These days there are more and more streaming services out there, with more set to be released. Streaming services have become the main way that many Americans watch television, and they all have different strengths and weaknesses. However, some of these streaming services are better than others.
With so many streaming services to choose from, consumers can’t afford to pay for them all each month, so picking the best ones to pay for is important. We’ve put together a list of the main streaming services in the U.S. and ranked them from worst to best.
DISNEY+
Although Disney+ isn’t out yet, it’s already highly anticipated and likely to be a big player when it comes to streaming services. This service is going to launch in the United States on November 12th, and fans are most looking forward to all of the original content Disney is making.
From The Mandalorian for Star Wars fans to the many Marvel spin-off series, it’s likely that many people will get the services just for these programs. While consumers are a little leery of having more and more streaming services, Disney+ has enough franchises and original series to offer that will help keep audiences interested. Disney+ is likely to be a big streaming service, but, since it's not out yet, it is at the bottom of the list.
FUBOTV
Fubotv is a streaming service that is best for sports fans. The service lets consumers stream live TV from their computer or phone without having a cable or satellite TV package. The downside to this service is that it’s definitely on the pricey side. It costs over $50 each month, making it difficult for most people to pay for on a regular basis. However, this makes sense given they offer many cable channels.
While Fubotv does have many sports channels such as many regional sports networks, it also has other channels for non-sports fans. This service also allows viewers to record their favorite episodes.
SLING TV
SLING TV is a similar streaming service to Fubo TV, but it has some advantages. First of all, it’s a lot cheaper as plans tend to range from $15-25 each month. You can also customize the plan you want and pick add-ons and the channels you’re interested in.
This streaming service allows viewers to watch live TV without cable and is definitely one of the cheapest ways to do so. Many of the big channels are available from TLC, AMC, TBS, and ESPN, making this live TV streaming service great for all types of television fans.
YOUTUBE TV
Youtube TV rounds out the list of the biggest streaming services that solely offer live television. This service also costs around $50 dollars per month, but it does have a convenience factor that the other two options don’t have as its a recognizable brand.
Youtube TV also allows users to have unlimited DVR space that will save recordings for nine months. Plus, up to six people can be on one account, and three people can stream from the same account at the same time. While the price is a little steep, the ability to let so many people use one account can make this service more affordable.
HBO NOW/GO
For people who already have HBO from their cable provider, HBO Go lets you stream the channel on your device or smart TV. For those who don’t have cable, HBO Now allows users to pay a monthly fee for the service.
At around $15 per month for HBO Now, the price is a little higher compared to similar streaming services. However, with shows like Game of Thrones and Big Little Lies, it’s definitely worth it to get HBO at least part of the time. Plus, HBO Now has many movies available, including popular blockbusters from over the years.
AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
Amazon Prime Video is a great streaming service since it's already included for Prime members. If you already have Prime, this video service is a perk, and those who don’t have Prime can pay a monthly fee for the service. Prime Video offers a lot of original programming including the Emmy-winning show, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
The original content on Amazon looks to continue to get bigger and better with their upcoming Lord of the Rings show. Another plus is that Amazon Prime Video offers a lot of movies to stream, and you can even rent movies that are not available to stream for free. Since this streaming service is convenient and offers a lot of varied content, it gets a high spot on this list.
HULU
Hulu is definitely one of the most well-known streaming services out there. Unlike some of the others on this list, Hulu lets viewers watch many episodes of television the day after they premiere on cable. Hulu started out mainly focusing on television series, but it has since branched out and now offers many movies, too.
You can also pay more money to get Live TV included. Hulu also offers original content such as the documentary Fyre Fraud and television series such as The Handmaid’s Tale. While they don’t have as much original content as some of the other services, they are definitely catching up.
NETFLIX
Netflix really kicked off streaming as we know it today, and it continues to be the biggest player. Netflix has a large library available to subscribers for only $9 a month. New content is constantly being added, too. Netflix definitely changed the game when they began making their own original content, and they are continuing to do so at a rapid rate. Their shows include Orange Is the New Black, Stranger Things, and Bojack Horseman.
Netflix has also branched into the world of films and even had a film that won an Oscar with Roma. While other streaming services might be catching up, Netflix is still the best and most influential in many ways, and their original content library that keeps expanding keeps them relevant.