Overview
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![Netflix]()
Netflix
Best for Original Shows -
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![Hulu]()
Hulu
Best for Live and On-Demand Content -
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![Peacock]()
Peacock
Best for Affordable TV Shows and Movies -
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![Amazon Prime Video]()
Amazon Prime Video
Best for On-Demand Shows and Movies -
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![Max]()
Max
Best for HBO Shows and Popular Movies -
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![Disney+]()
Disney+
Best for Family-Friendly Content -
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![YouTube TV]()
YouTube TV
Best for Replacing Cable -
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![Tubi]()
Tubi
Best for Free Movies -
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![Crunchyroll]()
Crunchyroll
Best for Anime -
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![Curiosity Stream]()
Curiosity Stream
Best for HD & 4K Documentaries: CuriosityStream
Fast internet connections and an abundance of media streaming devices have accelerated the decline of traditional cable. An increasing number of people are cutting the cord in favor of dedicated streaming alternatives (even if there are still some good reasons to keep cable). Streaming services are only growing larger and more numerous, leaving you with an overwhelming number of options. Fortunately, we here at PCMag have thoroughly tested many streaming services, big and small, for our expert reviews. Our top picks, including Hulu and Netflix, are terrific starting points if you want to stream the best movie and television programming.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![Netflix]()
Netflix
Best for Original ShowsWhy We Picked It
Netflix is the standard-bearer for streaming video services. It hosts an impressive content selection, with new titles exchanged for older ones every month. And then there's its constantly growing library of premier original programming, which outclasses its rivals. Netflix's impressive catalog includes Altered Carbon, Black Mirror, BoJack Horseman, Dead to Me, Mindhunters, Orange Is the New Black, Russian Doll, Stranger Things, The Umbrella Academy, The Witcher, and even original anime. That's in addition to its original movies, such as El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie and Martin Scorsese's The Irishman. Unfortunately, Netflix has lost some top titles recently, such as Friends (to Max) and The Office (to Peacock).
Who It's For
Netflix is a premium service for people willing to pay premium prices. It recently raised the price of its two higher-end subscription plans. The Standard tier, which costs $17.99 per month, unlocks HD content and supports streaming on two devices simultaneously. The top-of-the-line Premium plan costs $24.99 per month. This gives you four concurrent streams and access to 4K content where available. Netflix also offers a cheaper, ad-supported tier for $7.99 per month. Besides lacking premium perks, this budget tier doesn't include every show in Netflix's library.
You can download Netflix apps on a variety of devices, including your Chromecast, game console, PC, and tablet. And, yes, you can finally disable the obnoxious auto-playing previews. Other new Netflix features include Screen Lock on Android devices, which prevents unintentional screen taps, and more parental control settings that let you better restrict content and profiles. Alongside Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Disney+, Netflix is one of the few streaming services that supports both offline downloads and 4K and HDR streaming (now on Macs, too).
Netflix's DVD mailing service ended on September 29, 2023. Streaming is clearly the company's primary business.
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![Hulu]()
Hulu
Best for Live and On-Demand ContentWhy We Picked It
Given its diverse streaming options, Hulu is one of the best all-in-one options for cord-cutters. In addition to an extensive library of classic shows and a strong movie selection, Hulu offers a robust live TV option (more than 70 channels of news, sports, and entertainment programming). Still, Hulu trails some top competitors, given its lackluster original content and limited selection of 4K content. Hulu recently added Viacom channels to its lineup, including BET, Comedy Central, MTV, NFL Network, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Network.
Who It's For
Hulu is great for anyone seeking streaming convenience without abandoning traditional live TV. Its basic on-demand streaming plan costs $9.99 per month, while the ad-free version is $18.99 per month. College students can get Hulu's ad-supported version for $1.99 per month. The Hulu + Live TV plan set you back $82.99 per month and combines Hulu's live TV service with the ad-supported streaming plan. In addition, all subscribers now enjoy unlimited Cloud DVR. You can also add the Unlimited Screens package (it allows an unlimited number of concurrent device streams in your home and up to three outside of it) to your plan for $9.99 per month.
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![Peacock]()
Peacock
Best for Affordable TV Shows and MoviesWhy We Picked It
NBC's Peacock offers two plans: a Premium tier with 80,000 hours, some live sports, and clips-based channels; and a Premium Plus option that builds upon the Premium tier by removing ads when you stream on-demand titles. Although you can't stream some of NBC's biggest hits on-demand (Friends, Seinfeld), you can watch other popular past and current entries from NBC, such as 30 Rock, Cheers, Chicago Fire, Friday Night Lights, The Office, Parks and Recreation, Saturday Night Live, Will and Grace, Law & Order: SVU, Superstore, and This is Us.
Who It's For
Who doesn't appreciate affordable quality content? Peacock is also slowly expanding its live sports content, and now lets paid users watch Sunday Night Football games. Other sports programming on Peacock includes Premier League soccer, IndyCar coverage, and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) content. Note, however, Peacock no longer offers a free tier for new subscribers. Existing free subscribers are unaffected for now.
Peacock doesn't support 4K streams, which is disappointing, but it lets you stream on up to three devices per account. Only Premium Plus users can download shows for offline viewing on mobile devices. You can download the Peacock app on mobile platforms (Android and iOS), media streaming devices (Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku), and gaming consoles (last-and-current-generation PlayStation and Xbox systems).
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![Amazon Prime Video]()
Amazon Prime Video
Best for On-Demand Shows and MoviesWhy We Picked It
Amazon offers two ways to get Prime Video: a standalone subscription ($8.99 per month with ads, $11.99 per month ad-free) or an Amazon Prime subscription that includes shipping and shopping perks ($14.99 per month or $139 per year).
In recent years, Amazon has focused on curating high-quality original shows such as Bosch, The Boys, Catastrophe, Fleabag, Hanna, Hunters, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Patriot, Tales From The Loop, Undone, and Upload. The $416 million Lord of the Rings series is still on track, too. Many of these shows are excellent and on par with Netflix's offerings, though the latter has a much deeper content library. There's one advantage that Prime Video has over Netflix: It broadcasts Thursday Night Football games, select MLB matchups, and most recently, WNBA games.
Who It's For
Although it has a subscription option, Prime Video is also for people who want to buy or rent shows or movies a la carte. Amazon's video library also includes tons of popular and classic movies available for streaming at no additional cost. Amazon's purchase of MGM for $8.45 billion should considerably improve the movie selection.
Prime Video is notable in that it supports 4K and HDR streaming, as well as downloads for offline viewing. Amazon's video service works on a web browser, plus Android and iOS devices, game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox), smart TVs, and media streaming devices (Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Nvidia Shield, TiVo). With Prime Video, you can stream up to three titles at the same time from the same account, but it limits you to streaming the same title to two devices simultaneously. Prime Video also lets you create multiple viewing profiles per account, a fairly recent addition.
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![Max]()
Max
Best for HBO Shows and Popular MoviesWhy We Picked It
Max's greatest strength is its catalog of prestige original shows, including Barry, Big Little Lies, Chernobyl, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Sex and the City, Silicon Valley, Six Feet Under, Succession, The Sopranos, The Wire, and Westworld.
The service acquired the streaming rights to several other popular shows, such as Friends (including a reunion show), Rick and Morty, and South Park. Babylon 5 Remastered is also now available for streaming. In addition, Max includes select content from other sources within the greater Warner Discovery universe, including CNN, Crunchyroll, DC Comics, and Looney Tunes. Read our feature on everything coming to Max this month to find out what you can watch.
Besides those TV shows, Max bundles an impressive collection of popular movies from other Warner properties (Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema ) and other sources (such as The Criterion Collection and Studio Ghibli). Plus, you get all the wonderful reality trash of the Discovery universe, from cooking shows like Chopped to dating nightmares like 90 Day Fiancé.
Who It's For
HBO is arguably the biggest name in quality TV, and you can only stream it with Max. If Max's $16.99-per-month plan is too expensive for you, a cheaper, ad-supported version is available for $9.99 per month. This tier does not include access to the aforementioned Warner Bros. same-day releases nor lets you stream in 4K or download titles for offline viewing. The ad experience is reasonable. Max says the total playtime of ads will not exceed four minutes per hour and will not play during its own content.
Max has all the top features found in other video streaming services, including offline downloads on mobile devices, support for multiple viewing profiles (up to five), simultaneous streams (up to three), audio descriptions, and modern apps. However, only a few titles currently support 4K streaming. Check out our Max tips story to get the most from your subscription. The service is available on mobile devices (Android and iOS), TVs (Apple, Android, and Samsung), and current-and-last-gen gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox). It supports Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku media streaming platforms, too.
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![Disney+]()
Disney+
Best for Family-Friendly ContentWhy We Picked It
Disney+ packages a ton of Disney's media properties, including content from Marvel, National Geographic, Pixar, and Star Wars, into a full-featured streaming service. In addition to classic Disney content, you can also watch originals such as Encore!, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Marvel's Hero Project, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, Loki, The Mandalorian, and What If...? Note that most of the content Disney acquired from its 21st Century Fox takeover is missing from the service, though a lot of those shows are on Hulu.
Who It's For
If you have even a passing interest in just one of the many beloved properties under the Disney corporate umbrella, Disney+ is for you. Aside from all the Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars movies already on the service (although not all Marvel movies are available here), Disney continues to debut its latest films here too.
Disney+'s monthly price is reasonable relative to the rewatch value of its content, but its basic tier now comes with ads. To remove adds and download videos for offline viewing, you must pay for a more expensive tier. You can save money by opting for an annual plan. Disney also offers various plans that bundle Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu.
Disney+ supports capabilities such as 4K streaming and offline downloads (on mobile). The service's support for four simultaneous streams and seven customizable profiles make it a compelling option for families, though we wish its parental control options allowed for more flexibility. Our Disney+ tips and tricks feature helps you leverage all that the service offers. The streaming channel is available on the web; Android and iOS devices; media streaming platforms such as the Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku; and gaming consoles.
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![YouTube TV]()
YouTube TV
Best for Replacing CableWhy We Picked It
YouTube TV offers an excellent selection of news channels, live sports (including exclusive Sunday NFL games), and many popular entertainment options. Some top networks available include ABC, AMC, CBS, CNN, ESPN, Fox, FX, and NBC. In addition, it features channels from Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global, plus local PBS channels. So naturally, this channel variety doesn't come cheap; steady price hikes have brought YouTube TV to $82.99 per month.
Who It's For
YouTube TV is your best option for replacing cable. If YouTube TV's library still doesn't meet your needs, you can add other packages, such as Acorn TV, Curiosity Stream, and NBA League Pass, to your subscription. The Entertainment Plus package bundles Max, Showtime, and Starz for $30 per month. YouTube TV's 4K Plus add-on ($9.99 per month) unlocks 4K streaming, support for unlimited simultaneous streams, and offline viewing of DVR content.
With YouTube TV, you get unlimited cloud DVR storage. The service will keep your recordings for nine months, and you can stream your content from anywhere in the US. One YouTube TV membership supports up to six accounts, so you can share with family or roommates, though you can only simultaneously stream from three accounts. In addition, YouTube TV's apps look and work great across various platforms, including Fire TV devices and the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X consoles.
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![Tubi]()
Tubi
Best for Free MoviesWhy We Picked It
Tubi is a free video streaming service that claims a collection of 275,000 movies and TV shows (though we aren't sure if it counts episodes individually as part of that number). Regardless, its catalog includes popular films such as A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Black Hawk Down, Donnie Darko, Legally Blonde, Memento, Minority Report, Rain Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and We Need to Talk About Kevin. Its TV library is less impressive, but some notable entries include 3rd Rock From the Sun (seasons 1-5), Degrassi: The Next Generation (seasons 1-14); Hell's Kitchen (seasons 1-14), Jojo's Bizarre Adventures (seasons 1-4), Naruto (seasons 1-4), and V (seasons 1-2). Note that Tubi's library regularly changes.
Who It's For
Tubi is for people who want a free service that doesn't feel cheap. Tubi's web interface and mobile apps have clean designs and organize everything neatly into descriptive categories. One limitation with Tubi is that the streaming resolution is capped at 720p. That wouldn't be a major problem, except that many movies are only available in 540p. As expected, Tubi does not support offline downloads for mobile devices, either. However, the service keeps track of the content you've watched and lets you manage a watchlist. The parental control tools are a bit limited, but at least they're an option.
Tubi is available on the web and for mobile devices (Android and iOS). Supported media streaming devices include Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku, and TiVo. Tubi also supports gaming consoles (PlayStation and Xbox) and select smart TVs from Samsung, Sony, and Vizio.
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![Crunchyroll]()
Crunchyroll
Best for AnimeWhy We Picked It
Crunchyroll is one of the most complete anime streaming services, with more than 1,300 titles in its library. Popular shows on the service include Attack on Titan, Death Note, FLCL, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Hunter X Hunter, One-Punch Man, several Naruto series, and Yuri!!! on Ice. Crunchyroll also has some original series, such as A Place Further Than the Universe, In/Spectre, and The Rising of the Shield Hero. Upcoming titles include Onyx Equinox, which is set in Meso-America, and Meiji Gekken: Sword & Gun, which takes place in Japan during the 1870s. It also maintains a respectable lineup of about 40 simulcast shows. You can even purchase relevant merchandise, manga, and more from the Crunchyroll shop.
Who It's For
Crunchyroll gives anime fans a convenient (and legal) way to watch shows that years ago would never have come to the West. Crunchyroll supports HD streams for both free and paid accounts, but you must opt for the premium tier to get rid of ads. We would like to see Crunchyroll clean up some of its interfaces. Most of Crunchyroll's content supports subtitles, but after absorbing Funimation (along with VRV) its dubbed library is also now much stronger.
You can download the Crunchyroll apps on media streaming devices (Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku), mobile phones (Android and iOS), and several gaming consoles (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X). Crunchyroll supports as many as six simultaneous streams, depending on your price tier, as well as offline downloads.
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![Curiosity Stream]()
Curiosity Stream
Best for HD & 4K Documentaries: CuriosityStreamWhy We Picked It
Curiosity Stream offers a massive collection of informational and entertaining documentary features in numerous categories, including History, Kids, Lifestyle, Nature, Science, Society, and Technology. David Attenborough and Sigourney Weaver are among the hosts of the top-notch titles on Curiosity Stream. There’s also a kid-specific section on the platform. Make sure to check out our roundup of the best online learning sites if you are interested in expanding your knowledge potential.
The service offers two pricing tiers that offer the same documentaries. The only difference is that the more expensive plan ($9.99 per month) unlocks 4K streaming. Curiosity Stream supports offline downloads on mobile, and doesn’t display ads. You can download the app on mobile devices (Android and iOS), gaming platforms (PlayStation and Xbox), streaming media devices (Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku), and smart TVs.
Who It's For
Many streaming services offer the mindless comfort of watching reruns of your favorite shows. That gets tiring, eventually. Curiosity Stream is for people who want to learn about a topic, whether on the couch or on the go.
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Buying Guide: The Best Video Streaming Services for 2025
New Channels and Consolidation
The competition between video streaming services has never been tougher, so some media companies are banding together. For instance, CBS and Viacom merged (again) to launch Paramount+ bundled with Showtime. Warner Bros. merged with Discovery to form the new streaming giant Max, which has already killed CNN+, the Batgirl movie, and many cartoons. However, thanks to the Discovery+ content, it leads the charge in streaming's new trash TV golden age. Amazon also bought MGM for $9 billion, which considerably boosted Prime Video's library. Crunchyroll became the definitive anime streaming service by gobbling up rivals Funimation and VRV. Disney bundles Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ to cover all entertainment bases. Even AMC+ has a bundle packaging together AMC Premiere, Shudder, Sundance Now, IFC Films Unlimited, and BBC America.
The increasingly competitive streaming market is not without consequences. Consumers who may have initially been attracted to the flexibility that streaming services offer over cable now must navigate a crowded and constantly shifting nightmare of streaming rights and new services, many of which continue to rise in cost. Live TV streaming services are also struggling to adjust to the rising costs of broadcast rights from cable channel owners. The price of just about every one of these services has increased considerably over time.
The Catalog Is Everything
As mentioned, a video streaming service's success largely depends on what its library offers. That's why so many services are investing heavily in developing high-quality original content. Consider, for example, Netflix's Stranger Things, Amazon's The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale, all of which are Emmy-winning shows. Without these hooks, standalone video streaming services would likely be unable to compete with existing entertainment behemoths. Several platforms have also saved popular shows from the grave in an effort to build a compelling library. For instance, Roku brought back all the originals from the ill-fated Quibi, even if many of those shows have since been removed.
Apart from on-demand video streaming services, complete cable-replacement services are now just as mainstream. Some of the best live TV services, for example, such as Hulu and YouTube TV, offer robust lineups of local, news, sports, and lifestyle channels. Others have specialties. For instance, DirecTV Stream is the best option for regional sports networks (RSNs), and Philo is custom-built for lifestyle and entertainment fans.
Can You Stream Live Sports Online?
Sports fans may worry that they won't be able to watch live sports when they ditch cable. However, that's simply not the case. Many of the video streaming options we reviewed are also among the best sports streaming services. Whether you want to watch regional, national, or international sports, there is a service that meets your needs. Although blackouts and cancellations may still apply, these streaming options offer distinct advantages over cable, including full-featured apps on many platforms and simultaneous streaming capabilities. Check out our roundup of the best NFL streaming services, best MLB streaming services, best NBA streaming services, and the best NHL streaming services for specific recommendations.
Other Video Streaming Options
Smaller and sometimes cheaper options also exist with a more specific focus. For example, Crunchyroll, Hidive, and RetroCrush represent anime streaming services. Check out our roundup of the best free video streaming services if you want to reduce the amount you spend on streaming subscriptions each month. Explore our article about the best video streaming services for celebrating Black art, too.
Horror fans need not fear ditching cable, either, with the best horror streaming services. We've curated lists of the best horror films and scary original shows. Even Troma has a streaming app now, so low-budget schlock aficionados have options.
Cinephiles should read our coverage of the best movie streaming services. If you're after something more educational, our roundup of the best documentary streaming services is a good place to start. Alamo on Demand and Angelika Anywhere offer virtual versions of curated movie theaters. If live theater is more your thing, BroadwayHD is your best bet.
Although it is not what typically comes to mind, Vimeo also offers a small selection of indie films and video projects via its On Demand section. Twitch is your best bet if you want to watch people play games. You should also consider streaming Netflix and other top video services to your game consoles.
Plex is yet another option for streaming your local media content, over-the-air cable (provided you have the right hardware), and an on-demand library that now includes all of Crackle's library. Open-source software Kodi offers similar media-management functionality.
You should use a virtual private network (VPN) for all your internet-related tasks, but VPNs are particularly useful for streaming services since they can sometimes grant access to region-locked content. For example, if you connect to a VPN server in the UK from a device in the US, you may be able to watch free content from BBC TV. That said, streaming services are cracking down on VPN usage, so we recommend signing up for a trial to test your network setup before fully committing to a service. Make sure to check out our explainer on how to unblock Netflix with a VPN, as well as our guide on the best VPNs for video streaming.
If you want to cut the cord, here's our rundown of what you can expect from the most popular services. You shouldn't fall into the trap of paying more for video streaming services than you did for cable, so make sure to only sign up for those that offer the content you actually want to watch and pick services that fit your budget. If you need more help, check out these helpful streaming video guides that help you find and list content. We've reviewed dozens of streaming services, but if we missed your favorite option, make sure to let us know in the comment section.
Watch More Video
Stay up to date with the latest streaming hits with our recurring feature on what to watch this weekend. Does your home's Wi-Fi coverage not extend to your backyard oasis? We'll show you how to download videos from every video streaming service for offline playback.
Even though you may not be able to be in the same physical place as your friends and family due to COVID-19, you can still watch the same shows together. You can use the Netflix Party Chrome extension to sync that service's video playback across devices. Hulu ad-free subscribers and Plex fans also enjoy co-watching features.
