Premium and free ethical porn for the sexually conscious

Ah, a well-intentioned pervert’s greatest moral dilemma: free porn or ethical porn? The unhappy truth is, it’s hard to find free ethical porn online that doesn’t come at a human cost.

Ethical porn sites are dubbed such because the producers can assure viewers that all cast and crew are treated well and paid fairly for their work. In order for studios to afford this, they need you to pay for your porn! But it can be difficult to enjoy the best ethical porn sites when you don’t have disposable income.

Fortunately, homemade porn production has created space for porn at all different price tags– all you have to do is find one that fits your needs. So whether you’re rolling large or floating this month on charge, we’ve got all your options for principled porn in your price range.

What is ethical porn?

You’ll sometimes hear “ethical porn” more aptly referred to as “fair trade porn”. It’s a label for productions that pay their performers fairly and create a safe, organically pleasurable environment on set.

But it may seem hard for consumers to know what studios are like behind-the-scenes. “One of the most common questions I’m asked is, ‘How can I be sure what I’m watching was ethically produced?’ […]the simplest answer is that paying for porn is the most direct way to ensure key ethical production values.” adult performer and producer Jiz Lee says on their website.

Jiz Lee in the original series “Fragments” at Lust Cinema

The ethics of representation

One major difference between “ethical porn” and mainstream porn has less to do with mission statements and more to do with casting. When watching mainstream porn, most of us don’t think “Hey, that person looks like me!”

Many ethical porn sites are body, race, gender, and age inclusive. “Ethical porn” is also a way to indicate that the site is more representative.

In fact, the category term often signifies that it’s feminist porn, queer porn, or sometimes porn for women. These sites and studios are often run by or working with people of color, indigenous, and Black porn creators.

Okay, but is free ethical porn a thing?

There are plenty of people who want to supporting adult content but can’t always afford it. Others are living in a strict household where even a discreet “CCBill” charge leads to uncomfortable questions.

Many of these viewers belong to marginalized queer and BIPOC communities and have a real need to see themselves represented in the body politic of porn. Fortunately, many independent creators who make this kind of inclusive porn have created ways to make content more accessible, and sometimes even free.

Some sites feature sliding scale membership rates, or options to rent or buy films individually. A few offer free partnered clip content, and even a small selection of rotating free films.

Jade Phillips & Ramses Rodstein at TROUBLEfilms

The ethics of ‘ethical porn’

Some creators take issue with use of the word “ethical” as a label. Like the term “porn for women“, “ethical porn” has become an advertising buzzword. It gets the SEO traction that independent studios need to be successful.

But what does it mean to be ethical? How do you standardize something like ‘ethics’ through an entire industry? And how will you be able to watch porn again without experiencing a full-blown sexistential crisis worrying about ethics instead of cumming?

William Jackson Harper in "Jeremy Bearemy" Season 3, Episode 5 of The Good Place
Ethics professor Chidi (William Jackson Harper) mid-existential crisis in The Good Place

According to Vex Ashley in a 2019 blog post, “I’d like to think that everyone making porn […] thinks they’re doing it ‘ethically’,” she writes, “–but that’s exactly it, ethics are essentially subjective – […] it’s all based in our own moral values, culture and perspective.”

Ethical… and everything else

There’s also an implication that any porn that isn’t labeled as “ethical” is inherently unethical. Mainstream porn certainly could be more representative, and the porn as an industry has had more than its share of abuse problems. But assuming that every large, mainstream studio set is unethical is a dangerous leap.

It’s unfair for us to paint a lot of hard-working, business-savvy porn stars as victims. Our language has an impact on our attitudes, and our attitudes can shape real legislation here in the U.S. For example, look at the passage of SESTA/FOSTA, a the notorious bill that has drastically impacted consensual sex workers while doing very little to protect them.

Where to watch premium & free ethical porn

1. Best ethical porn site for original content: ManyVids

Scene from a Bryon DuBois original for the ethical porn site ManyVids. Image shows a bare butt against a cracked windshield.
Byron DuBois in Lust Garden’s film “Gold & Rust” on ManyVids

In November 2018, ManyVids came up with a solution to piracy and viruses on porn tube sites: MV Tube. Billing it as “the world’s first free and ethical tube site,” ManyVids introduced MV Tube as part of a larger “movement” for free independent porn uploaded only by performers and creators. Adult content creators are welcome to upload anything from clip previews to interviews to full-sized videos.

MV Tube features relatively competitive payout rates, too. In February, ManyVids increased the ethical tube site’s payout to $0.67 for every collective 1,000 views per month.

ManyVids has no ads, and the company vows to remove pirated videos. They believe that “stolen content hurts all of us and has a negative effect on everyone in the industry.”

MV Tube is easily the best tube site on our list for one simple reason: it puts control in the performers’ hands. It’s expansive, pays models decently, gives users a wide selection of kinky and vanilla categories, and is relatively easy to navigate.

Just type “MV Tube” into the ManyVids search bar and you’ll find free content uploaded by some of your favorite stars with no monthly recurring membership fees! Feeling like treating yourself? Follow your favorite MV Tube stars and spring for exclusive paid content as you’re able.

2. Best ethical porn site for free clips: Bellesa.co

Jane Wilde rides Seth Gamble in the Bellesa House series by Bellesa Film
Jane Wilde & Seth Gamble in the Bellesa House series by Bellesa Films

Bellesa.co began by collecting free porn clips, but the clips were originally pirated. After being called out by sex workers and journalists, the site build got an ethical makeover.

Today, Bellesa.co shares free ethical porn clips through partnerships with distributors and studios like Nubile Films, Sweet Sinner, Vixen, and more. You can find sensual porn, rough sex, BDSM, orgies, and even gay or lesbian porn. And you’ll get access to free blog content, erotica, and their online sex toy store.

Free clips are the bee’s knees. But maybe you can afford to pay for your porn! If you love the collective enough to put a monthly-recurring ring on it, Bellesa.co has an original studio, Bellesa Films.

In their series Bellesa House, stars choose partners they most want to have sex with. The resulting sex is fire. Watching the cast work closely with director Jackie St. James adds to the charm, and gives viewers a peek inside of the site’s production atmosphere.

Bellesa makes beautiful films with high-quality sex, yes. But once again, the site could do for some ethical evolution. You don’t see much in the way of body diversity across the site. Worse, many of the plot lines have problematic power dynamics and concepts of consent.

Bellesa’s new direction is a far cry from its messy start. It’s still one of the best ethical tube sites for folks who want to get off and feel good about it.

3. Best ethical porn site for queer content: QueerPornTV

Chelsea Poe & Misteress Bella Vendetta in TROUBLEfilms' "The Training of Poe" shows how dirty ethical porn can be as one performer is tied up, leashed and asked to drink out of a water bowl on all fours.
Chelsea Poe & Misteress Bella Vendetta in TROUBLEfilms’ “The Training of Poe”

Queer porn icon Courtney Trouble built a network of ethical porn sites that seek to serve the LGBTQ+ community. Putting emphasis on queer people seeing their pleasure represented in film, she created TROUBLEfilms, Queer Porn TV., and IndiePornRevolution.

The sites explore and glorify queer sexuality, including kinks and modes of body exploration and expression. The sites also have some exceptionally broad-spectrum educational porn!

Trouble believes that representation is essential to the wellbeing of queers. QPTV FREE is a rotating selection of five films offered at no charge. If you’re interested in going premium, TROUBLEfilms allows you access to the whole network for one price, and the site offers sliding scale monthly subscriptions.

4. Ethical porn that offers niche storytelling: Lust Cinema

Maria Riot & Dante Dionys share a kiss in the XConfessions film “Sex Work is Work: Part 1”
Maria Riot & Dante Dionys in the XConfessions film “Sex Work is Work: Part 1”

Erika Lust has created an empire of high-quality sex films that are uniquely cinematic and inclusive. In addition to directing her own films, Lust collects works by other directors with a similar artistic vision.

Lust clearly puts a strong emphasis on authentically pleasurable sex, which makes for steamy watching. She also casts superstar performers with diverse bodies, genders, ages, and racial identities.

Lust Films is a great example of ethical subjectivity in porn. In 2018, one of the performers reported a director’s abuse of power that lead to violations of consent. Lust publicly acknowledged and apologized for the abuse, assuring performers of their right and responsibility to hold their own boundaries, and severing ties with the director in question.

The response wasn’t unequivocally wrong or right, and doing your research is the only way to determine the best ethical porn sites. Ultimately, they’re up to your moral standard.

Lust’s film network includes three different sites. Lust Cinema collects Lust originals along with content by studios like JoyBear, Adam & Eve, and Wicked Pictures. Else Cinema specializes in softcore porn, and  XConfessions features short films inspired by confessions submitted anonymously by viewers.

Membership costs to each site vary. Lust Cinema membership grants you access to Else Cinema, and you can add an XConfessions membership for $2.95/mo.

If you’re not exclusively into secret smut or soft-core, the Lust Cinema bundle is a steal. Looking to treat yourself to a dirty movie night but your budget doesn’t allow for recurring memberships? You can also buy films individually at the Erika Lust store.

5. Best site for free ethical porn: Pornhub Premium

Femdomommy, verified performer at Pornhub shows off her legs
Femdomommy, verified performer at Pornhub

Wait, Pornhub hosts ethical porn? Well… sort of.

Pornhub is practically an after-dark household name. Because of its popularity, creators who post their own work on the site can make a name for themselves.

In December 2020 the site eliminated unverified accounts, disabled downloads, and created a moderation panel in an effort to ensure that nonconsensual content wouldn’t be posted. Performers and sex worker advocates have been demanding the tube site institute these policies for a long time to protect their content from being repeatedly stolen and posted to the site.

Good, right? Well… again, sort of.

Sadly, the change wasn’t in response to the performers who keep the platform afloat. Instead, the change came swiftly in response to a New York Times article about two underage teens whose videos were posted on the site.

Unfortunately, most of the language in the article comes directly from Traffickinghub, an organization with ties an evangelical anti-sex group called Exodus Cry. Traffickinghub aims to shut the tube site down entirely, claiming to protect people from being exploited by Pornhub’s laissez faire moderation policies. The organization claims they aren’t a anti-porn, but their crusade proposes no strategies to protect the mass of sex workers who depend on the site for vital income.

The moral panic surrounding the article caused Visa and Mastercard to removed payment from the site. This means the site will default to cryptocurrency, making it largely inaccessible to performers and users alike.

Time will tell if creators are able to continue using the site or are forced to find Pornhub alternatives with less online presence. As the ethical landscape of Pornhub changes minute-by-minute, the site can be a resource for finding independent stars and supoorting them on sex worker-friendly platforms like OnlyFans.

6. Ethical porn with the most diversity: PinkLabel.tv

Mona Wales, Lotus Lain, & Logan Pierce cuddle on a bed in Pink & White Productions’ film “Chemistry Eases the Pain” on PinkLabel.tv
Mona Wales, Lotus Lain, & Logan Pierce in Pink & White Productions’ film “Chemistry Eases the Pain” on PinkLabel.tv

PinkLabel.tv offers a medley of pornographic content organized like a pink version of Netflix. Viewers can browse progressively sexy genres like “BIPOC Porn” and “The feminist porn gaze”.

The variations in content, genders, and bodies on PinkLabelTV are representative and empowering. These are real-ass people having real-ass sex. Narratives deal topics of consent and kink, gender identity, eco-sexuality, and sexual orientation.

The team at PinkLabel also sponsors some feminist and queer porn awards. The site often uses it platform to elevate other indie studios’ crowdfunding efforts. Pink Label’s film collection is curated to “expand our notions of adult film,” and a well-known guidepost for anyone wondering “what is ethical porn?”

Everything on the site speaks to the idiosyncrasies of sexuality. PinkLabel’s library is a viable porn selection for those who are thoughtfully thot. This smut library also includes some of the best ethically-sourced educational and vintage porn. Don’t miss Crashpad Series, the story of a secret apartment where sexy queer folx go to get it on.

7. Best ethical porn site for kinksters: Kink.com

King Noire plays with toys in bed while Bad Kitty licks her hand in Royal Fetish Films' "Milk Bath for Kitty" on Kink.com
King Noire & Bad Kitty in Royal Fetish Films’ “Milk Bath for Kitty” on Kink.com

Kink.com is one of the most iconic kinky ethical porn sites in existence. This subversive film empire has been a BDSM staple since before 2000. Kink hosts films from studios like Wasteland BDSM, Digital Sin, Royal Fetish Films, and more.

Over the years, Kink has collected a massive library with some of the most diverse and transgressive content the internet will allow. One of the site’s trademark features are the pre and post-scene interviews, where performers are encouraged to honestly share their feelings regarding their scene.

The site also has some strong policies outlined in its model bill of rights, which was revamped in 2015 after popular Kink performer James Deen was accused of sexual assault. The bill specifies boundary and pay policies, like the use of a house safe word, or the prorated pay policy. Prorated pay means that stars don’t feel pressured to violate their own thresholds due to fear of not being paid.

Kink is a subscription-based site, so it’s a solid choice if you’re open to a budget commitment for nearly-infinite content. It also doesn’t collect your data like some ad-based sites, because your privacy is a priority. Kink’s interface is plain but it’s easy enough to navigate.

Do you like your ethical porn sites with a little edging, bondage, or electro-shock fun? Kink.com may be the best ethical porn site for you.

8. Ethical porn that focuses on intimacy and sensuality: Bright Desire

Kali Sudra & Parker Marx cuddle on a couch in Bright Desire’s “Linger”
Kali Sudra & Parker Marx in Bright Desire’s “Linger”

Filmmaker Ms. Naughty calls her site a center for “thinking porn”. The site’s films focus on the most endearing parts of sex shared by intimate partners. The films at Bright Desire aren’t just meant to arouse the viewer physically, but emotionally as well.

The site features mostly heterosexual sex, although there are some queer videos, too. The performers are also pretty diverse with films celebrating BIPOC and mature couples having sex in lightly-scripted scenarios. There are also whole collections of interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, post-scene interviews with performers, mini-documentaries, and erotic fiction and more.

The site aims to make the porn production process more transparent for the viewer. Ms. Naughty acknowledges that “there is no official guide for making good, ethical porn,” she refers to her ethical practices as an “ongoing process” that has “evolved over the years.” The feminist porn site’s about page features a well-worded summary of those ethical production values to help you decide if Bright Desire is the ethical porn site you’ve been yearning for.

9. Ethical porn for film lovers: Ciné Sinclaire

AnnaBelle Lee & James Darling use a strap on in bed for Ciné Sinclaire's film "Quiver" on PinkLabel.tv
AnnaBelle Lee & James Darling in Ciné Sinclaire’s film “Quiver” on PinkLabel.tv

Ciné Sinclaire specializes in creating deeply intimate films that border on personal documentaries. Scene setting and conversations about boundaries and desires create deeply moving films from this Canadian studio. You’ll get cinematic glimpses of lauded indie porn stars like Jiz Lee, Bishop Black, and Kali Sudhra.

Filmmaker Kate Sinclaire has created a diverse, uplifting, body positive space for performers to share their pleasure with the audience. It’s an experience that shouldn’t be missed. Rentals have suggeted prices based on your budget, or you can create a price that works for you.

While you’ll find three of the studio’s films on PinkLabel’s streaming service, the studio has about 20 more exclusive films on their site, and a few great films from other studios like altSHIFT and TROUBLEfilms. With free membership that allows featured rentals, there’s no reason not to check it out.

10. Ethical porn for couples: Couples Cinema

Nat Portnoy in altSHIFTS's film "Possession" on Couples Cinema
Nat Portnoy in altSHIFTS’s film “Possession” on Couples Cinema

Are you and a partner are looking for a more sensual watch in the spirit of togetherness? Look no further than Couples Cinema. This beautifully curation of female friendly porn hosts videos from some of the most visually engaging film makers in ethical porn.

The site is simple to navigate and sports a reasonably priced monthly subscription, which includes a limited number of films. Then you can pay to unlock more films from inclusive, feminist studios like like JoyBear and Foxhouse Films.

Once you unlock a premium film, it’s yours for the duration of your subscription. Couples Cinema is a perfect option if you want porn for couples without the trouble of sifting through for quality.

11. Best ethical porn site for homemade porn: Lustery

Hanna & Jin caress each other nude on a bed.
Hanna & Jin, performers at Lustery

This site is a homemade sex jewel, featuring real-life couples who want to share their sexuality with the world. The site’s format has a similar user-submitted vibe as other amateur porn sites but with a more curated feel.

Paulita Pappel is a self-proclaimed exhibitionist and voyeur, and she created Lustery in the name of “reclaiming your own gaze”. Seeing relatable, intimate homemade sex on the site is an empowering experience for performers and viewers at the same time.

Lustery also hosts both the POV blog and podcast, where you can get to know couples from the site and other industry pioneers. Both blog and podcast are incredible sources for current outlooks on sexual health, culture, and identity.

12. Priciest ethical porn: Cinema Joy

Bishop Black & Harry in "Genderfuck", a short film for Petra Joy's collection "Come Together"
Bishop Black & Harry in “Genderfuck”, a short film for Petra Joy’s collection “Come Together”

Using her background in documentary filmmaking, Petra Joy’s erotic films have focused on intimate portrayals of sexuality and lifestyle since 2004. Joy has been the recipient of some major awards in the indie porn realm, including the Feminist Porn Award, the Trans Award, and the Cinekink Award. The site’s library features over a hundred films, both by Petra Joy and by contributing indie creators.

Joy doesn’t have a specific ethics statement on the site, but has spoken to her ideology on various platforms over the years. Her cast of collaborators and the nature of her stories give the viewer a sense of the atmosphere behind the camera. The only flaw at Cinema Joy is the price-point: without any free trial options, it’s difficult to get a lay of the landscape before you commit to the monthly membership fee.

13. Ethical porn for women: FrolicMe

Rome & Jasmine wrapped in each others arms for the FrolicMe film "Her Mission"
Rome & Jasmine in the FrolicMe film “Her Mission”

FrolicMe is a Jill-of-all-trades when it comes to female-friendly porn and pleasure. In addition to HD videos, the site has a gallery of high-quality photos, erotic readings, and audio porn stories. Some of the stories give you a detailed backstory, immersing you in the characters before plunging into the sexy bits.

Some films drop you into a sex scene, leaving the characters to guide you through the sensations they’re experiencing. If you’re into smutty words written by a woman, be sure to browse FrolicMe’s archive of free erotic stories.

The site will almost exclusively feature thin, white cis-women romping with conventionally built, white cis-men. If you’re looking for representation, you’d do better to read the erotica and use your imagination.

14. For ethical porn that celebrates pleasure in all of its forms: JoyBear

two female performers share a kiss in the pool

In 2003, Justin Santos started filming sex in a way that celebrated real pleasure. Since then, JoyBear has grown into an ultimately naughty British library of smut films. The site’s creator lays out his ethical ideas on JoyBear’s about page, with standard highlights such as fair and timely pay and a respectful, consensual atmosphere behind the camera.

The company’s journal has a ton of behind-the-scenes footage and pictures that illustrate a lot about the positive vibes coming from their sets, providing not just assurance, but more quality, feel-good entertainment for conscious viewers.

15. Best ethical site for aesthetic porn: Four Chambers

Velvet & Crow  in Four Chambers' original film "CRASH"
Velvet & Crow in Four Chambers’ original film “CRASH”

Four Chambers is a stunningly filmed and very unorthodox take on the presentation of modern porn. Creator Vex Ashley is an adult film star whose background in photography influences the site’s edgy aesthetic. Each film features sharp color and light contrasts, visceral close-ups, and narratives dripping with mythological or religious imagery.

The films beautifully highlight diverse performers, vivid imagery, and unconventional presentations of sex. A Four Chambered Heart is porn that bleeds into high art. Between its stylized videos and photosets, this site will get you the most artistic flair for your dollar.

16. Ethical porn that starts slow and finishes steamy: Sssh.com

Stephie & Dave in the film "Consensual"
Stephie & Dave in the film “Consensual”

Okay, do you have a small fan nearby? Great. Put on something gauzy, flip that switch on high, and point that fan directly at your face. It’s time to dive click-first into digital romance novel vibes courtesy of the creators at Sssh.com.

The site’s female friendly porn centers around intimacy and female pleasure. The films are cis-normative, but still highly imaginative. In addition to beautiful, original films, Sssh also hosts written content discussing sexual health and culture. The site is tricky to search, but browsing is fanciful, sexy, and fun.

17. Best ethical porn site for celebrating body hair: Naughty Natural

Rion Rhodes & Valentine Von Bettie in Naughty Natural's film "Big Clit Licker"
Rion Rhodes & Valentine Von Bettie in Naughty Natural’s film “Big Clit Licker”

Naughty Natural might be your mother’s idea of feminist porn, and we mean that in the best way. This niche ethical porn site celebrates natural hair and the people who love it. You’ll find both straight and lesbian scenes taking place in the home and outdoors.

Scenes serve a wholistic sex vibe that embraces every uniqueness of the human body. Category selections range from your standard tags to fan-requested specialities, like women proudly sporting facial and body hair. The performers talk about and worship their costars body hair, creating a very body-positive and empowering viewing experience. There’s also a decent amount of free ethical porn available in the form of photos and previews.

18. Ethical outdoor porn: AORTA Films

Garnet Lake & Roxanne Drip in AORTAfilms' "Teen Angels"
Garnet Lake & Roxanne Drip in AORTAfilms’ “Teen Angels”

AORTA Films is an indie porn festival golden child.  Boldly queer and diverse, beautifully filmed and performed, AORTA self-identifies its content as a celebration of “lusty, opulent, queer fuckery”. The site has a particular love for outdoor porn, but also creates beautiful bondage, food, and even dance-related ethical porn.

Signing up for access to the site is a no muss, no fuss process. Membership isn’t charged through the typical porn site payment collection companies that make your purchases hard to track. Instead, the site is supported through Patreon, making it potentially more discreet. You can easily write it into your budget as support of the arts (which it absolutely is.)

19. Best ethical adult site for real-life, unscripted sex: MakeLoveNotPorn

leonadelioness, creators at MakeLoveNotPorn
leonadelioness, creators at MakeLoveNotPorn

Cindy Gallup is the creator of MakeLoveNotPorn. She doesn’t refer to the videos on the site as porn, but says that they’re a celebration of real-life sex. Her mantra “pro-sex, pro-porn, and pro knowing the difference” blurs the semantic lines of amateur porn in the best way.

Instead of hiring performers to perform scripted sex, MakeLoveNotPorn sources real sex tapes from real, everyday people. MLNP calls itself the world’s first social sex platform, and that sex-positive attitude shines in every video. Scroll through the curated collections like “MakeMeTimeLove” or browse the site’s whimsical tags like #giggly, #yes!yes!yes! and #procrasturbation.

Contributors receive half of all rental fees. The site’s requirements for submission are standard: photo IDs, consent of all parties, and because it’s real world sex, the pleasure is organic and very equitable. Best of all, membership to MakeLoveNotPorn is free, and from there you can rent individual videos for $5 each.

Rental structure makes it a great supplement to a subscription when you want a special treat. The only risk involved in joining this non-porn ethical porn site? MLNP’s content might make you want to submit your own porn!

Syd Wilder looking at the camera.

The fansite model isn’t anything new, but OnlyFans is its most popular iteration by far. What makes OnlyFans so great for consumers (and, more specifically, for ethical porn fans) is how the site’s run. Sex workers create their own fan page and can set their own prices, giving models them far more control over what material is posted and how they’re compensated.

On OnlyFans, adult models create and run their own page where they can either post content for free, share specific posts under a pay-per-view system, or invite fans to subscribe for a monthly fee.

Performers generally run their own page or hire out a small team to help them navigate it, essentially giving sex workers far more control over how adult material is created, presented, and shared. Additionally, OnlyFans creators receive an 80 percent payout, which is particularly high by industry standards.

When you subscribe to a model’s OnlyFans, you’re essentially giving them funds in one of the most direct ways possible. The only downside is that you’ll have to subscribe to specific models’ pages independently; the best way to find them is through Twitter, Instagram, ManyVids, and other social media sites.