8 Best Primewire Alternatives in 2025 — Free & Legal Sites

Primewire was shut down due to copyright violations. While many similar streaming sites exist, including forks like Primewire.mx (with 1.9 million visits in December 2024, SEMrush)1, they carry significant risks, including malware, data theft, and potential legal consequences.

What is the best Primewire alternative now? Plenty of 100% legal and safe platforms offer free movies online, like Tubi TV and Pluto TV. Thanks to their ad revenue, these legit sites have some excellent content. I tested various Primewire alternatives and listed the best ones with extensive HD-quality movies and TV shows you can watch for free.

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Best Primewire Alternatives To Watch Movies for Free in 2025

1. Tubi TV — One of the Largest Free Streaming Libraries With Over 275,000 Movies and Episodes

Tubi TV’s collection of free movies and TV shows covers just about every genre, including action, comedy, drama, horror, and documentaries. On top of that, you can watch live news, sports, and entertainment channels, as well as Tubi Originals — exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else. Recent updates have also added Fox-exclusive programming and expanded the library with crime and sci-fi titles.

Tubi regularly updates its library with the newest releases

I appreciate how short the ad interruptions are, plus they’re not as frequent as on most other ad-supported sites. You can set up Tubi and stream on nearly any device, including smart TVs, Roku and Amazon Fire TV, mobile apps, gaming consoles, and web browsers. It took me only 2 minutes to install it on my Roku device.

After using it for a while, I noticed it offers personalized recommendations based on previous activity. Tubi TV also supports family-friendly viewing with parental controls to filter out adult content.

The main drawbacks are regional content differences and the lack of offline downloads. However, the platform frequently updates and rotates its library, so you always have fresh content to explore. For instance, when Tubi launched in Australia in September 2019, it provided only 7,000 titles (PR NewsWire, 2019)². In contrast, upon its UK launch in July 2024, Tubi offered over 20,000 movies and TV episodes (BusinessWire, 2024)³.

2. Pluto TV — Combines Live TV-Style Channels With an Extensive On-Demand Library

Pluto TV offers over 250 live channels and a large on-demand library of movies, TV shows, and documentaries. Owned by Paramount Global, it features content from CBS, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and MTV. You can also find themed channels like Star Trek and CSI.

The channel guide mimics traditional TV, making it easy to browse

There’s no need to sign up to start watching, though creating an account lets you save favorites and resume where you left off. Depending on your location, you can find region-specific channels tailored for audiences in countries like the US, the UK, Germany, and Canada. In Australia, Pluto TV launched within the 10 Play platform with a selection of channels and content.

Being a live TV streaming service, Pluto TV often has more frequent ad breaks, similar to traditional TV. On average, I was seeing ads every 8-12 minutes, and the breaks lasted longer than with Tubi, especially during live broadcasts. However, the ads are a small trade-off for gaining access to Pluto TV’s extensive range of live TV and on-demand content.

3. Crackle — A Rotating Catalog of Well-Known Movies and Series

Crackle frequently updates its catalog, which means new movies and series are added regularly while others rotate out. This keeps the selection fresh. You can find movies like Men in Black, The Social Network, and Groundhog Day, alongside TV series such as Seinfeld and All in the Family. However, availability varies with the rotation.

It also features titles suitable for kids and families

You can watch Crackle on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and through its website. Additionally, you can find original content on Crackle Originals, including series and films like The Oath, Snatch, and StartUp.

The platform is entirely free to use, supported by ads. There's no subscription required, but you can create a free account to personalize your experience. However, Crackle is geo-restricted.

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4. Plex — Your Personal Media Library With a Collection of Free Content

Plex is a media server and streaming application that enables you to centralize your media content. It automatically organizes movies, TV shows, music, and photos into a user-friendly interface. It even fetches metadata, such as movie posters, episode descriptions, and cast details. What I like most is that you can share your library with friends and family.

Plex Pass offers exclusive features like DVR and offline access

It offers over 50,000 on-demand titles, along with a library of podcasts and web shows. You can also access live TV channels for news, sports, entertainment, and more.

You can watch on smartphones, smart TVs, computers, tablets, and gaming consoles. Community plugins add extra functionality, such as subtitles or enhanced metadata scraping. However, the initial configuration of the Plex Media Server may be challenging for non-technical users.

5. Channel 4 Streaming — Iconic British Dramas, Comedies, and Documentaries

One of the biggest draws of Channel 4 Streaming (formerly known as All 4) is its extensive catch-up library. You can watch recently aired shows from Channel 4 and its sister channels, including E4, More4, Film4, and 4seven for 30 days after broadcast.

You can find shows like The Inbetweeners, Skins, and Misfits

If you’re into movies, you can take advantage of the rotating selection of titles from Film4. Channel 4 also has rights to select sports events, including F1 highlights, England international football matches, horse racing, and the Paralympics.

Ads are frequent. If that bothers you, you can sign up for a premium subscription to Channel 4+. You don’t need to create an account to watch for free, though, but the service is only available to users with a UK IP address.

6. 7Plus — Australian and International TV Series, Movies, and Documentaries

7plus hosts a mix of locally-produced Australian shows, popular international programs, live sports, and even a selection of films. You can watch live TV from Seven Network channels like 7, 7Two, 7Mate, and 7Flix. You can also find popular US and UK shows, as well as a rotating selection of Hollywood films and British series.

You can also live-stream sports events in high quality

If you're a sports fan, 7plus has you covered with live coverage of major events, including AFL, cricket, and the Olympics. Just remember you need an Australian IP address to watch 7Plus. You can create an account for watchlists, personalized recommendations, and resume watching.

A major drawback is the inconsistent content availability, as some shows leave relatively quickly. However, its strong lineup of free live sports and Aussie exclusives makes it a great choice.

7. Rakuten TV — A Blend of Free and Premium European Content

Rakuten TV’s catalog includes Hollywood blockbusters, European films, independent cinema, and local content tailored to different regions. It maintains a steady supply of new releases thanks to partnerships with major studios like Warner Brothers, Disney, and Sony. Integration with Rakuten Viki also provides access to a popular platform for Asian dramas and variety shows.

It has a decent selection of live TV channels

There’s a section with free, ad-supported content, but you can also rent or buy the latest releases. The only downside is that the free content depends on where you live and isn’t as extensive as other free streaming services. It’s available in select European countries, where some TVs come pre-installed with Rakuten TV apps.

8. Popcornflix — Classic Movies, Indie Films, and Family-Friendly Content

Popcornflix provides access to a wide range of content, including action, comedy, drama, horror, and family-friendly titles. Although many titles are older or lesser-known, you can find some newer movies and the latest blockbusters. It’s available on browsers, mobile apps, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Firestick, making it easy to watch wherever you want.

You can also filter age-appropriate content for kids

While Popcornflix gives you free entertainment, its library isn’t as strong as Tubi or Pluto TV. The platform is ad-supported, meaning you’ll see commercials, but you don’t have to worry about sign-ups or hidden fees.

Premium Alternatives to Primewire

If you're looking for premium alternatives to Primewire for streaming content with more reliability, additional features, and higher-quality streams, here are some options to consider:

1. Netflix

Pros

• Massive content library (movies, TV shows, and originals)
• High-quality streaming (4K, HDR, Dolby Atmos)
• No ads on standard and premium plans

Cons

• Some libraries offer much better content, like Netflix US, compared to others
• Can be expensive ($6.99–$22.99/month)
• No live TV or sports

2. Hulu

Pros

• Fast access to new TV episodes (next-day airing)
• Bundle options with Disney+ and ESPN+
• Affordable ad-supported plan

Cons

• Limited 4K content
• More expensive if you remove ads
• Not available outside the US

3. Max (HBO Max)

Pros

• Top-tier HBO, DC, and Warner Bros. content
• High-quality streaming (4K UHD, Dolby Atmos)
• No ads on premium plans

Cons

• Pricier than other services ($9.99–$15.99/month)
• Less frequent content additions
• No live TV

4. Disney+

Pros

• Best for Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and Disney content
• IMAX Enhanced support for select movies
• Family-friendly content and parental controls

Cons

• Limited non-Disney content
• No live TV (except in the Hulu bundle)
• Some newer movies require additional fees (Premier Access)

5. Apple TV+

Pros

• High-quality exclusive movies and shows
• Affordable ($9.99/month) with generous free trials
• Works seamlessly with Apple devices

Cons

• Small content library
• No back catalog of third-party movies/shows
• No live TV or sports (except MLS)

6. Paramount+

Pros

• CBS shows, Paramount movies, and Showtime integration
• Live sports (NFL, Champions League, etc.)
• Affordable ($5.99–$11.99/month)

Cons

• Some content locked behind the higher-tier plan
• Limited original content
• No 4K support on cheaper plans

7. Peacock

Pros

• NBC shows, Universal movies, and WWE
• Live sports (Premier League, NFL, etc.)

Cons

• Full access requires a premium plan ($5.99–$11.99/month)
• Limited 4K content
• Restricted to the US

8. Amazon Prime Video

Pros

• Included with Amazon Prime membership
• Large catalog of movies and TV shows

Cons

• UI can be cluttered with rental options
• Some titles require additional purchase
• Less original content than Netflix

How To Safely Stream Primewire Alternatives Online

Does Primewire still work in 2025? There’s a small chance it’s working as you read this, but it’s been shut down many times. The MPA even won over 20 million dollars from the site in a lawsuit in 2023⁴ (Torrent Freak, 2023), so I wouldn’t rely on it sticking around. Primewire is a notoriously dangerous site as it’s regularly overrun with malicious ads that even its moderators can’t control.

I recommend you follow these tips to use free streaming sites securely:

• Avoid unverified streaming sites. Shady sites often contain malware, intrusive ads, and fake download links. Check platforms like Reddit for legitimate recommendations and reviews.
• Be cautious with free content. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Verify the source before clicking “play.”
• Check the website’s URL. Look for “https://” in the address bar. The “S” indicates the site is secure.
• Install a VPN. To stay safe online, using a VPN is a must. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic, masking your IP address and online data.
• Enable antivirus protection. Keep antivirus software updated to block malicious downloads or scripts from infecting your device.
• Beware of fake apps. Only download apps from official app stores like Google Play or Apple’s App Store. Third-party apps can be a source of malware.
• Disable browser extensions temporarily. Extensions can track your activity or inject ads. Use a clean browser profile when streaming.

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Editor's Choice for Streaming

Our Score: 10.0

Safely stream content without interruption

Watch movies and TV shows in UHD

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Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Be advised. The VPNs recommended have strict no-logging policies, meaning they don’t track or store your data. However, it’s your responsibility to comply with all applicable laws while using a VPN. We do not support or encourage copyright infringement.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

FAQs on Primewire Alternatives

How do I know which streaming sites are illegal?

Sites offering the latest movies or TV shows for free without ads or subscriptions are likely illegal. Legal streaming sites will display copyright information and terms of service. If the site doesn’t have clear licensing or legal disclaimers, it’s suspicious. To stay safe, stick to established free options like Tubi TV and Crackle, which operate legally.

Which streaming sites have no ads?

Several streaming platforms offer ad-free experiences, but many require a subscription. Legitimate free streaming services are usually funded by ads, and you can only remove them if you sign up for a premium account. Meanwhile, premium options like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Max offer ad-free subscription tiers for uninterrupted streaming.

Where can I watch movies for free without signing up?

Tubi TV and Pluto TV are great options for watching free movies without signing up. Tubi offers a vast library of movies and TV shows across various genres. Similarly, Pluto TV provides live channels and on-demand content without the need to sign up. You can also watch movies on other free legitimate platforms without creating an account.

Can I use a free VPN for streaming?

Yes, but with limitations. Free VPNs often have slower speeds, limited bandwidth, and restricted server locations, impacting streaming quality. Additionally, some streaming services block free VPNs due to weak IP rotation policies. Premium VPNs are better for streaming because they offer faster speeds, better server coverage, and enhanced security features. You can also test them risk-free using their money-back guarantees.

Conclusion

Are sites like Primewire legal? If Primewire alternatives violate copyright laws, they are illegal. Engaging with such platforms can result in legal repercussions, including fines or, in extreme cases, criminal charges. In addition to legal issues, unofficial streaming sites pose significant security risks. They are notorious for hosting malware, phishing scams, and intrusive ads that can compromise your device.

However, they're legal to use if they offer legally licensed, free streaming content, like Tubi TV and Pluto TV. These sites provide a range of content, from classic films to the latest releases, all for free and with minimal restrictions. For example, Tubi TV has over 97 million monthly active users (Tubi, 2024)⁵, so it's worth considering.

References

1. https://www.semrush.com/website/primewire.mx/overview/
2. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tubi-enters-the-uk-streaming-landscape-with-a-free-diverse-and-massive-collection-of-movies-and-tv-302187455.html/
3. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190828005183/en/Tubi-Launches-Largest-Premium-Ad-Supported-Video-on-Demand-Service-in-Australia/
4. https://torrentfreak.com/primewire-wont-die-or-stop-pirating-21m-judgment-be-damned-230401/
5. https://corporate.tubitv.com/press/tubi-surpasses-97-million-monthly-active-users-and-10-billion-streaming-hours-in-2024/