There’s no doubt that Netflix is the king of video content but if you’re tired of rising subscriptions or the lack of a dedicated Netflix Mac app, there are some pretty decent alternatives out there.
Mac users often struggle with Netflix not working because the service has to be streamed through a browser on macOS.
This also means there’s no easy way to watch Netflix offline like you can on iOS devices which have an official Netflix app.
Although Netflix is by far the most well known brand out there, there are in fact tons of Netflix alternatives out there that are often cheaper (sometimes even FREE), offer an app for offline viewing and are filled with binge-worthy content.
If you’ve had it with streaming services in general and want to go back to the good old days of free TV channels, then you may find our guide to the best TV tuners for Mac more useful.
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What We Looked For In These Netflix Alternatives
When it comes to ranking other streaming services, we looked into what makes each service especially suitable for Mac users.
- Mac Compatibility
How well does the streaming platform work on macOS? We look for services that run smoothly in Safari and have apps that work natively on a Mac. We also consider if they allow offline viewing as this is a big plus for MacBook users that want to watch TV shows and movies without an internet connection. - Content Variety
Whether it’s the latest hit TV series, classic films, or niche genres like anime or horror, a diverse library is essential. We consider both the amount of content and how often it’s updated with new releases, so you always have fresh options. Of course, it’s hard for any service to rival Netflix but we found some surprisingly varied platforms. - Video Quality
Mac users, especially those with Retina displays need top-notch video quality. We prioritize streaming services that offer high-definition or 4K streaming that look great on monitors similar to the Apple Studio Display and 5K displays. - User Interface & Experience
Netflix is known for its clean, easy-to-navigate interface. We examine how easy it is to find shows, navigate through categories, and manage settings within the streaming service on a Mac. - Exclusive Content
Netflix is known for securing content that you can’t find anywhere else. Whether it’s award-winning originals, exclusive shows, or specific content genres, we look for platforms that frequently premier new content. - Price & Subscription Flexibility
While it’s all about best content, we’re also aware that Netflix subscriptions have steadily increased since its inception. We compare pricing plans, free trials, and whether these services offer tiered pricing options, especially for those who might not want to commit long-term.
Note that we have not included media platforms like Stremio and SlingTV as they are not strictly content streaming platforms.
Here then is our top 10 Netflix alternatives to use on Macs.
1. Hulu
Hulu is like Netflix’s cooler, slightly more indie cousin.
It’s the place to go if you want your TV shows fast (like, next-day fast for most major networks), and their movie selection is impressively extensive.
Hulu also offers live TV bundles if you’re missing the good old days of channel surfing.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Current-season TV shows are available the next day.
- Tons of exclusives like The Handmaid’s Tale and Only Murders in the Building.
- Option to bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+ for an even more complete package.
Cons:
- Ads on the basic plan.
- No Mac app for offline viewing.
Pricing: Free Trial / Plans starting from $9.99/month
2. Amazon Prime Video
If you’re already an Amazon Prime member, Prime Video is a no brainer.
It’s a bit of a hidden gem, with a massive library that rivals Netflix in size, and let’s not forget those exclusives like The Boys and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Plus, Prime lets you rent or buy pretty much anything that’s not free.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Mac app available for offline viewing.
- Free with your Prime membership.
- Add-on channels like HBO, Showtime, and Starz.
Cons:
- Interface can be clunky and hard to navigate.
Pricing: Included with Amazon Prime ($14.99/month) or $8.99/month for Prime Video only.
3. Disney+
If your inner child (or real child) is screaming for Disney magic, then Disney+ is the obvious choice.
It’s packed with all the Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar content you can handle.
Throw in a sprinkling of National Geographic and exclusive originals like The Mandalorian, and you’ve got yourself a Disney dreamland.
However, there is no app for macOS, only on iOS, so you’ll have to use a work-around to watch Disney + offline on your Mac.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Every Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars movie in one place.
- Kid-friendly interface, but also grown-up shows like Loki and WandaVision.
- Nostalgic library of Disney classics.
Cons:
- Lacks variety in genres beyond Disney-related content (However, with the name Disney+, what would you expect?).
- No Mac app for offline viewing.
Pricing: Free Trial / Plans starting $9.99/month
4. HBO Max
When you want cinema-level drama, HBO Max is the app to download.
From the epic worlds of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon to the latest blockbusters, HBO Max is one of the best streaming services out there.
It’s the one place to go when you want premium storytelling in all genres and are willing to pay just that little bit of extra for it.
Why You’ll Love It:
- HBO’s entire back catalog plus exclusive new content.
- Blockbuster movies released shortly after theaters.
- Critically acclaimed originals like Succession and Euphoria.
Cons:
- Occasional buffering issues on older Mac models.
- No Mac app for offline viewing.
Pricing: Plans starting from $9.99/month.
5. Apple TV+
Apple TV+ might be new to the game, but it’s proving to be very promising.
Their originals, like Ted Lasso and Severance, have snagged some serious awards, and with Apple behind it, you can only assume this platform is going to keep growing.
It comes with a native app on both macOS and iOS, however, there is one major reason why we haven’t ranked it higher than the 5th position and it is spelled – quantity.
Due to being a fairly new service on the market, it hasn’t had the chance to properly fill-up its library yet.
However, the quality of the shows is excellent and it’s refreshing to see a service that prioritizes quality over quantity.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Critically acclaimed original series and movies.
- Integration with your Apple devices and directly built into macOS for offline viewing.
- Affordable price point compared to the competitions bundle offers.
Cons:
- Small library compared to other services.
Pricing: Free Trial / $9.99/month
6. Peacock
If you’re all about free (who isn’t?), Peacock should be your go-to.
NBC’s streaming service has a free tier that gives you access to an incredibly large amount of content, including old-school TV faves like The Office and Parks and Recreation.
For premium content, like exclusive movies and sports, you can upgrade to one of their paid plans.
Why You’ll Love It:
- A huge selection of free content.
- Popular shows like The Office and Yellowstone.
- Live sports and events available on premium plans.
Cons:
- Free tier has ads and limits content access.
- No Mac app for offline viewing.
Pricing: Free / Paid plans starting from $7.99/month
7. YouTube Premium
YouTube isn’t just cat videos and DIY tutorials.
With YouTube Premium, you can skip the ads and enjoy original series, movies, and exclusive content from creators.
It’s also perfect for anyone who loves deep-dive content from independent creators, or just wants to binge old seasons of Cobra Kai.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Ad-free experience across all of YouTube.
- Access to YouTube Originals and exclusive series.
- Download videos to watch offline.
Cons:
- Most popular YouTube videos are already free, but with ads (without premium).
- No Mac app.
Pricing: Free Trial / $13.99/month
8. Paramount+
If you’re a fan of CBS shows, Star Trek, and all things Viacom, Paramount+ is worth adding to your streaming roster.
They’ve got live sports, news, and exclusive access to Paramount originals like Halo and Star Trek: Picard.
Why You’ll Love It:
- A must-have for Star Trek fans.
- Live sports, including NFL and soccer.
- Combo of live TV and streaming library.
Cons:
- Lacks the depth of content offered by other services.
- No Mac app for offline viewing.
Pricing: Free Trial / Plans starting from $7.99/month
9. Crunchyroll
Anime lovers, this one’s for you!
Crunchyroll is the anime hub with the biggest selection of Japanese animation, from classics like Naruto to fresh new releases simulcast straight from Japan.
Whether you’re into action-packed shonen or heartwarming slice-of-life stories, Crunchyroll has you covered.
Unfortunately, there used to be a Crunchroll Mac app for offline viewing but it has since been discontinued.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Largest collection of anime available for streaming.
- Simulcast new episodes as they air in Japan.
- Subtitled and dubbed options available.
Cons:
- Interface can be tricky to navigate.
- No Mac app for offline viewing.
Pricing: Free Trial / Plans starting from $7.99/month
10. Shudder
If horror movies are your jam, Shudder is the Netflix alternative that’ll keep you up at night.
Specializing in all things horror, thriller, and supernatural, Shudder serves up the scariest library around, from indie gems to cult classics.
Why You’ll Love It:
- The ultimate platform for horror fans.
- Mac-friendly interface with easy-to-navigate horror categories.
- Exclusive horror originals you won’t find anywhere else.
Cons:
- Limited to horror/thriller content, so it’s not for everyone.
- No Mac app for offline viewing.
Pricing: Free Trial / Plans starting from $5.99/month
How To Watch Geo-blocked Content
Many of these services only allow access to users in certain countries (often the USA) or block access to certain content if you’re in specific countries.
However, one easy way to get round this is to use a VPN on a Mac.
A VPN can mask your location or give you an IP in another location so that you can view content that’s normally blocked.
Here’s some advantages of using a VPN with these apps.
- Access to Global Content
Streaming libraries vary by region, and sometimes your favorite show is available only in another country. With a VPN, you can change your virtual location and unlock content that’s geo-restricted. So, if that new series is only in the UK, your VPN can make it seem like you’re streaming from there. - Improved Streaming Speeds
Believe it or not, internet service providers (ISPs) sometimes throttle your connection speed when they detect heavy streaming. A VPN hides your online activity from your ISP, meaning no more buffering at the worst possible moment in that series finale. - Enhanced Privacy & Security
VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, making it much harder for hackers, advertisers, or nosy snoopers to see what you’re up to. Whether you’re streaming at home or on public Wi-Fi, using a VPN keeps your personal data safe and your viewing habits private. - Bypass Censorship
In some countries, streaming services or specific shows may be censored or completely unavailable. A VPN can help you bypass those restrictions by making it look like you’re browsing from a different country where the content is accessible. - Safer Public Wi-Fi Streaming
If you’re streaming on your Mac in a coffee shop or airport, public Wi-Fi can be a risky playground for hackers. Using a VPN shields your data, making sure your streaming session stays secure and uninterrupted.
If you’re not sure whether a VPN is right for you, check out our guide to is a VPN worth it on a Mac?
Final Thoughts: Time to Cut the Netflix Cord?
Sure, Netflix has been your trusty binge-watch buddy for years, but the streaming world is big, wide, and oh-so-entertaining.
Whether you’re into the dark and twisted (Shudder), the heartwarming (Disney+), or somewhere in between (Hulu), there’s a streaming service out there ready to replace, or at least compete with, Netflix.
And if none of these float your boat, don’t forget you there are also ways to watch TV for free on a Mac if you’ve had it with streaming services.
If you’ve got any suggestions for other streaming platforms you think should have made this list, let us know in the comments below.
Netflix Alternatives: FAQs
Are there free alternatives to Netflix for Mac users?
Yes, there are a few other free options in addition to the services we covered in this article:
- YouTube: The free version offers a mix of free movies, documentaries, and independent content. There’s quite a lot of ads though in the non-premium version.
- Tubi: Features a library of movies and TV shows supported by ads.
- Pluto TV: Provides free streaming with both live TV channels and on-demand content. Keep in mind that free platforms often have ad interruptions and a smaller selection compared to paid services.
Which streaming platforms offer offline viewing on Mac?
There are only a few replacements for Netflix that support offline viewing on Macs:
- Amazon Prime Video: Download movies and shows via the Amazon Prime app.
- Apple TV+: Allows downloads directly through the Apple TV app.
- YouTube Premium: No Mac app but supports downloading of content to your Mac.
Apart from YouTube, services that don’t have a Mac app generally don’t support offline viewing or downloading.
Is there a streaming service better than Netflix for niche genres?
Yes, depending on your interests:
- Crunchyroll: Best for anime enthusiasts.
- Shudder: Focuses on horror and thriller movies.
- Mubi: Perfect for cinephiles who enjoy indie and classic films. These platforms cater to specific genres, providing content that Netflix might not specialize in.
Can I use these alternatives without a subscription?
Most of the best Netflix alternatives require a subscription or at least offer paid tiers.
However, most offer free trials and some platforms like YouTube, Peacock, Tubi and Pluto TV offer free ad-supported versions.
Which service integrates best with macOS?
Apple TV+ is the best option for macOS users due to its native integration with macOS and other Apple devices. The Apple TV app consolidates multiple streaming services, making it easy to manage content in one place.
How do I decide which Netflix alternative is best for me?
It really depends on what sort of content you like but consider the following factors:
- Content Library: Look for platforms with shows and movies that align with your interests.
- Price: Choose a service within your budget.
- Additional Features: Offline viewing, 4K streaming, and simultaneous streaming options might be important to you.
- Trial Period: Use free trials to explore and decide which service suits you best.
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