The best streaming services in 2025

Business Insider

23-05-2025

Once upon a time, streaming services started and ended with Netflix and Hulu. Now, there's a seemingly endless array of apps to choose from, which can be both a blessing and a curse. We're here to help you find the best streaming services for your needs.
For instance, Disney Plus is an ideal service for families and fans of Marvel and "Star Wars," while ESPN Plus is the best option for sports fanatics. Viewers interested in prestige TV and unscripted favorites will want to check out Max, and Apple TV Plus is notable for offering one of the most affordable ad-free plans on the market.
There are two core tenets to streaming services: general interest (such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus) and programming-specific (think of Apple TV Plus, Peacock, and Paramount Plus). And then there are your live TV streaming channel packages, like Sling TV, which function as month-to-month cable alternatives. No one needs every streaming service, and the "right" ones ultimately come down to personal taste and need.
It might be hard to remember, but streaming services were once meant to make it easier to watch your favorite things. We're here to help you make that true again. To help you decide what to sign up for (and keep you from draining your wallet), we've rounded up the best streaming services of 2025 and explained what makes each unique, keeping different budgets and viewing habits in mind.
Best for families: Disney Plus
Best for cord-cutters: Sling TV
Best for NBC fans: Peacock
Best for CBS fans: Paramount Plus
Best for fans of ABC and FOX: Hulu
Best ad-free plan on a budget: Apple TV Plus
Best for sports: ESPN Plus
Best for online shoppers: Amazon Prime Video
Best for families
Disney Plus Ad-Supported (Monthly Plan)
Disney Plus is the top streaming choice for families and fans of blockbuster franchises like Marvel and "Star Wars." This plan features ads and does not support downloads. This is the cheapest tier, although the Hulu bundles are only a few extra dollars a month.
Check price at Disney+
What we like
Disney's vault of classic movies and shows
All plans support 4K HDR playback
Exclusive Marvel and "Star Wars" series
Supports four devices at a time
Disney Plus with ads: $10/month
Disney Plus without ads: $16/month or $160/year
Disney Plus with ESPN Plus and Hulu: starts at $17/month
Disney Plus is the subscription streaming home of the studio's many classic animated films and blockbuster franchises. With that in mind, its main draw is its wide catalog of Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and 20th Century Studios content. This makes it one of the best streaming services for families since it's packed with entertainment geared toward younger audiences.
There are some new original films, series, and concert specials as well, but the lineup isn't as large as what you'll find on Netflix or Amazon. Still, the service has a healthy pipeline of exclusives for members to enjoy, including a new Star Wars series called "Star Wars: Skeleton Crew." Disney Plus is also the exclusive US streaming destination for new episodes of " Doctor Who."
And even though its catalog is geared toward families, there's still a healthy assortment of PG-13 movies and shows produced for young adults. Disney Plus' selection of R-rated movies and TV-MA shows is vastly limited compared to services like Netflix and Max, although the number is slowly growing. Right now, the only notable programs for mature audiences are a handful of Marvel titles like "Deadpool" and " Agatha All Along."
As a result, adults may want to supplement Disney Plus with a second streaming service to fill their palette with more mature shows. If you fall into that boat, we recommend paying a bit more to get the Disney Plus Bundle with Hulu and ESPN Plus. Bundle members can now access Hulu and ESPN Plus within the Disney Plus interface, so you can unlock all of Hulu's mature offerings without switching apps.
Best for cord-cutters
Sling TV Orange + Blue
Sling TV offers some of the best cable channels for $61 or less. There are three different tiers to choose from, plus several sports and entertainment-specific add-ons, but the Orange + Blue combo is the best way to get the most major sports channels. Plus, you can usually get about half off your first month.
Check price at Sling TV
What we like
Multiple affordable base plans to choose from
Options with sports or local networks
Up to four simultaneous streams
Sling Orange: $46/month
Sling Blue: $46/month
Sling Orange + Blue: $61/month
Several of the services in this article offer live streaming for select events or a single channel, especially in the premium subscriptions, but true cord-cutters might need a live TV streaming channel package. You can find a full breakdown of these apps in our heavily tested guide to the best live TV streaming services, but Sling TV is a great entry point.
Sling is one of the most affordable live TV streaming services on the market, and we dubbed the service the best for the essentials when it comes to live TV. The streamer offers two base plans, Sling Orange and Sling Blue, which start at $46/month. The plans carry anywhere from 35-40+ live channels each, with some overlapping, but you can also combine the two plans for $61 in total.
We break down the differences in our Sling Orange vs. Blue plan, but Orange is best known for its broad ESPN offerings, in addition to Disney Channel and 33 other live channels. At the time of writing, it's the cheapest way to live stream the ESPN network in the US. Blue offers a greater variety of channel genres, from sports options like the NFL Network to news channels like MSNBC to lifestyle networks like Bravo. Notably, Blue offers select local channel coverage (FOX, ABC, and/or NBC) in certain regions. Both subscriptions carry TNT, CNN, and other channels, and you can add on genre extras as you please.
While you'll probably still need a few other streaming services to round out your watch options, Sling TV is a great way to cover your bases if you've cut the cord. Its greatest merit comes with covering some of the best channels you just can't watch without a live TV streaming service, like ESPN, which doesn't offer a direct 1:1 live stream on ESPN Plus.
Peacock Premium: $8/month or $80/year for ad-supported streaming access to the full Peacock library
Peacock Premium Plus: $14/month or $140/year for ad-free access to the full Peacock library, as well as live NBC streaming
Peacock is the streaming home of current and classic NBCUniversal shows like " The Voice," "SNL," "30 Rock," and "The Office," as well as original titles like " Poker Face" and "Twisted Metal." The service also offers a rotating slate of hit movies, including recent Universal titles straight from theaters.
Peacock used to offer a free plan with a limited content selection, but this is no longer available for new members. Instead, the current entry-level option is Peacock Premium, which offers ad-supported access to everything on the service for $8 a month. To unlock ad-free playback, you can pay $14 a month for Peacock Premium Plus. The top tier also adds livestreaming access to NBC so you can watch your local station without an antenna or cable.
Peacock also has some live news and sports broadcasts. Most notably, the service is home to WWE events, the Tour de France, and Sunday Night Football when the NFL season is active. Like NBC livestreaming, major sporting events on the network are typically restricted to Premium Plus members. However, live coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics was available to all Peacock members, as are other select live events.
The app is also one of the best downloads a reality TV fan can make since it is the exclusive on-demand streaming home of Bravo content. Peacock has the full collection of "Real Housewives" programming, in addition to favorites like " Top Chef" and "Vanderpump Rules."
Subscribers can stream some titles in 4K with HDR, but the catalog is mostly limited to a few new movies. Compared to other services, Peacock has one of the smallest 4K collections, but it has been adding more 4K titles in recent months.
Paramount Plus Essential (Monthly Plan)
Paramount Plus is perfect for viewers who want to stream CBS TV shows, local NFL games, and tons of content from Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, and MTV. And if you get the premium tier you can also unlock ad-free streaming and access to Showtime.
Check price at Paramount
Paramount Plus Essential: $8/month or $60/year for ad-supported streaming
Paramount Plus with Showtime: $13/month or $120/year for commercial-free streaming, along with Showtime and live CBS
Paramount Plus is a subscription streaming service from ViacomCBS. The platform gives viewers access to a large collection of on-demand shows and movies. The premium plan also includes live CBS streaming, so you can watch your local CBS network without cable or a digital antenna. This is an especially crucial tier since CBS is often the local network missing from live TV streaming services.
In addition to CBS, Paramount Plus draws programming from Viacom cable channels like MTV, BET, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon. Paramount Plus is also home to exclusive series like " Star Trek: Discovery," " Halo," and "Yellowstone" spinoffs like " 1883" and " 1923."
The streaming service adds new Paramount movies to its lineup after they play in theaters, including releases like the "Mean Girls" musical and "Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning."
Sports fans can also tune into local NFL games broadcast on CBS and UEFA soccer matches when each season is in session. Unlike live CBS access, NFL and soccer games are available to all members, even those subscribed to the cheaper ad-supported plan.
If the base Paramount Plus library isn't enough, you can get Paramount Plus with Showtime to stream even more movies and shows. The two services merged in June 2023, and Showtime now comes with the ad-free tier of Paramount Plus by default. Once subscribed, you unlock Showtime movies and shows directly in the Paramount Plus app, so this is a solid option if you're looking to stream " Dexter: Original Sin" or the latest season of " Yellowjackets."
Hulu with ads: $10/month
Hulu without ads: $19/month
Hulu with Disney Plus and ESPN Plus: starts at $17/month
Hulu with Disney Plus and Max: starts at $17/month
Hulu offers two on-demand streaming plans: a basic option with commercials and a premium tier without ads. Both plans feature access to the platform's full library of content, which boasts an impressive library of movies and TV series with a wide range of new and classic shows.
This includes next-day streaming access to ABC, FX, and FOX broadcast series, which makes Hulu an excellent pick for cord-cutters who want access to popular network shows. FOX is getting its own stand-alone streaming service, FOX One, later this year, so it's unclear if FOX programming will remain on Hulu. You can also find many licensed movies from various studios, including Oscar winners like " Poor Things" and " Anatomy of a Fall."
Hulu also offers a solid selection of original shows, like " The Bear," " Only Murders in the Building," " The Handmaid's Tale," and " The Kardashians," but its slate of exclusives isn't as notable as those of some competitors. Likewise, though Hulu does support 4K HDR on some devices, its selection is limited compared to Netflix, Amazon, and Disney Plus.
Hulu has a nice assortment of add-ons and bundle options, too. Subscribers can add other services to their memberships, like Max and Starz, for an extra monthly fee, so they can consolidate bills. And you can get the Disney Plus Bundles, which package Hulu with Disney Plus and/or ESPN Plus for a discounted price. There's also a Max bundle option, which combines the HBO streaming service with Hulu and Disney Plus. Subscribers to the bundle can now access Hulu within the Disney Plus app, so you no longer need to switch between them. Disney and Warner Bros.
And for the ultimate cord-cutting experience, Hulu even offers a full-fledged live TV tier starting at $83/month. This option includes Hulu's full on-demand library, the Disney Bundle, and over 95 popular channels. Hulu is the only on-demand streaming platform with its own live TV plan, so this tier gives cord-cutters a convenient (albeit pricey) all-in-one solution packed with entertainment options.
Apple TV Plus: $10/month or $100/year for ad-free streaming
Apple One: Starts at $20/month for Apple TV Plus, Apple Music, 50GB of iCloud, and Apple Arcade
Apple TV Plus is one of the most affordable ad-free streaming services you can subscribe to. It costs $10 a month to access its entire lineup of on-demand movies and shows. That's less than commercial-free plans cost from Disney Plus, Netflix, Hulu, Max, Peacock, or Paramount Plus.
But while that's an attractive price, the Apple TV Plus content library is relatively small. The service does offer a rotating selection of about 40 licensed movies from various studios, but this assortment pales in comparison to what you get from competitors like Max and Paramount Plus. That said, there are some standout exclusive shows like " Ted Lasso," " Severance," and "For All Mankind," as well as award-winning films like " Killers of the Flower Moon" and " CODA." Live Friday Night Baseball games are also included for subscribers to watch.
Like Prime Video, the Apple TV Plus app also has a huge digital store with additional movies and shows that you can pay extra to rent or purchase. Though it would be great to have more programs included as part of your subscription, being able to order more titles within the same app is convenient. You can add channels to your subscription, like Starz, for an extra fee.
If you plan to use other Apple services, we recommend considering the Apple One bundle to save some money. The base package includes Apple TV Plus, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and 50GB of iCloud storage for $20 monthly, a $9 discount off the regular combined price of those services.
Max with ads (Monthly Plan)
Max is a premium service for fans of prestige television, iconic films, and unscripted programs like Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Succession, House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, and more. The ad-supported tier is $9.99 a month, but you can upgrade to ad-free for $16.99 or view your programming in 4K for $20.99.
Check price at Max
What we like
Big selection of unscripted content from Discovery Plus
Lots of prestige shows and films
Included with an HBO cable plan
Max with ads: $10/month or $100/year for ad-supported access to the Max library in up to 1080p
Max ad-free: $17/month or $170/year for ad-free access to the Max library in up to 1080p
Max Ultimate ad-free: $21/month or $210/year for ad-free access to the Max library in up to 4K
Disney Plus, Hulu, Max Bundle: starts at $17/month for ad-supported streaming
The Max streaming service, formerly known as HBO Max (and soon to be known as that again), combines critically acclaimed shows and movies from HBO's cable network with new originals, programs from Discovery Plus, WarnerMedia films, classic shows like "Friends," and collections from other brands like CNN, Studio Ghibli, Adult Swim, TCM, and DC.
HBO shows like " House of the Dragon" and " The Last of Us" continue to define prestige television, and Max has several critically acclaimed originals of its own, like " Hacks." The service also streams brand-new Warner Bros. movies after they play in theaters, including " Dune: Part 2" and " Wonka."
Max is also a great option for fans of unscripted television, as it now includes a large selection of programs from the Discovery Plus streaming service, including popular shows from TLC, Food Network, and HGTV. Discovery Plus remains a cheaper option for people who only want unscripted titles, but Max is a good value for viewers who also crave prestige TV. The streaming service also now offers select live sporting events, including most games that air on TNT and TBS. These are available through B/R Sports, which is only included with the ad-free tiers of Max. The ad-free plans also come with CNN Max coverage.
With that said, Max has become known for removing programs with little warning. Even big releases, like "Westworld," have been pulled from the service as part of the studio's cost-cutting measures. This uncertainty surrounding some titles isn't ideal for subscribers. The service is also pricey, especially if you want 4K streaming, which is something that most competitors don't charge extra for.
Best for sports
ESPN Plus: $12/month or $120/year
ESPN Plus with Disney Plus and Hulu: starts at $17/month
ESPN Plus is one of the best sports streaming services, offering a dedicated platform to watch live games and analysis. Designed as a streaming complement to ESPN's cable networks, ESPN Plus gives members access to many MLB and NHL games during their respective seasons and select NFL games, golf, tennis, soccer, and college league matches.
ESPN Plus is also the exclusive provider of UFC pay-per-view events in the US. Though subscribers must pay extra for these PPV fights, new members can get a discounted bundle with a PPV and an annual ESPN Plus subscription.
Outside of live sports, ESPN Plus features a selection of on-demand docuseries, like "30 for 30," and other original programs with popular sports personalities like Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Derek Jeter. Members can also access exclusive articles to dive into more sports analysis.
On the downside, ESPN Plus doesn't typically stream NBA games, so it's not a great option for big basketball fans. And though some coverage is occasionally simulcast across various ESPN properties, ESPN Plus does not actually provide livestreaming access to regular ESPN cable channels. Instead, you'll get access to select games from ABC or ESPN properties, but we don't recommend it as an ESPN cable replacement. To watch ESPN networks, you still need cable, satellite, or a live TV streaming service (like the aforementioned Sling TV Orange).
However, that's expected to change when ESPN launches a stand-alone streaming service later this year. The app, which will cost $30 a month, will bundle all of ESPN's offerings (including network live streaming) into one place. It's not clear exactly where ESPN Plus will fall into this, but until then, it's a pretty necessary streamer for sports fans.
Amazon Prime with ad-supported Prime Video: $139/year or $15/month as part of an Amazon Prime membership
Prime Video with ads (Standalone): $9/month for Prime Video on its own
Ad-free upgrade: $3/month extra on top of existing plan
More than 160 million Amazon Prime members help make Prime Video one of the largest on-demand services in terms of subscribers, even if they're not all streaming video regularly.
Since Prime Video is included with a Prime membership, it is a particularly great option for frequent Amazon shoppers who want to enjoy all the perks of the retailer's service. That said, Prime Video is also available on its own if you don't want to pay for a full Prime subscription.
Though not quite as extensive as some competitors, Prime Video offers a solid mix of movies and shows, including a few notable originals that aren't available on other services. Exclusives include hits like " Fallout," " The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power," and " The Boys." You can also use Prime Video's digital store to pay extra to rent or buy just about any film available on home video and watch it through the Prime Video app whenever you like. This is a feature that most subscription streaming apps don't offer.
Prime Video supports three streams simultaneously and up to 4K playback with HDR on select titles. Unlike Netflix and Max, it doesn't charge extra for 4K. However, we're disappointed that Amazon now charges an additional $3 monthly to remove commercials. Before January 2024, all Prime Video memberships were ad-free.
Best for originals
Netflix Standard with ads: $8/month for 1080p streaming with ads on up to two devices at the same time
Netflix Standard: $18/month for ad-free 1080p streaming on up to two devices at the same time
Netflix Premium: $25/month for ad-free 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Atmos on up to four devices at the same time
Netflix has spent the last few years producing a growing collection of original programs, including exclusive movies, ongoing TV series, documentaries, and comedy specials. Though the service isn't as dominant as it once was, its impressive library still cements it as the quintessential streaming service to beat.
The success of exclusives, like " One Piece," " Wednesday," " Bridgerton," " The Witcher," and " Stranger Things," has helped Netflix justify its higher prices and encouraged competitors to create their own originals. Netflix also has a nice selection of licensed content from other studios and networks, including titles that used to be exclusive to other services, like Max. The app has also begun to invest in live events, including select NFL games, boxing matches, and even the SAG Awards.
On the downside, Netflix's password-sharing policy could cost you extra if you have a bigger household or long-distance connection. It also discontinued its cheapest ad-free plan in 2023 and had another round of price hikes in early 2025, which means the starting price for ad-free streaming is now $18. This makes Netflix one of the most expensive streaming options out there.
Still, the overall library is nicely varied, with plenty for adults and children. When it comes to app support, Netflix is available on all of the best streaming devices and best TVs, including computers, smartphones, Roku, gaming consoles, Apple TV, Fire TV, Google TV, and more. It also offers comprehensive support for all of the latest video and audio formats, including 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos — but unlike some of its competitors, it charges extra for those features.
What to look for in streaming services
Choosing the best streaming service for your needs will largely depend on your personal tastes and budget. Each service has its own selection of exclusives, so certain programs may make one platform more worthwhile than another. For instance, if access to every episode of "The Office" is important to you, then Peacock is a must-have service. Conversely, if you're a big Marvel fan who wants to stream new shows set in the MCU, then Disney Plus is essential.
When comparing catalogs, we try to consider the range of entertainment offered by each of the best streaming services, how much the platform has invested in exclusive programming, and how much the app has to offer when it comes to a back-catalog after you burn through the originals. We also keep in mind which age ranges are best suited to watch. While most services have a rotating list of movies (for example, most Universal films will eventually find their way onto another streamer after Peacock), it's important to consider which series and franchises remain platform exclusive, like "Star Wars" on Disney Plus and "Stranger Things" on Netflix.
Outside of programming, we evaluate streaming services based on several common factors, such as video and audio quality, app functionality, and price. On the low end, popular streaming services start at $8 a month for ad-supported plans and can cost as much as $25 a month for ad-free plans with the most features. However, several services, like Disney Plus and Hulu, offer discounted bundles that can save you a ton of money if you package multiple subscriptions together.
Many of the best streaming services with on-demand content offer up to 4K video quality with HDR contrast and Dolby Atmos immersive audio through compatible gear. That said, live TV channels rarely broadcast in 4K, so we have lower expectations for live TV streaming services and sporting events, which still use HD resolutions like 1080p or 720p (although many top services have started offering select programming in 4K over the past couple of years).
Quality can also vary depending on the movie or show being streamed, and you'll need a strong, stable internet connection to stream consistently at 4K. Even if you don't have one of the best 4K TVs, a good-quality 4K stream will still deliver the best possible image for your setup. Some services like Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video offer 4K streaming at no extra cost, while others like Netflix and Max make you pay for their premium tiers to unlock 4K support.
You'll also want to ensure that the streaming services you sign up for are available on your devices. Most streaming services offer app support on iOS and Android, as well as streaming media players and smart TVs from every major brand.
The best streaming services also allow subscribers to save select movies for offline viewing while they travel, though an online check-in is still required occasionally. Like 4K streaming, this feature is sometimes restricted to premium plans.
Many streaming services also cap the number of devices you can stream on at once, which is known as simultaneous streaming. Several of the top apps have begun rolling out password-sharing crackdowns that make it so that you can only watch content on a TV from within your home network. Some services, like Netflix and Disney Plus, have introduced options to add extra members outside your household for an additional fee that's cheaper than the cost of a new subscription.