Overwhelmed by the sheer amount of video streaming services?Â
There are so many options available in the US, with different pricing plans and offerings, it can become confusing trying to decide which is right for you. Pocket-lint has made the process easier, by breaking down how each service compares in terms of price, device/platform availability, whether there are free trials or ads, and if you can access live TV or original programming. These are the core factors cord-cutters consider when switching to video streaming services. By the time you're done with our guide, you should know which service to try.
Keep in mind we're focusing on video streaming services here - not live TV streaming services. However, if a video streaming service we recommend has a live TV option, we will let you know. A video streaming service is a mobile, TV, or web app that lets you access movies and shows on demand. A live TV service lets you watch live local channels, live news, and live sports events all online.Â
Anyway, here are your top options for video streaming services (in the US).
What is the best video streaming service?
- Editor's choice: Disney+
- Runner-ups: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, Paramount+, and Peacock
Our top pick for the best video streaming service is Disney+ because it has something for everyone in the family - classic Disney animated movies, the Star Wars and Marvel franchises, Pixar films, and even National Geographic content - for a cheap monthly price. But there are several video streaming services available in the US. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, Paramount+, and Peacock are all strong contenders and our favourites in addition to Disney+. You can't go wrong by subscribing to one or any combination of them.
If you're eager to find even more services, go to the bottom of this guide for more minor services and alternatives. But first, let's dive into our favourite seven video streaming services, led by Disney+.
| Disney+ | Netflix | Amazon Prime Video | HBO Max | Â Hulu | Paramount+ | Peacock | |
| Price | Starts at $7.99/month | Starts at $10/month | $119 per year | Starts at $9.99/month with ads | Starts at $8/month with ads (from Oct 2022) | Starts at $4.99/month with ads | Free with ads |
| Free trial | No | No | Yes (to Amazon Prime) | No | Yes (to ad plan) | Yes | No |
| Ad plans | No (ad tier coming)Â | No (ad tier coming)Â | No | Yes (pay more to go ad-free) | Yes (pay more to go ad-free) | Yes (pay more to go ad-free) | Yes (pay more to go ad-free) |
| Simultaneous streams | 4 | 1-4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| # of profiles | 7 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Originals | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Live TV | No | No | Limited (some add-on channels offer live TV) | No (some shows debut on HBO simultaneously) | Yes (need $65/ month Hulu + Live TV package) | Limited (some "Live TV channels")Â | Limited (some sports, WWE, local NBC stations) |
| Website | Disney+ | Netflix | Amazon Prime Video | HBO Max | Hulu | Paramount+ | Peacock |
The top 7 video streaming services
In the following guide, we review Disney+ alongside its biggest competition in the US, pitting them against each other and comparing their prices and features. See the handy chart above as a summary.
Disney+: Best overall
Features
- Price: Starts at $7.99/month
- Free trial: No
- Ad plans: No (ad tier coming)
- Simultaneous streams: 4
- # of profiles: 7
- Originals: Yes
- Live TV: No
- Website: Disney+
At a glance
Disney+ is Disney's answer to Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, but with a difference: it's the exclusive home to shows and movies from the studio, including Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and National Geographic. Disney+ is available in many countries and locations, including both the UK and US and across Europe. You can access it on multiple devices. It costs a monthly fee for complete access. First touted back in 2017, Disney sees it as a "big strategic shift" for the company, with its extensive library of content, including Marvel and Star Wars titles. These have generally disappeared from Netflix and other services to be exclusive to Disney+.
Further reading: Disney+ price, offers, shows, features, devices
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Platforms and devices
You can see the full support list here. A few of the standout supported platforms and devices include: Amazon Fire TV and Fire tablets, Roku, Chromecast, iOS, iPadOS, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation 4, Android-based Sony Smart TVs, Chromebooks, Samsung, and LG devices.
Netflix
Features
- Price: Starts at $10/month
- Free trial: No
- Ad plans: No (ad tier coming)
- Simultaneous streams: 1-4
- # of profiles: 5
- Originals: Yes
- Live TV: No
- Website: Netflix
At a glance
Netflix is a video streaming service with 1,000s of TV shows and movies available to watch instantly. They are streamed over an internet connection to a wide variety of devices, including TVs, tablets, phones, games consoles and set-top boxes. You can also watch Netflix films or programming on a computer. It is a subscription service with one monthly fee. Depending on which subscription plan you opt for, you can watch Netflix on multiple devices at the same time. You can also opt to watch video in different quality settings, depending on your subscription: Standard, high, and 4K Ultra HD. Almost all shows and films are available in HD, many are available in 4K Ultra HD too.Â
Further reading: How to watch Netflix on TV: Price, platforms and everything you need to know
Platforms and devices
You can see the full support list here. But a few of the standout supported devices include: Android, iOS, web browers, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Nvidia Shield, Roku, Smart TVs, PS4, Xbox, and set-top boxes.
Amazon Prime Video
Features
- Price: $119 per year
- Free trial: Yes (to Amazon Prime)
- Ad plans: No
- Simultaneous streams: 3
- # of profiles: 6
- Originals: Yes
- Live TV: Limited (some add-on channels offer live TV)
- Website: Amazon Prime Video
At a glance
Amazon Video is the name given to Amazon's TV show and movie streaming application and service available on multiple devices. It comprises two elements: There are thousands of films and TV box-sets to rent or purchase digitally, which you pay for on an ad hoc basis; there is also Amazon Prime Video, a subscription service that offers thousands of other TV shows and movies to watch as part of Prime membership. Prime content is clearly marked as such, and much of the TV programming available is homegrown. Amazon Originals is the name of the many series made by Amazon itself, such as Vikings and Mr Robot.
You can gain access to Prime Video through an Amazon Prime membership. A 30-day trial of Amazon Prime is available. In the US, an Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 annually. A Prime Video-only account costs $8.99 a month. The price increased in early 2022, it was previously offered for $12.99 and $119 respectively. In the UK, Amazon Prime membership costs either £8.99 a month or £95 a year - with the latter making more economic sense. The price increased in September 2022, from £7.99 per month and £79 annually.
Further reading: How to watch Amazon Prime Video on TV: Your complete guide
Platforms and devices
You can see the full support list here. But a few of the standout supported devices include: Fire TV, Fire tablet, iPhone, iPad, Chromecast, Xbox, PlayStation 4, Smart TVs, Blu-ray players, Apple TV, Roku, and Xfinity X1.
HBO Max
Features
- Price: Starts at $9.99/month with ads
- Free trial: No
- Ad plans: Yes (pay more to go ad-free)
- Simultaneous streams: 3
- # of profiles: 5
- Originals: Yes
- Live TV: No (some shows debut on HBO simultaneously)
- Website: HBO Max
At a glance
There is no shortage of streaming services available, and yet still, Warner Media has launched its own: HBO Max. HBO Max combines all of HBO's offerings with Warner Bros movies and Turner TV shows. It also includes originals and programming from Warner Media's other brands. Unlike HBO's previous service, HBO Go, HBO Max doesn't require a cable login, and it's priced the same as another old HBO service, HBO Now. As a result, both of those services are no longer available. HBO Max launched in the US in May 2020. Anything you can watch on HBO is available on HBO Max. HBO Max also has original content called Max Originals, in addition to same-day theatrical releases.
Further reading: HBO Max: Price, shows and movie lineup, and availability
Platforms and devices
You can see the full support list here. But a few of the standout supported devices include: Amazon Fire, Roku, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, PlayStation 4, Macs and PCs, Samsung Smart TV, Xbox One, and TiVo.
Hulu
Features
- Price: Starts at $8/month with ads (from Oct 2022)
- Free trial: Yes (to ad plan)
- Ad plans: Yes (pay more to go ad-free)
- Simultaneous streams: 2
- # of profiles: 5
- Originals: Yes
- Live TV: Yes (need $65/ month Hulu + Live TV package)
- Website: Hulu
At a glance
Hulu is a video streaming content service that started as a platform for recently aired TV shows but has grown into a service with full movies, original programming, and content from well-known brands such as Disney, Fox, BBC America, Showtime, TLC, CBS, ABC News, Animal Planet, Complex, Freeform, FX, and others. There is a Live TV package you can subscribe to if you want news and sports depending on your location. You can use Hulu from various screens, and five other people can access your account with their own profiles. Streaming from Hulu isn't free, so you must first purchase a plan. The cheapest plan has ads.Â
Further reading: Hulu's going up in price: How to cancel or change your plan and What is Hulu Live TV and how does it work?
Platforms and devices
You can see the full support list here. But a few of the standout supported devices include: Â Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Echo Show, Fire Tablets, Fire TV, iPhones and iPads, LG TV (select models), Nintendo Switch, Mac and PC, PlayStation 3 (no live programming), PlayStation 4, Roku, Samsung TV (select models), VIZIO SmartCast TVs, Xbox, Xfinity Flex, and X1.
Paramount+
Features
- Price: Starts at $4.99/month with ads
- Free trial: Yes
- Ad plans: Yes (pay more to go ad-free)
- Simultaneous streams: 3
- # of profiles: 6
- Originals: Yes
- Live TV: Limited (some "Live TV channels")
- Website: Paramount+
At a glance
Paramount (previously ViacomCBS) replaced CBS All Access with Paramount+ in March 2021. While it started as a rebrand of CBS All Access, a live TV subscription service that CBS launched in 2014. it has since grown into a valid Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ competitor in its own right.Paramount+ is unique because it offers content from the combined ViacomCBS network, which includes properties such as CBS, Paramount, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, and the Smithsonian Channel. It also featured limited live programming - like sports and breaking news - in addition to the 30,000 movies and TV shows from the wider ViacomCBS Network.
Further reading: How much is Paramount+ ?
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Platforms and devices
You can see the full support list here. But a few of the standout supported devices include: Computer, Apple TV, iPhone and iPad, Android TV, Android phone and tablet, Chromecast, Fire TV, Portal TV, PS4, Samsung TV, Vizio TV, LG TV, Roku, Xbox, Xfinity device, Cox Contour box, and VIDAA TV.
Peacock
Features
- Price: Free with ads
- Free trial: No
- Ad plans: Yes (pay more to go ad-free)
- Simultaneous streams: 3
- # of profiles: 6
- Originals: Yes
- Live TV: Limited (some sports, WWE, local NBC stations)
- Website: Peacock
At a glance
NBCUniversal has its own video streaming service called Peacock. It's designed to offer cord-cutters a slate of big-budget original series from showrunners who have previously worked with NBCUniversal, but it also carries TV shows and movies from the company's Universal arm as well as sports and more. You can use Peacock to watch 20,000 hours of original programming, as well as dramas, comedies, news, sports, unscripted TV, kid-friendly content, Spanish-language content, and curated channels. While it is primarily an on-demand video streaming service, Peacock streams some traditional live TV programming, such as Sky News and some local NBC news stations.
Further reading: Peacock streaming service: International rollout, pricing, movies, and more
Platforms and devices
You can see the full support list here. But a few of the standout supported devices include: Fire TV, Fire tablet, iPhone, iPad, Chromecast, Xbox, PlayStation 4 and 5, Smart TVs, Apple TV, Roku, and Xfinity.
Are there other video streaming services?
Yes. And they're all worth checking out if you consider yourself an avid cord-cutter who wants to try every type of service at least once. Here are alternative streaming services (even some with live TV) and what makes them particularly unique. We've also included pricing and a link to each service.
YouTube TV: A paid live TV streaming service that includes live TV from 100+ broadcast, cable, and regional sports networks. It also has a modest library of on-demand content from popular TV shows and movies.
Hulu with Live TV: A paid live TV streaming service with full access to Hulu. Subscribers can watch live sports, breaking news, awards shows, primetime dramas, daytime soaps, local teams, and weather forecasts.
Sling TV: A paid live TV streaming service that offers access to news, sports, and top channels like ESPN, TNT, TBS, and more. It also has some on-demand content.
FuboTV: A paid live TV streaming service entirely focused on sports. It promises access to more than 80 popular broadcast and cable channels, plus on-demand entertainment including full TV series.
Philo: A paid live and on-demand TV service that offers 60-plus channels, as well as an on-demand library of 60,000 movies, shows, and specials.Â
Shudder: A paid video streaming service with the largest selection of horror films, series, and originals. Shudder's titles stream live 24/7, and ad-free, on the app's Shudder TV tab, too.
Amazon Freevee: A free video streaming service that offers 100s of TV series and movies to watch on demand with no subscription needed. It also sports over 60 "Fast Channels" that stream content live.
Discovery+: A paid video streaming service that includes content from every media property under the Discovery umbrella ( HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Animal Planet, OWN, etc).
AMC+:A paid video streaming service that features a premium on-demand library, but you won't be able to live stream the AMC network using AMC+.
Crackle: A free video streaming service that has been around since 2004. It provides free, ad-supported access to a limited pool of movies and shows.
Tubi TV: A free video streaming app with over 40,000 on-demand movies and television shows.
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