We’ve all had those moments when we wanted to find which streaming service has a specific film or show. Whether you realized you hadn’t seen a classic show after hearing your friends discuss it, or you want to see if your favorite movie is streaming, you can save time by searching multiple streaming services to find what you want to watch.
Mobile Apps and Websites
We downloaded free and freemium apps and only tested the free version. For comparison, we searched each app for the films Citizen Kane and Black Panther, and the TV shows Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and Seinfield.
At the time of writing, Citizen Kane was available through HBO Max, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries through Acorn or Hoopla, Black Panther through Disney+, and Seinfield through Netflix.
Most of the following apps can also help you find shows you want to watch or create your personal movie watch list.
1. JustWatch
JustWatch is a search engine that allows you to search all streaming services at once. You can filter your results by genre, release date, or rating. It includes most major streaming platforms, television networks, niche streaming platforms, sports, and even library platforms like Kanopy. The app correctly identified a streaming service for each test search.
Other features:
- Discover recommendations and trending programs on all your services, so it is worthwhile to indicate which services you use.
- Create a unified watch list.
- Use the app to play the program on your smart TV or streaming box.
- Find streaming sporting events.
- Set alerts for when a show is available for free through one of your platforms.
Download: JustWatch for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
2. Reelgood
Reelgood also features a multi-platform search engine. You can even search by cast or crew. The app even sometimes manages to figure out your search intention if you misspell a film title. This app also correctly identified the streaming services for each test search.
Other features:
- Use the app to play the program on a TV.
- Input the streaming services you use for personalized recommendations as well as updates about content that is new or leaving a platform.
- Custom notification options, including email and push.
- Track when a series you watch gets another season.
- Unified watchlist.
- Social “Search Party” function.
Download: Reelgood for Android | iOS (Free)
3. TV Guide
You may have seen an issue of TV Guide magazine in your doctor’s office waiting room, but you may not realize that the legacy magazine also has an app with a multi-platform search engine. When we tested it, we found the app a little laggy compared to other apps and the ads a little more intrusive. TV Guide found the streaming platforms for each show, except it only found rental options for Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. If you use niche streaming platforms, this app may or may not suit your needs.
Other features:
- Cross-channel menu featuring new, trending, and leaving content.
- Live TV listings
- Unified watchlist.
- TV, film, and streaming entertainment news.
- Contains additional information about a show, including cast, crew, short video clips, genre, and Metascore.
Download: TV Guide for Android | iOS (Free)
4. Yidio
Yidio is a search engine that allows you to search all the best streaming services at once. You can filter your results by genre, release date, or streaming service. While all the apps mentioned are freemium apps, the free version seemed especially limited, and while it found the test shows, the free version didn’t indicate which streaming service to use to watch it.
Other features:
- Custom notification options, including email and push.
- Unified watchlist and IMDB ratings.
Download: Yidio for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
5. Watchworthy
Watchworthy’s search engine focuses on television shows, so if you search for a film, you may not find it. However, if you prefer recommendations with your search, you may enjoy the Watchworthy rating.
It found TV shows but didn’t identify the library-based platform Hoopla as a streaming option. It may be a good option if you only want to search shows and like the recommendation system.
Other features:
- Personalized recommendations if you select your streaming platforms and rate shows you have already watched.
- Custom notification options, including email and push.
- Watchworthy rating and social sharing options.
Download: Watchworthy for Android | iOS (Free)
6. TV Time
Includes major streaming channels, some niche streaming services, and even library-based platforms. TV Time found each test show and identified the correct channels.
Other features:
- Custom notification options, including email and push.
- Push notifications when a show you watched has a new season.
- Leave reviews, including star levels and emojis, for more recommendations.
- Unified watch list.
Download: TV Time for Android | iOS (Free)
7. IMDb
IMDb has been around almost as long as the web. Chances are you used it to look up the name of an actor who looks vaguely familiar or to learn more about that film you just saw. And while the IMDb app gets the job done, it didn’t identify Disney+ as the streaming source for Black Panther and also didn’t identify the library-based platform Hoopla for Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.
Other features:
- Find information about just about any movie or show you can think of, including cast, crew, episode details, and more.
- Unified watch list through the app.
Download: IMDb for Android | iOS (Free)
Other Ways to Search All Streaming Services
8. Your Favorite Search Engine
You can also use a search engine like Google. Simply enter the show you are looking for encased in quotes and “streaming” or “watch online.” This should result in any options visible to Google though you may need to scroll down a list.
9. Your Streaming Device or Setup Box
If you stream through a device like Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV, then your device’s built-in search or mobile app may let you search multiple streaming channels at once. Since each platform varies, you may need to test it with shows that interest you.
Choosing a Streaming Search Option
Each option searches multiple streaming services, though some focus on larger platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
JustWatch, Reelgood, and TV Time each found each show and offered additional features like a unified watch list and notifications when a show is available through one of your preferred streaming services. These apps also compete to be an all-in-one system to manage your streaming services.
While each covers the major paid streaming platforms, you may need to check whether any niche or less mainstream free ad-supported streaming platforms are included in the coverage.