Top Putlocker Alternatives for Safe & Legal HD Streaming
Updated On: November 20, 2024
While illegal streaming might seem convenient, it comes with risks like malware, poor-quality content, and potential legal consequences. Fortunately, there are free and completely legal platforms that offer extensive libraries of movies, TV shows, and even live channels—no strings attached.
This blog highlights some of the best alternatives to Putlocker, providing high-quality entertainment without the risks. Whether you’re looking for classic hits, popular series, or fresh originals, these options prove you don’t need to compromise on safety or legality to enjoy great streaming content.
Content
Top Free & Legal Streaming Alternatives to Putlocker
1. Freevee
Freevee, formerly IMDB TV and now owned by Amazon, has earned its place as a leading free streaming platform. With over 460 TV series and 150+ live channels as of 2024, it offers a mix of live TV, classic shows, and on-demand content. Originally exclusive to Amazon Prime Video, much of its library is now freely available to all users.
Freevee is accessible on Android, Apple, Google TV, Amazon Fire, and via web browsers through the Amazon Prime channel. Popular titles include new shows like Fallout, classics like Mad Men and Person of Interest, and hit movies such as The Invisible Man and Deadpool.
Pros:
- Easily accessible on Smart TVs
- Has interesting and potentially good upcoming originals
- Has a broad movie lineup
Cons:
- You have to sign up to Amazon to access the browser version
2. Tubi
Tubi stands out among free streaming platforms with over 250 live channels, 30,000+ movies and TV shows, and partnerships with 450+ content providers. While it lacks the latest releases, Tubi offers classics like Kill Bill and The Terminator alongside blockbusters like GoodFellas, Training Day, and Hancock. Reality fans can enjoy shows like Hell’s Kitchen and Dance Moms, while series like Hannibal and Degrassi add to the variety.
Tubi’s clean interface organizes content into sections such as Recently Added, Recommended, and Movie Night for easy browsing. Tubi doesn’t require users to create an account to start streaming. However, signing up unlocks helpful features like saving your favorite shows and movies or resuming playback right where you left off, adding convenience for regular viewers.
Pros:
- Has a wide selection of excellent films
- Familiar and appealing interface
- Has a designated kids’ section
Cons:
- Recent content may appear subpar to older content
- Lower live channel count compared to other streaming services
3. Pluto TV
Pluto TV, owned by Paramount, combines on-demand streaming with 250+ live channels, offering a cable-like experience. Its live TV lineup features content from networks like BET, MTV, CBS, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon, as well as news channels like CNN and Fox Sports. Classics like Judge Judy and Baywatch air regularly, alongside live radio broadcasts.
On-demand options include older hits like Titanic and Forrest Gump and newer titles like The Hunger Games. While live shows can’t be paused or rewound, Pluto TV’s intuitive interface organizes content into categories, making browsing easy. It’s accessible on most devices, including smartphones, smart TVs, and game consoles.
Pros:
- Has a ton of live TV channels
- It has a lot of popular TV shows and movies on demand
Cons:
- Its content tends to be mainly retro
4. Crackle
Crackle, a long-standing free streaming platform, offers a diverse library of Hollywood movies and original productions. Now owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, its collection includes classics like Ida and Short Term 12, action hits like Blitz, and originals like Chosen. TV fans can also enjoy shows like Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, and Father Knows Best.
No registration is required to stream, though signing up lets users save favorites and resume playback. While the service is ad-supported, Crackle remains a solid choice for free entertainment, despite some shows having incomplete seasons.
Pros:
- Large movie library
- Offers a lot of classic TV
- You do not need to sign up for the service
Cons:
- Most of its films are not widely known
- Some viewers find the commercials a little repetitive
5. The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel, a free ad-supported service, isn’t limited to Roku devices—it’s also available on tablets, mobile phones, and web browsers without requiring an account. While it comes pre-installed on Roku TVs, anyone can download and access it easily.
The channel offers a wide range of content, including pilot episodes of premium shows like Billions and Game of Thrones, older complete series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, reality TV like Hoarders, and originals like Weird: The AI Yankovic Story. It also features all Quibi originals, such as Reno 911, and over 400 live channels from networks like ABC, Fox, NBC, and AMC, with a guide for easy navigation.
Pros:
- Has a dedicated Kids' section
- Has 400+ live channels
- It efficiently works on any Roku Smart Device
- You can stream through their web application
- Comes with a channel guide for easy navigation
Cons:
- Not every series is complete
- Older content might not impress the younger viewer
6. Plex
Plex is a versatile streaming platform offering free, ad-supported access to movies, TV shows, and documentaries. Beyond its extensive content library, Plex allows users to organize and stream their personal media collections through a server setup, making it a unique all-in-one solution. The platform also includes live TV channels and a DVR feature, catering to cord-cutters who want to replace traditional cable services. For added benefits like offline downloads and higher-quality streaming, users can upgrade to the premium Plex Pass.
Pros:
- Free access to movies, shows, and documentaries
- Option to stream and organize personal media
- Live TV channels and DVR features available
- Premium tier offers offline downloads and enhanced quality
Cons:
- Requires a server setup for personal media streaming
- Some features are locked behind the Plex Pass subscription
7. Vudu
Vudu stands out as a flexible streaming service offering both free, ad-supported content and paid options for renting or purchasing movies and TV shows. Its "Movies on Us" section provides free access to a range of titles with ads, while paid content includes new releases and classics, many available in 4K Ultra HD and HDR for exceptional picture quality. Vudu’s unique "Disc to Digital" feature lets users convert physical DVDs and Blu-rays into digital copies, adding convenience for collectors.
Pros:
- Free, ad-supported content through "Movies on Us"
- High-quality streaming options, including 4K Ultra HD and HDR
- Ability to rent or purchase new releases and classics
- "Disc to Digital" feature for converting physical media
Cons:
- Ads in the free content section
- Some features require payment or additional purchases
8. Vidio
Vidio is a prominent streaming platform offering a diverse library of content, including popular movies, nostalgic shows, and original programming such as The Bridge and Halfworlds. Its commitment to inclusivity is evident in its multilingual content and partnerships with creators from various cultures, making it accessible to a global audience. Vidio’s intuitive interface allows users to discover new entertainment at no extra cost easily. The platform also collaborates with other streaming services to continuously expand its offerings.
Pros:
- Diverse content library with multilingual options
- Inclusive programming featuring creators from different cultures
- Intuitive interface for effortless content discovery
- Free access to a wide range of entertainment
Cons:
- Limited recognition outside certain regions
- Originals may not appeal to all global audiences
Why a VPN Is Essential for Safe Streaming
Streaming can sometimes expose you to risks like data breaches, intrusive ads, or malware, even on legitimate platforms. While the best choice is to stick with trusted, legal streaming services, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) adds an extra layer of security and privacy.
VPNs encrypt your internet connection, hide your IP address, and protect your personal information from potential threats. They’re also useful for accessing region-specific content on legal platforms, ensuring a secure and seamless streaming experience.
Recommended VPNs:
1. Surfshark
Why should you choose Surfshark?
- Surfshark offers excellent value for the cost, providing top-notch security and encryption at a lower price compared to other VPNs
- The VPN includes many convenient add-ons, such as an ad blocker, which is particularly useful for websites with excessive ads
- Additionally, Surfshark is highly effective at unblocking official streaming services like HBO, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Spotify and is compatible with all major operating systems
2. CyberGhost
Why should you choose CyberGhost?
- CyberGhost offers dedicated servers optimized for streaming, ensuring high speeds and unlimited bandwidth with no lag or buffering
- Based in Romania, CyberGhost boasts an extensive network of 6,100 servers across 90 countries
- The VPN provider offers excellent long-term plans and a unique 45-day money-back guarantee
- CyberGhost uses 256-bit AES encryption on all their servers, the same standard employed by militaries and government agencies worldwide
3. NordVPN
Why should you choose NordVPN?
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NordVPN effectively bypasses geo-restrictions, granting access to a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer
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With over 6,000 servers in 111 countries, NordVPN offers fast and reliable connections, ensuring smooth, high-quality streaming experiences without buffering
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NordVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track, collect, or share your private data, ensuring your online activities remain confidential
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Headquartered in Panama, NordVPN operates outside the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance, ensuring your user information remains secure from government surveillance
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Although VPNs improve your online security, they do not make illegal activities legal. They are best used with legitimate platforms for a safe streaming experience
Conclusion
In a world filled with streaming options, it’s easier than ever to find platforms that offer high-quality, legal entertainment for free. Services like Freevee, Tubi, and Pluto TV provide extensive libraries of movies, TV shows, and live channels without the risks associated with illegal streaming. Each platform comes with unique features, ensuring there’s something for everyone, whether you’re into nostalgic classics, exciting originals, or live TV.
To improve your streaming experience while maintaining your security, it's wise to use a reputable VPN and antivirus software. With numerous high-quality legal streaming services available, you can enjoy great content without risking harm to creators and companies.