Netflix is the elder statesman of streamers, having launched in 2007 (though the company itself stretches all the way to the late '90s, having started as a mail order DVD rental service). HBO Max arrived with the WarnerMedia library (plus Friends), including all of HBO's prestige dramas and comedies. We also keep a strong eye on the new channels coming to each service, with articles such as our Sling Orange vs Blue face-off. And to that matter, all depends on the content you want to consume. Aside from having to pay separately for the service, another thing we don't love about Prime Video is how its apps vary greatly across platforms. But unlike Netflix, Prime Video's new shows are seemingly few and far between, as its output rates don't quite stack up to the big red streaming machine, or HBO Max.
The best streaming service for new TV shows
In November, we've got the return of Stranger Things, alongside the streaming debut of Frankenstein and Train Dreams. If you get an error message while watching a video, you can try these possible solutions.
The Netflix Originals strand means that the service is an enticing draw for movie lovers too. It's also still arguably the most comprehensive, with thousands of shows and movies to choose from and an easy-to-use UI. Perhaps you want a reliable service for movie night, the best anime, or shows like Gen V season 2. Kelly is the managing editor of streaming for Tom’s Guide, so basically, she watches TV for a living. But HBO Max has a massive library and in general, boasts better quality content. While Netflix is pivoting more to original shows and movies with each passing week, it's still constantly adding licensed movies and shows.
As the home to HBO Originals, HBO Max is the best streaming service to catch award-winning shows such as modern hits Game of Thrones, Succession, The White Lotus, The Last of Us, and now iconic series' The Sopranos, The Wire, and Sex and the City. Paramount+ has a growing list of new movies and shows that it's adding each month. Paramount+ has another bumper movie release slate for December, with 110 new movies dropping throughout the month. Save money with the best streaming deals and TV subscription coupons or sign up for a Prime Video free trial to try out the services.
The best streaming service for live sports
- But there are some changes occurring at the House of the Mouse’s streaming services.
- Paramount Plus is rife with tons of content, whether you’re looking for a movie to settle in with or a new series to binge.
- On the other hand, the Standard with ads plan (which is missing some content) is only available in some countries, including the U.S., the U.K., Japan, Canada and a few more.
- As a streaming service, though, it’s lacking in some regards.
- Each streaming service has a collection of shows and movies you can’t find elsewhere, so we often end up with multiple subscriptions, causing our wallets to take a big hit.
- Although this could be about to change after we reported that Apple has recruited a number of ad execs and had also been rumored to be testing a new AI-powered tool for optimizing App Store ads.
If you don’t want the antenna, you get your first month at half price. The service also allows for 20 home streams (though it’s just three if you’re on the move) and unlimited DVR time, and it doesn’t charge extra to stream 4K-compatible content. Since DirecTV Stream carries more than 30 RSNs, it may be an ideal choice for fans of live sports, but it’s also good for local channels. What makes Hulu + Live TV stand out from the crowd is that you can get the full Hulu library, Disney+ and ESPN+ for just a dollar more than the live TV-only plan (based on the cheapest plans).
Another good mark for Apple TV is that it's one of the services that still offers free trials, and many new Apple products also come with several months free. It has its share of issues, of course – namely a recent price increase and a tendency for content to come and go from the service, due to licensing. They all have their own movie release dates, new TV shows, and exclusives, as well as downsides like price hikes and ads.
For some people, paying for only what you want to watch will work out cheaper than rivals. Also, while Sling TV starts out at a competitive price, the customizable approach can quickly rack up big costs. Local channels, including ABC, NBC, and Fox, are only available in some regions, which could be a drawback for viewers who rely on them for news and sports.
Is Paramount+ worth subscribing to?
If you're a hardcore football fan, YouTube TV delivers all the games that are locally and nationally televised because of their sponsorship of the NFL. The streaming strength is through the roof and if you like to do a split or quarter screen (multiple games at once), it's a righteous platform to do so with. While it's easy to roll your eyes at the price tag for Youtube TV, one does get a lot for the dough with a proper subscription. If you're a Sunday Night Football fan, given NBC's long-standing deal, this might be the service for you. Fans of longstanding must-watch television like SNL and The Office, folks simply can't do without Peacock.
When we tested Fubo, we found that its multi-screen felicebet no deposit bonus view (an Apple TV exclusive) was the biggest differentiator outside of its surplus of international sports. The other knock against Fubo, besides its higher price, is the limited Cloud DVR storage. And its recent addition of regional sports networks sounded great until we found out that Fubo's adding upwards of $13.99 extra in a Regional Sports Fee you'll see at checkout. While we like the Disney Plus apps — they're all snappy, responsive and well-made — we've always wanted more from the service. The most recent Disney Plus price hike has pushed ad-free Disney Plus Premium up to $19, and the $12 ad-supported plan has gone up as well. Keep in mind, however, that the Standard plans do not include all content the higher tiers do.
In addition to carrying several regional sports networks (including Bally Sports and NBC Sports in several areas), fubo has a good selection of local channels, including ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox. In addition, its local channel selection is limited, but you get a free digital antenna with your subscription to watch local channels. However, Sling TV is not the best option for those who want regional sports networks, as it simply doesn’t carry them. Its plans offer different channels — for example, Blue carries local ABC, Fox and NBC channels, while Orange does not — but you can get both for what we’d call a reasonable price. However, those who don’t care about that might prefer a cheaper service like Sling TV. DirecTV could be a good option if you like sports and having a big channel selection.
- But at the time of writing, Sling TV had introduced a pretty hefty price increase that still makes it good value in some respects, but it’s not as easy to recommend to everyone.
- He also leads the video production team and helps craft e-courses on online technology topics.
- With over 600 movies and TV shows at launch, the House of Mouse’s streaming service is jam-packed with childhood classics as well as new shows and movies.
- This is ideal for those who want a decent streaming library along with all the live TV action.
- We took it upon ourselves to test the best streaming services and devices side-by-side.
- If you’re outside the U.S. and want to watch Peacock, our handy guide, how to get Peacock TV will help get you started.
- While Netflix is pivoting more to original shows and movies with each passing week, it’s still constantly adding licensed movies and shows.
The best streaming service for originals
"Men's Health readers love Taylor Sheridan's work, and his shows, outside of the main Yellowstone series, live here" says Romano. The stream is generally strong no matter how much traffic there is in the household or what device you're watching from. You get live tv — a plus with the NFL season here — and the app is even bundled with Showtime, affording access to a even more worthwhile stuff. The price is a value given what's provided and the terms and conditions aren't aggressively deceptive or sneaky. The app features CBS content, which means access to some of the great sporting events, from Champions League soccer to the Super Bowl. But why just go with the flow when you can get set up with a service that exposes you to new favorite shows, iconic films, and the best sporting events?
Popular Paid Streaming Services (On-Demand)
If you value quality, unique content, and thoughtful curation, Mubi is a great choice. That said, Mubi's niche focus and limited library may not appeal to those looking for mainstream blockbusters or a huge amount of choice. Adding to its curated charm, each movie comes with an insightful "Our Take" section, offering thoughtful commentary – a refreshing upgrade from a small synopsis, which most rivals give you. For fans of thoughtful storytelling, arthouse films, and world cinema, Mubi offers a unique viewing experience that stands out in a crowded streaming landscape. Mubi’s commitment to quality over quantity shines through its handpicked daily additions, which mean the library is continually refreshed with top-tier titles. Why you can trust TechRadarWe spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you're buying the best.
There's also no denying that $16.99/month is a little steep. Speaking of, Friends is also streaming on Max exclusively. You're also getting complete access to HBO's incredible library, which means if you've missed out on The Sopranos, The Leftovers, Deadwood, or The Wire, you can rest easy knowing they'll be there for you. It's pretty cheap, too, in comparison to some of its competitors, and there's a Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN package for $16.99 a month in the US, which sweetens the deal.
You get all of those iconic movies you grew up on, along with the newest waves. Outside of the price, the only thing we didn't dig was being drowned by options, with more than 100 channels and all those ads (however, for channel surfers, there's nothing better). There's not a whole lot of good live TV outside of the sports, but you do get access to some real-time news and front-of-the-line status with shows like Dateline and Law & Order. However, the sea of good content coming in monthly is impressive. You get the biggest movies and some solid original stuff alongside news programming straight from the source. We live in the golden era of streaming and such as it is, there's no shortage of excellent options.
If you want a live TV service with more channels (such as CBS), we say consider Fubo TV, unless you need TNT. Sling is especially handy for sports fans, as it offers a variety of ESPN channels — and this alone is worth the price for some. Plus, Peacock streams live sports, including Premier League soccer and the NFL. The bad news, though, is that Peacock previously joined its streaming rivals with a price hike. Check out our guide to the best HBO Max shows and the best HBO Max movies to see what it's offering.
However, Hulu + Live TV isn’t as generous on the regional sports networks (RSN) front, carrying fewer networks than competitors like DirecTV Stream and fubo. We have a handy guide that will teach you how to watch ESPN Plus from anywhere, even if you don’t have cable via a VPN, like NordVPN or Surfshark. If you want to use a VPN while watching Max, our roundup of the best Max VPNs shouldn’t be missed. The service rolled out in the U.S. first and has recently landed in other countries in Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.