Crackle is one of the most popular free, ad-supported streaming services. With a decent selection of movies, TV shows, and original programming, it offers a compelling option for cord-cutters. But is Crackle really worth your time? This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about Crackle in 2024.
Overview
Crackle is an on-demand streaming service owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. It offers ad-supported access to a catalog of movies, TV shows, and some original series and films.
Key Takeaways:
- Completely free streaming service with ads
- Good selection of movies and some well-known TV shows
- Over 30 original series and 20 original movies
- Compatible with most devices including iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, gaming consoles
- Video quality limited to 480p
- Creates personalized watchlists and resume playback
Crackle’s Background
Crackle originated in 2004 as Grouper, offering free video streaming supported by ads. Sony purchased Grouper in 2006, rebranding it as Crackle. After over a decade as a Sony property, Crackle was sold to Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment in 2019.
Despite new ownership, Crackle has remained a free streaming option, relying on advertisements to generate revenue instead of subscriptions. This ad-supported model allows Crackle to offer its content without charging users.
As more companies have entered the streaming space, Crackle has increasingly focused on exclusive original programming to differentiate itself, including shows featuring names like Martin Lawrence, Joey Coco Diaz, and Ashton Kutcher.
Content Library
Crackle offers an extensive on-demand library with a mix of movies, classic TV shows, and original programming:
Movies
With over 500 movies in its catalog, Crackle features well-known Hollywood hits like:
- Taxi Driver
- Concussion
- Black Mass
- Fantastic Four
- SWAT
- Are We There Yet?
- The Last Picture Show
The movie selection rotates frequently as licensing agreements expire. However, Crackle has inked deals with major studios like Lionsgate, Miramax, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures and Universal Studios to ensure a steady pipeline of films.
Television Series
Crackle’s TV lineup covers classic shows to more recent hits like:
- Seinfeld
- Hell’s Kitchen
- The Shield
- Charlie’s Angels
- Starsky and Hutch
- Blue Mountain State
- Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee
Compared to the movie selection, Crackle’s catalog of TV series is more limited. But it includes acclaimed comedies, dramas, and animated series.
Original Programming
As a key differentiator from other free streaming platforms, Crackle has invested heavily in developing original content.
Crackle’s original programming spans comedies, dramas, movies and more:
- The Oath: Drama series produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson starring Ryan Kwanten and Cory Hardrict.
- StartUp: Drama thriller starring Adam Brody and Martin Freeman about a controversial tech startup.
- Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee: Jerry Seinfeld’s popular talk show.
- Rob Riggle’s Ski Master Academy: Comedy series starring Rob Riggle.
- Party Boat: Original movie about a party cruise ship starring Brett Davern, Katrina Bowden, and Jay Mohr.
With over 30 original series and 20 original films, Crackle has carved out a niche for exclusive programming you won’t find elsewhere.
Supported Devices
Crackle offers apps for most major streaming platforms and mobile devices:
- Smart TVs: LG, Samsung, Vizio
- Streaming Devices: Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku – Learn how to get Crackle working on Fire Stick
- Game Consoles: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Mobile: Android phones/tablets, iPhones/iPads – Check out fixes for issues with Crackle on Apple TV
- Web Browsers
If Crackle isn’t pre-loaded on your smart TV or streaming device, you can easily download the app from your platform’s store.
Crackle also supports casting content from your mobile device to compatible TVs. For example, iPhone users can cast videos from the Crackle app to any TV with AirPlay enabled.
Streaming Quality
Crackle’s biggest limitation is that video streams are capped at 480p resolution. So you won’t have access to HD or 4K video quality. This 480p limit applies across all supported devices.
The lower quality makes sense given that Crackle is ad-supported rather than subscription-based. But it pales in comparison to premium rivals like Netflix and Hulu that offer HD and 4K.
On the bright side, we found streaming performance reliable even at 480p. Movies and shows loaded quickly with very few buffering issues or interruptions on both mobile and TV platforms.
Just don’t expect an HD viewing experience comparable to leading paid services. 480p quality is the cost of free access.
Features
As you would expect for a free service, Crackle comes with fewer features than premium alternatives. But it still includes some nice conveniences:
Account Profiles
While watching Crackle doesn’t require an account or login, creating a free profile unlocks added functionality.
With a Crackle profile you can:
- Create multiple profiles for personalized watchlists and recommendations
- Resume playback across devices
- Add content to a “Watch Later” queue for shows to view later
- Receive notifications on new content releases
Parental Controls
Crackle provides basic parental control options to restrict mature content and implement PIN restrictions.
In your account settings you can toggle on parental controls then set a PIN. This requires confirming your age before viewing age-restricted content.
The controls are relatively basic but do add a layer of protection for families.
Limited Downloads
Crackle allows you to temporarily download select movies and episodes for offline viewing. But there are severe limitations:
- Only possible on Android and iOS mobile apps
- Downloads expire after 30 days
- Limited number of downloads per month before needing to delete existing ones
So Crackle’s offline access should not be viewed as equivalent to the more robust downloading options offered by Netflix and Prime Video. But it’s useful in a pinch when you lack an internet connection.
Advertisements
As a free streaming service, Crackle relies on advertisements to generate revenue. So you will experience commercials during programming.
In our testing, Crackle inserted 2-3 ad breaks per hour of content. Breaks ranged from 60 to 120 seconds, typically showing 4-5 shorter video ads each.
Total ad time is still less than traditional cable TV. But viewers should expect regular commercial interruptions similar to Hulu’s base plan.
On the positive side, Crackle does limit ads before you start streaming a movie or show. Typically you will view just one 30 second ad before your content begins, which is far less frustrating than being forced to watch 5+ minutes of ads upfront.
Below is a snapshot of the ad frequency and placement to expect:
| Content Type | Ad Frequency |
|---|---|
| Movies | 30 second pre-roll ad 2-3 ad breaks per hour ranging 60-120 seconds |
| 1 Hour TV Shows | 30 second pre-roll ad 3-4 ad breaks per hour ranging 60-120 seconds |
Pricing
The best thing about Crackle is that it is 100% free!
There are no subscription fees, hidden charges, or limitations imposed on free members. You can stream unlimited movies, TV shows, and Crackle original programming at no cost.
The only price you pay is dealing with advertisements during your viewing sessions. But that’s an acceptable trade-off considering the quality content available for free.
For budget-conscious streamers or those wanting to avoid another monthly subscription, it’s tough to beat Crackle’s value.
Crackle Pros and Cons
Before deciding if Crackle fits your streaming needs, here is a full breakdown of its advantages and limitations:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Completely free streaming | Limited streaming quality (480p max video) |
| No subscription or fees | Ads interrupt viewing frequently |
| Compatible with most devices | Smaller content library than top services |
| Good selection of major Hollywood movies | No downloading for most content |
| Original programming not available elsewhere | Limited features and settings |
| Handy resume playback capability |
FAQs
Below we answer some of the most common questions regarding Crackle:
Does Crackle have ads?
Yes. Crackle relies on advertisements to generate revenue since it does not charge subscription fees like Netflix or Hulu. Viewers should expect ads before and during programming.
How much does Crackle cost?
Crackle is 100% free. There are no subscription costs or fees. You only need to watch ads that play during content.
Does Crackle have an app?
Yes. Crackle offers free apps for iOS devices, Android devices, Fire TV, Roku, smart TVs, game consoles, and other platforms. Simply download the app from your device’s app store.
Is Crackle worth it?
As a free streaming option, Crackle provides excellent value. It may lack premium features and HD streaming quality, but costs nothing to access a decent library of movies, TV shows, and some originals. For cord cutters on a tight budget, Crackle is certainly worth trying out.
What devices support Crackle?
Crackle is available on most major platforms: iOS, Android, Fire TV, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox, smart TVs, and web browsers. Check out their list of supported devices.
Can you watch Crackle on TV?
Yes. Crackle has apps for all mainstream smart TV brands, streaming devices, and game consoles. Alternatively, you can cast Crackle from your phone to compatible TVs.
The Final Verdict
Crackle proves you don’t need a premium subscription to enjoy high quality streaming entertainment. For a free service, it offers an impressive library of Hollywood movies, classic TV shows, and original programming.
While you should not expect the streaming experience of more expensive rivals, Crackle is the best free option on the market today. And it’s compatible with virtually any device you own.
If cutting costs is your priority, give Crackle a try in 2024. Just have realistic expectations regarding video quality and ad interruptions.
Check out some alternatives if Crackle doesn’t meet your needs.
What questions do you still have about Crackle? Let me know in the comments!
