SolarMovie Alternatives: Best Ways to Watch Online Movies For Free

For many, watching SolarMovie was the go-to way to watch online movies for free. Regardless if you are doing it because your region doesn’t have a license to find the movie you like directly, or if you are simply strapped for cash at the moment, it was a great way to scratch that cinephile itch.

Regretfully, the service is now down for very well-known reasons and those who used to partake will need to find other ways of adjusting. Thankfully, SolarMovie was only one of many ways to watch online movies for free and there are now alternatives.

Still, there are a few things to remember to focus on when looking for a good ‘’off the books’’ streaming platform:

1. Make sure it is safe
2. Browser is better than the app
3. Good download speed
4. Simple user interface
5. Ensured anonymity

And, on this list, the first and the last point are probably the most important ones. While millions of people are torrenting and downloading movies and series every day, this is technically illegal and is punishable in most countries. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Still, if you like the movie, you should support the creators and push some money their way if you are able. You can buy merchandise or buy the DVD of the movie if you really liked it. For this reason, there are many people around the world with a collection of DVDs without a DVD player.

What is SolarMovie and Why Do You Need an Alternative?

SolarMovie is a very popular website that contains all the newest and most popular movies and TV shows. It’s meant for the people who want to be “in” with the latest trends but don’t want to pay for it just yet, or simply want to check if it’s as good as the reviews say.

Although SolarMovie was an awesome website, due to some legal hassles, owners of the site had to put locks on their doors. Therefore, people have to look for some alternatives. 

Thankfully, numerous different sites contain a pretty large range of content with high-quality images and all kinds of support options. 

While searching for the site that will fulfill your needs, you must always have in mind to put your safety first.

IMDb TV

Specifications:

• Max Bandwidth: 300 Mbps
• Max Resolution: 1080p
• Language Support: Subtitles 
• Size of the Library: Decent 
• User Interface: User friendly 
• Ad number: From 1 to 7
• Support Options: Limited 

IMDb TV is a relatively new American streaming service owned by Amazon, first launched in January 2019. Apart from being a streaming service, IMDb TV is also known for all kinds of movie information and trailers. 

While not being one of the direct SolarMovie alternatives due to it being a paid service, it should still be considered as a viable option due to the size of the library. That being said, those who are out to watch online movies for free might avoid it.

IMDb TV is also available through the IMDb app. This app is available both on IOS and Android devices. If you decide to use this streaming device, some tips can help you get the best experience.

First, when you are logging in to your account it will be suggested to you that the app saves your password. If you’re planning to visit this app often then it’s advised to automatically save your password.

Next, you have the option to leave a review. Not only does your review help the streaming device itself, but it also helps other fellas when they’re looking for a site or a specific movie review.

Finally, this app tracks the content you watch, so you will always have a recommendation tab that helps you pick the next movie or show.

Pros:

• Easy to Use
• Good quality videos 
• Contains subtitles 
• Contains original content 

Cons:

• A user account is required 
• Dubious Cybersecurity
• Contains in-video ads

Popcorn Time

Specifications:

• Max Bandwidth: p2p dependant
• Max Resolution: 1080p
• Language Support: Multiple(sub/dub)
• Size of the Library: Expansive(thousands) 
• User Interface: User friendly
• Ad number: No ads
• Support Options: Limited

PopcornTime is a very popular streaming app that uses Torrents links to stream and download movies and TV shows. This app contains a virtually unlimited number of movies and TV shows completely free with no need for a subscription. 

PopcornTime is completely safe from viruses and malware. But, it is not safe regarding your privacy. So, it’s advised to use a VPN.  The app has a very good video quality that goes up to 1080 PX. 

One thing that annoys people the most is ads. Thankfully, this app contains no ads at all, therefore it’s not going to cause you any trouble.

Pros:

• Easy to Use
• No ads
• User friendly

Cons:

• Can be slow
• Dubious Cybersecurity

PopcornFlix

Specifications:

• Max Bandwidth : p2p dependant (averages ~4 Mbps)
• Max Resolution: 1080p
• Language Support: subtitles 
• Size of the Library: Decent
• User Interface: User friendly 
• Ad number: From 1 to 5
• Support Options: Limited

Popcornflix is a free streaming device for movies and shows that offers you a traditional viewing experience. It is available on a wide variety of platforms thus you won’t be having trouble consuming it. 

You don’t have to register to watch movies and series but you can if you want to and it’s free. And the app is available both on Android and iOS devices.

The streams device is very straightforward and easy to use. Popcornflix has categories like “Most Popular”, “New Arrival” and “Drama”. The search bar is in the top right corner of the screen where you can check if you’re favorite movie is available on the site.

For those who want to watch online movies for free, PopcornFlix is one of the best SolarMovie alternatives and is already used by crowds of people worldwide.

Pros:

• Easy to Use
• Light on the Ads
• Sign up is optional 

Cons:

• Can be slow
• Doesn’t contain original content 

The Roku Channel 

Specifications:

• Max Bandwidth: 5-10  Mbps
• Max Resolution: 1080p
• Language Support: Multiple(sub/dub)
• Size of the Library: Decent
• User Interface: user friendly 
• Ad number: From 1 to 11
• Support Options: Limited 

The Roku channel is one of the best free streaming devices for both movies and series. This streaming device is user-friendly and it has some options that will help you get the best experience. 

First, there is a “Continue watching” tab. When you finish watching an episode of some show, the service will automatically remember how far you have come. Therefore you will be able to pick back up where you left off.

Next, there is a “New this month” tab. This is very useful when you want to watch some new movies and shows but don’t want to spend a significant amount of time looking online at what’s new.

Finally, there’s the “News, sports and entertainment” tab that offers you the ability to see all kinds of information like movie ratings, cast, release date, and much more. 

Pros:

• Easy to Use
• High video quality 
• Good selection of movies and series 

Cons:

• Can be slow
• No mobile app
• Most pay for premium parts of service 

Xumo TV

Specifications:

• Max Resolution: 1080p
• Language Support: subtitles 
• Size of the Library: Expansive(thousands)
• User Interface: User friendly 
• Ad number: From 1 to 7
• Support Options: Limited 

Xumo is a very good streaming device that is easy to use and has a great selection of movies and series to watch. You can stream it on a regular browser or you can download the app. Available both in Google App Store and Apple App Store.

Not only is Xumo a great way to watch online movies for free similar to SolarMovie, you also don’t need to register to enjoy the various content genres like sci-fi, thriller, mystery, family, actions, and more. 

It is advised to mark your favorite movies and series so you don’t get lost while browsing. Xumo will make a category just for you based on your liked content. This will use cookies and you might want to be weary about that, but if you are watching from your smart-TV this shouldn’t be an issue.

Pros:

• Easy to Use
• Light on the Ads
• User friendly 
• Expansive library 

Cons:

• Can be slow
• Doesn’t have original content 

Crackle

Specifications:

• Max Resolution: 720p
• Language Support: Subtitles 
• Size of the Library: Decent 
• User Interface: User friendly 
• Ad number: From 3 to 17
• Support Options: Limited 

It can be said that crackle is one of the best-known ad-supported streaming devices. If you have a high-speed internet connection you will have no trouble accessing Crackle from your computer, phone tablet, or laptop. 

You don’t have to register to get access to this streaming device but if you do you’ll have the option to save progress and tag shows and movies as favorites.

It is slightly ad-heavy, which might make it annoying for those who want to watch movies online for free, but it is one of the better SolarMovie alternatives nonetheless.

Pros:

• Easy to Use
• Contains original content 
• Signup is optional 

Cons:

• Can be slow
• Heavy on the ads

Tubi

Specifications:

• Max Resolution: 1080p
• Language Support: Multiple(sub/dub)
• Size of the Library: Expansive(thousands)
• User Interface: user friendly 
• Ad number: between 1 and 3
• Support Options: Limited 

Tubi is a very popular streaming device that doesn’t require a subscription. It also has thousands of movies and shows you can watch. But, unfortunately, like many other sites, it is ad-supported.

You can stream it on a regular browser or you can download the app. And the best thing is that you don’t need to sign up to enjoy the content.

In case you want to enhance your experience Tubi offers a free signup process. The app is available on android and iOS devices. The user interface is super clean and contains a lot of features and it’s easy to navigate. 

Finally, one thing that is very interesting and useful is the “leaving soon” tab. So you get the chance to watch some movies and series that will not be available soon.

Pros:

• Easy to Use
• Light on the Ads
• User friendly 

Cons:

• Doesn’t have original content 
• The library is a bit dated

Vumoo.to

Specifications:

• Max Bandwidth : 4G/ 20Mbps
• Max Resolution: 1080p
• Language Support: subtitles 
• Size of the Library: Decent
• User Interface: User friendly
• Ad number: Minimum
• Support Options: Limited 

Vumoo is a streaming device that contains high-quality content. One of the best advantages of this site is that it very quickly loads content. Also, if you want to get access to Vumoo the sign-up is optional but unnecessary. 

The interface is very easy to navigate and super clean. The video quality is set on auto so it all depends on the speed of your internet connection.

If the ads are stressing you out, you can install the ad blocker so you can avoid unnecessary ads and the fear of malware attacks on the system will be gone.

Pros:

• Easy to Use
• Light on the Ads
• Contains updated movies and shows 

Cons:

• Does not have original content 
• Has buffering issues 

Why Watch Movies Online For Free?

In a nutshell, the biggest reason why people watch movies online is that they can. This doesn’t just include those who might be low on funds at the moment, but also a much wider group of people that simply don’t have access to the movie or show due to licenses and censorship.

While going to the cinema with your friends and family is a fun experience it’s not like you can do that for every single flick that comes out. The tickets for the movie can be quite expensive and going to the cinema is quite time-consuming. 

On the other hand, watching a movie in the comfort of your own home and not spending a dime is much more practical and easier. This way you can indulge in some movies that didn’t draw your attention from the start and become a new fan of a genre you didn’t follow.

In general, people are preoccupied with all kinds of life responsibility and work, hence the option of being able to rest and watch their favorite show from the bed for free sounds way more tempting.

Finally, watching movies online for free is becoming a new norm, not the exception. Most websites have a broad range of genres, high definition, and a clear sound.

Difference Between Free and Paid Online Streaming Sites

There has been a great debate, for quite some time now, about why people are more and more reluctant to pay for online streaming services, especially for watching movies and shows. 

Generally, people are very conscious about how and on what they spend their money. And, quite honestly, paying to watch movies, is not a necessity nor a wish for the majority of people. 

Many people work for a minimum wage, and they barely have enough for most basic needs, so a subscription for a site to watch movies sounds crazy to them. Paying for a monthly subscription is a commitment that most people don’t find attractive. 

On the other hand, the people that have a larger budget are much more likely to pay for such services even if they don’t see a significant difference.

However, for the majority of people deciding whether they will pay monthly subscriptions is not that simple. Decision highly depends on how much it cost, what are the benefits and how much they will use the platform.  

Finally, it can be said that, apart from kids and teenagers, people are very rarely watching movies and TV shows, cause they don’t have time for that, so they don’t see the point of paying for the service that they will potentially use maybe once or twice a month. 

What is Online Piracy and Why are People Using it?

Since the early days of the internet, piracy was a thing and by now, probably everyone has heard of this word. In a nutshell, piracy is an illegal act of acquiring, selling, or distributing copyrighted material.

Generally, a lot of people are using torrent websites like The pirate bay or KickassTorrents to download all kinds of movies, music, tv shows, and software for free. 

The first and main reason why people are partaking in this act is that they want to watch their favorite movie or TV show for free. Although some people just don’t want to spend money on that, others don’t have the financial luxury to purchase it. 

Another reason why people are pirating is that some production studios are blocking access to various movies and tv shows. Therefore, people who live in certain regions where some films are not available will likely download the film illegally. 

Finally, some people want to use the service only once. Let’s say a new movie gets released and the film doesn’t feature any famous actors but you are willing to watch it because you like the storyline. People don’t plan to spend money on something that they are not sure they’ll enjoy, therefore they decide to download the pirated version.

The End of Television Era

Not so long ago, before the internet and mobile phones, television was considered the main source of entertainment. We all remember gathering with friends and families in front of the TV and enjoying watching some movies and shows.  

Fast-forward to today where, in most cases, it seems like the only purpose of TV is to fill out space and collect dust. 

Studies have shown that the average daily TV consumption in America, for people between 18 and 34 is approximately two hours. While the average daily TV consumption for people older than 65 is approximately seven hours. 

The main reason why the Television era has not come completely to an end is that older generations don’t really have the nerves nor patience to learn to use phones or computers so they rather watch news and series on TV.

As for the younger generations, they don’t turn on the TV. To them it’s unnecessary. They all use phones, computers, and tablets because everything they want to see is available on the internet. 

Safety Above All

One thing that has been proven over time is that the internet is not a safe place at all. If you decide to stream and watch for free some movies and shows, you need to know that’s illegal. 

Next, you need to be aware of the potential risks in which you’re putting yourself. Anytime you watch some movie or show online for free, you are being exposed to malware, fraud, and hacking. 

Another inconvenience is that various ads that pop up on the screen are explicit and age-inappropriate for younger audiences. 

Finally, you should always look and spend a significant amount of time researching for a safe website where you can watch your favorite movies and TV shows.