For this reason, it’s a good choice for budget-conscious viewers looking to cut the cord without sacrificing access to popular live channels or sports. Interestingly, it also offers a customizable and flexible way to watch live TV. Peacock TV doesn’t have as many exclusives as the likes of Netflix or Disney+, but you will also find some movies and TV shows that are only on Peacock, especially around seasonal periods. We think it makes sense for most people to get Premium+, which eliminates ads (with a few exceptions for live broadcasts), adds downloads for offline viewing, but does cost extra. It offers a wide range of content, making it a good alternative to cable and live TV.
Hulu is one of the most interesting options on this list, and its unique nature makes it one of the best streaming services. Unlike the above on-demand services that outrank it, Sling TV is a streaming service to replace cable, offering many of the most popular live TV channels. She oversees the streaming department at Tom's Guide, which includes reviewing and testing streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and more. We took it upon ourselves to test the best streaming services and devices side-by-side. Our picks for the best streaming services and cable alternatives for those considering cord cutting More and more streaming services have woven athletics into their broadcasting.
- HBO Max is one of the youngest streaming services around, having launched in May 2023 after Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) merged HBO Max (its original streaming service launched in 2020) with Discovery.
- NBC is looking to make waves elsewhere, too, with original and live content.
- More and more streaming services have woven athletics into their broadcasting.
- You’ll also have to pay an additional $2.99 monthly for ad-free viewing, even if you’re already a Prime member.
- Just as you treat your favorite music to some outstanding headphones, you should be treating your favorite streaming content to the best services available.
- Its not just quantity over quality either, as the best Prime Video movies and best Prime Video shows allow you to get a lot for your money.
The best streaming service for movies
On the bright side, many services have monthly payment models, meaning you can use one service for a period of time and then switch to another to save money, instead of subscribing to several at once. As a streaming service, though, it's lacking in some regards. Hulu was once the go-to streaming service for those who didn't want to pay for cable.
- Together, Disney+ and Hulu are a great way for customers to watch every Disney live-action movie remake alongside other modern and old classics from Disney as well as every Pixar movie ranked best to worst.
- Apple TV+ continues to expand its comedy library with buddy cop movie Wolfs and murder-mystery comedy Bad Monkey from Ted Lasso co-creator Bill Lawrence that is bound to bring in a large audience.
- In addition, regular Hulu hosts a number of original shows, a selection of offbeat movies and a surprising amount of classic anime series.
- The stream is generally strong no matter how much traffic there is in the household or what device you’re watching from.
- But unlike Netflix, Prime Video’s new shows are seemingly few and far between, as its output rates don’t quite stack up to the big red streaming machine, or HBO Max.
The best streaming services – Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, Prime Video and more compared
A live news section is in beta, too, where you can check out programming from CNN and other WBD networks. And you get all of that for $18.49 without ads or $10.99 with ads. "They also have MLB and MLS games."And like most things Apple, the service is slick and ahead of its time. Romano calls this the "most underrated service" around because of their big shows and big stars, like Colin Farrell in Sugar, Vince Vaughn in Bad Monkey, or Cate Blanchett in Disclaimer. For family-friendly streaming, Disney Plus is impossible to beat.
Check out our lists of the best shows on Netflix and the best movies on Netflix. It's continuing to try and make big movies its big thing, too, with recent titles like "The Madness" and "Woman of the Hour." Check out our lists of the best shows on Hulu and the best movies on Hulu. In addition, regular Hulu hosts a number of original shows, a selection of offbeat movies and a surprising amount of classic anime series.
Alternative streaming services to consider
At $99.99 per year with ads, Max is more expensive than some competitors, including Netflix, especially if you want to watch in 4K. The B/R Sports add-on ($9.99 per month and includes MLB and NBA content and more) is currently free as part of a limited-time promotion. Despite its small content library, Apple TV+ is often praised for the quality of its content. Japan is one exception, but its content library may be more limited than the one in the U.S.
Sling TV is a budget-friendly live TV streaming services in the U.S. If you like a mix of live and on-demand content like sports-themed series and documentaries, you ESPN+ could be the sports streaming service for you. Hulu is a streaming service for movies and TV shows that hosts blockbusters, originals and content from networks like ABC, AMC, CBS, Comedy Central and FX.
How we choose the best streaming services
There's a vast library of classic movies drawn from more than a century of films made by Paramount Pictures, as well as licensed titles. By adding ESPN, Fubo makes itself the top streaming service for NFL fans, offering all the major broadcast networks, and the NFL Network too. But unlike other live TV streaming competitors Hulu and Sling TV, Fubo has 4K streaming for select content on demand and select live events. While Apple TV Plus getting felicebet no deposit bonus into live sports with MLB and MLS, the latest price hike wasn't great news, as it went up from $9.99 to $12.99 recently.
Save money with Apple TV+ deals or sign up for an Apple TV+ free trial to try out the service. From back-to-back price hikes (there was a major cost increase in 2025) to its password sharing crackdown, it's mirroring a lot of Netflix's tactics so much so that there are rumors it could soon make big Netflix-style changes to keep you glued to its shows. If it’s original content you’re after, then, Netflix, Prime Video or HBO Max should be your go-to's. After all, the familiar ‘tudum’ greeting and interface we’ve all come to recognize set the standard for streaming homescreens we know today, and has been copied by many of its rivals. If you’re looking to catch hit Netflix Originals like Bridgerton, Cobra Kai, Emily in Paris and The Umbrella Academy, then there's only one service where you'll find these titles.
For a more varied mix of shows and movies, look at Netflix, Prime Video and Hulu. While we haven't listed every single one of these here, below you'll find three other services to consider outside of the incumbents. But that hasn't stopped it rolling out two price rises in the space of a year – the first time it raised prices for its ad-free service was in early 2023 followed by another shock subscription increase in June 2024 and another in October 2025.
With hundreds of niche services, specializing in arthouse films, documentaries, horror, sports and more, and the rise of the best free streaming services, there’s a lot to choose from. The service is known for HBO originals like ‘House of the Dragon’ and has a large content library of around 3,300 shows and movies, according to information from JustWatch. If you want to find a way around cutting costs while having access to streaming services, our guide on how to save money on online video services. I think Netflix is the best overall on-demand streaming service for the money, thanks to its extensive library of diverse third-party content and impressive originals. Kit Copson is a writer and briefing editor at Cloudwards, with over two years of expertise in streaming services and entertainment. If this method appeals to you, this guide takes a comprehensive look at the cost of popular streaming services to help you decide which one is best for you.
Mubi
If you want to watch Apple TV+ while traveling, check out our best VPN for Apple TV roundup. What’s more, those who buy an Apple device get three months of Apple TV Plus for free. Bookmark our how to watch Disney Plus with a VPN article if you’re planning to travel internationally.
Sports also have a place here as non-televised NBC Premier League games are available on Peacock as well as WWE content. But Hulu's main selling point is still that you can watch network TV shortly after it airs, including shows on major networks such as ABC and Fox. That being said, there's no better service if you prefer quality over quantity.
Fubo is one of the best streaming services for anyone looking to have access to live sports without an actual cable subscription. These days, though, streaming services are in a state of flux, with price hikes, password-sharing crackdowns and the introduction of ads. The best streaming services have so much content, you could watch daily for hours and still spend what feels like a lifetime vegging out on the sofa. It’s worth mentioning there are regional restrictions on some content, this is the case with all streaming services, but be sure to check what’s available where you live before signing up. It's the streaming service duo that lets you watch the Star Wars movies in order and every Marvel Phase 4 movie and show, with the rest of Marvel's library, as well as Hulu Originals like The Handmaid’s Tale and Only Murders in the Building.
Peacock has continued to add great new content over time, with plenty of new shows and movies with each drop. When it comes to both quantity and quality, no streaming service can beat HBO Max. By doing so, we figured out how to build the ultimate streaming setup with the best selection of content and live channels. These services are just one-half of the streaming equation, though.