The world today has been divided by the choices of streaming services, and it is fair on account of the more than 200 streaming services being offered. All the major media companies and networks have started jumping on the bandwagon and every other day, there is news of a new streaming service being launched. The type of content that is being produced today is better and more incredible than any other time and one finds oneself in a tough spot choosing the subscriptions. Your decisions probably rely upon which original movies and shows you like, or how significant a more established library might be to you, and lastly the people you are going to share that subscription with.
In order to stay unbiased here, I need to talk about the people who do not want such hassle in life, as well. Subscription to streaming platforms needs due consideration and according to recent studies, most U.S. streaming users have subscribed to at least two or more services because of the limitation of content libraries. Besides, if you go for streaming services and their live counterparts, you would have to pay a lot more than you pay for traditional pay-TV and that too, for a lesser number of channels. Therefore, if you are not ready to go bound with streaming services just as yet, there is no need to push yourself. You do what makes you happy and as far as your cable bills are concerned, you might want to explore https://www.localcabledeals.com/optimum/cable-tv for affordable cable TV plans with extensive channel lineups with all the major networks, Cloud DVR service, and 24/7 customer care and equipment support.
Coming back to assist you with choosing the streaming services that suit you the most, I have thought of a rundown of the best streaming platforms in this article.
BEST STREAMING SERVICES
Following are the best streaming services on account of original content and licensed libraries, subscription charges, and device compatibility levels.
NETFLIX
Free Trial: Thirty days
Base plan per month: $9
Simultaneous streams: 1 – 4
Original and licensed content: Yes
Device compatibility: Android, iOS, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Nvidia Shield, Roku, PS 4, Xbox consoles, web browsers, and Smart TVs.
Netflix is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about streaming services. Honestly, it is fair since the idea of streaming video-on-demand was introduced by Netflix and for such reason, it is credited as the pioneer of the modern streaming world. Netflix houses more than 14 thousand titles and empowers its subscribers to watch the best of content, original as well as licensed, whenever and wherever. An exciting feature of the Netflix app is that it permits you to download content for offline viewing too.
HULU
Free Trial: Thirty days
Base plan per month: $6
Simultaneous streams: 2
Original and licensed content: Yes
Device compatibility: iOS, iPadOS, Android, Fire TV, Fire Tablets, Apple TV, Chromecast, Nvidia Shield, Roku, Nintendo Switch, PS 3 and PS 4, Xbox consoles, Smart TV, Echo Show, and web browsers.
Hulu has come to its prime self with approximately 39.4 million paid users only in the U.S., in the first quarter of 2021. It has the best-authorized content from cinema and TV and is adamant to fulfil all the entertainment requests of its subscribers. An incredible thing about Hulu is that it permits you to purchase a bundle deal with ESPN, and Disney Plus for a mere monthly amount of $12.99.
AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
Free Trial: Thirty days
Base plan per month: $8.99
Simultaneous streams: 3
Original and licensed content: Yes
Device compatibility: Android, iOS, Fire TV, Fire Tablets, Apple TV, Chromecast, Blu-beam players, PS 4, Xbox consoles, Xfinity X1, Smart TV, Echo Show, and web browsers.
If you are already part of the Amazon Prime army, you have won the war already and can access the streaming service without paying a penny. Nonetheless, if you are not a part of it, you can still access the Amazon Prime Video service by paying a small subscription fee. In a very short time, Amazon Prime Video has made its place to top streaming services because of the exemplary collection of original and licensed content.
HBO MAX
Free Trial: No
Base plan per month: $15
Simultaneous streams: 3
Original and licensed content: Yes
Device compatibility: Android, iOS, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, Nvidia Shield, Roku, PS 4, Xbox consoles, TiVo, Smart TV, and web browsers.
HBO Max is outfitted with all the content of HBO, which everybody knows is a great deal. HBO has always been one of the best channels to produce natural and fictional content and so being able to access all of its content can engage you for a couple of months, if not a year. HBO Max flaunts shows blockbuster hit shows like The Big Bang Theory, Game of Thrones, Sex and the City, and Sesame Street.
LIVE STREAMING SERVICES
Live streaming services are essential if you have made your mind to cut the cord. They are just like an advanced form of TV and streaming platforms. Some might even say that live streaming services are the perfect blend of the two competitive services.
YOUTUBE TV
Base plan per month: $64.99
Simultaneous streams: 3
DVR storage limit: Unlimited
Number of channels: Over 85
Device compatibility: Android TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Fire TV, Smart TVs, Xbox consoles, PS4
YouTube is undoubtedly the king of live streaming services with its excessive channel lineup of all the major local and international networks. Its base plan includes more than 85 channels that include CNN, Comedy Central, and MTV as well as sports channels like FS1, FS2, NBA TV, ESPN, MLB, and NFL.
Furthermore, it equips you with unlimited DVR storage and you can watch any recorded content in nine months of its recording.
FUBOTV
Base plan per month: $64.99
Simultaneous streams: 3
DVR storage limit: 250 hours to 1000 hours
Number of channels: 109 to 156
Device compatibility: Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Android TV, Smart TVs, and Roku
fuboTV is basically an ideal live service for sports fans. With the base plan of fuboTV, you can access more than 100 channels including networks like AMC and TLC. All your sports urges are also taken into consideration when designing its channel lineup and you can catch a match at all times, thanks to local and international sports channels.
PHILO
Base plan per month: $20
Simultaneous streams: 3
DVR storage limit: Unlimited
Number of channels: 60
Device compatibility: Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Android TV, and Roku
Easily the best live streaming service for people looking to get more in less. If you are a student, have a limited budget, or just want a live service in addition to other streaming services, Philo is for you. For just $20, you can get access to 60 channels and unlimited DVR capacity. The channel lineup is good enough and includes channels like BET, TLC, Hallmark, HGTV, A&E, Discovery, and VH1. However, sports fans might get disappointed, as there are not many sports options available.
AT&T TV NOW
Base plan per month: $55
Simultaneous streams: 3
DVR storage limit: 500 hours
Number of channels: 45 to 60
Device compatibility: Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Android TV, and Roku
AT&T TV Now is among the streaming services that house a wide range of premium channels like FOX, CNN, CBS, ESPN, ABC, and Nickelodeon. You can also upgrade your plan to include sports networks as well. Furthermore, if you get along with international content, AT&T TV NOW offers a lot of channels for that too.
