Our world and the technology we use are constantly evolving. Most homes no longer have a landline phone, and even more households have opted to cut the cord on cable TV and turn to digital streaming platforms. Why pay for cable TV if you already pay for internet service? Subscribing means selecting from a variety of options, and it can be tough to choose the best streaming service for your needs.
Though streaming is here to stay, the last couple of years saw consumers become more selective about the services they subscribe to. A recent survey finds that 57 percent of 2000 participants were planning to cut some of their paid subscriptions. With a variety of streaming services to choose from, it’s important to select the service that best suits the needs of you and your household. StudyFinds has compiled a list of the top five best streaming services, based on the most common recommendations across 10 expert websites. If you have a different service you favor, be sure to let us know in the comments below!
The List: Best Streaming Services That are Worth the Money
1. Netflix
Netflix is the name that has become synonymous with online video streaming, starting as a mail-in subscription where you could borrow physical DVDs and evolving into the streaming giant we know now. They boast a large collection of familiar network shows, plus a ton of their own original content – think movies, documentaries, and even special events. Some of our favorite shows are migrating to other streaming services (“The Office” is moving to Peacock, and “Friends” is now on HBO Max). But don’t fret! Netflix is still the king of the streaming jungle, writes CNET.
The massive library of high-quality content offers something for everyone across every genre imaginable, adds Engadget. Plus, they’re constantly adding fresh shows and movies every week, and with their global reach, you can explore content from all corners of the world.
Netflix is tough to beat when it comes to a clean user interface, high quality video, and wide selection. Their cheapest plan starts at an affordable price for streaming on one device with ads, and caps at four devices and no ads, explains Toms Guide. However, some subscribers might be feeling a pinch in the wallet. The service’s new “Paid Sharing” feature seems to be cracking down on shared accounts, which could mean extra fees for those who split the cost with friends or family.
2. Max
Max, formerly known as HBO Max, has won over many subscribers, with major titles like “Game of Thrones.” The platform has an impressive selection of movies that is hard to find online anywhere else, and is a major hub for fans of the DC universe. The service may have gotten caught in the wake of the Discovery merger, losing some content and facing questions about its animation future, mentions IGN. But fear not, pop culture fanatics! It still hails it as the reigning champion for shows and movies that get everyone buzzing.
The app just made re-watching the epic George R.R. Martin saga even more tempting. They’ve finally upgraded the entire series to stunning 4K with HDR 10 and Dolby Vision, plus immersive Dolby Atmos sound. Tom’s Guide is so impressed, they crowned HBO Max the “Best Streaming Service.”
HBO Max has subscription options with ads and without. They might have a higher price tag than some competitors, but here’s the deal: their content is killer! They consistently deliver high-quality shows and movies, and their investment in original programming is a sure bet to pay off in the future, raves TechRadar.
3. fuboTV
fuboTV is about to become your new best friend. With 138 channels in just its standard plan, they are the champion of both live TV streaming and sports streaming, raves U.S. News. While they’ve expanded their content to include entertainment options, their heart still lies in all things sports. The basic plan offers a dream line-up for sports lovers, featuring channels like ESPN, Fox Sports, and beIN Sports. So, ditch the cable box and get ready to catch every game, goal, and touchdown with fuboTV! They’ve got you covered, from pre-season to championship!
The app isn’t just about live sports – they’ve got everything you might miss too! The amazing DVR feature lets your record shows and games for later viewing, boasts PC Mag. The base plan offers a whopping 250 hours of storage, and if that’s not enough, you can upgrade to a massive 1,000 hours! Plus, you can record anything that aired in the last 72 hours, so you never have to worry about missing a single play, penalty, or plot twists. Stream on up to 13 devices simultaneously and create six user profiles.
Thinking about cutting the cord but worried about missing your favorite sports channels? fuboTV might be the perfect solution! They offer three flexible plans ranging in price, and most regions get access to local channels like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, writes ZDNet. However, there are a few things to keep in mind: fuboTV doesn’t currently include popular sports channels like TNT, TBS, or Fox regional sports networks. And if you’re a die-hard fan of a specific league (like MLB or NHL), you might need to upgrade your plan or add those channels on separately.
4. Amazon Prime Video
Movie marathoners, rejoice! Prime Video is your one-stop shop for cinematic adventures, according to What To Watch. They boast a massive library of films, from blockbusters to cult classics, international gems to chilling horror flicks. Basically, anything you crave, they’ve got it covered. But Prime Video isn’t just about movies. They’re also building a strong reputation for original TV shows, with hits like “The Boys,” “The Rings of Power,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” and “Good Omens.”
Many of us already have Amazon Prime, which gives you access to Prime Video at no extra cost – bonus! But even if you don’t, Prime Video offers a standalone subscription option, explains U.S. News. The real star here is the massive content library – we’re talking over 26,000 movies and 2,700 TV shows! Just be aware that some titles might require an additional fee.
The free version of the app now includes commercials. And the good news? These commercial breaks are shorter than what you might find on other platforms, adds CNET. So, what can you expect from Prime Video? They’ve got a treasure trove of older favorites (including some hilariously obscure B-movies!), and exclusive access to NFL Thursday Night Football. However, it’s important to note that Prime Video’s library isn’t quite as vast as Netflix or Hulu, and it might not have the same star power as Disney+.
5. Youtube TV
You know YouTube as a video-sharing site, but did you know they have their own TV and video platform? If you’re craving that classic cable experience without the hassle of actual cable, look no further. Their base plan includes a massive channel lineup with over 85 channels covering news, entertainment, sports, and even your local favorites, notes Entertainment Weekly.
The service offers a familiar cable-like experience, but with a streaming twist! Their base plan starts at prices that might be comparable to your current cable bill, mentions Engadget. This plan includes a ton of popular channels like BBC, BET, Comedy Central, Food Network, MTV, Nickelodeon, and more – so you won’t miss out on your favorites. However, keep in mind that YouTube TV is on the pricier side compared to some other streaming services. And if you crave 4K viewing (currently limited to specific sporting events) and unlimited streams on multiple devices, you’ll need to pay extra.
YouTube TV might just be the king of DVRs in the streaming world! ZDNet raves about their service, boasting unlimited storage for your recordings. Plus, you get a whopping nine months to watch anything you’ve saved, so you never have to worry about missing out. And the best part? You can fast-forward through those pesky commercials on what you have recorded – score!
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase