The Best Streaming Platforms for Documentaries

Hi-Yah is a niche streaming service for martial arts and Asian action content in general. The cheap monthly price of $3.99 makes it a service that's easy to add to more wholistic streaming platforms.

The name says it all: HGTV Go is one of the easiest ways to watch the country's favorite home improvement channel on the go. You can watch the HGTV channel live on the app, as well as past and present HGTV shows on-demand. And if you're looking for more variety, HGTV Go also lets you watch HGTV's sister channels, including favorites like Food Network, TLC, and Animal Planet live. You can watch some of them free of charge on the platform, no registration needed, but most shows and episodes will require you to link to a pay-TV provider to be watched. In other words, you'll need to use your cable, satellite, or live TV streaming service credentials to log into the app. Once you do, you can watch up to 15 live channels and a wealth of on-demand shows on any compatible mobile device.

Here TV is a streaming subscription service that has hundreds of LGBTQ+ titles under its belt, among them, original shows, enlightening documentaries, and award-winning films. At $7.99, it's a bit steeper than the usual streaming service, but along with access to LGBTQ+ content, you also get regularly curated recommendations based on genre, mood, and watching history. According to its official site, Here TV also partners with many queer charities, so you can be sure the fee goes to a cause.

Haystack News (formerly Haystack TV) is an independently-run streaming service that delivers live and on-demand news, 24/7. It's ad-supported so it's somewhat free, but if you want to get rid of the commercials and dive straight into the latest news, you can subscribe to Haystack Premium for $4.99/month or try it for free for 30 days. The convenient thing about Haystack is that it allows you to navigate not just by channels but by topics as well. It also picks up news from more than a hundred TV stations around the US (check if they cover your area here) which saves you the trouble of switching services when looking for local news.

Hallmark+ (previously Hallmark Movies Now) won't give you access to the live broadcast of the Hallmark Channel but it will give you the next best thing: on-demand access to Hallmark movies. The streamer has many of the fan favorites and beloved classics of The Hallmark Channel, while also featuring exclusive movies, shows, documentaries, and short films. Aside from being ad-free, all these titles are sure to have a PG rating, so you don't have to worry about leaving them on when there are kids around. Other cute bonuses include getting discounts on Hallmark merchandise, receiving a free card every month, and having a gift delivered on your birthday.

GuideDoc is a global online streaming and distributing service for documentary films. The service is currently available for US$7.99 per month and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. GuideDoc apps exist for iPhone, iPad, Android phones, Android Tablets, Google TV, Apple TV, ChromeCast and Airplay. At the time of writing, GuideDoc does not offer an app for other services like Roku, Fire TV and game consoles.

Glewed TV is a free, ad-supported streaming channel that provides an extensive lineup of movies, series, and documentaries. It also has its own exclusive set of titles and podcasts, with genres spanning travel, sports, comedy, action, and more, plus it's available on a plethora of platforms. If you're still on the fence about going completely cordless, Glewed TV is one of many easy and accessible streaming options to choose from.

Cord-cutters only interested in Spanish-language content will find much to like in Fubo Latino. Instead of the usual lineup, the Latino plan carries more than 65 channels in Spanish, including Unimas, Univision, BeinSports, Nat Geo Mundo, Sony Cine, and Discovery en Español. And since Fubo started as a soccer streaming service, it also has live sporting events featuring leagues like the UEFA Champions League, Bundesliga, and MLS. At only $33/month, it's Fubo's most affordable plan yet, but it still has base features like 250 hours worth of cloud DVR and two simultaneous streams. If you already have a Fubo base plan, Fubo also offers these channels as an add-on for $20/month.

Editor's note: unfortunately, Amazon has said it plans to shut down Freevee in the coming weeks. 

Amazon Freevee, or simply freevee, is a free, ad-supported streaming service powered by Amazon. It has a notable library of licensed titles and original shows, not to mention 24/7 live channels, plus it's easy to access since it runs on most if not all available devices. Although other free streamers have it beat in terms of range and variety, freevee is still a great option for newbie cord-cutters, especially since it already comes on most Amazon platforms.

FlixFling is a flexible video on-demand streaming platform available in the US. A subscription costs $7.99 per month (or $95 per year) and includes streaming access across 5 different devices and access to movies and shows on the on-demand library. Without a subscription, you can still access on-demand rentals/purchases that range from $0.99 to $7.99. Meanwhile, on-demand subscribers have to pay for some titles that are available only as premium rentals. FlixFling works across devices, smart TVs and media services.

Flix Premiere is a subscription-based service that streams underrated and hard-to-find independent films. Founded in 2015 by Martin Warner, Flix Premiere is a treasure trove of fresh but forgotten gems—movies deemed too small or unprofitable are finally given a fighting chance here. The company states that it sources much of its content from prestigious festivals like Berlinale, Cannes, TIFF, and more. The streamer, currently available in the US and the UK only, is for hardcore cinephiles and anyone who prefers films over TV shows. The subscription is at $6.99/month, and the service offers a 30-day free trial.

Filmzie offers its viewers worldwide free, high-quality content. It aims to spotlight overlooked films in our history and support filmmakers and creators in so doing. If you’re someone who feels ethically motivated to support filmmakers and prefers not to have to pay to be entertained, this is the streaming service for you. Do be warned though, it can be riddled with ads. It’s updated regularly with popular and current content. Filmzie was launched in 2021.

FilmRise is a streaming app that's partnered with the likes of MGM, Warner Bros., and ITV Studios to provide over 20,000 films and TV shows you can watch for free. It's not immune to ads, but FilmRise more than makes up for those disruptions with its impressive selection of titles. On the film front, it has indie favorites, award-winning classics, and foreign gems, while on the TV front, it has murder mysteries (many imported from the UK), Gordon Ramsey-led competition shows, and oldies-but-goodies like The Dick Van Dyke Show, Roseanne, and the original 21 Jump Street. FilmRise isn't available to stream directly on the website, but if you have a compatible device, you can download the app and start watching for free.

Film Movement Plus is a video on-demand platform dedicated to independent and foreign films, and is currently available in the US and Canada. In the US, it costs $5.99 a month (after a 7-day free trial) and can be accessed via any device, including IOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Roku.

Fearless is a Toronto-based streaming service built around inclusivity. Their focus is on showcasing films highlighting stories from LGBTQ+ people, Women, BIPOC, and stories on disability. They also enable creators to directly submit their work on either a Free license basis (for creators only interested in traction) or a paid/exclusive license.

Formerly Bally Sports+, FanDuel Sports Network is a streaming service that lets you access live and on-demand content from your local teams, including those from the NBA, WNBA, MLB, and NHL. Since it depends on RSNs, availability depends on where you live (you can check FanDuel availability on this website). Apart from letting you watch live games cordless, the platform offers on-demand replays, mobile viewing, and up to two concurrent streams. It's also available on most streaming devices.

Fandor is a paid subscription streaming service that curates independent, foreign, award-winning, and classic films, as well as documentaries from all over the world, making it a standout option for cinephiles. Depending on your location, it also offers a number of free movie titles. But Fandor doesn't only cater to fans; rookie directors also get some love as the service allows them to debut their work on the platform. It's a great option for film lovers and makers alike.

Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu) is an on-demand streaming service that allows users to rent or purchase more than 200,000 new releases. Founded in 2007, it's one of the first companies to offer digital films in HD. Fandango at Home's main strength is its ease of access and jam-packed catalog of movies and TV shows, but it also boasts free content, which runs on ads. In 2020, media and ticketing firm Fandango acquired Vudu and merged both companies' streamers into one. While initially keeping the Vudu name, it eventually decided to go with the former.

For the diehard soccer fan, Fanatiz is a streaming service dedicated to Latin American and Spanish soccer. Here, you'll get access to live and on-demand matches held by La Liga and Copa Libertadores, as well as complete coverage of Brazil's intense local competition Brasileirão. It's available in most countries worldwide, but North American viewers, in particular, will be glad to know that Fanatiz carries beIN and TyC Sports—vital channels that have exclusive rights to stream select leagues. Fanatiz has an $8 and $10 monthly tier, the latter of which gives you access to even more leagues and hours of VOD content. But we suggest you try the platform first (free for a week) to really test its quality and see how it stacks up to other similarly inclined services, like FuboTV.

For no-brainer shows like The Drew Barrymore Show, Extra, and The Voice, check out ET Live. It's a live stream that's updated 24/7 with shows from the ET channel. You can also find clips and segments from the channel on the app. Sometimes it's called "ET Online" (the website is etonline.com), sometimes just ET; as its name indicates, it's the equivalent of a YouTube channel for ET.

If you sign up for an ESPN+ subscription using your American Express Platinum card, you can get up to $20 in statement credits each month, saving you up to $240 in annual costs over time. You can check the link below for more information on your eligibility, but for the most part, you only have to enroll your card on AMEX's site and make sure you subscribe directly to ESPN+'s site to get the credit. The ESPN+ AMEX bundle applies to any and all purchases you make on the ESPN+ platform, including pay-per-view matches, which ESPN+ has a lot of, especially UFC matches, and streaming packages like the Disney+ and Hulu Bundle, which offers ESPN+ at a slashed price. ESPN+ is home to thousands of on-demand content and live sporting events that cover all sorts of leagues and tournaments around the world. To differentiate itself from the ESPN channel, it also offers exclusive original content in the form of reality shows and docuseries hosted by the likes of Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Abby Wambach, David Ortiz, and Derek Jeter.

Eros Now is an Indian video on-demand streaming platform. In India, there are two membership types: a basic plan with limited access at INR 49 per year, and a plus plan with unlimited access and functionalities like HD streaming and offline download at INR 99 per year. In other regions, you can access a premium plan exists at different prices depending on your region: US $7.99 per month, UK £4.99, UAE DHMS 20, Malaysia MYR10, among others. The Eros Now app is accessible via Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, Xbox On, Xbox Series X/S, and Chromecast, as well as via web browser (erosnow.com), desktop and a mobile app on Android and iOS.

True to its name, Documentary+ is a free ad-supported service that streams documentaries as well as non-fiction shorts and series. It has a straightforward interface that has categories like "award winners," "true crime," "festival darlings," "women stories," and "Black stories," as well as films from renowned directors including Werner Herzog, Spike Jonze, Kathryn Bigelow, and Terrence Malick. 

Interestingly, the service also has a live channel you can put on anytime. It’s compatible with all major streaming devices, but you can also access it as a channel on live TV services like Amazon’s freevee and Sling’s freestream.

Docsville’s focus is on documentaries sourced from around the world, originally launched by award-winning documentarian Lawrence Elmen and his business partner, Nick Fraser, who worked for the British Broadcasting Corporation. This streaming service is for those doc junkies who can’t get enough of real-world exploration and have a thirst for knowledge about many different aspects of our planet and the human race. Topics include climate change, inequality and racism, inspiring real-life tales, and true crime. Most of the documentaries offered are independent films.

Distro TV is a free ad-supported streaming service that features free shows, movies, documentaries, news, concerts, and more from all around the world. It specializes in global content, drawing from the US, UK, and Canada, as well as from other parts of Europe, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. It has both live and on-demand content, plus it's easy to stream from many devices, making it an easy and affordable option for cord-cutters.

Is it an overstatement to say that this is the bundle to end all bundles? Probably, but it sure is a strong deal, one positioned to beat Xfinity's Netflix + Apple TV + Peacock bundle, which is still $2 cheaper, mind you. The Disney+ + Hulu + Max bundle combines all of the streaming services' on-demand content (no Hulu with Live TV here, sadly) and offers them in two tiers: With Ads, which costs $16.99/month, and No Ads, which costs $29.99/month. If you were to subscribe to them separately, they’d cost $26 and $49 respectively, so the bundle saves you at least 34% each month, respectively. You can purchase the bundle on any of the three streaming platforms’ websites, but where you can watch them can be quite tricky. To be brief: you can watch Hulu and Disney+ content on each of their apps (they're basically interchangeable), but you can only watch Max films and shows on the Hulu app. You can't watch Hulu or Disney+ on the Max app. As of now, the bundle doesn't offer free trials, but you can cancel your subscription anytime.

When you buy the Disney+ bundle, you get a little bit for everyone in the family: Disney originals for the kids, Hulu for the adults (cult series, comedies, and so much more), and then ESPN+ for the sports fans in the family. It's an interesting package to have either alone or on top of, for example, one more streaming service such as Netflix. The basic bundle trio includes ads, but you remove them when you switch to the premium version of this bundle.

The most popular Disney+ bundle is the trio bundle, which combines Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for the reasonable price of $12.99/month. But if you don't care much for sports, we're here to tell you that you can actually get a leaner (and cheaper!) deal with just Disney+ and Hulu. It's called the Disney+ Bundle Duo and it gives you access to Disney+'s family-friendly hits as well as Hulu's more contemporary original movies and TV shows. As of this writing, the bundle doesn't allow you to download titles, and you'll have to upgrade to pricier tiers if you want to avoid the ads, but at $10.99/month, it does give you up to 37% in savings compared to purchasing each service separately. Not a bad deal if you're after a good mix of blockbuster and indie fare.

If you have an American Express Platinum card, you can get up to $20 in credit statement when you sign up for a Disney+ subscription directly on the site using your card. This applies to all of Disney+'s offered services, whether it's their most basic, ad-supported on-demand service, which costs $8/month, or their premium bundle that combines Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN+, which can cost up to $20/month. Availing of the Disney+ AMEX bundle lets you save up on these streaming costs and could help you rack up to $240 in annual savings. Just don't forget to enroll your card on AMEX's site, and you should be ready to enjoy this bundle's benefits.

The Disney+ No Ads Bundle, also known as Disney Trio Premium, allows you to watch Disney+ and Hulu without ads, though there'll still be a couple on your ESPN+ subscription. Apart from reducing ads, the premium bundle also lets you download movies and TV episodes, so you can watch them on the go. Depending on your needs, paying an extra $10/month for the premium Disney+ bundle could be a worthy addition to your streaming lineup.