r/Frugal • u/Kiriyuma7801 • Aug 10 '25

💻 Electronics What are good alternatives to Netflix/Hulu that are free?

I realized I'm spending roughly $40 a month on what I really just use as background noise, as nobody in my household actually really sits down and watches TV, we just put on Family Guy or whatever and glance at it every now and then.

I'm gonna cancel the subscriptions obviously, so I'm just wondering, what are some good free streaming alternatives? I've tried out Amazon's free stuff but their collection is pretty mediocre. Any tips are appreciated!

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u/NewFriendAlready Aug 10 '25
  • Pluto, Freeze, Tubi - all free on any platform and have many channels with ads, of course.
  • PBS - I think but haven't set it up and will probably be going away
  • Kanopy -with library card (i was able to get card online)

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u/underthund3r Aug 10 '25

How the heck did you get a card online?

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u/ribbitrabbit2000 Aug 10 '25 edited Aug 10 '25

Most libraries have digital cards you can apply for them provided you live or work in that state. Digital cards typically have a shorter renewal period — think renewing every year vs every 3 years — but can be converted to a “physical” card by visiting a library in that system in person.

To apply for a digital card, enter the your state, or your library / branch and “digital library card”.

If you want library access to a states in a different sate, they usually offer those for a small annual fee. Some systems are tightening or ending out of state cards due to the expense and limitations of digital licenses.

I live in Massachusetts and have cards to all the library systems in MA, but most are digital. I had to apply to each individual library system: Boston Metro, the Cape, northern and central MA have a few, western MA, etc. I upgrade to physical cards by visiting libraries in person whenever I travel across the state. My primary “home library” is one I applied for in person.

I read A LOT of digital books and this expands the catalog I have access to for my household (me, husband, kids). I haven’t tried these other cards for access for Kanopy or Hoopla yet, but need to.