In 2024, streaming services have solidified their place as the top source of entertainment. Whether you’re binge-watching shows, catching live sports, or watching exclusive originals, there’s a streaming service for every type of viewer. But with so many options, it can be tricky to choose the best one. This guide reviews the best streaming services in the U.S. It helps you choose the right platform based on content, price, and value.
Best Streaming Services
| Streaming Service | Starting Price (per month) | Simultaneous Streams | Exclusive Originals | Live TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max | $9.99 (with ads) | 2 (4 with Ultimate tier) | Yes | No |
| Peacock | $7.99 (Premium) | 3 | Yes | Yes (Sports & WWE) |
| Sling TV | $46 | 1-4 | No | Yes |
| Hulu | $10 (with ads) | 2 | Yes | Yes (with upgrade) |
| Netflix | $6.99 (with ads) | 1-4 | Yes | No |
| Disney Plus | $10 (with ads) | 4 | Yes | No |
| Apple TV Plus | $6.99 | 6 | Yes | No |
| Fubo | $80 | 2-3 | No | Yes |
1. Max: The Best Overall Streaming Service
Max stands out because it has a great content library. It offers HBO originals, popular films, and fun reality shows from Discovery. Priced at $9.99 with ads, Max provides excellent value for entertainment lovers. The premium, ad-free option costs $16.99. Subscribers can enjoy exclusive originals and award-winning shows. There is also a new live sports section. Max also plans to add live news, making it a one-stop shop for diverse content.
Why Choose Max?
- Pros: Award-winning originals, vast movie library, live sports integration.
- Cons: Extra charge for 4K streaming, hidden “Last Chance” section.
2. Peacock: Best Value for Money
Peacock provides great value with its $7.99 Premium plan. This plan includes classic TV shows, live sports, and exclusive originals. Peacock no longer offers a free tier. However, it still gives next-day access to NBC and Bravo shows. You can also watch live sports, including the Premier League, and many other popular programs. It’s the go-to service for sports fans and lovers of reality TV.
Why Choose Peacock?
- Pros: Great selection of TV shows and sports, affordable pricing.
- Cons: Originals need improvement, no free tier for new members.
3. Sling TV: The Best Live TV Option
If you’re looking to cut the cable cord, Sling TV is an affordable alternative. At $46 per month, Sling offers access to live channels like ESPN, CNN, BBC America, and more. It’s ideal for sports fans, with its wide range of ESPN networks. Sling TV’s flexible channel options allow users to customize their viewing experience.
Why Choose Sling TV?
- Pros: Affordable live TV option, extensive sports coverage.
- Cons: Occasional buffering issues, price increases.
4. Hulu: The Best for Current TV Shows
Hulu is perfect for cord-cutters who still want access to current TV shows. For $10 a month, Hulu offers next-day access to popular cable and broadcast TV series. It also boasts a solid selection of original programming, classic anime, and offbeat movies. If you’re looking for live TV, Hulu’s $83 per month upgrade includes access to major cable channels.
Why Choose Hulu?
- Pros: Excellent selection of current TV shows, affordable pricing.
- Cons: Frequent commercials, best value only in bundles.
5. Netflix: The Best for Content Variety
Netflix is one of the best streaming services. It has a large library of TV shows, movies, documentaries, and original content. Starting at $6.99 with ads, Netflix offers something for everyone, including global hits like Stranger Things and The Witcher. However, recent price hikes and its removal of shared accounts may turn off some users.
Why Choose Netflix?
- Pros: Massive content library, optimized interface, top-tier original shows.
- Cons: Expensive for 4K, frequent content rotation.
6. Disney Plus: Best for Families
Disney Plus is the best streaming service for families. It has a huge collection of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar shows and movies. Disney Plus starts at $10 per month with ads. It also has exclusive shows like The Mandalorian and Loki. However, the service’s rising prices and occasional gaps in its content lineup might be a drawback for some.
Why Choose Disney Plus?
- Pros: Family-friendly content, UHD resolution options.
- Cons: High price, gaps in the content lineup.
7. Apple TV Plus: The Best for Quality Originals
Apple TV Plus has made a name for itself with its high-quality original content. Priced at $6.99 per month, it offers award-winning series like Ted Lasso and unique documentaries. While its content library is smaller than competitors, Apple TV Plus emphasizes quality over quantity.
Why Choose Apple TV Plus?
- Pros: Strong original programming, and high-quality production values.
- Cons: Small content library, price hike in recent months.
8. Fubo: The Best for Sports Fans
Fubo is the ultimate streaming service for sports fans, offering more than 120 channels, including niche sports networks. Its basic plan starts at $80 a month. This is more expensive than other services. However, it is worth it for people who want live sports without a cable subscription.
Why Choose Fubo?
- Pros: Extensive sports coverage, some 4K content.
- Cons: Expensive, hidden regional sports fees.
Conclusion
The best streaming service for you depends on your viewing habits and budget. Max is great for people who want the best. Peacock and Sling TV provide good value for TV lovers and sports fans. If you’re into original content, Netflix, Disney Plus, and Apple TV Plus should be on your radar. No matter your preference, there’s a streaming service in 2024 that fits your needs.
FAQs:
1. What streaming service gives you everything?
There is no single streaming service that offers every type of content. Platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu provide a wide variety of shows, movies, documentaries, and sports. This makes them almost an all-in-one solution.
2. Which stream is better than Netflix?
Some streaming platforms, like HBO Max and Disney+, are seen as better than Netflix by some viewers. They offer exclusive content, higher-quality originals, and larger collections of popular franchises. It depends on personal preferences.
3. What is the cheapest streaming service?
Right now, Peacock and Apple TV+ are two of the cheapest paid streaming services. Their basic plans cost less than many other options.
4. What streaming service gives you everything?
No streaming platform has every type of content. However, services like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu offer a wide range of options. They cover many genres and types, making them great choices for variety.
