The sheer weight of options in the streaming market is now so weighty that many of us end up signing up with multiple providers, and before we know it, the overall costs have started to really mount up.
The associated costs with each of the leading streaming services aren’t massive, but once you start to calculate the total you are spending every month, you’ll be shocked, and you’ll also begin to realize that there are some services that you barely use anymore, but those micropayments continue to leave your account nonetheless.
We are in something of a content revolution, with audiences moving from terrestrial services that were based on one or two major channels to signing up with a number of different streaming services, which they flick between according to their mood and what may be newly available.
This gives viewers a great deal of power as they can choose to vote with their wallets and simply stop their subscription if they feel that the service fails to quench their thirst. That’s why many of us will flit between a selection of services over the period of a year or two.
Most streaming services offer a wide range of programs as well as those they produce themselves; this gives them the chance to entice you by offering you the best, and sometimes only, chance to see a specific show. In many ways, it’s the original programming that will keep you with a particular service, and if they don’t have this to offer, then you are likely to move on elsewhere.
So, how do you go about finding the best TV streaming service and what they each have to offer you? Well, each and every established streaming service has a specific niche in which they thrive, and the key is to find the one that best suits your needs and those of your family or, indeed, anyone else who may be signed up for the service.
With this in mind, we’ve come up with a selection of our chosen streaming services for various types of audiences. Hopefully, this will make it easier for you to make your selection.
Best Streaming Service for Families
Disney+ is our choice for streaming services that cater to families. Their output in this area is unrivaled, and not just because they hold the rights to all the Disney content you could possibly wish to see.
As well as their own original programming, which includes old classics and new releases, they also have Pixar content to thrill family members of all ages, and then there’s the Marvel universe to get stuck into, as well as everything related to Star Wars, past and present.
Basically, it’s a dream option for those with children of all ages, as well as adults looking for a taste of nostalgia.
Best Streaming Service for Sport Lovers
If you are absolutely addicted to sports programming across different niches, then ESPN+ is the way to go. To be clear, this isn’t the same as ESPN; it’s a specific live sports arm of the venerable organization.
With ESPN+, you will have access to NHL, MLB, college football, and basketball. Plenty of options also within the international soccer world as well as a host of other sports like cricket and many others.
It obviously pairs well with having ESPN, and it’s great for those of us who like to watch a myriad of sports and not just stick to the tried and tested major leagues.
Best Streaming Service for Film Fans
Now, this is an interesting area when it comes to streaming services, and there are a few options to consider.
With Apple+, you have access to a vast catalog of movies, but as well as paying a subscription fee, you’ll have to pay for most of the films themselves. So this is a good option if you want to access a near-endless bank of film content.
If you are a discerning film fan who likes to watch a lot of world cinema or classics from years gone by, then we’d recommend the Criterion Channel. This channel offers you an extensive database of excellent film content, and it’s all available with your monthly subscription. In addition to this, they also screen interesting documentaries about cinema as well as interviews with famous directors and actors.
Best Streaming Service for New TV Shows
If you are looking for a streaming service that gives you access to must-watch shows, then we feel there are essentially two great choices here. One is Netflix, which provides you with a considerable amount of content to view, and in terms of original programs, they have the likes of Stranger Things, The Crown, The Witcher, Squid Game, and much more.
An alternative option in this sphere, and one that is always impressive, is HBO Max. HBO has consistently produced quality tv shows, and they are experiencing a whole new renaissance right now.
Key to their recent success has been the video game adaptation The Last of Us, but there’s also The White Lotus, Succession, Barry, House of the Dragon, Perry Mason, as well as a host of others of real value.
Best Value Streaming Service
If you are looking for a streaming service that is the best value for money, then we’d have to go with Hulu. Price plans start at $6.99 a month, and their bundles offer a great deal of content, and add-ons are available to sweeten the deal. Via Hulu, you can access many platforms and channels, but the big downside is that it’s only available in the US and parts of Japan.
