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Best streaming service for early access to original series, ad-free blockbuster movies
Starz
Best streaming service for hockey and UFC fans
ESPN Plus
Best budget streaming service for network TV and live sports
Peacock
Best streaming service for fans of CBS, Nickelodeon and cable networks
Paramount Plus
Best streaming service for affordable, ad-free premium content
Apple TV Plus
Of all the streaming services we tested, Netflix was our favorite. Why? It has a reliable, user-friendly interface, a range of features and a diverse, ever-changing catalog. It consistently adds new originals from around the world, and you even have the ability to find titles using secret codes. The addition of an ad-based tier makes it even more affordable compared with rivals Disney Plus and Max. Other high-quality streaming services are available, so even though Netflix is currently our first choice, it may not align with your budget or preferences.
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Disney Plus is one of Netflix’s closest competitors — for good reason. It’s the only place where you can stream the vast majority of the Disney and Pixar libraries, along with every Star Wars movie, Marvel films and new original TV shows, National Geographic content, and 30-plus seasons of The Simpsons. Shows like The Mandalorian, Loki, Andor and She-Hulk, have drawn millions of viewers, while features such as Turning Red and Encanto won rave reviews. Plus, there’s lots more Star Wars and Marvel original programming coming in the next few years.
At the current price of $8 per month for the ad-based plan, Disney Plus is still one of the least expensive streaming TV choices and a great value. We consider it a must-have if you have kids or are a fan of any of its other titles (and who isn’t a fan of Baby Yoda?).
The ad-free version will cost $14 monthly, but Disney has four bundles that range from $10 to $25 per month. Duo Basic is a $10-per-month plan that combines Disney Plus and Hulu with ads, ad-free Duo Premium costs $20 per month. For $15 monthly, the Disney Bundle Trio Basic comes with Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN Plus, all with ads. A $25-per-month Trio Premium bundle nets you all three streaming platforms, and only ESPN Plus has ads.
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<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Best streaming service for premium content like House of the Dragon" description="
A rebrand has turned HBO Max into Max, an updated app full of popular TV shows and movies. It has HBO’s entire library, DC Universe titles, along with favorites such as Friends, the Lord of the Rings movies and almost every Studio Ghibli film. And it’s the primary destination for new Warner Bros.-owned feature films. It’s not Disney Plus, but Max has a solid streaming collection for kids too, with the ability to control ratings on kids’ profiles better than most other services.
At $10 per month, it sits next to Netflix at the higher end of the streaming spectrum, and if you prefer the ad-free experience, the cost jumps up to $16 or $20 per month. Max is ramping up its new originals, and we expect that to increase over time. With the addition of Discovery Plus unscripted content, there is more to stream. Though its 8.0 rating is neck-and-neck with Prime Video, Max consistently drops new releases, possesses a large back catalog and offers smooth, user-friendly features.
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” page-position linktext=”Read our Max review” linkurl=”https://www.cnet.com/reviews/hbo-max-review-review/” can-collapse=”true” collapse-on-page-load=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer techobjectinfo overridecredit=”Max/Warner Bros. Discovery/James Martin” overridecaption=”
The new Max streaming service may eventually add live sports content.
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The new Max streaming service may eventually add live sports content.
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The new Max streaming service may eventually add live sports content.
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For $8 per month (with ads), Hulu is a perfect complement and counterpoint to Netflix. Its channel lineup has a huge variety of familiar shows from networks like ABC, Fox and FX that you can watch soon after they air (unlike on Netflix), as well as a growing catalog of its own critically acclaimed original series like The Handmaid’s Tale and Only Murders in the Building. If you have $8 a month to spare and don’t mind trading a few ads for a wealth of TV options, Hulu is a no-brainer. You’ve also got the option to upgrade to a no-ads plan for $18 a month, or add on live TV streaming for $77 a month for a full cable replacement.
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<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Best value streaming service bundled with Amazon membership" description="
Amazon’s Prime Video features lots of ad-free, quality original shows and movies, an impressive back catalog of older favorites (and B-movies you haven’t heard of) and NFL on Thursday nights.
It lacks the catalogs of Netflix and Hulu, and the star power of Disney’s streaming platform, and I found its menus more confusing since there’s some paid content mixed in with free content. Prime Video’s new redesign aims to cut down on that confusion with clearer labeling and menu updates for its global customer base. For millions of Prime subscribers, the Prime Video channel is already included at no extra cost. If you’re interested in checking out any of its originals like The Rings of Power or its large movie selection, it may even be worth paying the stand-alone $9 a month TV service fee (if you don’t have Amazon Prime).
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” page-position linktext=”Read our Amazon Prime Video review” linkurl=”https://www.cnet.com/reviews/amazon-prime-video-review/” can-collapse=”true” collapse-on-page-load=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer techobjectinfo overridecredit=”James Martin/CNET” overridecaption=”” imagegroup=”{"uuid":"b489479e-8476-4303-857c-9cfd3f81137d","alt":"Amazon Prime Video movies and TV shows","caption":"","credits":"James Martin/CNET","imageData":{"id":"b489479e-8476-4303-857c-9cfd3f81137d","filename":"amazon-prime-video-6785.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/1692c234bf0da0f520f054824f78884262d1b9ef/hub/2022/03/01/b489479e-8476-4303-857c-9cfd3f81137d/amazon-prime-video-6785.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2022-03-01 23:59:37.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/1692c234bf0da0f520f054824f78884262d1b9ef/hub/2022/03/01/b489479e-8476-4303-857c-9cfd3f81137d/amazon-prime-video-6785.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"James Martin/CNET","imageAltText":"Amazon Prime Video movies and TV shows","imageFilename":"amazon-prime-video-6785.jpg","imageWidth":3000,"imageHeight":2000,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2022-03-01","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” usepricing=”true” ng-block=”{"id":"tgl6mhzema6tdaw","type":"listicle"}” edition=”us” data-key=”cnetlisticle__769cfd13-1afe-40d9-9c23-b3b7d936c7c3″ index=”5″ imagecredit=”James Martin/CNET” tagslugs=”disney-plus,hbo-max,apple-tv-plus,hv28,nbc-peacock,hbo,amazon-prime-video,disney,amazon,hulu,netflix,roku,youtube,apple,how-to-watch” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Best List – Precap” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” class=”c-bestListProductListing” readability=”5.7287522603978″>
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Priced at $10 a month without ads, Starz provides a unique but expanding library of films and original shows. With more than 800 movies in its bank that range from ’80s classics to Westerns to the hottest new Sony releases, the streamer houses every genre in its catalog. But Starz has been inching its way into the prestige TV market with a quality lineup of original programming.
It’s best known for the Power universe, Outlander and The White Queen. As a Lionsgate-owned company, Starz also airs the studio’s movies and shows — like John Wick and Saw. While you can’t stream feature films as day-and-date releases, Starz has a deal with Universal to broadcast its lineup. That includes flicks such as Jurassic World Dominion, Minions: The Rise of Gru and Oppenheimer. For $10 a month, the Starz app gives you unlimited downloads, early access to new TV show episodes, and four simultaneous streams, all with no ads. Whether you want to stream blockbuster movies, documentaries, original series, or something for kids, Starz is worth the cost.
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<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Best streaming service for hockey and UFC fans" description="
ESPN Plus is a great streaming service for the tried-and-true sports fans, especially those who follow the NHL, MLS and UFC. This is because ESPN Plus is the new home of all out-of-market National Hockey League games, while also offering out-of-market MLS soccer matches, along with those from other soccer leagues around the world. It hosts exclusive UFC matches and pay-per-view events, such as UFC Fight Night and championship bouts (for additional fees).
Hockey and MLS fans who root for teams that aren’t based where they currently live need ESPN’s streaming service to watch their team’s action. The service won’t be of much use, however, to fans of the home teams. Local games are blacked out on ESPN Plus so you’ll need access to your regional sports network through cable or a live TV streaming service in order to watch them. However, golf fans can stream the PGA Tour live on the platform.
ESPN Plus doesn’t show live NFL or NBA games, however, and while its vast library of original programming is impressive, it’s difficult to navigate. While the year service is best suited for die-hard fans of the sports it covers well, more casual fans might find themselves with an ESPN Plus subscription anyway through the Disney Bundle, which also includes Hulu and Disney Plus starting at $15 a month. A standalone subscription for ESPN Plus costs $11, but some viewers may find it more cost-effective to pay for one of the Disney Bundles, which range from $15-$25 monthly.
If you’re looking to watch an abundance of sports content, check out our picks for the best sport streaming services.
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” page-position linktext=”Read our ESPN Plus review” linkurl=”https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/espn-plus-review-a-must-have-for-some-but-not-all-die-hard-fans/” can-collapse=”true” collapse-on-page-load=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer techobjectinfo overridecredit=”Sarah Tew/CNET” overridecaption=”” imagegroup=”{"uuid":"65ffff93-72f7-4d57-96a0-36bf1d4a2faa","alt":"ESPN streaming service","caption":"","credits":"Sarah Tew/CNET","imageData":{"id":"65ffff93-72f7-4d57-96a0-36bf1d4a2faa","filename":"32-espn-streaming-service-app-october-2021-review.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/16a77609dd3a0cbc7cd502329148f72e9a343d79/hub/2021/10/21/65ffff93-72f7-4d57-96a0-36bf1d4a2faa/32-espn-streaming-service-app-october-2021-review.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2021-10-21 22:01:46.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/16a77609dd3a0cbc7cd502329148f72e9a343d79/hub/2021/10/21/65ffff93-72f7-4d57-96a0-36bf1d4a2faa/32-espn-streaming-service-app-october-2021-review.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"Sarah Tew/CNET","imageAltText":"ESPN streaming service","imageFilename":"32-espn-streaming-service-app-october-2021-review.jpg","imageWidth":4000,"imageHeight":2667,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2021-10-21","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” usepricing=”true” ng-block=”{"id":"27bgdffjwc4ey85","type":"listicle"}” edition=”us” data-key=”cnetlisticle__1c27fb4c-93bb-4cb8-9ae1-17323cb4f825″ index=”7″ imagecredit=”Sarah Tew/CNET” tagslugs=”disney-plus,hbo-max,apple-tv-plus,hv28,nbc-peacock,hbo,amazon-prime-video,disney,amazon,hulu,netflix,roku,youtube,apple,how-to-watch” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Best List – Precap” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” class=”c-bestListProductListing” readability=”5.8013698630137″>
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NBCUniversal’s streaming service Peacock offers a premium ad-supported option for $6 a month, granting you access to more than 80,000 hours’ worth of content. Upgrade to Premium Plus for $12 a month to watch without commercials. The service no longer offers its free, ad-supported tier to new subscribers, but existing Peacock customers can downgrade their accounts to watch about 10,000 hours of shows, movies, news and live sports. Fan favorites on the platform include the TV series The Office, and viewers can also watch Premier League soccer matches, WWE events and originals like Poker Face. Keep in mind you need a premium account to watch full seasons of most shows.
New episodes of NBC shows stream exclusively on Peacock, and Premium Plus members can watch live local NBC channels in real time. Newer additions include a dedicated Hallmark channel that airs simulcasts and new movie premieres that typically arrive 45 days after their theatrical releases.
Peacock drops in the rankings due to its lack of mobile downloads for its non-premium plus tiers and limited 4K HDR streaming, which most of its competitors offer.
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<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Best streaming service for fans of CBS, Nickelodeon and cable networks" description="
Paramount Plus brings together live news and sports with on-demand shows and movies, including originals, leaning on parent company Paramount’s brands like CBS, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and Paramount Network, plus its Paramount Pictures movie studio. Now that Showtime series and movies have merged into the Paramount Plus app, you can upgrade to a premium subscription to watch content from both services in one place.
The service has a ton of content: 30,000 episodes of TV and 2,500 movies, plus dozens of original series arriving this year, for either $6 a month (with ads) or $12 a month (ad-free with Showtime). Two of its biggest draws include the Star Trek catalog and new originals like Star Trek: Discovery and Picard, and the series The Good Fight. Buzz-worthy originals include two Yellowstone spinoffs (though Yellowstone itself is on rival Peacock), a Star Trek animated show, Rabbit Hole with Kiefer Sutherland, and new movies like Mission: Impossible 7 arriving 45 days after theaters.
But much of its value lies in nostalgia: You can watch just about every old Nickelodeon show, Comedy Central stand-up specials and popular series ranging from Frasier and Cheers to SpongeBob SquarePants and Young Sheldon. Additionally, Paramount Plus has a Live Channels feature which enables subscribers to watch curated content in special categories. Check out channels for Star Trek, CBS Sports HQ, Paw Patrol and more with either subscription plan.
Currently, new subscribers can receive a seven-day free trial.
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” page-position linktext=”Read our Paramount Plus review” linkurl=”https://www.cnet.com/news/paramount-plus-review-the-nostalgic-cbs-all-access-replacement-cant-beat-netflix/” can-collapse=”true” collapse-on-page-load=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer techobjectinfo overridecredit=”Sarah Tew/CNET” overridecaption=”” imagegroup=”{"uuid":"977ff475-0c51-46e7-9e28-c34961408354","alt":"Paramount Plus logo on a smartphone screen","caption":"","credits":"Sarah Tew/CNET","imageData":{"id":"977ff475-0c51-46e7-9e28-c34961408354","filename":"paramount-plus-logo-2022-127.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/cdba24f18d23fa8bb1f36eda5a725ac58194fd10/hub/2022/04/15/977ff475-0c51-46e7-9e28-c34961408354/paramount-plus-logo-2022-127.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2022-04-15 17:11:08.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/cdba24f18d23fa8bb1f36eda5a725ac58194fd10/hub/2022/04/15/977ff475-0c51-46e7-9e28-c34961408354/paramount-plus-logo-2022-127.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"Sarah Tew/CNET","imageAltText":"Paramount Plus logo on a smartphone screen","imageFilename":"paramount-plus-logo-2022-127.jpg","imageWidth":4000,"imageHeight":2667,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2022-04-15","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” usepricing=”true” ng-block=”{"id":"okjnbbf5pjv3j8q","type":"listicle"}” edition=”us” data-key=”cnetlisticle__0d12090a-3ec0-41d6-80ef-a01e8925f296″ index=”9″ imagecredit=”Sarah Tew/CNET” tagslugs=”disney-plus,hbo-max,apple-tv-plus,hv28,nbc-peacock,hbo,amazon-prime-video,disney,amazon,hulu,netflix,roku,youtube,apple,how-to-watch” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Best List – Precap” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” class=”c-bestListProductListing” readability=”5.7518097207859″>
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Despite the price jump to $7 a month, Apple TV Plus stands as the lowest-priced premium, ad-free streaming service available, with high-end features like 4K resolution, HDR and mobile downloads. However, it’s also the only service on this list that includes only original content, and no back catalog of shows or movies to explore. While it now has more than 50 exclusive, big-budget original programming shows and movies, only a few have captured widespread attention, such as Ted Lasso and Severance, while CODA won 2022’s Oscar for Best Picture. Though the service is branching out with additions like live MLB baseball on Fridays, its library is far smaller than any of the others on this list.
The app is also confusing because it’s housed in the larger Apple TV app with other content. However, Apple TV Plus has one big advantage: There are a lot of ways to get it for free, at least for a while. If you’re a degree-seeking college student, a new purchaser of an Apple device, or someone who subscribes to the Apple One bundle, you can snag a long-term free trial of Apple TV Plus.
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Below is a summarized look at each service’s price, simultaneous streams and availability of ad-based plans to help you decide which platforms are a good fit for you.
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