As streaming platforms keep gaining traction, numerous companies now offer their own versions. These streaming services allow you to view nearly everything — if not everything — that traditional cable provides.
With options like Hulu + Live TV, Peacock, YouTube TV, fuboTV, DirecTV Stream and others, you can catch your favorite athletes and programs at home or on the move via your mobile device.
Signing up for every service would add up quickly. So what’s the best strategy? Which choice delivers the shows and channels you want without emptying your wallet?
We reviewed 13 of the most widely used streaming platforms so you don’t have to.
How Do Streaming Platforms Differ?
Do you prefer classic sitcoms like “Friends,” or are you hooked on a newer drama such as “Severance?” Would you rather be swept up in “Bridgerton” or laugh along with the Belchers in “Bob’s Burgers?”
Many streaming options advertise savings over conventional cable, but how do the services themselves differ in content and features?
Each platform has its own library, distinctive tools and pricing. Your decision might hinge on original programming, a back-catalog of classics, live TV functionality, affordability or some mix of those elements.
You could also explore our roundup of streaming bundles and free TV apps, but sometimes staying current with the latest buzzed-about series requires a paid subscription.
Grab your movie snack and review the benefits and drawbacks to figure out which service fits you best.
Streaming Services at a Glance
| Service | Base Monthly Rate | Trial Period | Number of Screens | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu | $7.99 | 30 days | 2 | Watching episodes the day after they air | var quidget_srcs = {‘cc’: https://www.hulu.com/welcome }card_name |
| Netflix | $6.99 | None | Up to 4 | Original series | var quidget_srcs = {‘cc’: https://www.netflix.com/ }card_name |
| Amazon Prime Video | Free w/ membership; $8.99/month without | 30 days | 3 | X-ray and extras | var quidget_srcs = {‘cc’: https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Video/b?ie=UTF8&node=2676882011 }card_name |
| YouTube TV | $72.99 | Promotions vary, up to 30 days | 3 | Live television | var quidget_srcs = {‘cc’: https://tv.youtube.com/welcome/?utm_servlet=prod&zipcode=89049 }card_name |
| Disney+ | $7.99 | None | 4 | Disney & Marvel catalogs | var quidget_srcs = {‘cc’: https://www.disneyplus.com/welcome/subscribe-now }card_name |
| Paramount+ | $5.99 | 7 days | 3 | Crime and network dramas | var quidget_srcs = {‘cc’: https://www.paramountplus.com/ }card_name |
| Sling TV | Some content free; $40 or $55 packages | Promotions vary, currently 7 days | 1 to 4 | Budget live TV | var quidget_srcs = {‘cc’: https://t.thepennyhoarder.com/aff_c?offer_id=6903&aff_id=333&source=best-tv-streaming-services&aff_sub=www.thepennyhoarder.com }card_name |
| Peacock | $5.99 or $11.99 packages | Promotions vary | 3 | NBC shows | var quidget_srcs = {‘cc’: https://www.peacocktv.com/ }card_name |
| Apple TV+ | $9.99 | 7 days | 6 | Apple ecosystem users | var quidget_srcs = {‘cc’: https://tv.apple.com/ }card_name |
| AMC+ | $4.99 with ads or $8.99 without | 7 days | 5 | Horror and AMC originals | var quidget_srcs = {‘cc’: https://www.amcplus.com/ }card_name |
| The CW | Free | None | N/A | DC programming | var quidget_srcs = {‘cc’: https://www.cwtv.com/thecw/the-cw-app/ }card_name |
| STARZ | $9.99 | Promotions vary | 4 | Historical dramas | var quidget_srcs = {‘cc’: https://www.starz.com/us/en/ }card_name |
| Max | $9.99 | None (has free episodes) | 2-4 | Recent movie releases | var quidget_srcs = {‘cc’: https://www.hbomax.com/subscribe/plan-picker }card_name |
Pick From 13 Streaming Platforms
We evaluated 13 streaming services — looking at cost, content emphasis and features — to help you choose the right fit.
Why Pick Hulu
How much: One-month free trial. Plans begin at $7.99/month with limited ads, $17.99/month for ad-free, and $76.99/month for an ad-supported Hulu + Live TV bundle (Disney+ and ESPN+ can be added). Students may qualify for the $7.99 plan at a discounted $1.99/month with verification.
Available on: Computers, phones, tablets, game consoles, smart TVs, Blu-ray players and streaming sticks like Roku and Fire Stick.
You can register unlimited devices to your account, though streaming is limited to two simultaneous screens (Live TV plans can add unlimited screens for an extra fee).
Biggest pro: Some current TV episodes appear the day after airing.
Biggest con: The overall catalog is smaller than some competitors.
Best for: Viewers who follow current U.S. network shows and want quick access to recent episodes.
Why Pick Netflix
How much: Three tiered plans starting at $6.99/month up to $22.99/month, based on device limits and streaming quality. Ad-free options begin at $15.49/month.
Available on: Computers, phones, tablets, game consoles, smart TVs, Blu-ray players and streaming devices such as Roku and Amazon Fire Stick.
You may register many devices and stream on up to four simultaneously, depending on your plan.
Biggest pro: Netflix features an extensive slate of original programming.
Biggest con: Current-season episodes of airing network shows are typically delayed on Netflix, so spoilers can build up.
Best for: People who enjoy a rich variety of original series across genres.
Why Pick Amazon Prime Video
How much: 30-day free trial. Included with eligible Amazon Prime membership or available standalone for $8.99/month. Premium add-on channels like HBO and Showtime cost extra.
Available on: Computers, phones, tablets, game consoles, smart TVs and streaming devices like Roku and Fire Stick.
You can stream on up to three devices simultaneously.
Biggest pro: Prime Video’s X-ray feature offers actor bios, trivia, music info and behind-the-scenes content.
Biggest con: It can be tricky to tell which titles are part of your subscription versus those that require additional payment.
Best for: Those who already have an Amazon Prime membership.
Why Pick YouTube TV
How much: YouTube TV often has a free trial; the baseline plan is $72.99/month. A Spanish-language plan is available for $34.99/month.
Available on: Computers, phones, tablets, game consoles, smart TVs, streaming sticks and Google Nest Hub.
You can create up to six profiles and stream on three devices at once.
Biggest pro: Over 100 channels and unlimited cloud DVR storage at no additional cost.
Biggest con: There’s no ad-free tier; while DVR can let you fast-forward through commercials, ads remain part of the live experience.
Best for: People who want the live TV feel without paying for cable.
Why Pick Disney+
How much: Disney+ Basic with ads costs $7.99/month. You can pay $10.99/month or $109.99/year for an ad-free plan.
Available on: Computers, phones, tablets, game consoles, smart TVs and streaming devices like Roku and Fire Stick.
Disney+ allows seven profiles per account and up to four simultaneous streams.
Biggest pro: The majority of Disney’s library, along with Marvel and Star Wars franchises, is centralized here.
Biggest con: Premier Access for early movie releases is pricey (often around $30).
Best for: Fans of Disney and Marvel, across all ages.
Why Pick Paramount+
How much: 7-day free trial. Paramount+ Essential is $5.99/month or $59.99/year; upgrade to Paramount+ with Showtime for $11.99/month or $99.99/year for fewer ads. College students verified through the program receive 25% off an Essential monthly plan.
Available on: Computers, phones, tablets, game consoles, smart TVs and streaming sticks like Roku and Fire Stick.
You get three simultaneous streams and six profiles.
Biggest pro: Early access to certain Paramount movie titles.
Biggest con: The catalog is concentrated around CBS and Viacom properties.
Best for: Fans of classic crime procedurals, Star Trek enthusiasts and kids who love “Paw Patrol.”
Why Pick Sling TV
How much: Sling offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $40/month for Orange or Blue, or $55/month to combine both; add-ons and premium channels cost extra.
Available on: Computers, phones, tablets, Xbox, smart TVs and streaming devices like Roku and Fire Stick.
Screen limits vary by plan: Orange supports one device, Blue and combined plans allow three.
Biggest pro: The most affordable among live TV alternatives.
Biggest con: Fewer channels than many competitors.
Best for: Users wanting live TV on a tighter budget.
Why Pick Peacock
How much: Peacock Premium is $5.99/month or $59.99/year; Premium Plus (fewer ads) is $11.99/month or $119.99/year.
Available on: Computers, phones, tablets, game consoles, smart TVs and streaming devices like Roku and Fire Stick.
You can stream on up to three screens at a time.
Biggest pro: Peacock hosts well-known series such as “The Office,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “The Voice.”
Biggest con: The free tier includes only select episodes of some series.
Best for: Viewers who want to sample shows before committing to a full binge.
Why Pick Apple TV+
How much: After a 7-day free trial, Apple TV+ is $9.99/month. Apple One bundles Apple TV+ with Apple Music, Apple Arcade and 50 GB iCloud storage starting at $16.95/month (bundle has a one-month free trial).
Available on: iPhone, iPad, Mac, smart TVs, game consoles, streaming devices and select Amazon Fire devices.
Apple TV+ supports streaming on up to six devices simultaneously on one account.
Biggest pro: Apple TV+ emphasizes high-quality original content, like “CODA,” the first direct-to-streaming film to win an Oscar.
Biggest con: The focus on originals means a smaller overall catalog compared with rivals.
Best for: Apple device owners and viewers prioritizing quality over quantity.
What About Channel-Specific Apps?
Many networks now run their own streaming apps, but subscribing to several can cost as much as cable. Whether a channel-specific service is worth it depends on what you enjoy watching.
Why Pick AMC+
How much: Try 7 days free, then AMC+ is $4.99/month with ads or $8.99/month ad-free; an annual option is about $83.88. AMC+ bundles content from AMC, IFC, BBC America, SundanceTV, Sundance Now, Shudder and others.
Available on: Computers, phones, tablets and smart TVs. If you subscribe through a third-party provider, you may need to access AMC+ via that provider’s interface.
Direct subscribers can stream on up to five devices simultaneously.
Biggest pro: Early access to some AMC originals.
Biggest con: The app experience could be more polished.
Best for: Horror fans and viewers seeking AMC-specific programming.
Why Pick The CW
How much: The CW app is free.
Available on: Computers, phones, tablets, Xbox One, smart TVs and streaming devices like Roku and Fire Stick.
Biggest pro: Free to use with no account or subscription necessary.
Biggest con: Without a subscription, you miss features like saved watchlists.
Best for: Fans of DC shows and teen dramas such as “Riverdale.”
Why Pick STARZ
How much: STARZ is $9.99/month and often promotes discounted sign-up offers for initial months.
Available on: Computers, smartphones, streaming devices, Xbox and smart TVs.
You can stream on up to four devices at once.
Biggest pro: STARZ offers a sizable collection of acclaimed dramas and hit movies.
Biggest con: The app is somewhat behind competitors in functionality.
Best for: Viewers who enjoy STARZ period dramas like “The White Princess” and “Outlander.”
Why Pick Max
How much: The ad-supported Max plan is $9.99/month or $99.99/year; the ad-free tier is $16.99/month or $169.99/year. Instead of a timed trial, Max provides select free episodes to preview.
Available on: Computers, smart TVs, tablets, smartphones and gaming consoles.
Biggest pro: Access to a deep library of popular shows and the ability to stream Warner Bros movies about 45 days after theatrical release.
You can stream on up to three devices at once.
Biggest con: The ad-free option is pricier than many alternatives.
Best for: Viewers who want broad access to top-tier movies and series.
Other Streaming Alternatives
We covered the major services, but several other platforms exist. Xumo, Pluto, fuboTV and Tubi are free, ad-supported choices that include Live TV. Philo streams many live and on-demand channels for about $28/month.
If you or your children enjoy anime, merged services like Crunchyroll and Funimation offer extensive free and paid libraries.
How to Choose Between Streaming Services
With so many variations, there’s no single “best” streaming service.
Decide whether cost, live-TV features, content quality, speed of new-episode availability or the number of concurrent streams matters most to you.
Preferences will guide the right pick. You can also try free trials offered by many top streaming services — just remember to set a reminder to cancel before the trial ends if it’s not a match.
Frequently Asked Questions About Streaming Services
Below are answers to common questions about streaming options.
Several services offer free tiers, including Sling TV, Peacock, The CW, Xumo, Pluto, fuboTV and Tubi. Amazon Prime Video comes bundled with Prime, which costs $14.99/month or $139/year.
Streaming services deliver entertainment like movies and TV shows via an internet connection so you can watch on demand. Libraries typically include classic and recent films, original series, documentaries and both current and archived network programs.
To stream, you need internet access and a compatible device — a smartphone, tablet, laptop or gaming console usually works. Some platforms also require an account or payment method to unlock content.
No special hardware is necessary beyond any internet-capable device; phones, tablets, laptops and consoles are all commonly used to stream media.
Contributor Anna Martin writes about lifestyle and entertainment topics for Savinly. Freelancer Cat Hiles contributed to this post.
