Which Streaming Services Are Actually Worth Your Money?
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It has never been easier to access countless hours of the latest, greatest TV shows and best movies from the comfort of your couch. The explosion of streaming services offering video-on-demand has given us ample choice, but what sets them apart? Join us as we break down the key points to consider and delve into the best streaming services for you.
We are sticking to on-demand streaming services here, but we have separate guides to the Best Live-TV Streaming Services, the Best Free Streaming Services, and the Best TV Streaming Devices. If you seek sports, try our How to Watch MLB and How to Watch Every NFL Football Game guides.
Updated September 2023: We added several services, including Pluto, Crunchyroll, and Viaplay, and updated existing picks to reflect changes and price hikes.
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Photograph: pixdeluxe/Getty ImagesWhat to Consider
How to Choose a Streaming ServiceFeatures, content, and limitations differ from one streaming service to the next, so take some time to consider what you care about.
Content: Work out what TV series, movies, documentaries, and other kinds of content are most important to you. If you have favorite shows or franchises, check which services carry them. All streaming services have some exclusive content, but there’s also a lot of overlap, and the lineup of shows and movies can change. You can browse or search at ReelGood or JustWatch to find a complete content guide for all the top streaming services.
Quality: Streaming services support various levels of video quality and audio standards and sometimes charge more for better-quality streams. If you have a 4K TV and surround sound system in your home, you will want the content to take full advantage. But if your TV maxes out at HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels), there's no point in paying for 4K. Bear in mind that higher-quality streams require higher internet speeds. For example, while a 5 Mbps (megabits per second) connection is enough for an HD stream, Netflix recommends at least 25 Mbps for 4K content.
Features: Think about the features you need and compatibility with your most-used devices. If you are sharing your streaming service with other people, you'll want to create separate profiles. Families may want parental controls to block unsuitable content for younger kids. Most streaming services limit the number of simultaneous streams you can have and some charge more to increase this limit. If you plan to watch offline, look into the download policy.
Budget: Free trials are common, so take advantage of them. Most streaming services offer a discount on the monthly subscription fee if you pay for a year upfront. Some mix in the option to rent or buy content alongside what you get with your subscription, although that may not be ideal if you prefer to fix a monthly budget. Don’t be afraid to get a service for a single month to watch a show you like and then cancel the subscription. If you don’t intend to watch tons of content, it may make sense to rotate your services and catch the shows you simply can't miss. It's worth noting that some services are free add-ons with your cell provider. For example, T-Mobile offers Netflix for free on certain phone plans.
- Courtesy of Netflix
For Everyone
NetflixWith a healthy mix of movies, TV series, documentaries, kids’ shows, and more, there is something for everyone on Netflix. While some popular series and movies rotate on and off the service, exclusives like Squid Game, One Piece (live-action), Bridgerton, and Stranger Things attract new viewers and persuade subscribers to stay. Check out the best movies and best shows on Netflix to get a deeper flavor of what's included.
Functionally, Netflix is also the best streaming service, with a very accessible app available on virtually every platform. Video quality is up there, with lots of 4K content, and performance is reliable. We also appreciate the slick cutting of title and credit sequences during binging sessions. Unfortunately, the basic tier is ad-supported, limited to a single stream in high definition, and does not allow downloads for offline viewing. You have to pay more than double to get 4K and HDR.
Cost: $7 for ad-supported HD and one stream, $10 for HD and one stream, $15.50 for HD and two streams, $20 for 4K HDR and four streams
- Courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery
For Everyone Else
MaxOur former pick here, HBO Max, was packed with critically acclaimed shows and blockbuster movies, but owner Warner Bros. Discovery has decided to fold Discovery+ into the mix and rebrand the newly created service as Max. In theory, this means Max has an expanded library, with a healthy dose of reality TV shows like Fixer Upper and MythBusters alongside HBO hits old and new, from The Wire and Game of Thrones to Succession and The Last of Us. Newly announced shows for Max include a Harry Potter series, a show based on The Conjuring movies, and Rick and Morty: The Anime. Read the Best Shows on Max for more.
Max has an impressive movie library too, with classics like Raging Bull and films from the DC universe. Our Best Movies on Max guide highlights these gems. It's too early to judge Max. It may live up to its tagline as "the one to watch," with a broad mix of content, but some have expressed concern after the Batgirl movie was canned and Westworld disappeared from HBO Max. The new service works on most platforms and comes in three tiers, with an ad-supported basic tier. You'll have to pay double if you want 4K and HDR.
Cost: $10 a month or $100 a year for ad-supported HD and two streams, $16 a month or $150 a year for ad-free HD and two streams, $20 a month or $200 a year for 4K HDR and four streams
- Courtesy of Disney
For Families
Disney+For family-friendly content, there is no better service than Disney+. Aside from Disney’s movies and shows, the service is home to the Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar universes. A mix of content that includes Disney classics like Ratatouille and Beauty and the Beast sits alongside exciting new shows like The Mandalorian and Wandavision, not to mention every episode of The Simpsons. For a deeper dive, check out our Best Shows and Best Movies on Disney+ guides.
The complete lack of R-rated content on the US version of Disney+ makes it a safe space for kids and teens. It has no commercials, 4K and HDR content are included standard, the app works well on many platforms, and you can stream simultaneously on up to four devices. You can also get Disney+ as part of a bundle with Hulu and ESPN+ for $13 a month.
Cost: $8 a month for ad-supported, $11 a month or $110 a year for ad-free
- Courtesy of Hulu
For Cord-Cutters
HuluWith an enormous choice of new and classic TV shows, an optional live TV component, and the ability to bundle in additional channels and services, Hulu is an ideal service for new cord-cutters who are used to cable. Big shows from networks like ABC, Fox, and FX rub shoulders with Hulu Originals, so you’ll find shows like Lost, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Castle Rock. Check out the Best Shows and Best Movies on Hulu for more options.
The basic tier is ad-supported, 4K content is limited, and Live TV is an expensive addition. You have to pay extra to simultaneously stream on more than two devices. You can also get Hulu as part of a bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+ for $13 a month.
Cost: $8 a month for ad-supported, $15 a month for ad-free, $70 for ad-supported and Live TV with Disney+ and ESPN+
- Courtesy of Amazon
For Amazon Subscribers
Prime VideoPrime Video has a decent depth of movies and TV series nowadays, and the service also offers content to rent or buy. There are even a few compelling exclusives, like The Expanse, Catastrophe, The Boys, and Goliath. To further tempt you, Amazon offers a relatively large amount of 4K and HDR content, and it’s all available as part of the basic subscription, which also covers simultaneous streaming on up to three devices. We have guides to the Best Movies and Best Shows on Prime Video.
Prime Video works on most platforms, but the recommendation system is not sophisticated, so it can be time-consuming to unearth gems. Included as one of the benefits of Amazon Prime membership, it’s part of a compelling package, but you can also get Prime Video as a stand-alone service and add individual channels for an additional monthly fee.
Cost: $9 a month, or included as part of Amazon Prime at $15 a month or $139 a year
- Courtesy of Apple
For Apple Fans
Apple TV+With a modest content library that’s light on movies, Apple TV+ has some great documentaries and original series—we like Ted Lasso, Severance, Foundation, and The Morning Show. Read our guides to the Best Shows and Best Movies on Apple TV+ for more. There's also a massive library of TV shows and movies for rental or purchase, and you have the option of adding channels for an additional monthly fee. You can even get three months free with the purchase of a new Apple device.
There are no commercials, and support for 4K and HDR is standard. You can download content for offline viewing and have up to six simultaneous streams. Content discovery is not great, although there isn’t a great deal to browse through anyway. A relatively low price mitigates some of the limitations of Apple TV+. But it is an even better deal if you opt for the Apple One bundle at $17 per month, as it also includes Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and 50 GB of iCloud storage. Apple also offers a few months for free if you buy new Apple hardware.
Cost: $7 a month or $70 a year
- Courtesy of ViacomCBS
For Classic TV
Paramount+As the newest streaming service with a plus sign on the end of its name, Paramount+ is not winning any originality awards. It boasts a sizable library of classic TV shows and movies, with a light smattering of exclusives, including iCarly, The Good Fight, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Fargo, and Trainspotting. Paramount+ also offers new Paramount movies, like Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and Mission: Impossible 7, just 45 days after they hit theaters. For now, this service will satisfy fans of Star Trek more than anyone else. You get every episode of older Star Trek shows and several actively airing now and throughout the next year, with many more to come. You can also watch nearly every Star Trek movie.
Support for 4K and HDR is sparse, but the service works on most devices, and you can have up to three simultaneous streams. The basic plan has commercials and does not allow you to download content to watch offline. Upgrading kills the ads, enables downloads, and throws Showtime and your local CBS station into the mix. The ad-supported tier is also included as part of a Walmart+ subscription, which costs $13 a month or $98 a year.
Cost: $6 a month or $60 a year for ad-supported, $12 a month or $120 a year for ad-free with Showtime and live CBS
- Courtesy of Starz
For More Movies and TV
StarzWith more than 800 movies and a smaller collection of TV shows, including a few originals, there is plenty of content on Starz. It’s currently showing the Venom movies, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Alien, so it’s a good pick for film lovers. You can also find shows like Outlander, Ash vs. Evil Dead, and Power (with all of its spin-offs).
There are no ads for subscribers. You get some 4K and HDR content at no extra cost, up to four simultaneous streams, and can download content for offline viewing. The movie lineup changes frequently based on the latest licensing deals, but Starz has an agreement with Universal to get some of its movies first. Owned by Lionsgate, Starz was recently rebranded as Lionsgate+ in the UK and other international markets. You can also add Starz in Prime video.
Cost: $10 a month
- Courtesy of NBC
For a Bit of Everything
PeacockThe basic Peacock service includes shows like Parks and Recreation, The Office, and Battlestar Galactica, as well as movies like The Big Lebowski, all with commercials. Pay for Premium and you unlock more content, with episodes from NBC shows available the day after they air, original series, and new movies like Halloween Kills, as well as sports coverage that includes Sunday Night Football. But you need to spring for Premium Plus to ditch ads and enable mobile downloads for offline viewing. Sadly, there is currently no support for 4K or HDR content on any tier.
There have been a few comedy highlights, like Rutherford Falls and Girls5eva, but Peacock is currently riding hard on its back catalog.
Cost: $6 a month or $60 a year for ad-supported unlimited, $12 a month or $120 a year for ad-free unlimited
- Courtesy of Pluto
For Free
Pluto TVIf you find the abundance of on-demand content leads to choice paralysis, Pluto TV can bring nostalgic joy by unburdening you with drop-in channels that resemble the broadcast television of your youth. The lineup is a mix of movies, TV shows, and sports, divided into more than 250 categorized channels. If you miss channel surfing, there are plenty to choose from, including channels dedicated to the NFL, Star Trek, cult movies, and MTV. You can currently watch movies like Misery, There Will Be Blood, and The Big Short. There is also a small selection of on-demand content.
The app is available for most platforms, and there’s no need to create an account. The commercial breaks that fund the service are frequent and unskippable, but that’s the sacrifice you make for a free service. There is no premium tier. Video quality is passable, mostly SD or HD, but the app is a little clunky.
Cost: Free with ads
Courtesy of Curiosity StreamFor Specific Interests
More Streaming ServicesThere are several specialist streaming services and channels that cater to specific interests. While they don’t have the breadth and depth needed to serve as your main streaming service, they may be worth adding on top or as part of a package.
For Documentary Fans
Curiosity Stream offers thousands of high-quality documentary films and TV shows, many of them originals, with plans that start at $5 a month or $40 a year. However, if you want 4K, extra content, and simultaneous streams, the price jumps to $10 a month or $70 a year.
MagellanTV has around 3,000 documentaries organized into genres like history, science, true crime, and the natural world. There are curated playlists that dig deeper into topics like life in the Middle Ages, and some documentaries are in 4K. It costs $6 a month or $60 a year.
For Classic Movies
The Criterion Channel boasts a library of more than 1,000 Hollywood classics and cinematic treats from around the world. It’s an eclectic mix that includes movies like Touch of Evil, Seven Samurai, Police Story, and the films of Buster Keaton. There are also commentaries and interviews with filmmakers. It costs $11 a month or $100 for a year.
For International Cinema
Mubi is a great place to find hand-picked international arthouse films. Students of cinema seeking obscure indies and influential classics will find a constantly updated and carefully curated selection. It costs $13 a month, but Prime members can add Mubi at a discounted rate of $6 a month.
For Horror Fans
Shudder dives deep into horror with movies and TV shows to unsettle and scare. You’ll find well-known older classics from House on Haunted Hill to the Phantasm series, alongside newer favorites like Insidious and The Babadook. Shudder costs $7 a month or $72 for a year.
For Reality TV Fans
Discovery+ is packed with familiar lifestyle shows, documentaries, and original reality TV shows, covering cooking, travel, home improvements, history, true crime, and more. The ad-supported tier is $5 a month, but you can pay $7 a month to go ad-free. You can also get Discovery+ shows as part of Max.
For Sports Fans
ESPN+ is a sports streaming service that shows some NHL and MLB games, college sports, and soccer, as well as commentary shows. It costs $10 a month or $100 a year. ESPN+ is a better value if taken as part of a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for $13 a month.
For British TV Fans
Britbox claims to have more British box sets than any other service. It has lots of old and new British TV shows and a few films produced by the UK’s public service broadcasters, including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5. It costs $9 a month or $90 a year.
For Anime Fans
Crunchyroll boasts the largest anime collection available online, with over 1,000 titles and new episodes dropping soon after they air in Japan. There is a very limited ad-supported free tier, and you can pay $8 per month for ad-free service, $10 per month to add early access to Crunchyroll Expo events and snag store discounts, or $15 per month for deeper discounts.
For Nordic Noir
Viaplay is a Swedish streaming service hosting more than 200 TV shows and around 100 European movies. The mostly Scandinavian lineup includes gems like the original Wallander series and the Easy Money movie trilogy starring Joel Kinnaman. You can also get sports in some countries. In the US, a subscription will cost you $7 per month or $60 per year.
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