With dozens of streaming services, varying subscription models, trial periods and add-ons, today’s array of streamers makes choosing one anything but simple.
What is the best streaming service?
The best streaming service is the one that provides the content you enjoy and fits within your budget. But which one is that?
Assessing your content consumption is a good place to start. Are you primarily a movie watcher? Do you enjoy bingeing the latest TV series? Or maybe you turn to sports first.
Here are a couple ideas for which streaming service may be best for you, based on your preferred content.
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For a high quantity of films and shows: Amazon’s streaming service, Prime Video, boasts “a vast library of content,” according to CableTV.com.
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For kid- and family-friendly content: Disney+ has plenty of options, from Pixar to Star Wars.
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For high-quality content, based on awards: The content on Netflix and HBO Max has been among the top Emmy winners in recent years.
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For sports coverage: Look into a Hulu + Live TV bundle.
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How much do streaming services cost?
Read about the overall cost of each major streaming service, and click through for more-detailed pricing and programming notes. Some of these services may offer a free trial.
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$7.99/month (Standard, with ads)
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$17.99/month (Standard, no ads)
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$24.99/month (Premium, no ads)
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$11.99/month (with ads)
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$18.99/month (no ads)
Hulu users can also add extra members, starting at $6.99 per monthly for the basic plan that includes ads.
Bundled options start at $12.99 per month.
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$10.99/month or $109.99/year (Basic, with ads)
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$18.49/month or $184.99/year (Standard, no ads)
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$22.99/month or $229.99/year (Premium, no ads)
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$7.99/month or $79.99/year (Select, with ads)
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$10.99/month or $109.99/year (Premium, with ads)
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$16.99/month 169.99/year (Premium Plus, no ads)
Prime video costs, if you’re not an Amazon Prime member
If you already have an Amazon Prime subscription for $14.99 per month or $139 per year, you have access to the streaming options on Prime Video.
As you research the best streaming service for you, consider looking beyond the major players. See our cost breakdowns of:
How do streaming services fit into your budget?
While personal preferences, quantity and quality of content all factor into the decision-making process, so does your budget. Which streaming service can you afford, and how does it fit your budget?
How much is left for you to spend on entertainment after factoring in other wants, like eating out, traveling and shopping? Analyzing your priorities in the wants category will help you decide which streaming services fit your budget.
You can also look for ways to cut back on wants by tracking spending, setting savings goals and seeing if there are any current offers for streaming services that might benefit you.
If you are already a credit card user, you may be able to earn cash back or bonus points on streaming services. While it may not be worth opening a credit card just for this benefit, it can be a nice addition to current budget strategies.