How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- Netflix remains the broadest all-round service, while Disney Plus and Hulu together offer strong family and next-day TV value.
- Max leads for prestige series and Warner Bros films, while Apple TV leads for a smaller, high-quality original catalog with no ads.
- Prime Video is best value for existing Prime members, and Paramount Plus and Peacock suit sports, network TV, and franchise fans.
- Streaming prices changed in 2026, so check the signup page before subscribing, and rotate services rather than paying for all of them at once.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 Netflix | Broadest originals and global catalog | $8.99 per month | Free trial |
 Hulu | Next-day TV and FX originals | $12.49 per month | Free trial |
 Disney+ | Family, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar | $12.49 per month | No |
 Max | Prestige series and Warner Bros films | $10.99 per month | No |
 Prime Video | Best value inside Prime membership | $8.99 per month standalone | Free trial |
 Apple TV | High-quality originals with no ads | $14.99 per month | Free trial |
 Paramount+ | CBS, Paramount films, and sports | $8.99 per month | Free trial |
 Peacock | NBC, Bravo, and live sports | $8.99 per month | No |
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The best video streaming services
Starting price$8.99 per month
Free planFree trial
Netflix offers the broadest mix of original series, films, documentaries, and international content, with new titles each week. The Standard with Ads plan starts at $8.99 per month, Standard at $19.99 per month, and Premium at $26.99 per month for 4K and four screens. Profiles, downloads, and recommendations work well across TVs, phones, and tablets.
The cheapest plan includes ads and limits resolution, while 4K requires the Premium price. Household sharing rules also limit sharing outside a household, with extra member slots costing extra. For most households that want one service with something for almost everyone, Netflix remains the default, but price-sensitive viewers should check the ads plan first.
What we like- Largest original library
- Strong global content
- Good recommendation system
Watch out for- Ads on cheapest plan
- 4K needs Premium
- Household sharing rules are strict
Starting price$12.49 per month
Free planFree trial
Hulu stands out for current TV, with many network shows available the day after broadcast, plus FX originals and a growing film library. The With Ads plan starts at $12.49 per month, while the No Ads plan starts at $21.49 per month. Bundles with Disney Plus, and in some cases with Max, can lower the combined cost for households that want several services.
Ads on the entry plan interrupt shows, and 4K support is limited compared with Netflix or Apple TV. Live TV is a separate, much pricier add-on, so cord-cutters should not confuse Hulu on-demand with Hulu plus Live TV. For TV lovers who watch current shows weekly, Hulu is hard to replace.
What we like- Next-day network shows
- FX originals
- Strong bundle options with Disney Plus
Watch out for- Ads on cheapest plan
- 4K is limited
- No Ads plan is pricier
Starting price$12.49 per month
Free planNo
Disney Plus gathers Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic in one app, with profiles for kids and strong parental controls. The With Ads plan starts at $12.49 per month, and the Premium plan starts at $21.49 per month, both with up to 4K where available. Bundles with Hulu lower the effective cost for families that also watch current TV.
The adult, non-franchise catalog is thinner than Netflix, and there is no permanent free tier. Families with young children get the most value, while single adults may prefer rotating Disney Plus in for a franchise series, then pausing. For family viewing and franchise fans, Disney Plus is a core service.
What we like- Huge family catalog
- Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar
- 4K on both plans
Watch out for- No free trial in many cases
- Adult catalog is thinner than Netflix
- Price rose in 2026
#4
Max
Best for: Prestige series and Warner Bros films
Visit max.com
Starting price$10.99 per month
Free planNo
Max, home to HBO series and Warner Bros films, offers prestige drama, comedy, and documentaries that few rivals match. The Basic with Ads plan starts at $10.99 per month, Standard at $18.49 per month, and Premium at $22.99 per month, with 4K mainly on Premium. New films and series arrive regularly, and the back catalog includes classic HBO titles.
The Standard plan is limited to 1080p, so 4K viewers must pay for Premium. Ads on the cheapest plan also break the prestige feel for some viewers. For households that prioritize acclaimed series and films over sheer volume, Max earns its place, even at a higher ad-free price.
What we like- HBO series
- Warner Bros films
- Strong documentary set
Watch out for- Ads on cheapest plan
- Standard is 1080p only
- Premium is pricier
Starting price$8.99 per month standalone
Free planFree trial
Prime Video comes included with Amazon Prime at $14.99 per month or $139 per year, which also covers shipping and music, or as a standalone video plan at $8.99 per month with ads. An ad-free Ultra add-on costs extra. The catalog mixes originals, licensed films, and a large rental store, plus live sports including Thursday Night Football in the US.
The base plan includes ads, and the interface mixes included titles with rentals, which can confuse viewers. Original quality varies more than on Apple TV or Max. For households that already pay for Prime, Prime Video is effectively free extra value, and it is the cheapest way to add a second service.
What we like- Included with Prime
- Large film rental and purchase store
- Thursday Night Football
Watch out for- Ads on base plan
- Interface is cluttered
- Originals vary in quality
Starting price$14.99 per month
Free planFree trial
Apple TV, formerly Apple TV Plus, offers a smaller but carefully chosen catalog of original series and films, all ad-free and in 4K at $14.99 per month. Shows have earned strong critical praise, and family-friendly titles sit alongside drama and comedy. The app works on Apple devices and many smart TVs, with downloads for offline viewing.
Catalog size is the limit. Apple TV cannot match Netflix or Disney Plus for sheer choice, so viewers who watch daily may finish the highlights fast. There is also no cheap ad-supported tier. For viewers who prefer quality over quantity and who already use Apple devices, Apple TV is a strong second or third service.
What we like- Ad-free by default
- 4K included
- Critically praised originals
Watch out for- Smaller catalog than Netflix
- No ad-supported cheap tier
- Best inside Apple ecosystem
Starting price$8.99 per month
Free planFree trial
Paramount Plus offers CBS shows, Paramount films, Star Trek, and live sports, with the Essential plan at $8.99 per month and Premium with Showtime at $13.99 per month. Sports fans get NFL games, UEFA matches, and other live events, while franchise fans get a deep Star Trek and Paramount library. Local CBS stations stream live in many markets on higher plans.
4K support is limited, and the Essential plan includes ads. The catalog leans heavily on Paramount franchises, so viewers outside those franchises may find less to watch. For CBS viewers, sports fans, and Star Trek fans, Paramount Plus is a focused, affordable service.
What we like- CBS shows and news
- Paramount films
- Live sports including NFL
Watch out for- No true 4K on many titles
- Catalog is franchise-heavy
- Ads on Essential plan
Starting price$8.99 per month
Free planNo
Peacock offers NBC shows, Bravo reality, Universal films, and live sports, with Select at $8.99 per month, Premium at $12.99 per month, and Premium Plus at $19.99 per month for fuller ad-free viewing. Sports coverage, including Premier League and other live events, is a key draw, and the film catalog rotates with new Universal titles.
Ad-free viewing requires the top plan, and 4K support is limited on many titles. Catalog rotation also means a film available this month may leave next month. For NBC, Bravo, and sports fans, Peacock is a good value, especially when bundled through other services such as Instacart Plus or Walmart Plus in some offers.
What we like- NBC and Bravo shows
- Live sports
- Rotating Universal films
Watch out for- Premium Plus needed for full ad-free
- 4K is limited
- Catalog rotates
How we chose
We compared pricing pages, product documentation, and public reviews on G2, Capterra, and Reddit, and we checked catalog breadth, original quality, ads, 4K, downloads, and device support. We favored services still maintained in 2026, with a clear US price and a real on-demand library. We did not claim hands-on testing, and we left out unverified IPTV services, dead platforms, and live-TV-only services from the main list.
How to keep streaming costs under control
Pick one core service, then rotate others. Watch a franchise or series on Disney Plus for a month, pause it, then switch to Max for a prestige series, rather than paying for all eight at once. Bundles help only when you actually watch every service in the bundle, so check last month viewing before renewing a bundle.
Check the signup page for the current price, ads status, and 4K tier, because prices changed several times in 2026 and older articles list outdated rates. Set a renewal reminder for trials, and use profiles and downloads to share a household plan fairly. Free services such as Tubi and Pluto TV can fill gaps for films and live channels without adding a bill.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best streaming service overall?
Netflix is the best all-round pick for breadth, originals, and global content. Disney Plus is best for families, Max is best for prestige series, and Apple TV is best for ad-free quality in a smaller catalog. The best service depends on what your household watches most each week.
How much should I pay for streaming each month?
A realistic budget is $35 to $60 per month for two to three on-demand services, or more if you add live TV. Rotating services, using bundles you actually watch, and adding free services can keep costs lower. Check each signup page, because prices and ad tiers changed in 2026.
Can I share a streaming account with family outside my home?
Sharing rules vary by service and have tightened in recent years. Netflix limits sharing outside a household and charges for extra members, while other services have their own household rules. Read the current terms for each service before sharing, and use profiles within a household where possible.
Do streaming services offer free trials?
Some do, and some do not. Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, Paramount Plus, and Peacock have offered trials or free classes at different times, while Disney Plus and Max often have no trial. Check the signup page at the time you join, because trial offers change often.
Is live TV included in these streaming services?
No, except for sports and news on some services. Hulu on-demand is not Hulu plus Live TV, which costs much more and includes live channels. For live TV replacement, look at YouTube TV, Hulu plus Live TV, Sling TV, or Fubo, and compare channel lists before subscribing.
Sources we checked (8)
- https://www.netflix.com
- https://www.hulu.com
- https://www.disneyplus.com
- https://www.max.com
- https://www.primevideo.com
- https://www.apple.com
- https://www.paramountplus.com
- https://www.peacocktv.com
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.