The 10 Best Putlocker Alternative Streaming Sites in 2026
Putlocker was once one of the most popular free movie streaming websites on the internet. However, in recent years, the original Putlocker site has disappeared and most of its remaining versions are either unreliable, filled with broken links, or packed with intrusive ads and security risks. This has left many users searching for better, safer, and more reliable alternatives.
In this guide, we’ve carefully researched and listed the 10 best Putlocker alternative streaming sites in 2026, including both free unofficial platforms and fully legal options. You’ll discover where you can watch movies and TV shows safely, what features each platform offers, and how to protect your privacy while streaming online.
For a complete breakdown of digital marketing course fees in Delhi, check out our guide: Digital Marketing Course Fees in Delhi 2025
Best Putlocker Alternatives in 2026 – Quick Summary
Looking for the fastest way to find a reliable Putlocker alternative? Here’s a quick snapshot of the best streaming platforms in 2026, whether you want free access or legal, licensed content.
Top Unofficial Putlocker Alternatives (Free Streaming)
These sites offer large movie libraries and fast access — but may not be officially licensed in all regions:
- Cineby — A sleek, fast platform with thousands of movies and minimal ads
- Dorawatch — Ideal for action, thrillers, and popular TV dramas
- Goojara — A massive archive of classic, international, and cult films
- MappleTV — Clean interface with smart filtering across popular platforms
- RidoMovies — Frequently updated with the latest trending movies
Learn more about getting certified in digital marketing here:
https://www.learndigitalmarketingcourses.com/blog/digital-marketing-certification-course/.”
Top Legal Putlocker Alternatives (Safe & Licensed)
These platforms are fully legal, safe to use, and supported by licensed distributors:
- Tubi TV — A huge, free, ad-supported library with studio-backed content
- Pluto TV — Combines live TV channels with on-demand movies and shows
- Plex — A powerful streaming hub with free movies and personal media support
- The Roku Channel — Curated movies, live TV, and Roku Originals in one place
- YouTube Movies — Free, licensed films available globally in HD quality
Tip: If you value safety and legality, choose a legal platform like Tubi TV or Pluto TV. If you prefer wider access to recent releases, unofficial platforms may offer more — but always use proper security tools and check local laws.
Check out the best Putlocker alternatives for 2025 here:
https://www.learndigitalmarketingcourses.com/blog/best-putlocker-alternatives-2025
Key Takeaways
To help you choose the right streaming platform quickly, here’s a simple breakdown of the best Putlocker alternatives in 2026, based on content variety, usability, and safety.
Best Unofficial Putlocker Alternatives (Free Streaming)
These platforms offer fast access to a wide range of movies and shows, but may not be officially licensed in all regions:
- Cineby — A fast, clean interface with thousands of free movies and minimal interruptions
- Dorawatch — Excellent for action, thrillers, dramas, and recent releases
- Goojara — A massive archive of classic, international, and cult films
- MappleTV — Simple filtering and discovery across popular platforms like Netflix-style categories
- RidoMovies — Regularly updated with trending and newly released titles
https://www.learndigitalmarketingcourses.com/blog/complete-guide-to-digital-marketing-2025/
Best Legal Putlocker Alternatives (Safe & Licensed)
These services are fully legal, safe to use, and supported by licensed distributors:
- Tubi TV — 100% legal and free, with a massive ad-supported movie and TV library
- Pluto TV — A blend of live TV channels and on-demand entertainment
- Plex — Free movies combined with a powerful personal media server
- The Roku Channel — Curated movies, live TV, and exclusive Roku Originals
- YouTube Movies — Licensed, ad-supported films available globally in HD quality
https://www.learndigitalmarketingcourses.com/blog/step-by-step-guide-to-using-chatgpt-agents/
Why Use a Putlocker Alternative?
Putlocker was once a go-to site for free streaming, but the original platform has been offline for years. Most websites using the Putlocker name today are unofficial clones that often suffer from broken links, low-quality streams, aggressive pop-ups, and even hidden malware making them frustrating and risky to use.
Modern Putlocker alternatives offer a much better experience. They provide:
- Faster performance with smoother playback and fewer buffering issues
- More reliable streaming thanks to stable servers and updated content
- Safer browsing with fewer malicious ads and harmful redirects
- Legal access to licensed content on official platforms like Tubi TV and Pluto TV
On top of that, using a VPN adds an extra layer of privacy and protection by encrypting your internet connection, helping you avoid tracking, protect your data, and access geo-restricted content more securely.
The Most Popular Free Sites Like Putlocker (Unofficial)
These unofficial streaming sites are popular because they offer quick access to free movies and TV shows without requiring subscriptions.
1. Cineby
Cineby stands out with its sleek, modern interface and a massive collection of blockbuster movies and popular TV series. It delivers fast playback and minimal interruptions, making it one of the most user-friendly Putlocker alternatives.
Pros
- Large and diverse content library
- Fast streaming speeds with minimal buffering
- Option to watch with fewer or no ads
Cons
- Not officially licensed
Best for: Users who want a clean, fast, and simple movie-watching experience.
2. Dorawatch
Dorawatch focuses on action films, thrillers, and international dramas. It offers multiple streaming links for each title, making it easier to switch if one source is slow or unavailable.
Pros
- Simple and easy-to-use layout
- Multiple streaming mirrors per title
- Strong collection of movies and TV dramas
Cons
- Frequent ads and pop-ups
Best for: Fans of action, thrillers, and drama who want multiple playback options.
3. Goojara
Goojara has one of the largest libraries of older films, cult classics, and international movies. Its stable servers and HD playback make it a reliable option for long viewing sessions.
Pros
- Massive archive of classic and international content
- Stable servers with consistent performance
- HD streaming quality
Cons
- Occasional pop-up ads
Best for: Viewers looking for classic films, cult favorites, and international cinema.
4. MappleTV
MappleTV is designed for easy browsing, offering platform-style filtering similar to Netflix and other popular streaming services. Its clean interface makes discovering new content quick and effortless.
Pros
- Clean and minimal interface
- Useful genre and platform filters
- Easy navigation
Cons
- Advertisements appear during browsing
Best for: Users who enjoy Netflix-style browsing without paying for a subscription.
5. RidoMovies
RidoMovies is known for frequently updating its library with trending and newly released titles. It also provides multiple links per movie, helping reduce buffering and playback issues.
Pros
- Regular updates with trending movies
- HD video quality
- Multiple mirrors for smoother playback
Cons
- Advertisements
Best for: Users who want quick access to newly released and trending content.
The Best Free Legal Alternatives to Putlocker
These platforms are fully licensed, safe to use, and 100% legal, making them the best choice if you want worry-free streaming without malware or copyright concerns.
1. Tubi TV
Owned by Fox, Tubi is one of the largest free legal streaming platforms, offering a massive library of movies, TV shows, and exclusive originals.
Pros
- Huge and diverse content library
- HD streaming quality
- Regular content updates
Cons
- Ad-supported
Best for: Viewers who want a large, legal, and completely free movie and TV library.
2. Pluto TV
Pluto TV blends traditional live TV channels with on-demand movies and shows from major entertainment studios.
Pros
- Hundreds of live TV channels
- Partnerships with major studios
- Wide range of genres and content
Cons
- Ad-supported
Best for: Users who enjoy both live TV and on-demand entertainment in one platform.
3. Plex
Plex works as both a free streaming service and a personal media server for your own content.
Pros
- Free movies and TV shows
- HD streaming quality
- Supports personal media libraries
Cons
- Ad-supported
Best for: Users who want one platform for both streaming and organizing personal media.
4. The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel offers a curated selection of movies, TV shows, live channels, and Roku Originals.
Pros
- Curated, high-quality content
- Live TV channels included
- Fewer ads compared to many free platforms
Cons
- Some content is region-locked
Best for: Viewers who want a clean interface with well-curated entertainment.
5. YouTube Movies
YouTube provides a rotating selection of free, licensed, ad-supported movies available globally.
Pros
- Available worldwide
- HD video quality
- Offline viewing option
Cons
- Ad-supported
- Limited availability of new releases
Best for: Users who want easy, legal access to movies without installing new apps.
Are Putlocker Replacements Safe and Legal?
Not all Putlocker alternatives are created equal. Some platforms operate legally with proper licensing, while others exist in a legal grey area and can pose security risks.
| Platform Type | Safe to Use? | Legal Status |
| Unofficial streaming sites | Risky | Often illegal |
| Legal streaming platforms | Safe | Fully legal |
Unofficial sites may host or link to copyrighted content without permission, which can expose users to legal issues, malware, phishing attempts, and intrusive ads.
Legal platforms such as Tubi TV, Pluto TV, Plex, The Roku Channel, and YouTube Movies hold proper licensing agreements meaning you can stream safely without worrying about legal or security risks.
Expert Security Tips for Streaming Safely
To protect yourself while using Putlocker alternatives, follow these simple but essential safety tips:
- Use a VPN — Encrypts your internet traffic, protects your privacy, and helps you access geo-restricted content safely.
- Enable an ad blocker — Reduces the risk of malicious pop-ups, redirects, and malware-infected ads.
- Never share personal or payment information — Avoid entering your name, email, phone number, address, or credit card details on unofficial streaming sites
Best VPNs for Streaming
Using a VPN while streaming adds an important layer of privacy, security, and access — especially when using free or geo-restricted platforms.
- NordVPN — Delivers the fastest streaming speeds with a massive global server network, making it ideal for HD and 4K streaming without buffering.
- Surfshark — A budget-friendly option that includes built-in ad and tracker blocking for a cleaner browsing experience.
- ExpressVPN — Extremely easy to use with reliable performance and strong privacy protections, perfect for beginners.
Tip: Choose a VPN with fast speeds, a large server network, and strong encryption to avoid buffering and protect your data while streaming.
Final Thoughts
Cineby stands out as the best unofficial Putlocker alternative in 2026 thanks to its clean interface, fast streaming, and large movie library. However, if you value safety and legality, Tubi TV is the best free legal option, offering thousands of licensed movies and TV shows without any subscription.
Using a VPN further enhances your streaming experience by protecting your privacy, reducing tracking, and allowing access to geo-restricted platforms more securely.
Whether you choose an unofficial site for wider access or a legal platform for peace of mind, today’s Putlocker alternatives offer far better performance, safety, and choice than the original ever did.
FAQ – Sites Like Putlocker
Is Putlocker down?
Yes. The original Putlocker website has been offline for several years due to copyright enforcement actions and domain takedowns. Any site currently using the Putlocker name is an unofficial clone and not affiliated with the original service.
Is there a new official Putlocker website?
No. There is no official or legitimate replacement website operated by the original Putlocker team. All current "Putlocker" domains are third-party clones and should be used with caution.
Are free streaming sites illegal?
Some free streaming sites operate legally (like Tubi TV and Pluto TV), while others host or link to copyrighted content without permission. The legality depends on the platform and your local copyright laws. Always check regulations in your country before using unofficial streaming websites.
Is Tubi TV really free? How does it make money?
Yes, Tubi TV is completely free. It earns revenue through short advertisements shown during playback, similar to traditional TV commercials. You don’t need to enter payment details or subscribe.
Do I need a VPN for streaming?
A VPN is not strictly required, but it is highly recommended — especially when using free or unofficial sites. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, protects your privacy, reduces tracking, and helps you access content that may be geo-restricted.
Which is the safest free streaming site?
The safest free streaming sites are licensed platforms such as:
- Tubi TV
- Pluto TV
- Plex
- The Roku Channel
- YouTube Movies
These services operate legally and do not expose users to malware or legal risks.
Can I watch new movie releases for free?
Most legal free platforms focus on older movies, classics, and independent films. Brand-new releases are usually only available on paid platforms or through rental services.
Can I get in trouble for using unofficial streaming sites?
This depends on your local laws. In some countries, accessing pirated content is illegal and may result in fines or penalties. In others, enforcement targets distributors rather than viewers. Always check your local regulations.
Do I need to create an account to watch free movies?
Most free platforms do not require an account to stream content. However, some may offer optional sign-ups to save watch history or preferences.
Are free streaming apps safe on mobile devices?
Legal platforms are safe to install from official app stores. Avoid downloading unofficial APKs or third-party apps, as they may contain malware or spyware.
What is the best legal alternative to Putlocker?
Tubi TV is the best overall legal alternative due to its massive library, ease of use, and availability across many devices and countries.
Why You Can Trust Us
We don’t just list streaming sites — we test, analyze, and verify them.
Our recommendations are based on real-world testing, hands-on research, and strict quality standards to ensure accuracy, safety, and usefulness for readers.
- 400+ streaming platforms tested for performance, reliability, and content quality
- 3,000+ speed, usability, and security tests conducted every year
- Thousands of hours of hands-on analysis across different devices, networks, and regions
- Independent research with no paid placements influencing our rankings
We prioritize transparency, user safety, and factual accuracy in every review so you can confidently choose the best and safest streaming platforms in 2026.
In short, our goal is simple: help you stream smarter, safer, and better without guesswork.