Showbox has been one of the most popular media streaming apps for watching movies, TV shows and live sports on Android and iOS devices. However, the Showbox official app has been unavailable for some time as it faced copyright blocks.
If you are searching for apps like Showbox to enjoy unlimited free video entertainment, then you have good options!
In this post, I will cover the top 13 alternatives to Showbox apps that offer similar video streaming functionality.
13 App Similar to Showbox for Android and iOS
1. Popcorn Time
Popcorn Time is an open source multi-platform BitTorrent client allowing users to watch movies and shows for free. It offers a Netflix-like interface pulling torrents from various sites and playing them.
It streams high-quality video content. Everything from the latest Bollywood and Hollywood movies to popular shows can be accessed.
The availability of older classics along with the latest cinema releases makes them a top choice alternative to consider.
2. PopcornFlix
Owned by Screen Media Ventures, Popcornflix is an ad-supported streaming platform with a neat interface available as website and mobile app. It hosts some of the biggest Hollywood franchises and award-winning independent films.
As it officially licenses content, it provides a safer streaming experience compared to unauthorized Showbox.
You can conveniently browse for movies based on genres. Streams load swiftly in HD quality with minimal ads. Apps are present for iOS, Android, Roku, Xbox and other platforms.
3. Kodi
Kodi is an open-source cross-platform media center software with a passionate community of volunteers offering tips, tools and troubleshooting insights on forums. At it’s base, it lets you easily organise local media libraries on TV/mobile.
Additionally, the system allows installing unofficial third-party addons that expand functionality. This includes piracy-enabled video addons providing free access to movies, shows, live content etc shared online.
With the right setup and configuration, Kodi delivers a feature-packed home entertainment center rivaling commercial offerings.
4. Kanopy
Kanopy facilitates legal on-demand streaming of critically acclaimed movies and documentaries. It has partnered with over 200 colleges and universities to provide students free access using their academic credentials.
The platform possesses 30,000+ titles covering the prestigious Criterion Collection and award winning documentaries from PBS, BBC, Media Education Foundation, and more.
Their library feels like walking through walls of an eclectic DVD store! Simply enter your institution details to watch 4 titles per month for free on the web or their app.
5. Stremio
Stremio markets itself as a modern media center aggregating video content from multiple sources. This open source app curates movies, shows, YouTube videos, live TV in one place.
Some Plugins and Add-ons may facilitate piracy so caution is needed. But Stremio itself just indexes content allowing you to avoid hopping between apps.
The software is available across Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android and iOS. For all your video entertainment needs, it makes for the ideal replacement.
6. Pluto TV
PlutoTV operates on a free ad-supported model streaming 100+ live TV channels encompassing sports, news, movies, shows, health etc. owned by Paramount Global.
The service possesses channel guide functionality resembling traditional cable/satellite television. Their content can be accessed using Android apps, Amazon Fire stick and other streaming devices as well web browsers. If you loved Showbox for its huge content diversity, Pluto TV offers a comparable experience lawfully.
7. Hulu
Hulu is a widely used subscription-based media platform that offers latest American TV shows and movies on-demand, apart from hosting original content.
Starting at $7.99 per month, Hulu features complete series from ABC, Fox, NBC etc minutes after episodes broadcast in USA, making it very alluring for cord-cutters. Hulu offers plans with commercials or no commercials if you desire ad-free streaming (costs extra $4).
8. Crackle
Crackle comes free from Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment with next-day streaming access for new Sony Pictures movie releases and older titles too without needing any login. You just start watching.
The catalog focuses more on films over TV. Genres like action, comedy, crime, horror, thriller all see solid representation. Being tied to SP means occasional new stuff like Escape Room as well lands on Crackle fast.
Showbox users wanting app-free yet legit movie streaming resembling simpler days will appreciate Crackle’s quick viewing access and frequent new Sony content, albeit cluttered with ads. But can’t beat free.
9. Tubi TV
Tubi TV positions itself proudly as the “world’s largest free movie and TV library” that is completely legal. The ad-based platform streams over 20,000 movies and shows with no paid tiers or fees.
Their apps can be installed on Roku, Amazon FireStick, Xbox, Samsung Smart TVs and other devices fitting snugly into your home entertainment setup.
While you get ads, the content diversity for free is unmatched. Tubi TV serves as an excellent alternative to fulfill all your binge-watching needs.
10. TeaTV
TeaTV provides HD streams for 1000+ movies and shows from satellite channels and paywalled platforms. Easily downloadable on Android, it features intuitive touch controls, Trakt sync, external player support and a slick UI.
However, it facilitates piracy of copyrighted content. But users flock to it for gaining unlimited access to new movies and provide chromecast support lacking in Showbox.
Reliable performance combined with a fast streaming engine makes them an appealing alternative.
11. Cinema APK
Cinema APK follows expectations as another Android APK focused on free movies and TV streaming via technically unauthorized sources but works fine albeit with annoyances dealing unstable links.
You won’t find any shortages of content on Cinema APK between the latest cinema releases and older classics. Just prep mentally for lots of patience once streams start battling popups and testing broken sources out.
Unrestricted access with questionable reliability sums up their suitably. But folks able to tolerate the backend flaws can stream an unending all-you-can-eat media buffet rivaling Showbox.
12. CyberFlix TV
CyberFlix TV possesses an aesthetically pleasing interface containing curated content sections together with standard Movies and TV Shows libraries.
The Android-exclusive app allows watching unlimited HD quality streams across devices, though adblock usage is recommended.
With support for multiple players and chrome casting capabilities, it can readily become your Showbox replacement. Frequent updates ensure you can access the latest episodes without any buffering or sudden shutdown issues.
In Closing
In my article, I have discussed the top 13 best apps offering similar functionality for free movie / TV streaming as Showbox did in its glory days before facing shutdown.
Whilst Showbox still remains fondly remembered by streaming enthusiasts, fortunately, its alternatives highlighted by me herein provide equally rich entertainment experiences across mobile devices and TV platforms cost-free.
I hope my curated suggestions for Showbox alternative streaming apps help you resume/continue your binge-watching journey!
Based on your preferences, you can zero in on 2-3 names from my list for installation on your phones, tablets or streaming devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Showbox legal to use?
No. Showbox offered unauthorized streams of copyrighted movies and shows illegally. Users could face piracy fines for watching pirated content or downloading Showbox.
Why is Showbox not working anymore?
Showbox app has been dysfunctional for a while likely due to legal demands that caused shutdown of its services. Showbox developers have also halted app updates making it redundant.
Does Showbox have viruses?
Potentially yes. As Showbox is an illegal streaming app, it can pose privacy/malware risks should users accidentally install a tampered Showbox APK containing trojans or viruses.
