Gjurgjica Panova
Updated on: November 29, 2025
Fact-checked by Hazel Shaw
Short on time? Here’s the best HDToday alternative in 2025:
- YouTube. YouTube offers multiple channels to watch movies for free. If you’re located in the US, you can access a large free catalog of movies on YouTube Movies.
HDToday isn’t a reliable or safe option for streaming since it shows copyrighted content without permission. Platforms like HDToday often face frequent shutdowns, have broken links and low-quality videos, and might include viruses and malware. Additionally, you might face some legal consequences if you watch copyrighted content.
I’ve compiled a list of the 5 best free and legal HDToday alternatives to help you avoid these issues. These sites have been carefully evaluated based on their library size, update frequency, search and filtering capabilities, ease of use, and more.
Pro Tip: By using a VPN like ExpressVPN, you can protect your data and devices while streaming online. All good VPNs have large server networks and work with the sites on my list. The VPNs we recommend don’t keep logs of what you do online, so you’re responsible for following all applicable regulations. Streaming copyrighted content without obtaining permission is illegal, and at Safety Detectives, we don’t support copyright infringement.
Editor’s Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
5 Best HDToday Alternatives in 2025
1. YouTube
YouTube is my top alternative to HDToday. It offers multiple channels where you can watch movies for free worldwide. The platform includes different genres, like action, comedy, animation, drama, thriller, and more. Plus, if you’re US-based, you can access tons of free movies on YouTube Movies.
Unlike HDToday, YouTube’s ads aren’t as frequent — I only experienced 2 or 3 ads while watching movies. The good news is that you can opt out of seeing ads in the account settings.
The platform comes with several features, like closed captions. Plus, YouTube’s comments section allows for interaction with other viewers, which can add to the communal experience. You can also save videos to a dedicated playlist and access them at any time with the WatchLater feature.
There’s no need to sign up to watch free movies. If you decide to create an account, the platform will collect your name and email address, as well as data on your viewing habits and interactions on the platform. YouTube uses this data to personalize your experience, suggest content, and target you with ads.
2. Pluto TV
Pluto TV offers both live and on-demand content in the US. The platform includes a wide range of live channels, providing viewers with a traditional TV experience alongside its extensive on-demand library. Pluto TV’s content library spans various genres, including movies, TV shows, news, sports, and entertainment.
Ads on Pluto TV are included in on-demand content and programs. They appear at natural break points, much like commercial breaks on traditional TV. You can generally expect to see several ads during a typical viewing session. That said, they’re less intrusive than the ones on HDToday.
The interface is intuitive, allowing users to easily browse through live channels and on-demand content. One unique feature is its TV channel guide. It’s very convenient as you can easily discover new content without having to search for specific titles. You can also resume watching content from where you left off.
Pluto TV doesn’t require you to create an account to start streaming. However, creating an account allows you to customize your preferences and save your favorite channels and shows. The platform collects information about your interactions and viewing habits to personalize the content and ads.
3. Crackle
Crackle is another excellent alternative for those living in the US. The platform has a diverse library that includes a mix of classic films, popular TV series, original content, and exclusive shows.
You’ll encounter occasional in-stream ads at regular intervals while watching movies or TV shows. These ads are typically short, lasting between 15 to 30 seconds.
The Crackle home screen has curated collections and recommendations, helping you discover new titles. Plus, the search function is efficient, and you can browse content by genre or specific keywords. One unique feature of Crackle is its Always On mode, which plays a continuous stream of content upon launching the app.
It’s not necessary to create an account. So, you don’t have to share any personal information with the site. Crackle will collect your IP address and activities on the site and might sell it to advertisers.
4. Tubi
Tubi is a great free streaming service with a mix of classic films, popular TV series, and hidden gems that are hard to find on other streaming services. Plus, it frequently updates its library and is ad-supported. Tubi is available to users in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and Mexico.
On Tubi, movies and shows are neatly categorized by recommended, leaving soon, recently added, new releases, and more. In addition, there is a selection of movies which are highly rated on Rotten Tomatoes.
You don’t need to sign up to watch Tubi content, making it accessible and easy to use right away. However, the platform still gathers some information, like your IP address and your activities on the site. It might share this data with business partners and advertisers.
5. Fandango at Home
Fandango at Home, previously known as Vudu, has a vast library of movies and TV shows. It also lets you purchase and rent movies. However, I don’t like that the platform shows a bit more ads than other sites on this list.
There’s a really great Movies Anywhere integration, which allows you to sync your purchased content across multiple devices and platforms. Another good thing is that you can search by genre, release date, or even by actor.
To use Fandango at Home, you need to create an account. The platform collects basic information such as your name, email address, and payment details. This information could be shared with third parties.
Is HDToday Legal?
HDToday isn’t a legal site. This means that the movies and shows available on HDToday are offered without the consent of their creators or distributors. The site has been shut down a couple of times because of copyright infringement allegations.
The legality of streaming or downloading pirated content varies from country to country. In some places, you might not face legal consequences if you stream a pirated movie solely for personal use. However, in many regions, even accessing such content can lead to legal issues.
At SafetyDetectives, we recommend using authorized streaming platforms. Not only does this ensure your safety, but it also supports the content creators and the industry as a whole.
Why You Need a VPN for Legal Streaming Sites
Using a VPN for streaming sites, like YouTube, is beneficial for several reasons. A VPN changes your IP address and encrypts your traffic. This means your internet service provider (ISP) and other third parties can’t monitor your streaming activity or throttle your connection.
The VPNs on this list have top security features to protect your data and ensure a secure streaming experience. They often include additional features like an ad blocker and protection from accessing malicious links.
Quick Summary of the Best VPNs for Streaming Sites Like HDToday in 2025
Editor’s Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best HDToday alternative site?
YouTube is the best HDToday alternative site, as it offers multiple channels with free movies worldwide. If you’re based in the US, you can also watch free movies from the large catalog of YouTube Movies.
Is it safe to use HDToday?
Platforms like HDToday often operate in legal gray areas, as they don’t have the proper licensing to distribute the content they offer. Watching copyrighted content on sites like HDToday can be illegal in many regions, potentially leading to legal issues if authorities crack down on such platforms. That’s why we recommend following all applicable rules and regulations.
Are there any HDToday alternatives that don’t require a subscription?
Yes, there are several alternatives that don’t require a subscription. Tubi, Crackle, and Pluto TV are ad-supported services that offer a wide range of free movies and TV shows. These platforms are legal and provide a good selection of content without the need for a paid subscription.
