HuraWatch, the famous online platform that allows people to watch movies and TV shows without any cost, is neither legal nor safe. Though it has long been a go-to choice for people searching for “free” streaming of movies and TV shows, it comes with big risks, including legal troubles, malware, and unreliable uptime. Now, if you’re looking for safer hurawatch alternatives to watch or want to build an app people can trust, this guide walks through:
Owing to these serious threats, legal Hurawatch alternatives are safer, more reliable, and generally support content creators.
Here are legal streaming platforms (free / freemium / paid) that are great alternatives of Hurawatch:
| Platform | Free / Paid | What you get | Best For |
| Tubi | Free, ad-supported | Large library of movies & TV, no subscription required. | Watching a variety of genres legally without paying every month. |
| Pluto TV | Free, ad-supported | Both live TV channels + on-demand catalogue. | If you like both channels and movies/shows. |
| Peacock (Free tier) | Freemium | Most of the content is free, access to premium content behind the paywall. | Mix of recent hits + older shows from NBCUniversal. |
| The Roku Channel | Free / Ad-supported | Movies, shows, live channels, all grouped nicely. | If you have Roku devices or want something simple. |
| Kanopy | Free (via library / university) | High-quality indie films & documentaries, no ads. | Education, artsy content, documentaries. |
| Crackle | Free, ads | Classic movies & some original content, reliable brand. | If you want a stable service and don’t need brand-new blockbusters. |
| Legal paid services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime | Paid subscription | Fresh releases, exclusive originals, strong library, reliable streams. | Best experience, best quality, if you’re okay paying. |
When you want to opt for a service that is hassle-free and works best for you, don’t skip considering below-mentioned points:
Check if the platform has licenses? Is it well-known / reputable and legally authorized?
Does it have what you like..? Find out your preferred genre, region, and latest releases.
Free often means ads; subscription gives ad-free, new content. Know what works for you and pick accordingly.
Don’t forget to check the device compatibility. Ensure that the platform supports your phone, tablet, and smart TV, if needed.
Make sure that you can download content and watch it later. This will entertain you even in no internet times.
Choose your desired quality and opt for the app or site that provides the best streaming experience considering, HD / 4K, buffering, and adaptive bitrate.
Always check how much access the platform is requesting. If it is asking for too much personally identifiable information, ensure your data is in safe hands.
If you are thinking beyond using Hurawatch alternatives and want to know what it takes to create a similar platform, read along. With the rapidly increasing population and easy internet access, there is a surge in online content consumption worldwide. The market value of the online video industry is estimated to be around $850 billion by the end of 2027, carrying a growth of approximately 12%. While you are thinking about entering this entertainment sector, here are some key points that you need to figure out to build an app like Hurawatch.
User registration & profiles
Search options, filter & browse (genres, year, language, ratings)
Ensure UX/UI design that is clean, responsive, and works across devices
Video streaming (on-demand) + possibly live streaming
DRM / encryption to protect content rights
Adaptive bitrate streaming (to support different internet speeds)
Provide secure payment integration (subscriptions, in-app purchases)
Know your user behavior, video engagement, and drop-off metrics
Keep your user informed about new releases, updates
This feature holds your user engaged even without the internet.
Easy-to-use admin dashboard / CMS (to upload content, manage metadata, categories)
While there are debates if building a streaming app is profitable, the answer is, yes, most of the time. Together with a strong library of content, good user experience, and legal rights for the content, marketing also plays a crucial role. The revenue model of these platforms is based on advertising and subscription based. The growing popularity of live mobile streaming results in inviting new players in the market, seeking movie streaming app development services.
Check out the primary tech stack and infrastructure components required to be taken into consideration while making an app like Hurawatch.
To answer your query of how much it costs to create a similar platform, here we have summarized an estimated timeline and price range to build an app like Hurawatch.
Time Required: You can get the basic version in around 3-6 months. On the contrary, additional features, live streaming, DRM, and global reach can push that timeframe to 8-12 months or more.
| Scope | Estimated Cost* |
| Basic app (single platform, minimal features) | Approx. US$ 20,000 – 60,000 |
| Mid-level app (iOS + Android + web, solid features, good UI/UX) | Approx. US$ 80,000 – 150,000 |
| Full-featured app with live streaming, offline support, multi-profile, high DRM, perhaps 4K, global reach | Approx. US$ 150,000 – 300,000+ |
Please Note: We are assuming you are doing legal licensing, paying for server infrastructure, design, etc.
Hurawatch may be easy, but the danger is real. Going legal with streaming choices means a safer experience, improved quality, and no legal or security issues to worry about.
If you are planning to create something similar to Hurawatch, it is advisable to do it correctly and legally. Building an app like Hurawatch securely requires planning, investment, and a solid tech foundation. But the reward can be long-term: trust, good word, and sustainable business. Connect Telepathy Infotech to build an app like Hurawatch.
Content Writer
Harshita is a proficient writer specializing in the IT industry. She can simplify complex topics in software development and digital marketing for diverse audiences. Her exceptional writing, editing and proofreading abilities ensure high quality content across blogs, web pages, and technical guides, enhancing communication, marketing and user engagement.