Streaming services have changed the way we watch TV and movies, making it easier than ever to find something to watch without needing a cable subscription. With so many options available, it can be hard to know which service is best for you. This article will break down the major streaming services, explain what each one offers, and help you decide which one fits your needs.
## What Are Streaming Services?
Streaming services let you watch TV shows, movies, and sometimes live TV over the internet. You can watch on your TV, computer, tablet, or phone. Some services focus on movies and TV shows you can watch anytime (on-demand), while others offer live TV channels just like cable. There are also services that mix both.
## Major Streaming Services Compared
Here’s a look at the most popular streaming services, what they offer, and how much they cost. Prices and features can change, so always check the latest details before you sign up.
### Netflix
Netflix is one of the oldest and most popular streaming services. It has a huge library of movies, TV shows, and Netflix Originals—shows and movies made just for Netflix. You won’t find live TV or local channels here. Netflix has different plans, starting at $7.99 per month for a basic plan with ads, up to $24.99 per month for premium plans with more screens and better video quality[1]. Netflix is great if you love binge-watching shows and discovering new movies.
### Hulu
Hulu offers both on-demand shows and a live TV option. The basic Hulu plan starts around $7.99 per month and gives you access to a large library of TV shows and movies, including next-day episodes of many current shows. Hulu + Live TV costs $82.99 per month and adds live channels, local stations, sports, and a cloud DVR[1]. Hulu also has its own original shows. Hulu is a good choice if you want a mix of current TV, movies, and live channels.
### Disney+
Disney+ is perfect for families and fans of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. It costs $9.99 per month or $159.99 per year[1]. Disney+ focuses on on-demand content and does not offer live TV. It’s a must-have if you or your kids love Disney movies and shows.
### Max (formerly HBO Max)
Max offers movies, TV shows, and Max Originals. It has three plans: Basic with ads ($9.99/month), Standard without ads ($16.99/month), and Premium without ads ($20.99/month)[4]. Max is known for high-quality shows like Game of Thrones and The Last of Us. You can also bundle Max with Disney+ and Hulu for a bigger selection[4]. Max is a top pick for fans of HBO shows and blockbuster movies.
### Prime Video
Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership ($14.99/month or $139/year), or you can subscribe to Prime Video alone for $8.99/month[1][4]. It has a large library of movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals. Prime Video also offers some live sports and the option to rent or buy new releases. If you already shop on Amazon, Prime Video is a nice bonus.
### Peacock
Peacock is NBC’s streaming service. It offers a free tier with ads, plus paid plans starting at $7.99/month for more content and fewer ads[4]. Peacock has current NBC shows, classic TV, movies, and live sports like Sunday Night Football. It’s a good option if you like NBC shows or want to watch live sports without cable.
### Apple TV+
Apple TV+ costs $12.99/month and focuses on original shows and movies made by Apple[4]. The library is smaller than other services, but the quality is high. Apple also offers bundles with other Apple services like Music and Arcade. Apple TV+ is best for fans of exclusive, high-quality originals.
### YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service for $82.99/month[1]. It includes major networks, local channels, sports, and a cloud DVR. There are no original shows, but you get a solid lineup of live channels. YouTube TV is a strong alternative to cable if you want live TV without a contract.
### Sling TV
Sling TV is a cheaper live TV option, with plans starting at $45.99/month[1]. It offers different channel packages, so you can choose the ones you want. Local channels are limited, but you get sports, news, and entertainment. Sling TV is a good choice if you want to save money and don’t need every channel.
### DIRECTV Stream
DIRECTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV) offers live TV packages starting at $84.99/month, with premium plans going up to $164.99/month[1]. It includes local channels, sports, and a cloud DVR. DIRECTV Stream is a cable replacement with a wide channel selection, but it’s one of the more expensive options.
### Fubo
Fubo is a sports-focused live TV service starting at $84.99/month[1][2]. It has local channels, sports networks, and a large selection of cable channels. Fubo’s Elite plan ($114.99/month) adds more channels and 4K video[2]. Fubo is the best choice for sports fans who want lots of live games and sports channels.
### Other Services
There are many other streaming services, like Paramount+, AMC+, Discovery+, and free ad-supported services like Tubi and Pluto TV. These can fill gaps in your streaming lineup or provide niche content you can’t find elsewhere.
## How to Choose the Best Streaming Service
Picking the best streaming service depends on what you like to watch and how much you want to spend. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
– **Do you want live TV or just on-demand shows and movies?** If you need live channels for news, sports, or local programming, look at YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DIRECTV Stream, or Fubo. If you only want movies and TV shows to watch anytime, Netflix, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, and Apple TV+ are better choices.
– **What kind of shows and movies do you like?** If you love Disney, Marvel, or Star Wars, Disney+ is a must. If you prefer HBO shows or blockbuster movies, try Max. For a mix of current TV and movies, Hulu or Prime Video are good options.
– **How much do you want to spend?** Prices range from under $10/month for basic plans to over $100/month for premium live TV packages. Think about how many services you really need—sometimes it’s cheaper to rotate subscriptions than to pay for everything at once.
– **Do you care about ads?** Some services offer cheaper plans with ads, while others charge more for ad-free viewing. Decide how much ads bother you and choose accordingly.
– **Do you want to watch on multiple devices or share with family?** Check how many screens each service allows at once. Some let you watch on several devices,
