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Free OTT Platforms in India (2026)

Aug 17, 2026

Esha Saxena

Not every good streaming service comes with a monthly subscription. Plenty of OTT platforms in India let you watch movies, web series, TV shows, and even live sports for free, as long as you’re okay with a few ads. From Bollywood blockbusters and regional cinema to anime and original series, there’s no shortage of content.

In this guide, we’ve picked the best free OTT platforms in India for 2026. You’ll find what each platform offers, what’s available for free, and some of the best movies and shows worth streaming without paying for a subscription.

Best Free OTT Platforms in India at a Glance

Top Free OTT Platforms in India

1. MX Player

Website: mxplayer.in

• Subscription: Free, with ads; The service is being progressively integrated into Prime Video as of 2026.
• Discounts: Use MX Player coupons and Amazon offers to save on any Prime upgrade.
• Content: Hindi originals, regional films, international dubs, live TV, music videos.

Free Picks: 

• Aashram
• Bhaukaal
• Raktanchal
• Bhay

Amazon acquired MX Player in 2024 and merged it with Amazon miniTV to form Amazon MX Player, a fully free, ad-supported service reaching over 250 million users. In 2026, Amazon began folding the catalog into Prime Video: iOS, connected-TV and web users are redirected to Prime Video, while the Android app continues under a rebranded identity with the AVOD library intact. The free tier is not going away, it is simply moving under a bigger roof. If you’re after longer weekend binges, the platform has enough originals to keep you busy.

Tip: Explore the “English Shows” section to find popular international series dubbed in regional languages.

2. TVF Play

Website: tvfplay.com

• Subscription: Free with ads.
• Content: Original web series, comedies, and dramas focusing on real-life stories and relatable themes.

Free Picks: 

• Permanent Roommates (S1)
• Pitchers (S1)
• Tripling (S1)
• TVF Bachelor 

TVF Play is the definition of niche content done right. If you’re into relatable, realistic shows that deal with everything from friendship to career struggles (looking at you, Kota Factory), this platform is for you. TVF isn’t afraid to tackle serious stuff like mental health, work-life balance, and personal growth – stuff that hits home for many, and they’re often more authentic than big-budget productions. Most flagship TVF shows are now co-distributed with SonyLIV, so the free TVF Play catalog leans heavily on older seasons and short-form content, while newer seasons often go behind Sony LIV’s paywall first.

Tip: TVF’s older shows like Kota Factory and Pitchers are perfect for a binge session. They deliver a nostalgic yet relatable take on life’s struggles, especially for those in their 20s and 30s.

3. YouTube

Website: youtube.com

• Subscription: Free with ads; YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience and exclusive perks.
• Discounts: Enjoy savings with exclusive YouTube Premium offers on GrabOn.
• Content: Everything from movies and web series to random user uploads, short films, educational content, music, and much more.

Free Picks: 

• India’s Got Latent
• CrashCourse
• Sarabhai vs Sarabhai
• Full Bollywood classics on Shemaroo, Goldmines and YRF channels 

YouTube is still the GOAT for a reason. It’s not just cat videos and memes anymore. You’ll find full-length movies, nostalgic TV shows, gripping web series, and even quick doses of comedy and learning. There’s a mix of Indian and global content, so you’re covered no matter what. If you’d rather skip the ads, YouTube Premium has you sorted with uninterrupted streaming, offline downloads, and background play. 

Tip: Explore YouTube’s free-to-watch movie section. You’ll find a mix of Hollywood hits, indie gems, and animated classics.

4. Sony LIV (Free Tier)

Website: sonyliv.com

• Subscription: Free with ads; premium subscription for additional content.
• Discounts: Grab Sony LIV promo codes to lower your subscription cost.
• Content: Movies, web series, TV shows, live TV, and live sports

Free Picks: 

• Scam 1992 (first episodes)
• Rocket Boys (selected episodes)
• Maharani (selected episodes)
• Gullak (selected episodes) 

Sony LIV is a bit like the underdog of streaming platforms. It may not have as much buzz as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, but it’s quietly building up a strong library of content. The free version offers access to great movies and a few episodes from shows like Scam 1992 and Your Honor. If you’re a fan of crime thrillers, this platform is right up your alley. Plus, you can stream live sports too, so if cricket or football’s your thing, Sony LIV brings you that for free, with a few ads sprinkled in.

Tip: Check out Maharani if you like political dramas with a strong female lead.

5. JioHotstar 

Website: jiohotstar.com

• Subscription: Free ad-supported catch-up TV and select shows; paid plans start at Rs 79 per month (Mobile). Jio recharges of Rs 349 and above bundle three months of the Mobile plan.
• Discounts: Use JioHotstar coupons to get a better deal on premium plans.
• Content: Movies, web series, TV shows, live TV, live sport, HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery originals, kids and anime.

Best to Watch: 

• Succession
• Parks and Recreation
• The Sopranos

JioHotstar combines the libraries of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar into a single streaming platform. While most blockbuster movies, HBO originals, and premium series require a subscription, the free version still offers a solid mix of catch-up TV, selected movies and web series, highlights from major sporting events, and live streams of some matches. If you mainly watch Star TV shows, cricket highlights, or want to sample the platform before subscribing, the free tier offers plenty to explore. And if you’re considering a paid plan, there are plenty of ways to save on your OTT subscriptions.

Tip: Browse the Free section in the app to quickly find movies and shows available without a subscription.

6. Crunchyroll

Website: crunchyroll.com

• Subscription: Free with ads; premium subscription for additional features.
• Discounts: Save on premium plans with Crunchyroll promo codes.
• Content: Extensive library of anime series and movies

Free Picks:

• Naruto
• Naruto, 
• One Piece (selected episodes)
• Solo Leveling (selected episodes)
• Black Clover 

If you’re into anime, Crunchyroll is a must-have. It’s got one of the biggest anime libraries out there, covering everything from classics to the latest hits. While the premium version gets you ad-free streaming and same-day simulcasts from Japan, the free tier still gives you access to tons of shows. You just have to sit through some ads. It’s a solid deal if you’re not looking to pay but still want high-quality anime in HD.

Tip: Check out the “Popular” section to see what everyone’s watching. Whether you’re into action, romance, or straight-up mind-bending plots, there’s always something trending.

7. Zee5 (Free Tier)

Website: zee5.com

• Subscription: Free with ads; premium subscription for extra content.
• Discounts: Enjoy premium content for less with Zee5 coupons.
• Content: Movies, web series, TV shows, regional content, and kids’ content.

Free Picks: 

• State of Siege: 26/11
• Sunflower (selected episodes)
• Kumkum Bhagya
• Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai

Zee5 has one of the biggest collections of Indian movies and TV shows, especially for regional content. Whether it’s Bengali dramas, Tamil action flicks, or Hindi reality shows, there’s plenty to stream for free with ads. The platform also features live news channels and a growing selection of Hollywood movies dubbed in Indian languages.

Tip: If you love Indian daily soaps, Zee5 is perfect since it streams TV serials from Zee channels for free, sometimes even before they air on TV.

8. Airtel Xstream Play (Free Tier)

Website: airtelxstream.in

• Subscription: Free with ads for Airtel users; premium bundles from Rs 149 per month give access to 20+ OTT apps in one login. 
• Discounts: Use Airtel Xstream Play offers to save on paid plans.
• Content: Aggregator of movies, web series, live TV and news from Sony LIV, Zee5, Lionsgate Play, ManoramaMax, ShemarooMe, Chaupal, Ultra, Docubay and more. 

Free Picks: 

• Free Bollywood movies
• Free web series
• 200+ free live TV channels
• Regional movies and TV shows

Airtel Xstream Play is worth calling out because the free tier for Airtel users effectively acts as a mini OTT bundle. On qualifying prepaid or postpaid recharges, the Premium tier at Rs 149 unlocks 20+ streaming apps under a single login, which is meaningfully cheaper than subscribing to any two of them individually.

Tip: If you already recharge Airtel monthly, check the “Rewards” section of the Airtel Thanks app before paying for any single OTT plan separately. The bundle is often already included.

9. Shemaroo Me

Website: shemarooent.com

• Subscription: Fully free with ads on the Shemaroo Me tier; Shemaroo Me Plus is the paid tier.
• Discounts: Use ShemarooMe coupon codes to save on the paid tier.
• Content: Classic Bollywood cinema, Gujarati films, Marathi cinema, devotional content, retro TV serials.

Free Picks: 

• Amar Akbar Anthony
• Namak Halaal
• Chupke Chupke
• Jai Santoshi Maa

Shemaroo Me is the underrated home of classic and vintage Indian cinema. If your family watches together and the taste leans toward pre-2000s Hindi films or Gujarati cinema, the free tier is a genuinely deep catalog at zero cost. It also has one of the largest devotional and bhajan sections in the OTT space.

Tip: The Gujarati and Marathi catalogs on Shemaroo Me are larger and more current than anything on Zee5 or JioHotstar’s free tiers, which is a real edge if regional cinema is why you are streaming.

Wrapping Up

Free OTT platforms in India give you access to a lot of content, from movies and web series to live sports, without the cost. Sure, there are ads, and you might not always find the latest releases, but there’s still a lot to enjoy. It’s a decent way to explore new shows and movies without committing to a subscription. The key is finding the gems among the ads and making the most of what’s available. It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid option if you’re looking for entertainment on a budget.

Plus, you can grab a range of OTT coupons on GrabOn to unlock additional savings on premium content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best fully free OTT platform in India in 2026?

Amazon MX Player is the best fully free option in 2026. It has no paywall, a large slate of Hindi originals, K-drama and Turkish dubs, and 250 million+ monthly users. YouTube is a close second because of the depth of licensed classic Bollywood and creator originals.

Is Disney+ Hotstar still available in India?

No. Disney+ Hotstar was rebranded and merged into JioHotstar on 14 February 2025. Existing subscribers were migrated automatically. The Disney, HBO, Warner Bros. Discovery and Peacock catalogs all now sit inside JioHotstar.

What happened to MX Player after the Amazon acquisition?

Amazon acquired MX Player assets in 2024 and merged them with Amazon miniTV to form Amazon MX Player, which stayed free and ad-supported. In 2026, Amazon began integrating the service into Prime Video: iOS, connected-TV and web users are redirected to Prime Video, while the Android app continues under a rebranded identity. The free ad-funded catalog remains available.

Can I watch IPL for free in 2026?

Not on the full-match streams. IPL rights sit with JioHotstar, and full live streams require at least the Rs 79 per month Mobile plan. Highlights and post-match content are free on JioHotstar and on the BCCI and IPL YouTube channels. Reliance Jio recharges of Rs 349 and above include a three-month JioHotstar Mobile subscription, which is often the cheapest legal way to watch IPL.

Which free OTT platform has the most regional Indian content?

Zee5’s free tier is the broadest across Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi and Malayalam. For classic Gujarati and Marathi cinema specifically, Shemaroo Me is deeper. For Punjabi and Haryanvi, Chaupal (bundled inside Airtel Xstream Play) is the best free access.

Which free OTT platform is best for anime in India?

Crunchyroll’s free tier remains the answer for the anime back catalog. New simulcast episodes are premium-only for the first week or two, then rotate into the free tier. Amazon MX Player’s “MX Vdesi” rail carries Hindi and Tamil-dubbed anime as a secondary option.

Are there any free OTT platforms without ads?

Effectively no. The ad-supported model is what funds the free tiers. The closest to ad-light free access comes through telecom bundles (Airtel Xstream Play Premium at Rs 99 per month on qualifying tariffs, or a bundled JioHotstar Mobile via a Jio recharge), where you pay indirectly but without a standalone OTT subscription.

Which free OTT platform is best for kids’ content?

JioHotstar’s free catch-up TV carries some Disney Junior and Marvel HQ shows, though the deeper library needs a paid plan. Zee5 free has kids’ rails in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. YouTube Kids remains the safest and deepest free option because of its dedicated child-safe interface and vast educational library.