Streaming your favorite movies and TV shows used to mean choosing between two or three services. But now, you have over one hundred on-demand and live TV streaming services to choose from. This list focuses on the best streaming sites for most viewers.
General Premium On-Demand Streaming Services
Netflix
This is the rocket ship that made online viewing mainstream, and it’s still going strong. Netflix’s library is slightly smaller than some of the competition, especially bundled services, but its original shows, including Stranger Things and Squid Game, are good enough to keep it as one of the top streaming services.
Amazon Prime Video
As with everything, nobody beats Amazon for sheer quantity. The mix of on-demand and rent/buy content means you always have something new to watch. Plus, it’s included with Amazon Prime. They’re also stepping up their own productions, from The Marvelous Maisel to The Expanse.
Hulu
Hulu is now under the Disney brand, but that hasn’t stopped it from constantly releasing thrilling originals like The Handmaid’s Tale and The Great. Its large library of network content from ABC, FOX, FX, and more often give it an edge over the competition.
Disney+
Disney+ is one of the heavy hitters in streaming services. With so much original content already at launch, and more being produced every year, it just keeps getting bigger. They also have Hulu and ESPN+, giving you even more variety if you bundle.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+started off slowly and still has a smaller library than its competition. However, it has some of the highest-rated original shows and movies, such as Severance and Ted Lasso.
Free Streaming Services With Ads
These services are often called FAST (free ad-support TV).
Tubi
Tubi is owned by Fox and offers many shows and movies from Fox networks. They even have various live channels.
Pluto TV
Pluto is similar to Tubi, but is owned by Paramount. It offers various on-demand and live content, including many shows and movies from CBS and Paramount networks.
Freevee
Freevee works alongside Prime Video, but is free and ad-supported. It has a growing library, including a collection of original content.
Roku Channel
You don’t need a Roku device to watch the Roku Channel. Curated live TV streaming channels, on-demand, and original content make this a strong competitor among free streaming services.
Plex
While Plex gained popularity as a way to find and track shows and movies across all streaming platforms, it now has its own library of free ad-supported content. It can even serve as a local media server for your own collection.
Xumo
Xumo is backed by Charter and Comcast. It currently offers over 350 live channels and thousands of on-demand titles. You don’t need a Xumo streaming box to use the free streaming app.
Studio/Network Streaming Services
Max
Max, which used to be HBO and HBO Max, features content from HBO, Cinemax, Discovery, CNN, TCM, Cartoon Network, and more. The massive library offers both classic and original content. Plus, it’s even cheaper when bundled with Disney+.
Paramount+
Find most CBS, MTV, Paramount, and related network content on Paramount+. It even has live TV streaming. Originals like Yellowstone and Star Trek spin-offs keep fans coming back.
Get Paramount+ with Showtime to also view Showtime content, like Dexter and Yellowjackets. Currently, you can’t stream Showtime can’t be streamed separately currently.
Peacock
NBC has their very own streaming service named after its mascot, the peacock. Peacock offers a wide variety of classic and original content, along with a small selection of live channels.
Starz
With a respectable movie collection and some shows that have achieved cult hit status, you may want a Starz subscription if you’re really into something like American Gods, Outlander, or Spartacus.
Discovery+
Love the Discovery Channel, Food Network, TLC, History, and more? Get Discovery+ to watch all your favorites on demand and current episodes right after they air live. The service is bundled into Max as well, though it’s much cheaper on its own.
MGM+
MGM+, which was originally Epix, is one of the newer network streaming services. It features a growing library of MGM content, including shows and movies. You can even enjoy live TV streaming.
Hallmark+
Can’t get enough romance or feel-good Christmas movies? Stream Hallmark+ for romcoms, mysteries, and new movies every week. There are even exclusive shows and movies not shown on the trio of Hallmark channels.
AMC+
For fans of AMC, Shudder, Sundance, and BBC America, AMC+ is the perfect streaming service. Get first access to some shows, along with exclusive content.
Niche Streaming Services
There’s a large category of smaller services that provide highly targeted content, usually at a slightly lower cost than the big generalized platforms. Here are some of the highlights:
Criterion Channel
Not a fan of color, happy endings, or movies in your native language? The Criterion Channel has you covered, with an impressive library of classic, art-house, and international movies – sorry, films.
Crunchyroll
If you’re an anime nerd, you already know about Crunchyroll. After merging with Funimation, it’s an even bigger hub for your favorite anime. For more options, try these other anime streaming apps.
BritBox/Acorn TV
British TV has some pretty good moments, but they don’t always make it across the big blue briny, so if you need a teatime accompaniment, BritBox and Acorn TV have you covered. While they share some content, they each have exclusives.
Shudder
For horror fans, Shudder is a must. From blockbusters to cult classics, Shudder has it all. Though, for just a dollar more per month, you can get it bundled with AMC+.
Live TV Streaming Services
If you want to cut the cord but still have more of a cable experience, you’ll want a live TV streaming site. Many also offer local networks.
YouTube TV
Not to be confused with YouTube, YouTube TV offers over 100 live channels, including local networks. The platform also includes unlimited DVR with recordings lasting nine months. Add-ons let you access more sports, 4K, and premium streaming services, though some users aren’t happy with the price increases.
Hulu + Live TV
If you already love Hulu, try Hulu + Live TV. This is a bundle featuring a live TV streaming service with over 95 channels, including local networks. Enjoy unlimited DVR with recordings that last up to nine months. The basic bundle includes live TV and Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ – all with ads. An ad-free version (live TV still has ads) is also available.
Sling TV
Sling TV offers several plans, along with add-ons to create custom live TV streaming packages. They also have a free tier with limited channels. Local channels are only available in certain markets, though you can buy an over-the-air antenna and an AirTV device to watch within Sling. You also get unlimited DVR.
DIRECTV Stream
If you enjoy Direct TV but hate the big satellite bill and contract, switch to DIRECTV Stream. Choose between several packages ranging from just over 90 channels to over 160 channels, along with unlimited DVR. It tends to be more expensive than similar offerings, but you do get some channels that are premium, costing extra with other services.
Frndly
I personally don’t watch many cable networks, but Frndly has all my favorites for a fraction of the price of other live TV streaming services. It currently offers over 50 channels, though major local networks aren’t included. It’s worth considering if you want a cheaper way to watch Hallmark and other family-friendly content.
fubo
Love sports? You’ll probably prefer fubo. It offers local networks, popular cable networks, and a slew of sports channels. Packages range from 210 to 294 channels. If you’re not much of a sports fan, you’ll probably prefer other services, but fubo offers the best mix of sports and live TV.
Philo
Philo doesn’t offer local channels, but does provide 75 cable network stations. You also get AMC+ bundled in. Instead of jumping between multiple apps, it’s all in one. What’s impressive is that Philo offers a free tier. It’s also much cheaper than competing services with local networks, and even offers 12 months of unlimited DVR.
Obviously, subscribing to all of these streaming sites wouldn’t save you anything. But, there are ways to save money on streaming services, especially if you bundle. If you’re using multiple premium and/or free services, use these apps to help you find what to watch.
Image credits: Pexels. All screenshots by Crystal Crowder.
