There are so many streaming services out there, and we have compiled everything you need to decide which one is worth it.
On-demand streaming services provide a lot of content, including your favorite cable and network TV shows. These streaming services are gaining popularity and expanding their library to include new titles as well as original content. They are so popular that streaming services have a prominent place on the award show circuit. Many of them have won nominations and trophies in their original movies and shows. Which streaming service is best for you? Let’s compare streaming services and take a look at all the options.
There are so many entertainment options that it is difficult to decide where to spend your entertainment dollars. On-demand streaming services provide a variety of entertainment options, including family shows, popular dramas, comedies, favorite movies, and top sporting events.
These streaming services are becoming more popular and have added new titles to their library. They also offer original content. Many titles that have won Emmy Awards or Golden Globes are included in the expanded libraries.
Some streaming services are now more focused on specific content, rather than offering something for everyone. Which streaming service is best for you? Let’s compare streaming services and take a look at a few famous options.
What are the Best On-Demand Video Streaming Services for You?
- Netflix
- Hulu
- HBO Max
- Disney+
How to Choose the Best On-demand Streaming Service?
There are many factors that you should consider when deciding which streaming service is best for you. The most important factors to consider are the price, content, number of simultaneous streams, and number of user profiles. It is possible that you will find more than one provider to be the best — choosing two or three providers can give you the most options. Let’s have a closer look at each one.
Before you proceed we want to clarify that these services are not free as the Cinema HD v2 app. So you will need to buy a subscription to enjoy the content.
Best for Originals: Netflix
Pros
Netflix has more than 214,000,000 subscribers and is the most popular streaming service in the world. These numbers include more than 74 million subscribers in Canada and the U.S., where nearly two-thirds of all adults have a Netflix account. This is a huge advantage for Netflix. Netflix has a large library that includes movies, shows, and docu-series.
Its strength is its vast library of original content. This includes award-winning TV shows such as House of Cards or Orange is the New Black. Each year, subscribers are given new reasons to keep using the service by spending more than $12 million on original content.
Start at $10/mo. It’s an affordable price for an ad-free plan.
Cons
Netflix’s biggest problem is its inability to offer live programming. You will still need to subscribe to cable or another service if you want live sports, news, or shows.
Netflix does not add the latest season to your account immediately. This is a problem if you want to keep up with your friends. As more streaming platforms create their own streaming apps, Netflix is losing licensed content.
Best for current TV Shows: Hulu
Pros
Hulu is a top-rated streaming service for TV, thanks to its extensive on-demand library. Hulu is better than Netflix when it comes to current programming. Hulu has episodes of current series available the day after they air. It’ll allow you to keep up with the latest on your favorite shows, without worrying about friends sharing plot details.
Hulu, which costs $7 per month, is one of the most cost-effective streamers. This is however the basic, ad-supported plan. Upgrade the service to get an ad-free experience and add-ons. You don’t have to upgrade to live TV to view specific shows and events, but you can also drop down to the basic Hulu plan in the next month. For $14/mo, you can sign up for the Disney bundle to get Hulu and Disney plus ESPN+. Basic service, $20/mo. Hulu (No ads), plan.
Cons
The basic Hulu plan does not include ads, unlike Netflix. You can bypass ads completely by upgrading to the Hulu No Ads plan ($13/mo.) You’ll pay more for Hulu (No Ads) than you would for Netflix. It doesn’t offer as much content as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Best for Movies: HBO Max
Pros
HBO Max is no exception to the tradition of HBO movies. It is one of the most popular streaming sites for movies. HBO Max offers all the movies that you can see on your HBO channel cable menu.
HBO Max also airs movies and shows from DC and other networks such as TCM, Cartoon Network, and TCM. You can also stream Warner Bros.’s greatest hits on HBO Max. HBO Max, like Netflix and Hulu, has its own line-up of original content. It’s available immediately to stream once it airs on cable.
HBO Max can also be streamed in HD with an average internet download speed of 5 Mbps. If you have download speeds above 25Mbps, you will be able to stream the content in 4K.
Cons
HBO Max is $10 per month, which is the same price as Netflix. However, HBO Max includes ads. You will need to pay $15 per month for the ad-free service, which is the most expensive we have seen. The service lacks the same variety of channels and shows as other services. You can’t even try it first because HBO Max doesn’t offer a free trial.
Best for Families: Disney+
Pros
Disney+ is the best place to stream your favorite Disney movies or shows. It is the most popular streaming site for families. You can also find a lot of original content and a wide selection of movies from decades past to the present. This includes the Star Wars and Marvel films as well as TV series. The Disney Bundle is also available. It starts at $14/mo and includes Disney+ and Hulu as well as ESPN+ and ESPN+.
Cons
Although the library of Disney+ on-demand content is limited, it’s not impossible to find a streaming service that’s specifically designed for families. The programming selection is also smaller than Netflix or Hulu. Disney+ will not show a movie or show that isn’t part of the Disney Universe.
The service also does not offer a free trial.
Our recommendation
Choosing the right streaming service depends on your entertainment preferences. Netflix and Hulu offer a wide range of content from all types and companies. Disney+ is the best choice for kids’ programming. HBO Max is the best for top movies and Peacock is the best for sports programming. You can also pair your Hulu or Netflix subscription with other services to get better home entertainment.