The Best Streaming Services in 2024

*Last updated 3/18/24

Finding the right streaming service can be overwhelming, especially when certain content is exclusive to one platform. If you’re wondering where you might fit a streaming subscription into your budget and want a quality entertainment experience in return, we’re here to provide guidance. We’ve reviewed every major and minor streaming platform available and picked the top streaming platforms below to help you decide which one is the best choice for you.

The Best Streaming Services in 2024

1. Hulu
2. Apple TV Plus
3. Netflix
4. Peacock
5. Paramount Plus
6. Amazon Prime Video
7. Max
8. SHOWTIME
9. ESPN Plus
10. Tubi

Best for Bundled Services

Overview

Price Range: $7.99 – $24.99 per month

Simultaneous Device Streams: 2

Free Trial: 30 days

Hulu is the best all-around service because it includes all of Hulu’s original and licensed content, as well as access to Disney Plus and ESPN Plus. That means you can watch live sports, Marvel series from Disney Plus, and select Crunchyroll anime titles all with one subscription. While the price can seem like a lot compared to other streamers, Hulu does provide enough content to be worth the price of admission.

Read our Hulu review.

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Best for Premium Content

Overview

Price Range: $9.99 per month

Simultaneous Device Streams: 6

Free Trial: 7 days

Apple TV Plus is one of the newer entrants into the crowded streaming space, but it’s already made a name for itself with series like “For All Mankind” and “Severance.” An Apple TV Plus subscription is perfect for the passionate soccer fan, as it provides a significant discount on the MLS Season Pass, which is only available to stream from the Apple TV app. With support for premium features such as Ultra HD and spatial audio, Apple TV Plus is for those who like to enjoy content in as high a resolution as possible.

Read our Apple TV Plus review.

Get Apple TV Plus →

Best On-Demand Library

Overview

Price Range: $6.99 – $22.99 per month

Simultaneous Device Streams: 2 – 4

Free Trial: None

While Netflix isn’t as invested in creating premium original content as before, there are still plenty of reasons to subscribe to the streaming giant. Netflix has been stockpiling its content reserves with licensed content, making it possible to enjoy shows and movies other than Netflix originals. Despite the streamer raising prices and cracking down on password sharing, you can’t deny that Netflix’s sheer variety of content will keep you from getting bored.

Read our Netflix review.

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Best for Network TV and Live Sports

Overview

Price Range: $5.99 – $11.99 per month

Simultaneous Device Streams: 3

Free Trial: None

Peacock is more niche than the other entries above since most content is pulled from NBC archives. That said, it’s a strong archive. The ability to watch “The Office,” “Parks & Rec,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” and “Superstore” is worth the subscription. Whether you’re a fan of these classic sitcoms or not, Peacock’s original content is still growing. Series such as “Poker Face,” “Killing It,” and “Bupkis” are entertaining enough for those looking for something new. It’s also the best place to watch Premier League games.

Read our Peacock review.

Get Peacock →

Best for Newly Released Movies

Overview

Price Range: $5.99 – $11.99 per month

Simultaneous Device Streams: 3

Free Trial: 7 days

Although every “Star Trek” series and film is available on Paramount Plus, that’s not the only reason to subscribe to this streamer. Paramount Plus is one of the best places to watch soccer, with access to the greatest soccer competition on Earth besides the World Cup: the UEFA Champions League. It’s also one of the few streamers to get first dibs on theatrical releases. Another reason is Taylor Sheridan's deal with Paramount Plus, a partnership that’s brought series like “Tulsa King,” “1883,” “1923,” and “Special Ops: Lioness” to fruition.

Read our Paramount Plus review.

Get Paramount Plus →

Best for Exclusive Content

Overview

Price Range: $8.99 – $14.99 per month

Simultaneous Device Streams: 3

Free Trial: 30 days

Most people forget they have Amazon Prime Video because it’s included as part of their Prime subscription. While it’s not home to the greatest selection of content, original or otherwise, it’s decently stocked with series like “The Boys,” “Invincible,” “Fleabag,” “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” “Gen V,” “The Wheel of Time,” “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” and others. For fans of the NFL, Amazon Prime Video is the only place to watch Thursday Night Football.

Read our Amazon Prime Video review.

Get Amazon Prime Video →

Best for Warner Bros. Properties

Overview

Price Range: $9.99 – $19.99 per month

Simultaneous Device Streams: 2 – 4

Free Trial: None

Now just Max (rebranded from HBO Max), this streamer has gone through it in the last few years. Despite shedding some original series, Max has a sizable library of films, series, and animated content. For fans of DC, there’s no better place to catch up on live-action and animated projects starring DC’s wide cast of characters and villains. While Max is still behind other streamers in regards to live sports, sports fans can add B/R Sports at an extra cost to watch NBA, NHL, NCAA March Madness, and MLB games.

Read our Max review.

Get Max →

Best for Watching New and Classic Films

Overview

Price Range: $10.99 – $11.99 per month

Simultaneous Device Streams: 3

Free Trial: 7 days

From newly released films to premium TV series like “Yellowjackets” and “The Curse,” SHOWTIME has something captivating to watch for everyone. For those who want to beef up their current subscription to Hulu or Apple TV Plus, selecting SHOWTIME as an add-on is a great way to do just that. For those interested in what Paramount Plus has to offer, it’s possible to access SHOWTIME with a premium subscription for $11.99 per month.

Read our SHOWTIME review.

Get SHOWTIME →

Best for National and Regional Sports

Overview

Price Range: $10.99 – $14.99 per month

Simultaneous Device Streams: 3

Free Trial: None

While more streamers are adding live sports options to their catalog, ESPN Plus is still a hub for all things sports. When bundled with Hulu and Disney Plus, the cost of ESPN Plus is affordable, making it easier than ever to catch up on everything from college football to Formula 1. Besides live and on-demand sports coverage, ESPN Plus has a library of sports documentaries and series that will keep sports fans entertained even when there’s no game to watch.

Read our ESPN Plus review.

Get ESPN Plus →

Best for Free Movies

Overview

Price Range: $0.00 per month

Simultaneous Device Streams: N/A

Free Trial: N/A

Tubi is free. You sign up and it remains free no matter how often you use it. The catch is there are nonremovable ads — they have to make money somehow. But, according to Tubi, there are fewer ads on the streamer than on cable TV. Surprisingly, Tubi has a decent selection of TV shows and movies. You might have to look deeper to find something that you like, but it’s worth it. Remember, it’s completely free!

Read our Tubi review.

Get Tubi →

For a bird’s-eye-view of the best streaming services, take a look at the chart below.

*Last updated 3/18/24

While we couldn’t include every streaming service on our list, there are a few that deserve an honorable mention, like the ones below:

• Crunchyroll: This is the best streaming platform for anime fans, with the biggest selection of anime in the U.S.
• F1 TV: Motorsport fans can watch live Formula 1, Formula 2, and Formula 3 events, with access to a huge archive of races that goes back decades. 
• Disney Plus: For fans of Marvel, “Star Wars,” and Disney characters, Disney Plus is the top choice. 
• The Criterion Channel: This streamer is a go-to for film buffs, with a rotating selection of classic and independent films that are hard to find elsewhere. 
• PBS: This is for the history fans out there — all the Ken Burns documentaries are available to stream. 

At CordCutting.com, we’ve spent more than 100 hours reviewing every streaming platform available. Across the team, we’ve also watched thousands of on-demand content across different streamers to determine which provides the most value for your money. The top 10 streamers above are based on the selection of content, price, features, and availability.

You can also watch our videos for hands-on reviews of the streaming services mentioned.

How do I choose which streaming service is best for me?

It depends on the type of content you’re interested in and what your budget is. If you want a large library of content, Netflix and Max — both of which offer affordable ad-supported plans — are two great options. However, if you want to also watch live TV and sports, Peacock might be a better pick.

What’s the difference between streaming services and live TV streaming?

A streaming service offers a library of original and licensed content that’s available to watch on-demand. A live TV streaming service is similar to traditional cable, as it offers access to various live channels, which may sometimes be available on-demand. Peacock is one service that includes both.

What’s the cheapest streaming service?

Tubi is the cheapest streaming service because it’s free to watch. As for affordable options, Netflix, Max, Hulu, Peacock, and Paramount Plus all offer ad-supported plans.

What device do I need to watch streaming services?

Most streaming services, even Apple TV Plus, are available on most streaming devices, phones, tablets, and TVs. If you don’t have a smart TV, a streaming device such as an Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, or Roku can provide access to streaming platforms.

What’s the best streaming service if I travel frequently?

If you travel often and don’t always have access to high-speed internet to stream, then services such as Netflix, Max, and Paramount Plus are good options because they allow users to download content for offline viewing. Keep in mind that offline viewing is typically offered as part of more premium plans, which cost more.