8 Best Apps like Showbox Alternatives for Free Streaming in 2024
For those unaware, Showbox is a relatively controversial service that allows users to download movies and TV shows online without paying for it. Naturally, this makes it illegal almost everywhere around the world. So what if you need similar functionality as Showbox but also want to do it within the confines of the law? Well, luckily, there are quite a few alternatives available officially through the Google Play Store which can do pretty much everything that Showbox do, albeit in some cases, with money. But there are also offerings that charge absolutely nothing and only display some ads in return.
We’re going to discuss all kinds of alternatives for Showbox currently available in the market. So without waiting any further, let’s have a look.
8 Best Apps like Showbox Alternatives for Free Streaming in 2024
Kodi
This is undoubtedly one of the most popular media center apps available in the market today. Kodi has been around for quite some time and has garnered a massive reputation as one of the most functional media players available out there. So how does it work? Well, think of it like an app that can help bring together all of your content in one place. On its own, Kodi has absolutely no content whatsoever. You either have to transfer content from a data storage device, remote/local storage, or via DVD/BluRay.
The new Estouchy skin on Kodi offers smooth and seamless experience even on smaller devices. The makers of Kodi claim that the app is not designed for use on phones smaller than 5-inches in size. This means that customers need to have at least a 5-inch smartphone to enjoy Kodi as it’s intended. This is a pretty well designed app and is available for free on the Google Play Store. It is compatible with devices running Android 5.0 and higher. There are no ads or in-app purchases on this app.
Sony Crackle
Most of you probably know about Sony Crackle as its name often pops up among free video streaming platforms. However, this can also be an excellent free and legal alternative to Showbox given that all the shows here are offered directly by Sony through their app. This includes several blockbuster titles from Sony’s production houses as well as original shows that you may not have heard about. Given the amount of content the internet offers today, it can be slightly confusing to pick something to watch.
Luckily for users of Crackle, there are categories and genres that you can pick, making the choice easier to some extent. Since Crackle is offered for free, the company monetizes the app with ads in between content. This can be slightly annoying during a movie or TV show, but is a necessary sacrifice to make for free and legal content. Crackle is free to download on the Play Store and doesn’t have in-app purchases.
Hulu
Hulu is undoubtedly one of the most popular streaming platforms available in the market today. While it primarily competes with the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime etc, it’s a lot more than just a regular streaming network. For those coming from Showbox, Hulu will not exactly offer you wide range of choices of free content, mostly limiting its content to some of the older shows like Seinfeld and Golden Girls. This ad-supported streaming experience is meant for those who are trying the app for the first time.
Naturally, there are paid subscription tiers here as well, which will give you more freedom with regards to what you get to watch. In any case, Hulu is an excellent platform to stream content, and their Android app is well refined and constantly updated with new features. While the Hulu app is free to download, it has ads used sparingly within free content. There are no in-app purchases on the app. The Hulu app requires smartphones running Android 5.0 or higher.
Tubi
Tubi is a slightly advanced version of Sony Crackle. It offers multiple award winning movies and TV shows, including some obscure content that you probably haven’t seen before. You will also have access to Korean dramas, anime, and TV shows from around the world. The best part about Tubi is that all of this is completely free with no hidden fees or secret charges. It doesn’t even have in-app purchases, so there’s no way you can spend money on this app.
This streaming platform licenses legal content from major production houses and offers them to their customers in an ad-supported medium. This shouldn’t be much of a concern for the customers given that it’s offered at no cost. Ads are the only way Tubi monetizes its Android app at this point. Keeping this in mind, this app should be pretty high up on your list of free alternatives to Showbox. Be sure to check out Tubi on the Play Store.
Viewster
This is a niche video streaming platform that offers a bunch of anime and cult favorite movies as well as TV shows that you can watch anytime. This app is particularly suited for fans of anime, with new HD anime content added frequently on the platform. The app also has something called channels on board, which is basically a feed of all your favorite creators. You can start watching content on Viewster as soon as you download the app and there’s no sign in required. If there’s a series you like and cannot watch, you can add it to “watch later”.
The best part of all is that Viewster is a completely free app and requires no purchasing to stream the content. As far as free content is concerned, this is pretty much up there with the likes of Tubi and Sony Crackle, although the content on offer is leaning towards anime fans. Viewster also offers a bunch of geeky documentaries as well as sci-fi movies from the years past. As you probably guessed, Viewster does have ads during streaming. However, there are no in-app purchases. This is a free download on the Google Play Store. Viewster is compatible with devices running Android 4.1 and above.
Yidio
Have you ever thought about a movie or TV show and wondered what platform it was on? Well, this is what Yidio is for. This app helps you find content across major streaming networks like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more, with the option to watch it right within the app. Naturally, this will require an existing subscription to the streaming service that the user chooses. This app can also be used as a movie guide when you’re confused about the options in front of you.
The key benefit to having an app like this is that makes other dedicated apps somewhat obsolete given that it that brings together all streaming platforms. Yidio also includes content from sone of the free video streaming sites like Crackle, PBS, Tubi, and more, so it’s not necessary to have an existing subscription to enjoy free content on Yidio. If there’s a movie or TV show that you want to watch, you can set an alert on the app which will automatically remind you when it’s available on any of the major streaming platforms. Bear in mind that some streaming services will require their own apps to work. Yidio is an ad-supported app and can be downloaded for free on the Play Store.
Pluto TV
This app gives you a lot more choices compared to several other streaming sites. Most importantly, this service also includes more than 100 live TV channels along with plenty of movies and TV shows on demand. You will find several Hollywood blockbusters on Pluto TV, so it can be considered an upgraded version of something like the Sony Crackle or Tubi.
The best part with Pluto TV is that it’s completely free and doesn’t ask for any credit/debit card information. You simply download the app and start enjoying live TV or movies/TV shows at will. Pluto TV is a free download on the Play Store but comes with ads on board. There are no in-app purchases, though. The app works with a wide range of Android devices out there, covering devices from at least the past five years.
Vudu
This is an exciting online movie rental service which doesn’t run on a subscription service, but on a pay-as-you-go model. You only pay for the titles that you want to watch. The best part? Well, Vudu has a catalog of free movies as well. These can be enjoyed at no cost, although users will have to deal with a few ads during the stream.
Vudu can also help you convert your physical movie copies like discs to the digital format using the app’s Disc to Digital feature. The app can also work on a Google Chromecast, allowing you to watch all your favorite movies on the bigger screen. Vudu is a free app on the Google Play Store, and has ads and in-app purchases. However, ads are only limited to the free content. Be sure to check out this app on the Play Store.