Best Streaming Services – A Comparison

In the past decade, we said goodbye to our TV-watching nights and welcomed subscription-based streaming services in our lives. Shifting from large TV screens to smaller laptop or smart phone screens, we have surely evolved our habits and how we consume entertainment content. Today, having a Netflix or a Prime Video subscription seems almost like a necessity more than a luxury, thanks to  affordable subscription plans and cheap internet service we get 24/7 in our homes.

People are now developing a whole new taste for the kind of content they want to see more of. A downside of it all is that no one is patient enough to wait for their favorite show to at a particular time, and neither do they tolerate a few seconds of commercial breaks. Watching TV for quality family time or a sleepover night is slowly becoming an ancient trend.

Not only do cheap subscription plans make a huge impact on our lives, but platforms like Netflix and HBO also provide us with some new, modern and original content that was never seen before. So, the selection we have online is unbeatable by anything else!

So, without further delay, let’s take a look at some of the best streaming services and what they have to offer to us.

What Are Streaming Services?

Streaming services are basically on-demand sources of entertainment content including TV shows, old classics, latest originals, sports content and much more. These services are the modern day alternative to satellite TV and cable TV. Even service providers such as AT&T are now providing their own Live TV streaming services and making their way through this newly established market.

You can stream videos, shows and movies on these platforms using specific hardware such as smart TVs, smart tablets, and phones. Specific services such as Apple TV or iTunes are only for streaming content on Apple devices.

Streaming is more efficient than downloading content to watch. With streaming, you can watch content in real-time, which is better than waiting for media files to download.  Downloading and watching entertainment content takes up space on your devices, while streaming does not require any storage space. However, services like Netflix do allow you to download content so you can watch it later when there is no internet connection, such as in airplanes.

Overview Of The Best Streaming Services

If you are intrigued by all the benefits a streaming service provider has to offer, then here is an in-depth comparison of some of the best services you can opt for.

  • Hulu – Most Affordable Streaming Service

If you want a vast library of the best TV shows, classics as well as originals, then Hulu is an incredible option for you. The streaming platform is known for its original series including the Castle Rock and High Fedility.

It is also home to some of the best Cable TV shows, including a variety of sitcoms and TV comedy series such as Seinfeld and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. With Hulu’s premium plan, you can also download your content for offline viewing.

Coming to the pricing, the good news is that Hulu is one of the most affordable streaming services out there. And most amazingly, it lets you bundle up with Disney+ and ESPN+ too! Its plans include a Basic Plan for $6/month, Ad-free for $12/month, and Live TV for $55/month.

Pros

  • Offers ad-free option
  • 4k resolution available
  • Live TV plan has unlimited number of screens

Cons

  • Download option is only on ad-free plan
  • Netflix – Best Originals

The most popular streaming service, Netflix has become the official trend setter in the streaming world. It is definitely a highly versatile, diverse and inclusive streaming platform, which is home to some of the best original content. Some famous Netflix originals include YOU, Stranger Things and 13 Reasons Why and The Crown.

The best part about using Netflix is its advanced algorithm that gives highly accurate recommendations. Other features such as Skip Intro, My List and download option are also very popular.

Netflix plans start at $9 a month, which is not bad considering the range of features and titles it has to offer. You also get 4k resolution on the premium plan. However, Netflix is ad-free no matter which plan you have subscribed to.

Pros

  • Entirely ad-free
  • Has 4K and HDR on Premium plan
  • Lots of popular original movies and shows
  • Good value for the money
  • Compatible with most devices and platforms

Cons

  • Only 1 screen on Basic plan
  • Disney+ – Best For Childhood Favorites

Want all of your childhood favorites in one place  at an affordable price? Then Disney+ has got it for you!

The platform is home to some of the best Disney shows and movies, as well as some latest originals too. The content variety ranges from Disney, National Geographics and Pixar. Another great part about Disney+ is that lets you stream in 4K, ad-free and gives you limitless access at a price of $7 a month! So, don’t let that tight budget during the pandemic stop you from watching some great quality content on your smart device’s screen.

Pros

  • Highly affordable
  • Best for re-watching classic content
  • 4 screens
  • 4K and HDR available

Cons

  • No downloading option
  • Amazon Prime Video – Largest Selection of Titles

Starting with a basic plan at $9, Amazon Prime Video is home to over 18000 movies and about 2000 TV shows. However, the large selection does not always mean that the quality of content is good. It has many unrated movies and shows available too, which can be a buzz-kill for some people.

You can download and watch titles on 4K with Amazon Prime Video. The platform is ad-free, and is also known for its high quality original content. Some of the most famous Prime originals include Jack Ryan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and the Big Sick.

You can either opt for an Amazon Prime Video plan, or be a member of Amazon Prime and have free access to Prime Video.

Pros

  1. Ad-free plans
  2. Let’s you download content on mobile devices
  3. Has its own originals
  4. Wide range of selections
  5. 4K available

Cons

  • Pricing is not versatile or flexible
  • Only offers 2 screens at a time

Verdict

So, have you decided which streaming service provider is the best choice for you? To make it easier, we recommend Netflix for its flexible pricing and diverse plans, along with high quality of content. Meanwhile, Disney+ is great for good quality family content. If you want to subscribe to something with loads of options for you to watch, then Prime is the clear choice.

Baldwin Jackson is a successful digital marketer with expertise in search engine optimization and content marketing. The perfect balance of his analytical ability and creative thinking is what sets him apart from other practitioners in the digital marketing realm. He has helped a lot of small and medium-sized businesses in crafting their digital marketing strategies that are not only cost-effective but delivers results as well.

Baldwin is also a proud father of two kids and a Sports enthusiast. When he is not working, you will find him watching ESPN and NFL network. He has been able to get an amazing package on his favorite channels from Buytvinternetphone.com.