Cutting the cord and diving into the world of streaming can be a bit overwhelming with all the options out there. But don’t worry! We’re here to break it down for you. Here’s a friendly rundown of the top streaming services, what they cost, and what makes them stand out.
1. Netflix
- Cost: $9.99/month (Basic), $15.49/month (Standard), $19.99/month (Premium)
- Best Features: Netflix is known for its massive library of TV shows, movies, and original content. Popular shows like “Stranger Things,” “The Crown,” and “Bridgerton” have made it a household name.
- Best Programs: “Stranger Things,” “The Witcher,” “Bridgerton,” “Ozark,” and “The Crown.”
2. Disney+
- Cost: $7.99/month or $79.99/year
- Best Features: Disney+ is a treasure trove for fans of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. It’s perfect for families and anyone nostalgic for Disney classics.
- Best Programs: “The Mandalorian,””Doctor Who,” “WandaVision,” “Loki,” “The Simpsons,” and classic Disney movies.
3. Hulu
- Cost: $7.99/month (with ads), $14.99/month (no ads), $69.99/month (Hulu + Live TV)
- Best Features: Hulu offers a great mix of current TV episodes, original content, and a solid movie library. It’s ideal for keeping up with the latest shows from major networks.
- Best Programs: “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Only Murders in the Building,” “Nine Perfect Strangers,” and a vast collection of network TV shows.
4. Amazon Prime Video
- Cost: $8.99/month (Prime Video only), $14.99/month or $139/year (Amazon Prime, which includes other benefits including free two-day shipping)
- Best Features: Prime Video boasts a wide variety of movies, TV shows, and original programming. Plus, an Amazon Prime membership gets you perks like free shipping on Amazon purchases.
- Best Programs: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Boys,” “Jack Reacher,” and “Good Omens.”
5. Max (formerly HBO Max)
- Cost: $9.99/month (with ads), $15.99/month (no ads)
- Best Features: Max combines HBO’s quality original programming with a vast library from Warner Bros., DC, Studio Ghibli, and more. With the inclusion of Discovery+, it also offers a variety of reality shows, documentaries, and lifestyle content including Food Network and Discovery programming.
- Best Programs: “Game of Thrones,” “Succession,” “Euphoria,” “Friends,” “House Hunters,” “90 Day Fiancé,” and new Warner Bros. movie releases.
6. Apple TV+
- Cost: $6.99/month
- Best Features: Apple TV+ focuses on original content with big-name stars and high production values. It may have a smaller library, but the quality of its shows and movies is top-notch.
- Best Programs: “Ted Lasso,” “The Morning Show,” “Severance,” “For All Mankind,” and “Foundation.”
One thing you’ll notice is that having multiple streaming services really isn’t less expensive than cable for satellite. Choosing the right streaming service depends on what you love to watch and how much you’re willing to spend. Whether you’re into binge-watching TV shows, catching the latest movies, or enjoying exclusive original content, there’s a streaming service out there just for you. Happy streaming!