But with the explosion of video streaming services available on the market today, you may not know which is the best option for you—or whether you should opt for more than one.
Netflix
Cost: After a free trial month, it costs $9.99/month for the basic plan, $15.49/month for standard, and $19.99/month for the premium subscription. The Basics: Netflix has been the king of streaming services in recent years with more than 167 million subscribers around the world, and with good reason. This platform offers something for everyone, from sci-fi thrillers to period dramas and political documentaries to binge-worthy classic sitcoms. While this platform offers one of the wider varieties of shows to watch, it’s fully aware of its popularity. Price hikes are expected, and often. They also tend to pull shows and movies occasionally: Think “Friends,” “Black Panther,” and “The L Word.”
Hulu
Cost: Prices range from $6.99/month for the basic plan to $12.99/month for no ads, to $69.99/month for Hulu + Live TV, and $75.99/month for Hulu + Live TV with no ads. The Basics: At just $6.99/month for its basic package, Hulu is definitely one of the more affordable video streaming options. But that comes with a price, so to speak—you’ll have to watch ads during your binge sessions. It offers a good mix of new and old shows for streaming, plus some options for kids.
Disney+
Cost: $7.99/month for Disney+, $14/month for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN bundle. The Basics: Disney+ made its grand entrance into the video streaming market in the U.S. and a few other countries on Nov. 12, 2019, and has made a splash since, accumulating 28.6 million subscribers since its launch. Access content from not just Disney, but also Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, and National Geographic.
fuboTV
Cost: $64.99/month for the fubo Starter package, $69.99/month for the Pro package, $79.99/month for the Elite package, and $33/month for the Latino Quarterly package. There is an additional charge for add-on packages, such as Showtime at $10.99/month. The Basics: This video streaming service is ideal for sports lovers, or perhaps those who think they can’t go without traditional cable TV. That’s because it offers more than 100 local channels, sports, entertainment, news, and even a Cloud-based DVR. While fuboTV started out as a soccer-specific streaming service, it’s now expanded to support all kinds of viewers, from those who need their nightly news fix to others who can’t live without their HGTV shows.
Sling TV
Cost: Choose between the Sling Orange package or the Sling Blue package for $35/month, or $50/month for both (with the first three months free). There are additional charges for ad-ons, as well. The Basics: Sling TV is one of the most affordable live video streaming services available. It’s also a popular choice among cord-cutters because it offers many of the live TV channels you’ll miss without cable, including HGTV, AMC, CNN, A&E, and the History Channel on Sling Orange, and Bravo, TLC, E!, Comedy Central, and National Geographic via Sling Blue.
HBO MAX
Cost: HBO Max is priced at $9.99/month with ads, and $14.99/moth without ads. There are additional discounts for annual pre-payment. The Basics: HBO’s streaming service is the one-stop-shop for viewers who can’t get enough of HBO’s insightful series, documentaries, and of course, movies. This streaming service has around 8 million subscribers. Keep in mind that this service is the standalone version of HBO GO, which comes in addition to your television package when you subscribe to HBO.
Apple TV+
Cost: $4.99/month, after a seven-day free trial. Free streaming for 3 months is available for those who purchase a qualifying Apple device. The Basics: Apple TV+ is Apple’s answer to the live streaming trend; This video streaming service came out Nov. 1, 2019, and since its launch, had amassed more than 33 million subscribers. It’s different from other services because its content is all original. This streaming service is compatible with all Apple devices.
