Why YSK: If you love movies but hate subscriptions, Flixbaba.com lets you stream movies and shows completely free – no sign-ups, no credit card required.

Cons: -Adult Ads

What Makes It Cool:

• Rare & Hard-to-Find Titles – They have classic, indie, and international films that aren’t on others. • Niche Genres – From cult horror to old-school sci-fi, it’s a goldmine for hidden gems.

Over the past four years, I've tried and compared a bunch of different streaming services on the YouTube channel I run and after going through hundreds of possibilities, I've come up with the best of the best.

You can watch my video on free streaming services here: https://youtu.be/m8iD0nV5Xqo

Category1: The Swiss Army Knife***:*** They do a little bit of everything

YouTube: Yes, I'm putting it in the same category as everything else because YouTube is now a source for long-form content AND people watch it on a TV more than any other streaming service. They've got live news channels, sports highlights, official uploads of movies and shows (with ads), and for myself and many others it's become our go-to for "sit back and relax" TV.

Plex: There's live channels, there's on-demand movies and TV (including a good selection from AMC Networks), a store for rentals, a JustWatch-style search area for any movie and TV show, AND the ability to convert your own media files into your very own little streaming service? I mean, c'mon. This app rules.

Sling Freestream: Yes, Sling TV has paid plans but it has an underrated free tier, too. Tons of free channels and on-demand content, the ability to aggregate some of your paid apps, and Sling Rewards just for watching TV. But the coolest part of all has to be the ability to connect their AirTV device to an antenna and use the Sling app to watch your local broadcasters over the internet, on any device (even if it's a bit wonky at times).

Category 2: The Big Guys: They are to broadcast TV what Netflix and Hulu are to cable

Tubi: This streaming service has become one of my go-to apps for finding niche movies and TV shows. While it's known for campy B-movies and horror flicks, it has a rotating selection of top-tier Hollywood films and shows, notably ones from Warner Bros like those from the DC Universe.

The Roku Channel: It's pre-installed on Roku devices and offers one of the best selections of movies and shows you can watch for free, including some originals. While their emphasis on "Premium Subscriptions" makes it feel like you're being upsold, I do come to this app often for their live channels.

Pluto TV: This Paramount-owned free streaming service focuses on live channels and is a low-key free alternative to a Paramount+ subscription. You'll find plenty of shows from CBS, live channels with Paramount Plus originals, and a movie selection with a surprising amount of overlap with Paramount+'s paid plans.

Honorable mention: Freevee, this app from Amazon was a go-to for many, even if it's gradually withering away as it absorbs into the Prime Video app.

Category #3: Library Card Required: Watch ad-free movies with a free library account

Kanopy: Fantastic selection of indie films from studios like A24, classic films, indies, and even some big budget flicks like Terminator 2. Great for film aficionados.

Hoopla: Similar concept for Kanopy but also features audio books, comics, and even some streaming subscriptions like Hallmark+ and CuriosityStream with what they call BingePasses.

Category #4: Local Programming: Might not have full-feed of broadcast TV but still can get local news

LocalNow: Gives you a wide selection of local news broadcasts from a variety of cities, in addition to various entertainment networks and on-demand movies and shows.

Haystack News: Aggregated selection of live and on-demand news, both local and national.

PBS: Gives you free 24/7 access to your local PBS and PBS Kids stations.

What do you think of this list? Any of your favorites I missed?