Choosing the right streaming subscription is important because it determines how much entertainment you can enjoy for your budget. With so many TV and streaming platforms available from on-demand giants to free ad-supported services, it pays to pick the ones that match your viewing habits. A good subscription offers a balance of affordability, content quality, and variety. Whether you love blockbuster movies, hit TV series, live sports, or family-friendly shows, the right mix of paid and free services can deliver hours of enjoyment and even save money compared to traditional cable TV. This guide will walk through the best options to subscribe to now and explain how to make smart streaming choices.
Best for Hollywood hits and originals
Extensive library of movies and TV (originals + classics)
Supports 4K UHD and HDR on premium plans
Offline downloads and multiple profiles available
Best value with Prime perks
Huge catalog (20,000+ movies, 2,700+ shows)
Included with Amazon Prime (free shipping and extras)
Add-on channels and live sports (NFL Thursday Night Football)
Best for family franchises
The home of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and NatGeo
GroupWatch and 4K HDR available on all plans
Bundle with Hulu and ESPN+ for more shows and sports
Best for prestige dramas and movies
Award-winning HBO originals and Max exclusives
GroupWatch and 4K HDR available on all plans
Live news (CNN) and sports (Bleacher Report live events)
Best for current network TV and originals
Huge selection of current-season episodes and Hulu Originals
Budget-friendly (ad-supported plan) with optional Live TV upgrade
Disney bundle integration and kids' content available
Best free tier with sports and classics
Classic NBC/Universal hits (The Office, SNL, etc.)
Live sports coverage (Premier League soccer, NFL, WWE)
Ad-supported free tier plus affordable premium
Best for CBS programming and live sports
Massive library (Paramount, CBS shows, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central)
Live TV: NFL games (CBS) and UEFA Champions League
Includes Showtime (with Premium plan) and local CBS livestream
Tubi
Best free on-demand streaming (ad-supported)
Enormous free library (nearly 300,000 movies and TV episodes)
100% free to viewers with ads (100M+ monthly users)
Tubi Originals and content for younger audiences included
Best for quality originals
Critically acclaimed originals (Ted Lasso, The Morning Show
Affordable subscription (ad-free, now $6.99/mo) with 4K streaming support
Family sharing (up to 6 users) and free trial offers with Apple devices
Best free live TV and on-demand
80 million monthly users
250+ free live channels (news, sports, kids) and thousands of on-demand titles
Part of Paramount offers Nickelodeon, MTV, and Comedy Central channels for free
Best for Hollywood hits and originals
Why choose this?
Extensive library of movies and TV (originals + classics)
Supports 4K UHD and HDR on premium plans
Offline downloads and multiple profiles available
Netflix is the industry leader for a reason. It “offers a deeper library of licensed TV shows and movies than anyone else” and produces countless hit original series. The service is available nearly everywhere (smart TVs, phones, tablets, etc.) and boasts the largest subscriber base (over 300 million globally). You’ll find award-winning Netflix originals like Stranger Things, Bridgerton, and The Crown, plus new movies and licensed shows across all genres. For example, Netflix has become an awards powerhouse, from The Power of the Dog (12 Oscar noms) to Ted Lasso (11 Emmys)
On the technical side, Netflix supports 4K HDR streaming (up to 4 streams on the Premium plan), plus features like offline downloads on mobile devices. The interface is user-friendly, with personal profiles and recommendations to help you find new content. That said, prices are rising (basic with ads $6.99, Standard $15.49, Premium $22.99), and Netflix recently started cracking down on password sharing. But if you want the widest selection of high-quality shows and movies, Netflix remains a top choice. It’s best for viewers who crave big-budget originals and tons of variety all in one place.
Best value with Prime perks
Why choose this?
Huge catalog (20,000+ movies, 2,700+ shows)
Included with Amazon Prime (free shipping and extras)
Add-on channels and live sports (NFL Thursday Night Football)
Amazon Prime Video comes as part of the Amazon Prime package, which also gives you perks like free 2-day shipping and Prime Music. For streaming, Prime Video offers a huge on-demand catalog of over 20,000 movies and 2,700 TV shows including popular original series like The Boys, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power. You can watch in up to 4K HDR on many titles, and Amazon’s platform supports downloads for offline viewing and up to 3 simultaneous streams.
Because it’s bundled with Prime, the effective cost is a very good value. Prime Video also allows you to subscribe to extra “channels” (HBO, Showtime, Starz, etc.) within the app, so you can add content you’re missing without juggling multiple apps. In 2022, Amazon even secured NFL Thursday Night Football, so sports fans get live games included. On the flip side, some content on Prime Video requires a separate purchase or rental (for example, new movies not included with Prime). Overall, Prime Video is best for existing Amazon customers and deal-hunters who want a broad library and extras. It’s a flexible, all-in-one option if you already use Amazon services, delivering lots of TV/movies at no extra subscription cost beyond Prime.
Best for family franchises
Why choose this?
The home of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and NatGeo
GroupWatch and 4K HDR available on all plans
Bundle with Hulu and ESPN+ for more shows and sports
Disney+ is the go-to platform for families and fans of Disney’s universe. It “is the streaming home for Disney, Hulu, ESPN, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and so much more”. That means you get iconic classics (Disney animation, Pixar films, National Geographic docs) and marquee franchises (every Marvel movie, Star Wars saga). Disney+ often gets big new releases, for example, Marvel TV shows and the latest Disney Animation movies debut on Disney+ soon after theaters. The service supports up to 4K HDR on most titles and offers GroupWatch (sync viewing with friends/family). User profiles and parental controls make it easy for families.
Pricing is competitive ($7.99/month ad-supported, $13.99 ad-free in the US) and Disney+ now offers a combined bundle with Hulu and ESPN+ (for $19.99/mo). This can be an excellent deal if you want not just Disney content, but also Hulu’s wide TV library and live sports from ESPN. The major downside is the smaller catalog of grown-up content as it’s very Disney-focused. But for kids and brand fans, it’s unbeatable: it has everything from Moana to The Mandalorian. In short, choose Disney+ if you crave family-friendly hits and franchise films or want a strong complement to other services.
Best for prestige dramas and movies
Why choose this?
Award-winning HBO originals and Max exclusives
GroupWatch and 4K HDR available on all plans
Live news (CNN) and sports (Bleacher Report live events)
Max (formerly HBO Max) is known for premium, award-winning content. It “has everything from prestige HBO dramas to blockbuster Warner Bros. movies”. The platform includes every HBO series (Succession, Game of Thrones, Westworld, Barry), plus Max originals (like Euphoria and House of the Dragon) and exclusive films. Movies from the Warner library (DC superhero films, Studio Ghibli, animated series) also live here. Cinemax and classic Cartoon Network shows round out the catalog. In August 2023, HBO Max moved under the single brand “Max.”
Max offers two tiers: an ad-supported plan ($9.99/mo) and an ad-free plan ($16.99/mo). At the top tier, you get 4K streaming, but the ad-free plan is pricier than competitors. Still, you’re paying for HBO’s quality. Max has added live sports (MLS, soccer, hockey via Bleacher Report) and news (CNN channel) to widen its appeal. User profiles and up to 4 streams are allowed on Premium. The app works on all major devices with downloads for offline viewing. Who it’s best for: viewers who want quality over quantity; if you value top-rated dramas, comedies, and movies, HBO Max is a must-have. It’s also worth getting if you enjoy DC and classic Hollywood films; Max may have content you can’t find elsewhere.
Best for current network TV and originals
Why choose this?
Thousands of inspected used cars
Hassle-free fixed-price shopping
7-day money-back guarantee
Hulu stands out as a hub for current TV and originals. Its streaming library includes episodes from network shows (NBC, ABC, Fox) the morning after they air, plus award-winning Hulu Originals like The Handmaid’s Tale and Only Murders in the Building. “Hulu offers a great selection of current TV”, making it appealing if you follow daytime or reality series and want them on demand. Hulu’s base plan is inexpensive ($7.99 with ads, $15.99 ad-free), so it’s a cost-effective choice. There’s also a Hulu + Live TV tier for cord-cutters who want live local channels.
Hulu is part of the Disney family, so its interface ties into Disney’s bundle. You can upgrade your Hulu to include Disney+ and ESPN+, or vice versa, giving even more variety (news, sports, kids' content). Profiles and kids' profiles are supported. The interface is intuitive with recommendations and watchlists. On the downside, streaming may have occasional ads (especially on the cheaper plan) and not all Disney-owned content is on Hulu; some is on Disney+ instead. Overall, Hulu is best for cost-conscious viewers who still want current shows, or if you’re already in the Disney ecosystem. It’s especially good for families with both adult shows and children’s programming (via Disney+ in bundle).
Best free tier with sports and classics
Why choose this?
Classic NBC/Universal hits (The Office, SNL, etc.)
Live sports coverage (Premier League soccer, NFL, WWE)
Ad-supported free tier plus affordable premium
Peacock offers a unique mix of free and premium content. It carries huge NBCUniversal hits, for example, The Office, 30 Rock, Parks and Rec, Saturday Night Live sketches, and more. Newer Peacock originals (Poker Face, Yellowstone spin-offs) also expand its library. Live sports are a big draw: Peacock streams Premier League soccer matches, NFL games (including playoff games and NFL Sunday Ticket), WWE wrestling, and Olympic coverage. In fact, it is “the exclusive home for many Premier League soccer games and the WWE Network”
Peacock’s basic plan is free with ads, making it a great no-cost option (thousands of episodes and movies available). An ad-free Premium tier costs $13.99/month. Importantly, Peacock often adds next-day episodes of current NBC and Bravo shows, so you won’t miss network dramas or reality TV. The interface is easy to use, with 3 streams allowed on Premium. This service is especially good for anyone on a budget who still wants quality content. It’s a top choice if you want a free streaming channel with familiar shows and live sports plus you get classic kids cartoons and Universal movies thrown in.
Best for CBS programming and live sports
Why choose this?
Massive library (Paramount, CBS shows, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central)
Live TV: NFL games (CBS) and UEFA Champions League
Includes Showtime (with Premium plan) and local CBS livestream
Paramount+ evolved from CBS All Access into a full-blown content powerhouse. It offers one of the largest streaming catalogs thanks to ViacomCBS content. You get virtually all CBS programming (news, primetime, daytime soaps), plus Nickelodeon kids shows, Comedy Central series, MTV hits, BET content, and more. New original series like Star Trek: Picard or Halo, plus 24/7 news on CBSN, round out the mix. The Premium plan even includes the entire Showtime library, so you can stream shows like Billions and Dexter and watch live local CBS channels.
Sports fans should note: Paramount+ has rights to NFL games on CBS and to UEFA Champions League soccer, so you can watch big live events. The app supports 4K on select titles and allows multiple streams. Subscriptions are affordable (ad-supported from about $8/mo, Premium $13/mo). User profiles and downloads are available. The only downsides are that the library can be a bit overwhelming, and some very old movies or shows might be missing. However, for a mix of classic TV, sports, kids’ entertainment, and a few high-profile originals, Paramount+ is a great value. It’s especially ideal if you watch CBS shows or want a lot of channels under one roof.
Best for quality originals
Why choose this?
Critically acclaimed originals (Ted Lasso, The Morning Show
Affordable subscription (ad-free, now $6.99/mo) with 4K streaming support
Family sharing (up to 6 users) and free trial offers with Apple devices
Apple TV+ is smaller but very focused. It features high-quality original series and films, for example, Ted Lasso (11 Emmys), The Morning Show, Severance, and Coda (Academy Award Best Picture). Apple’s strategy was to pour budget into prestige content, and it shows: Apple TV+ earned 72 Emmy nominations in a year despite a small library. The platform supports 4K Dolby Vision streaming on all titles, and allows up to 4 streams concurrently. It’s remarkably affordable (recently raised to $6.99/mo ad-free) and is often included free for a year with new Apple devices.
You can download shows offline and create 6 family profiles per account. If you care about production quality and are looking for fresh, well-reviewed stories, Apple TV+ is worth it. The tradeoff is quantity: there are only ~200–300 titles so far, so you won’t find classic movies or older shows here. But Apple TV+ has become a legitimate competitor for premium streaming; it has 45 million subscribers despite the library size, thanks to its awards and low price. Choose Apple TV+ if you want low cost and top-tier originals; it’s especially good for drama and sci-fi fans and those who already use Apple devices.
Best free on-demand streaming (ad-supported)
Why choose this?
Enormous free library (nearly 300,000 movies and TV episodes)
100% free to viewers with ads (100M+ monthly users)
Tubi Originals and content for younger audiences included
Tubi is a completely free, ad-supported streaming service. It “offers the world’s largest collection of nearly 300,000 movies and TV episodes”, plus its own Originals. The service has exploded in popularity (over 100 million monthly viewers as of mid-2025) by targeting cord-cutters and younger audiences. You’ll find a huge range of genres: action flicks, kids cartoons, anime, classic sitcoms, reality shows, and indie films. Since it’s free, Tubi relies on short commercials.
The interface is simple and device-friendly (watch on your TV via a streaming box or phone app). There’s no subscription or login required (though you can create an account to save favorites). Tubi even has specialty “FAST” channels that mimic live TV (for news, sports, etc.). Who it’s best for: anyone who wants free entertainment without paying a monthly bill. It’s a great supplement to other subscriptions as you might find hidden gems and even exclusive Tubi Originals you won’t see on pay services. Just be prepared to watch a few ads.
Best free live TV and on-demand
Why choose this?
80 million monthly users
250+ free live channels (news, sports, kids) and thousands of on-demand titles
Part of Paramount offers Nickelodeon, MTV, and Comedy Central channels for free
Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported service owned by Paramount. Unlike on-demand streaming, Pluto’s interface mimics traditional TV with live channels. It offers 250+ free channels, many themed like true crime, anime, and game shows. It also has on-demand movies and full seasons of TV shows. In total, Pluto boasts around 100,000 hours of content from dozens of partners. It reaches about 80 million monthly active users, showing how popular free TV-style streaming has become.
Channels include sister network feeds (Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central) plus news networks and even a dedicated sports section with Olympic coverage or classic games. You can watch Pluto on nearly any device (smart TVs, phones, streaming sticks). Iit’s easy to set up. The major perk is zero cost; just download and watch. Pluto is best for households that miss the “channel surfing” vibe of cable or want free live TV with nothing to sign up for. It’s especially good in a secondary room or for background TV, since its linear channels always have something on.
TV and streaming subscriptions are monthly or yearly services that give you on-demand access to movies, shows, and sometimes live TV over the Internet. Instead of paying for cable or satellite, you pay one flat fee to stream libraries of content on demand. These services are worth investing in because they offer huge convenience and choice. For a lower cost than traditional cable bills, subscribers can watch thousands of titles anytime on multiple devices. With features like offline downloads and personalized recommendations, streaming can feel more modern and user-friendly than old cable boxes. Importantly, consumers are cutting the cord: 4.9 million Americans canceled cable last year (nearly 40 million total) as they switch to streaming. Price is a big factor since the average cable bill is about $107/month, while many streaming plans start in the single digits. Streaming services also offer fewer ads (depending on plan) and extra perks. In short, signing up for streaming means more freedom to watch what you want, when you want, often at a better price.
With dozens of streaming options available, picking poorly can waste money and limit your entertainment. The wrong subscription bundle might leave out shows you love or include many things you never watch. Since each service has its own specialties, choosing the right mix ensures you’re not paying extra for unwanted channels. For example, only 34% of cable subscribers feel they got good value for what they paid. Streaming lets you customize, but you still need to choose wisely. A good streaming plan matches your interests: a sports fan needs different services than a movie buff or a kid. Careful selection matters because some platforms frequently raise prices (Disney+, Hulu, etc. have all hiked costs) and content can change (shows move between services). By evaluating content libraries, device support, and cost, you avoid surprises like a show disappearing or your bill jumping. In essence, picking the right service maximizes enjoyment and value. It means you’ll see the movies and series you want without unnecessary expense, making your streaming budget work for you.
Start by reflecting on what you watch most. Think about your favorite genres, shows, or movies that drive your viewing. With your goals in mind, consider these factors:
Content Library: Consider a service’s library size and focus. Some platforms emphasize brand-new originals (e.g., Apple TV+ or Netflix), while others offer vast back catalogs of older shows (e.g., Hulu or Pluto TV). Look for services that align with your preferences. If you love reality TV and family movies, choose one service; if you prefer indie films or news, pick another. Make sure the service includes the content you’re most excited to watch. Also check for exclusive franchises. For example, if you want Marvel or Star Wars, Disney+ is a must.
Device Compatibility: Check that the service works on all your devices. Most major streamers support smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and streaming sticks (Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast, etc.). However, some niche apps may not. Verify that your chosen service is compatible with your television, sound syste,m or game console. This ensures you can watch anywhere from the couch to the commute. Some services also offer special features on certain devices, like Apple TV+ on Apple hardware. Ultimately, choose services that fit your tech setup.
Budget and Value: Compare pricing plans. Streaming costs can vary widely. Some services have free ad-supported plans, while others have tiered prices for HD or 4K. Determine what you can afford and what you need. For example, Netflix or HBO Max offer ad-free and ad-supported tiers at different prices. Don’t forget taxes or regional fees. Use free trials when possible to test a service. Applying the 50/30/20 budgeting rule (50% needs, 30% wants) can help decide how much to spend. Also, look for bundle deals. Many platforms (Disney, Hulu, ESPN) offer combined plans at a discount. The goal is to get maximum content for your money. Remember, a cheaper plan with ads might be fine if you don’t mind commercials.
User Interface and Experience: Consider how easy the platform is to use. An intuitive interface with a search bar and good recommendations makes finding new shows much simpler. Features like user profiles allow each family member to have personalized lists. Parental controls are also important for kids. Seamless playback and little buffering improve satisfaction; check if the service adjusts for your internet speed or requires upgrades for HD/4K. Some apps let you download episodes for offline viewing, which can be handy. In short, try out the app or website interface (many have preview tours) to make sure it feels friendly. A service with a clean layout and helpful suggestions will enhance your binge-watching experience.
Before signing up, be mindful of these critical points:
Hidden Fees or Price Hikes: Be aware that streaming providers sometimes add fees. Watch for taxes and charges at checkout. Also know that subscription prices can rise over time, for example, Disney+ and Hulu have raised their monthly rates by 20–27% in recent years. Some platforms may tack on extra fees for 4K streaming or premium add-ons. Always read the fine print on plans so you aren’t surprised by a higher bill next year. It’s wise to check news of pending price hikes or policy changes (like Netflix’s new ad plan or password-sharing fees).
Trial Periods and Cancellations: Many services offer free trials, but sometimes with conditions. You may need to provide payment info up front. Set a reminder to cancel before the trial ends if you decide it’s not worth it. Also, check cancellation policies: all major streamers (Netflix, Disney+, etc.) allow you to cancel anytime, but some small services or bundles might have annual commitments. Confirm there are no long-term contracts or auto-renewal catches. If you cancel, some platforms immediately remove access, while others let you use it until the next billing date. Understanding these terms helps avoid unintentional charges.
Simultaneous Streams and Profiles: Note how many devices can watch at once under one account. For example, Netflix Premium allows 4 simultaneous streams, Hulu’s base plan allows 2, Amazon Prime Video allows 3, etc. If you have a large household or like watching on multiple screens, pick a plan that supports enough streams. Also, look at user profiles: most services let you create multiple profiles per account, so different people can save shows separately. If sharing an account with family or friends, make sure the service’s simultaneous-stream limit and profile options fit your needs.
Original vs Licensed Content: Lastly, consider whether you prefer original content or a broad library of old favorites. Some services (HBO Max, Netflix, Apple TV+) invest heavily in exclusive originals, while others (Hulu, Amazon, Paramount+) have large catalogs of licensed shows. Licensed shows can disappear if deals change, while originals stay put. If there’s a particular licensed series you love (e.g. Friends, The Office), check its availability. Balancing original titles with licensed libraries ensures you won’t run out of new things to watch.
Choosing the right streaming subscriptions
Check each service’s content library and price
Consider technical factors like devices, quality, and how flexible each service is
Don’t overcommit. Use free trials and start with a few services
How many streaming services should I subscribe to?
It depends on your viewing habits and budget. Many people choose 2–4 paid services, plus free apps to fill gaps. Start with one service that has your favorite content, then add another if needed. You can always cancel if you find you’re not using it enough.
Do I need high-speed internet to stream video?
Can I share my streaming account with others?
Is streaming cheaper than cable TV?
Are free streaming services legit and safe?