12 Best Streaming Services: Top Streaming TV Options

The streaming service landscape is rapidly changing, with new players appearing, old ones seeming to lose their way, and others consolidating.

With more than 200 companies offering subscription video on demand (SVOD) services around the world, it can be difficult to work out which ones are worth your money.

This guide will tell you all you need to know about the best streaming services on the market right now.

Best Streaming Services – Introduction

Netflix is the most popular choice for streaming television and movies.

The company has made some significant changes in recent years that have put it at odds with its users, but it remains one of the best choices for streaming video content.

Amazon Prime Video offers free shipping on many items from Amazon’s website, but it also provides access to a large library of movies and TV shows for no additional cost after a free trial period expires.

Hulu offers several different subscription plans that give you access to an extensive library of television shows and movies for a monthly fee.

What Are The Best Streaming Services

Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video are the three most popular streaming services in the U.S. But which one should you choose? And are there other options?

If you’re looking for the best of everything — from original content to on-demand movies and TV shows — we’ve got you covered.

Our list compares all three services to help you decide which one is right for you.

How to pick a streaming service

Pick guide

What do you watch most?

Live sports first

Sports-first bundlesESPN+ / Fubo / Sling

Kids + Marvel / Star Wars / Pixar

Family franchisesDisney+

Prestige HBO library

Prestige TVMax

Biggest catalogue + originals

Volume playNetflix or Prime Video

Cheaper live TV

Budget bundlesSling or Peacock

Every pick in this guide

1. HBO Max

HBO Max is Warner Bros. Discovery’s flagship streaming service (briefly rebranded Max, then restored to HBO Max), built around HBO and the Warner Bros. catalogue.

It launched in the U.S. in May 2020 and now carries HBO originals and library series, Warner Bros. and DC films and shows, Max originals, and other licensed titles. It does not bundle Disney, Fox/20th Century, NBCUniversal, or Amazon Prime Video originals as a core offering.

HBO Max is pitched as an alternative to Netflix for viewers who want prestige drama and a deep Warner/HBO library. Standouts include Watchmen, Sex and the City, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and past HBO series such as The Sopranos, Six Feet Under and True Detective, plus documentaries and comedy specials. Live sports availability varies by plan and region.

2. Hulu

Hulu is a video streaming service that offers full seasons of shows, original programming, movies and more. You can watch Hulu on your computer, mobile phone or TV.

Hulu was founded in 2007 by three former employees of the Fox Broadcasting Company who felt that the TV industry wasn’t moving fast enough to embrace the Internet for its distribution needs.

How It Works

There are two main ways to use Hulu — as an online streaming service or as part of a live TV package through Hulu with Live TV. You can find out more about each below:

Hulu With No Commercials

The core ad-free offering from Hulu is Hulu Premium (about $21.49 per month as of late 2026; verify current pricing), which lets you stream most of the Hulu library without commercial breaks. Ads may still appear in some live/linear content.

If you’re already paying for cable but need a break from the constant barrage of ads, this may be right up your alley.

With Ads

Hulu’s lower-priced tier (about $12.49 per month as of late 2026) includes the main on-demand library with ads. Full seasons and next-day episodes of many current broadcast/cable shows are part of the paid plans, not a separate free rotating catalogue.

3. Netflix

Netflix is a TV show and movie streaming service. You can watch Netflix on your computer, TV, tablet, or mobile device.

Netflix is an American entertainment company founded by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph on August 29, 1997, in Scotts Valley, California. The company’s primary business is its subscription-based streaming media service, which offers online streaming of a library of films and television programs including those produced in-house.

As of January 2016, Netflix had over 93 million subscribers worldwide, including 50 million in the United States.

Netflix’s initial business model included DVD sales and rental by mail; however, this proved to be relatively unsuccessful due to the low profit margins for each DVD sale.

In 2007, Netflix began streaming movies and TV shows on its website using a content delivery network called Open Connect.

It also started a subscription-based digital distribution service called Netflix Watch Instantly that same year.

With the introduction of Apple’s iTunes Store in 2001, Netflix was able to offer direct downloads of video files from its website via the iTunes software.

Netflix has grown from mailing out DVDs to having its own streaming platform available on multiple mobile devices and smart TVs around the world.

4. Disney Plus

Disney+ (pronounced “Disney plus”) launched in November 2019 and competes directly with Netflix and other major streamers.

It is home to original and franchise programming from Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, National Geographic and Disney’s own brands, plus series that expand those universes for fans who can’t get enough of their favorite characters.

The service houses a large share of the company’s movies from Pixar, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm (theatrical windows and regional licensing still apply), alongside TV from Disney-owned networks. Outside the U.S., much adult-skewing Hulu/FX/ABC-style fare often sits in the Star hub on Disney+ rather than a separate Hulu app.

5. Sling TV

Sling TV is a live streaming service that gives subscribers access to some of their favorite cable channels without a cable subscription.

It’s a great option for those who want to cut the cord without losing access to their favorite shows and movies.

Sling TV offers two main packages: Sling Orange and Sling Blue. Each package has its own set of channels, but they’re both similar in price at $25 per month.

Customers can also subscribe to both packages for $40 per month and get all the channels offered in both packages.

Sling TV’s base packages include a number of popular channels such as ESPN, AMC, HGTV, Comedy Central, TBS, TNT and more.

In addition to these channels, Sling TV also offers add-ons like HBO and Cinemax for an additional fee each month.

If you’re looking for something specific on your cable lineup that isn’t available through Sling TV’s base packages or add-ons, there are still other options available for you.

For example, if you want local news coverage or sports updates from your favorite team(s), there are several streaming services that offer these features at an additional cost each month (or sometimes even free).

6. Apple TV Plus

Apple TV Plus is the streaming service from Apple that lets you watch shows, movies and more on Apple and many other devices.

Unlike Netflix-scale catalogues, Apple TV+ focuses on a smaller slate of high-quality originals (for example Severance and Ted Lasso) rather than thousands of licensed titles. You can watch whenever you want, usually without ads.

Separately, Apple’s storefront still lets you rent or buy many movies and TV seasons. An Apple Music membership is a different product for music streaming.

Apple TV+ is available on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, and supported smart TVs and streaming devices.

7. Peacock

Peacock is NBCUniversal’s (Comcast) on-demand streaming service — not an AT&T live-TV package. It offers NBC and Bravo current shows, Peacock originals, movies, news, and a large amount of live sports and events, plus dozens of always-on channels.

As of late 2026, Peacock’s main U.S. tiers are Select (about $8.99/month; limited catalogue with ads), Premium (about $12.99/month; fuller catalogue with ads, including live sports), and Premium Plus (about $19.99/month; mostly ad-free on-demand, downloads on select titles, and live local NBC). Prices change often — confirm on Peacock’s site before subscribing.

Peacock is aimed at viewers who want NBCUniversal TV, sports, and originals without a traditional cable bundle. It is not a full replacement for a live cable lineup of TBS, TNT, AMC, CNN, and ESPN the way some live-TV streamers are.

8. Fubo TV

Fubo TV is a live streaming service that broadcasts major sporting events, news, and entertainment.

Unlike other online TV services, Fubo TV doesn’t offer a traditional channel lineup. Instead, subscribers can choose from dozens of sports channels and international news channels.

The Fubo TV app is available for Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV devices as well as Android and iOS mobile devices.

You can also use the app to watch on your computer or laptop by signing in with your email address and password.

9. Prime Video

Prime Video is a subscription-based video on-demand service that is developed, owned, and operated by Amazon.

It offers television shows and films for rent or purchase and Prime Video, a selection of Amazon Studios original content, and licensed acquisitions included in the Amazon’s Prime subscription. In the UK and Germany, access to Prime Video is also available through a dedicated Prime Video app.

In 2018, Prime Video has more than 100 million members worldwide. In 2017, it was estimated that by 2022, 80% of U.S. households will be subscribing to at least one SVOD service.

Prime Video was first introduced on September 7, 2006 as Amazon Unbox in the United States. On September 4, 2008 its name was changed to Amazon Instant Video and then to simply Amazon Instant Video on Demand.

The Unbox name still refers to the service in some countries where it is marketed as an add-on to other services rather than a standalone product.

10. Starz

Starz is a premium subscription-based cable network that offers up a wide variety of programming.

You can subscribe to Starz directly as a standalone streamer, or add it through many live-TV and bundle partners (availability varies by provider and region).

Starz streaming lets you watch movies and shows on demand, as well as live events like sports and concerts.

The channel has won multiple awards over the years, including Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes, and more.

Starz is not available on all cable packages nationwide, so you may have to contact your provider to see if they offer it in your area before you sign up for an account.

Also keep in mind that while some providers offer access to live stream content online through their websites or apps, others do not allow you to do so without first having a paid subscription through them.

If your provider does offer access to live streams online, then it’s simple enough for you to sign up for an account with them and get started watching right away — no cable box required!

11. ESPN Plus

ESPN+ content now sits inside Disney’s ESPN streaming app as ESPN Select (the lower tier), with a higher ESPN Unlimited tier that adds live ESPN linear networks.

As of late 2026, ESPN Select is about $13.99 per month (or about $139.99 per year); ESPN Unlimited is about $31.99 per month. It is also sold in Disney+/Hulu bundles. Pricing changes frequently — verify on ESPN or Disney before subscribing.

Select-level plans focus on thousands of live events and exclusives across college sports, soccer, combat sports, golf, and more, plus ESPN originals and on-demand replays — not a full substitute for every ESPN cable channel unless you take Unlimited.

The ESPN app is available on mobile devices and computers, smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and current-generation gaming consoles.

12. Paramount Plus

Paramount+ is Paramount’s streaming service (evolved from CBS All Access), offering movies, TV shows, news, and live sports. U.S. and UK plan prices vary by tier and change often — check Paramount+ for current rates.

Its backbone is Paramount’s own library — Paramount Pictures, CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central and related brands — plus originals and licensed titles. It is not built on Vudu/Fandango at Home.

Some shows and films are exclusive or windowed to Paramount+, while others also appear on Netflix, Hulu, or other services depending on region and licensing.

The goal is to give subscribers access to both new releases and classic titles in one place — so if you’re looking for CBS series, Paramount films, or franchise TV, you can start here instead of hunting across the internet.

For people who love movies and TV shows, a mid-tier Paramount+ plan is often a reasonable add-on. And if you’re already spending money on other subscriptions (like Hulu), it may be worth adding another one to your monthly budget just so that you have access to even more content.

What To Look For In A Streaming Service?

There are a lot of streaming services out there, but which one is right for you? The answer depends on what you’re looking for in a streaming service.

Here’s what to look for in a streaming service:

Content

What shows and movies does this service have? Netflix has thousands upon thousands of titles and original programming, while Hulu has a smaller selection but still has some great shows. Amazon Prime Video has even less content available.

The quality of the content is also important — if you’re looking for something specific like action movies or documentaries, make sure the streaming service you choose offers those options.

Price

How much does the service cost? You’ll want to compare how much each service costs before committing to one over another.

Some charge by month while others charge by year; some have free trials that let you try out their service before committing to anything, while others don’t offer any trial period at all.

Make sure you know what kind of commitment each option requires before deciding which one works best for you.

User Interface

How easy is it to navigate through menus and find what you’re looking for? Does it have an intuitive interface or does it feel like navigating through layers upon layers of menus?

Best Streaming Services TV

Hulu is a great option for those who want to watch their favorite shows. You can choose between a paid subscription or a free trial, which will give you access to some of the content on Hulu.

If you’re looking for a streaming service that has the largest selection of movies and TV shows, Netflix is your best bet.

It has more than 100 million subscribers worldwide and offers more than 10,000 titles in its library.

Amazon Prime Video is one of the best streaming services around and it comes with Amazon Prime membership.

The membership allows you to get free two-day shipping on all Amazon orders, access to Prime Music and Prime Video, unlimited photo storage through Prime Photos, early access to deals and discounts on products in the Amazon store, and much more.

Best Streaming Services For Movies

With the rise of streaming services, cord-cutters have more options than ever when it comes to watching movies and TV shows.

Whether you’re looking for a service that lets you rent or buy new releases, stream older titles, or both, there’s something for everyone.

Streaming services have become more and more popular in recent years. The convenience of watching movies and TV shows on-demand is hard to pass up.

The best streaming services offer the largest selection of movies and shows, so you’ll never be at a loss for something to watch.

But with so many options out there, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you.

Best Streaming Services: Feature & Pricing Comparison (2026)

Decision guide:

• Best value for variety → Amazon Prime Video (included with shipping)
• Best for film fans → Netflix or Max
• Best for prestige drama → Max (HBO) or Apple TV+
• Best for cinephiles → MUBI or BFI Player
• Best for families → Disney+

Prices correct at time of writing. Streaming pricing changes frequently — verify at the service's own website before subscribing.

Further reading

Release years, credits, and list history should be checked against a catalogue, not copied from memory. Start here:

• Wikipedia: Over-the-top media service
• Ofcom
• BFI player context

Best Streaming Services – Wrapping Up

It’s easy to get lost in the sea of streaming services out there, but we’ve got your back. Here are our top picks for the best streaming services you can get today:

Netflix is still our favorite all-around choice for TV and movies, especially since it has so many original shows and movies (including Stranger Things!).

Hulu is also a great choice if you want a wide variety of TV shows and movies, though it might not be as robust as Netflix in this regard.

Amazon Prime Video is best if you want access to Amazon’s original programming like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Man in the High Castle.

Netflix is still the king of streaming, but it’s getting more and more expensive. The good news is that there are a ton of alternatives that can save you money and provide you with a ton of great content to watch.

Amazon Prime Video has become a dominant force in streaming, offering up a huge library of original series and movies.

The service also offers free shipping on most products sold through Amazon, which makes it easy to justify its cost as part of your shopping experience.

Hulu has been adding new content at a rapid pace lately, including both original programming and acquired shows from other networks.

I hope this guide has helped you to understand the basics of streaming services and how they work. You should now be able to decide which one is best for you, depending on your budget and personal preferences.

I also hope that you’ve found some new movies and TV shows to watch!