Summary
Top Streaming Services Available. Here are the top streaming services available in 2024, based on a variety of factors, including content library, price, and value:
Top Streaming Services Available in 2024: OUR PICKS
best streaming service overall
- Netflix: $7
best streaming service for family-friendly content
- Disney Plus $8
best streaming service for premium content like House of the Dragon
- Max$10
best budget streaming service for the price
- Hulu$8
best streaming service for affordable, ad-free premium content
- Apple TV Plus $10
best budget streaming service for network TV and live sports
- Peacock $6
best streaming service for hockey and UFC fans
- ESPN Plus$11
best streaming service for early access to original series and ad-free blockbuster movies
- Starz$10
In terms of streaming services, which one is the best overall?
Among the several streaming services that we examined, Netflix seemed to be the most formidable competitor. In addition to providing a large array of features and a library that is always being updated with new material, it also has a trustworthy and user-friendly interface. The streaming service is constantly adding fresh original content from all around the globe, and those who use secret passwords may even find films that they have not before seen. By including a tier that is dependent on advertisements, it has become even more cost-effective in comparison to competitors like Disney Plus and Max. Despite the fact that there are alternative streaming services of higher quality available, our top choice at the moment is Netflix; nonetheless, it is vital to take into consideration both your financial constraints and your individual tastes.
Over the course of only the previous three years, streaming services have seen significant transformations in terms of pricing, content, and features alone. We are able to assist you in selecting the platforms that are most suitable for your needs by providing you with our comprehensive list of the finest, which includes Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, and Max. We have evaluated each of these streaming services on an individual basis and provided numerical scores based on libraries, app design, and features, as well as overall value. Note that if you have a certain program or type of show that you really like, you can have a different favorite. This is because some of our evaluations are based on our own preferences for the content. Additionally, if you are interested in going beyond on-demand platforms, you should look at our selection of the top live TV streaming services.
Which streaming service is the best overall?
Netflix $7 at Netflix
There is a rationale behind why Netflix has gradually become synonymous with streaming in general. The app that was once used for renting movies has transformed into a top-tier streaming service that will be an absolute necessity in 2024, even if you have to pay an additional fee to share your password. When major originals like The Witcher or Stranger Things are released, they attract the attention of millions of viewers, in addition to receiving critical acclaim and accolades. This provides us with the closest thing we have to talks that take place around the water cooler in this day and age.
The streaming service provides a greater number of original series, features, documentaries, and specials than any of its rivals, in addition to a vast range of well-known television programs from other networks. Every week, new television series and motion pictures are released. Moreover, the corporation is not bothered by the fact that it caters to a variety of preferences by providing gaming alternatives and categories for children, as well as anime and games in other languages from all over the world.
In the center of the pack of TV service providers, its pricing range begins at $7 per month for an account that is funded by advertisements and goes up to $15.50 per month for the basic ad-free plan. While the premium option costs $23 and provides you with 4K video and four screens, the ordinary plans, whether with or without advertisements, contain high definition and two streams that are active at the same time. It is nevertheless a top choice on account of the diversity that it provides.
Pros
- Simple interface that’s easy to navigate
- solid recommendation system
- Abundant catalog of licensed movies, shows and originals, including Stranger Things, Wednesday
Cons
- Expensive subscription plans
- Fee for extra members
The best streaming service for entertainment that is suitable for families
Added by Disney: $8 at Disney Plus
There is a good reason why Disney Plus is considered to be one of Netflix’s closest rivals. The great majority of the Disney and Pixar libraries, as well as every Star Wars movie, Marvel films, new original television series, material from National Geographic, and more than thirty seasons of The Simpsons, are all available to watch on this platform, which is alone among streaming services. The Mandalorian, Loki, Andor, and She-Hulk are just some of the shows that have attracted millions of fans, while films like Avatar 2 and Encanto have received acclaim across the industry. In addition, there will be a great deal more original content focused on Star Wars and Marvel coming out in the future.
At the current price of $8 per month for the ad-based plan, Disney Plus continues to be one of the most affordable options for streaming television and represents an excellent value opportunity. In our opinion, it is an absolute necessity if you have children or if you are a fan of any of the previous games that it has released (and who doesn’t like Baby Yoda?).
Although the premium edition, which does not include advertisements, costs $14 per month, Disney offers four packages that vary from $10 to $25 per month. Duo Basic is a service that includes Disney Plus and Hulu with advertisements and costs $10 per month. Duo Premium, which does not include advertisements, costs $20 per month. The Disney Bundle Trio Basic includes Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus, all of which are accompanied by advertisements, and it costs $15 a month. You may access all three streaming sites by purchasing a Trio Premium package for $25 per month; however, only ESPN Plus includes advertisements. Additionally, if you have a Disney package or memberships for both Hulu and Disney Plus, you may now stream content from Hulu on the Disney Plus app.
Pros
- Huge library that includes Guardians of the Galaxy, The Mandalorian and Encanto
- Reasonably priced bundles
- Adjustable content rating system
Cons
- Extended waits for new or original releases
Provider of the best streaming service for premium material such as House of the Dragon movies
The Max $10 at Max
Max is upgraded software that’s packed with popular movies and television series. In addition to the full library of HBO and titles from the DC Universe, it includes fan favorites like Friends, the films from the Lord of the Rings franchise, and practically every film produced by Studio Ghibli. It serves as the principal location for newly released feature films that are owned by Warner Bros. Max is not Disney Plus, but it does have a good choice of streaming content for children, and it allows parents to exercise more control over the ratings that appear on their children’s accounts than the majority of other services.
It is comparable to Netflix in terms of the upper end of the streaming spectrum, with a monthly fee of $10. If you would like have an experience that is free of advertisements, the price will increase to either $16 or $20 a month. Max is intensifying its production of new originals, and we anticipate that this will continue to grow over time. There is now more programming available to watch, thanks to the addition of unscripted content to Discovery Plus. Max routinely publishes new releases, has a large back library, and provides features that are smooth and user-friendly, despite the fact that its rating of 8.0 is on par with that of Prime Video. In addition, the platform provides a live sports layer known as B/R sports as part of its existing package; however, the add-on will need to be purchased separately and will cost an extra ten dollars per month later this year.
The logo of the Max streaming service seen on a mobile device
Pros
- Slick interface
- Loads of content for all audiences
- Titles include Euphoria, The White Lotus and House of the Dragon
- Reliable, customizable parental controls
Cons
- Pricier subscriptions, even with ads
Which streaming service offers the most value for money?
It’s Hulu $8 at Hulu
When compared to Netflix, Hulu is an excellent alternative and supplement that costs $8 per month (with advertisements). It boasts a growing portfolio of its own highly acclaimed original programs, such as The Handmaid’s Tale and Only Murders in the Building, in addition to a wide range of well-known episodes from networks like ABC, Fox, and FX that you may view shortly after they have aired (unlike on Netflix). Its channel roster also includes a large number of recognized shows from other networks. Hulu is an obvious choice if you have an extra eight dollars to spend each month and are willing to tolerate a few advertisements in exchange for a wide variety of television programming selections. You also have the option to upgrade to a plan that does not include advertisements for a fee of $18 per month, or you can add on live TV streaming for a fee of $77 a month to completely replace cable.
Pros
- Low monthly price
- Access to network shows and originals, including Abbott Elementary, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Love Island
- New episodes are available almost immediately
- Option to get the Disney Bundle
Cons
- Smaller catalog of originals than its rivals
- Menus are sometimes hard to navigate
- Glitches on occasion
Streaming service that offers the best value when combined with an Amazon membership
Amazon Prime Video
Prime Video’s default version of the streaming app now includes advertisements; however, if you want to watch without those advertisements, you may pay a price of $3. On the other hand, in comparison to other streaming services, the commercial breaks are not exceptionally long. In addition to providing high-quality original series and films, the platform also has an extensive library of older classics as well as B-movies that you may not be familiar with and also broadcasts NFL games on Thursday evenings.
The libraries of Netflix and Hulu, as well as the star power of Disney’s streaming network, are not present on this platform. Additionally, I found its menus to be more confusing due to the fact that there is some paid material mixed in with free content. The new layout of Prime Video is intended to reduce the amount of uncertainty that its worldwide customer base experiences by providing more transparent labeling and menu upgrades. There are millions of Prime users who already have access to the Prime Video channel at no additional cost. It may even be worth it to pay the standalone $9-per-month TV cost if you are interested in watching any of its original shows, such as The Rings of Power, or its extensive movie collection. This is not the case if you do not have Amazon Prime.
Pros
- Included with Prime membership
- large selection of movies and TV shows, including The Boys, The Rings of Power and Swarm
- Offline downloads
Cons
- Confusing search process and menus
- Free and paid content stacked together
- Defaults to an ad-based version.
It is the best streaming service for getting early access to original programs and blockbuster movies without advertisements
(Starz) $10 at Starz
Starz offers a one-of-a-kind and ever-expanding collection of films and original programming, and its annual subscription fee is ten dollars without advertisements. With more than 800 films in its library, the streaming service is able to accommodate every genre in its collection. These films include everything from classics from the 1980s to Westerns to the most popular new releases from Sony. Starz has been making its way into the market for prestige television by providing a portfolio of original content that is of high quality.
The Power Universe, Outlander, and The White Queen are those that have brought it the most fame. Starz also broadcasts films and television series produced by Lionsgate, such as Saw and John Wick. The streaming service Starz has an agreement with Universal to show its portfolio, but you won’t be able to see feature films as they are released on the same day. Films like Jurassic World Dominion, Minions: The Rise of Gru, and Oppenheimer are included in this category. The Starz app provides you with unlimited downloads, early access to new episodes of television shows, and four simultaneous streams, all of which are free of advertisements, for a monthly fee of ten dollars. Starz is a service that is well worth the money, regardless of whether you want to watch mainstream films, documentaries, original programs, or content geared for children.
Pros
- Quality TV shows including P-Valley, Outlander, Power Book II: Ghost, and The Serpent Queen
- New episodes drop early on the app
- Unlimited downloads
- No ads
Cons
- Playback issues on some phones
Streaming service that is the best for followers of hockey and UFC
Plus from ESPN: $11 at ESPN Plus
Those who are familiar with the National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, and Ultimate Fighting Championship will find that ESPN Plus is an excellent streaming option. This is due to the fact that ESPN Plus is now the new home of all out-of-market National Hockey League games. Additionally, ESPN Plus provides out-of-market Major League Soccer matches, in addition to matches from other soccer leagues across the globe. Pay-per-view events and exclusive UFC contests, such as UFC Fight Night and title bouts, are hosted by the organization. Additional costs are required to watch these events.
The streaming service offered by ESPN is essential for hockey and Major League Soccer fans who cheer for teams that are not situated in their present location in order to see their favorite team compete. Those who are supporters of the home teams would not find the service very useful. Due to the fact that ESPN Plus does not broadcast local games, you will need to have access to your area sports network via cable or a live TV streaming provider in order to watch these games. The PGA Tour is available to be streamed live on the website for golf lovers.
ESPN Plus does not broadcast live games from the National Football League or the National Basketball Association, and despite the fact that it has an impressively large collection of original content, it is difficult to browse. In spite of the fact that the year-long service is best suited for die-hard followers of the sports that it covers effectively, more casual fans can find themselves with an ESPN Plus membership anyway via the Disney Bundle, which also includes Hulu and Disney Plus, beginning at $15 per month. There is a single subscription for ESPN Plus that costs $11, but some viewers may find that it is more cost-effective to buy for one of the Disney Bundles, which run from $15 to $25 each month.
Read on to learn about our recommendations for the top sports streaming services if you are interested in watching a wide variety of sporting events and content.
Pros
- ESPN originals
- Plenty to watch for NHL and UFC fans
Cons
- Missing live broadcasts for NFL and NBA
best streaming service for live sports and network television at an affordable price
a peacock;$6 at Peacock
Peacock, a streaming service owned and operated by NBCUniversal, has a premium alternative that is sponsored by advertisements and costs $6 per month. This option gives users access to more than 80,000 hours of programming. For a monthly fee of $12, you may upgrade to Premium Plus to view it without any advertisements. The free, ad-supported version of the service is no longer available to new users; however, current Peacock customers have the option to lower their subscriptions in order to view about 10,000 hours of television series, movies, news channels, and live sporting events. A few of the most popular shows on the site include the television series The Office. Additionally, users have the opportunity to watch Premier League soccer matches, WWE events, and unique content such as Poker Face. Remember that in order to view entire seasons of the majority of series, you will need a premium subscription.
Peacock is the only platform that allows users to view new episodes of NBC series, and Premium Plus subscribers have the ability to watch live local NBC stations in real time. More recent additions include a channel that is solely devoted to Hallmark and broadcasts simultaneous broadcasts of new movie premieres, which normally occur forty-five days after the films’ initial theatrical debuts.
Peacock falls in the rankings as a result of the fact that it does not provide mobile downloads for its non-premium plus tiers and that it only provides restricted streaming in 4K HDR, similar to what the majority of its rivals do.
Pros
- Stream Yellowstone, Real Housewives, Chicago Fire, live sports, Bel-Air
- Live broadcasts of NFL’s Sunday Night Football and other sports
- decent selection of new and older movies
Cons
- No offline downloads for mobile
- Paywall prevents access to full seasons
The most reliable streaming service for those who like watching cable networks, CBS, and Nickelodeon
Plus, the Paramount
Leaning on the brands owned by parent company Paramount, such as CBS, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Network, as well as its Paramount Pictures movie studio, Paramount Plus mixes together live news and sports with on-demand series and movies, including original productions. You may now view material from both Showtime and Paramount Plus in a single location by upgrading to a premium membership. This is possible because Showtime movies and series have been included in the Paramount Plus app.
For a monthly fee of either $6 (with advertisements) or $12 (ad-free with Showtime), the service offers a vast assortment of material, including 30,000 episodes of television and 2,500 movies, in addition to dozens of original programs that are scheduled to premiere this year. Among its most popular offerings are the Star Trek canon as well as more recent original productions such as Star Trek: Discovery and Picard, as well as the television series The Good Fight. Originals that have generated a lot of buzz include Yellowstone spinoffs (although Yellowstone itself is on Peacock), two animated programs based on Star Trek, Rabbit Hole starring Kiefer Sutherland, and feature films such as Mission: Impossible 7.
You can watch just about every old Nickelodeon episode, stand-up specials on Comedy Central, and classic shows ranging from Frasier and Cheers to SpongeBob SquarePants and Young Sheldon. This is a significant part of its worth since it allows you to experience nostalgia. In addition, Paramount Plus includes a feature called Live Channels, which gives users the ability to view material that has been handpicked and organized into certain categories. Regardless of the membership package you choose, you will get access to channels such as Star Trek, CBS Sports HQ, Paw Patrol, and many more.
At this time, new customers are eligible to obtain a free trial period of seven days.
Pros
- Large selection of reality shows, kids’ titles from Nickelodeon, and access to CBS hits
- Streams major movies such as Scream 6 and Top Gun: Maverick soon after release
- Live NFL games
- Inexpensive monthly price
- Ability to watch Showtime titles
Cons
- Few originals outside of Evil, Yellowstone: 1883 and Star Trek
- Not much 4K HDR content
The best streaming service for quality entertainment that is both inexpensive and free of advertisements
TV Plus from Apple $10 at Apple
As a result of the increase in pricing to $10 per month, Apple TV Plus is no longer the most affordable premium streaming service that does not include advertisements. wide-end features like as 4K resolution, wide dynamic range, and mobile downloads are included in the package. It is also the only site on our list that solely provides unique material, and there is no regular back library of movies or television episodes that can be explored and enjoyed. In spite of the fact that it now has more than fifty unique, high-budget original programming series and films, only a select number of them have garnered significant recognition. These include Ted Lasso, Severance, and CODA, which was awarded the Academy Award for best picture in 2022. It is important to note that the library of this service is far smaller than the libraries of any of the other services on this list, despite the fact that the service is expanding its offerings to include live Major League Baseball games on Fridays.
In addition, the app is difficult to understand since it is included inside the bigger Apple TV app along with other programs. There are a number of ways to acquire Apple TV Plus for free, at least for a time. This is one of the most significant advantages of Apple TV Plus. You have the opportunity to get a free trial of Apple TV Plus for an extended period of time if you are a college student who is pursuing a degree, if you have just purchased an Apple product, or if you are a subscriber to the Apple One package.
Pros
- Ted Lasso, and prestige shows such as Pachinko, Foundation, The Morning Show, and Severance
- No ads
- All originals stream with 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- Cheap monthly rate
Cons
- small selection of titles
- Lack of older content
- Limited Android support
Analysis of the available options
This article provides a concise overview of the prices, simultaneous streams, and ad-based plan options offered by each provider, with the goal of assisting you in selecting the platforms that are most suitable for your needs.
Compare and contrast streaming services
not specified
| Service | Monthly price | Ads | Number of streams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | It starts at $7 | Yes | (2 for Standard, 4 on Premium) |
| Disney Plus | Starts at $8 | Yes | 4 |
| Max | Starts at $10 | Yes | 2 (4 for Ultimate) |
| Hulu | Starts at $8 | Yes | 2 |
| Prime Video | Starts at $9 | No | 2 |
| Starz | $10 | No | 4 |
| ESPN Plus | $11 | Yes | 3 |
| Peacock | Starts at $6 | Yes | 3 |
| Paramount Plus | Starts at $6 | Yes | 3 |
| Apple TV Plus | $10 | No | 6 |
In what ways do we test streaming services?
Even though the majority of the names on this list are probably already quite famous to you, it is important to note that this list is by no means exhaustive. It is possible to stream content in a variety of various ways, and there are hundreds of additional options available. Although we were evaluating these specific streaming choices, we kept a few factors in mind throughout the process.
The order of this list is determined by the numerical value that I assigned to each streaming service in their individual review. This value was determined by design (i.e., ease of use across various TV and mobile platforms), features (such as 4K HDR, mobile downloads, recommendations, watch lists, and the number of streams), content (the number of shows and the quality of originals and back catalogs), and value (price in comparison to these other factors). For further information, please click through to the entire evaluation.
Which other streaming services did we evaluate?
The video streaming service Tubi, which is well-known for its extensive collection of free material, now provides live channels in addition to its on-demand programming. Hobbs & Shaw, Sing, and Us are just some of the major movies that can be found here, along with other famous television programs and reality shows. There are now titles from HBO included in its collection, and users of the iPhone may utilize its artificial intelligence capability to search for material. We believe that Tubi is one of the top free streaming services; nevertheless, the search interface and the selection of originals and obscure films that are available on the site are less attractive than those of the platforms that are included on our list.
A slot on our top list has not yet been secured by the application known as Crunchyroll; nonetheless, we believe that it is the greatest anime streaming service that is now available. The portal caters to a specific audience and offers a vast assortment of anime as well as fresh simulcasts, which viewers may watch immediately after a program has been shown in Japan. The app offers a variety of subscription options, each of which comes with additional benefits, in addition to several fascinating features. On Crunchyroll, the absence of parental restrictions and the inability to create several profiles for a single account are also notable shortcomings.
Aspects to take into account?
In most cases, services will charge a higher fee for a greater number of concurrent streams. Take into consideration if you will be required to pay additional fees in order to share your account, and make sure that you are protected for yourself and any other members of your family.
Locating television programs and motion pictures: Am I able to easily navigate the interface? Searching for content to watch should not be too difficult, thanks to the menus and other tools that are available.
In the event that you own a gadget or smart TV that is capable of streaming in 4K, you will be interested in learning which streaming services provide material in ultra-high definition. It is important to keep in mind that, depending on the membership tiers offered by the provider, you could be required to pay extra in order to have access to 4K content.
Programming for children: While some streaming services have a wide range of titles that are suitable for children of all ages, others have a more restricted selection of titles available. Every age group may find something to enjoy on the finest streaming services for children.
Does anybody have any advice on the finest hardware or the speed of the internet?
It is necessary to have a reliable internet connection, a device that is compatible with the service (such as a Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV, a smart TV, phone, tablet, or computer), and a login and password that are valid in order to view any of the services that are included on this list. For those interested in watching Netflix and other services, CNET provides advice on how to maximize the speed of your internet connection.
What is the best cost-effective streaming service that you recommend?
At the end of the day, you have the ability to choose whatever streaming service you like depending on factors such as pricing, content, and who in your family watches what. If you are wanting to save expenses, you should choose platforms that are either free or that provide the best value for a price of ten dollars or less. As well as keeping up with the most recent bargains and discounts offered by streaming services, tkgap provides advice on how to reduce the amount of money you spend on streaming. In the event that you believe that the material is lacking, you always have the option to cancel a service and have numerous memberships.
On the other hand, what about specialty services like live TV streaming?
Only significant streaming services that are available on demand are included in this list. It excludes live TV streaming services for cord-cutters (such as Sling TV and YouTube TV, which provide live channels with the intention of replacing cable), free streaming services such as Tubi or Crackle, as well as smaller, more specialized services such as Crunchyroll or PBS Kids, as well as regional sports networks. We also have additional top lists for streaming services that cater to anime, kids, and other types of content, which you can check out.
