Max, 4% to Peacock, and 3% to Paramount+. The report is based on more than 45 million interactions from April 1 through June 30, 2026, including activity such as watchlist additions, provider clicks, filtering, and marking titles as watched. It measures engagement within JustWatch, not paid subscribers, revenue, catalog size, or customer satisfaction. It can indicate audience interest, but it cannot determine which service is best for your household. See the report and methodology.
Quick Recap
A practical way to replace Netflix
- Write down the three shows, films, or documentary subjects you most want to watch next.
- Check where each is available and whether it is included, rented, or part of an add-on.
- Pick the service whose catalog covers the most of that list—not the one with the most impressive-sounding catalog.
- Compare the exact ad tier, monthly cost, bundle terms, and device features at checkout.
- If your interest is one season or a short slate, subscribe monthly and set a reminder before renewal. Keep a service year-round only if its ongoing catalog earns the cost.
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.
