It might be hard to recall, but there was once a time when must-have 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.
Each streaming service brings something different to the mix. Disney Plus is an ideal service for families and fans of Marvel and "Star Wars," while ESPN is a necessary app for sports fanatics. Viewers interested in prestige TV will want to check out HBO Max and Apple TV, while Peacock is the best option for reality fans.
There are two core types of stand-alone streaming services: general interest (such as Netflix, Hulu, and increasingly Disney Plus) and programming-specific (think Apple TV, 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 interests.
To help you decide what to sign up for (and keep you from draining your bank account following a slew of recent price hikes), we've rounded up the best streaming services of 2026 and explained what makes each unique, keeping different budgets and viewing habits in mind. Our team has spent years evaluating streaming services and ensuring they're worth recommending, so you can rest assured that these editor-tested picks are worth your money.
Our top picks for the best streaming services
- Best for families: Disney Plus
- Best for cord-cutters: Sling TV
- Best for reality fans: Peacock
- Best for CBS fans: Paramount Plus
- Best for ABC and FOX fans: Hulu
- Best for originals: Apple TV
- Best for critically acclaimed content: HBO Max
- Best for sports: ESPN
- Best for online shoppers: Amazon Prime Video
- Best for back catalog: Netflix
- Best for anime: Crunchyroll
- Best free option: Tubi
Best for families
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.
What we like
What we don't like
- Disney Plus with ads: $12/month
- Disney Plus without ads: $19/month or $190/year
- Disney Plus with Hulu and ESPN: starts at $22/month
- Disney Plus with Hulu and HBO Max: starts at $20/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 HBO 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 or HBO Max. There's also an option to bundle Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited with NFL Plus Premium. Bundle members can now access Hulu and select ESPN content within the Disney Plus interface, so you can unlock all of Hulu's mature offerings without switching apps.
Read our Disney Plus guide and Disney Plus review.
Best for cord-cutters
Sling TV offers some of the best cable channels for $65 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.
What we like
What we don't like
- Sling Select: $20/month
- Sling Essentials: $20/month
- 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 a month. The plans carry anywhere from 34-40+ live channels each, with some overlapping, but you can also combine the two plans for $61 in total. Sling also launched smaller packages, Sling Select and Sling Essentials, which carry about 10+ channels for $20 a month. In areas where local channels are available, Sling Select costs $25 a month, Sling Blue costs $50 a month, and Sling Orange + Blue costs $65 a month. All three main plans are also newly available in five-month season passes. Sling Orange offers one-day, weekend, and weeklong passes.
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 30+ other live channels. Blue offers a greater variety of channel genres, from sports options like the NFL Network to news channels like MS NOW 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.
Read our Sling TV review and Sling TV channels guide.
Best for reality fans
Peacock is a convenient streaming source for hit NBC TV shows, Universal movies, and select sports like Sunday Night Football. The service also carries its own slate of original programming.
What we like
What we don't like
- Peacock Select: $9/month or $90/year for ad-supported streaming access to select programs for existing subscribers
- Peacock Premium: $13/month or $130/year for ad-supported streaming access to the full Peacock library
- Peacock Premium Plus: $20/month or $200/year for ad-free access to the full Peacock library, as well as live NBC streaming
- Peacock and Apple TV bundle: Starts at $18/month
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. Following an August 2026 price hike, plans for new subscribers start at $13 a month or $130 a year for Peacock Premium, which offers ad-supported access to everything on the service. To unlock ad-free playback, you can pay $20 a month or $200 a year for Peacock Premium Plus. The top tier also adds livestreaming access to NBC so you can watch your local station 24/7 without an antenna or cable. Last year, Peacock started testing a new Peacock Select tier, which costs $9 a month or $90 a year. This option only grants on-demand ad-supported access to select programming, like shows from NBC and Bravo, in addition to Yellowstone.
The app is 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." The streamer also has some of its own original reality shows, like "Love Island USA" and "The Traitors."
Peacock is also an absolute hub for live sports, snapping up more and more broadcasts over the years. The service offers Sunday Night Football when the NFL season is active (as well as Super Bowl LX in 2026), loads of major cycling events (including the Tour de France), and NBA and WNBA on NBC coverage. Peacock also snagged the rights to some exclusive NBA games, which won't appear on NBC, meaning that even the most cable-savvy basketball fans will need to get the streaming service this year. Most notably, NBCUniversal has the rights to the Olympics through 2036, and Peacock provides a comprehensive streaming hub that includes and expands upon the linear broadcast coverage. The platform also had full US streaming and broadcast rights to Spanish-language coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While NBC live streaming is restricted to the Premium Plus tier, lots of Peacock's live sports coverage is available on the base Premium plan.
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.
Read our Peacock TV guide.
Best for CBS fans
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.
What we like
What we don't like
- Paramount Plus Essential: $9/month or $90/year for ad-supported streaming
- Paramount Plus Premium: $14/month or $140/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." However, Paramount Plus doesn't carry the original "Yellowstone," which aired on the Paramount Network and streams on Peacock.
The streaming service adds new Paramount movies to its lineup after they play in theaters, including releases like "Gladiator II," "Novocaine," and the "Sonic the Hedgehog" franchise. It also carries many Paramount Pictures classics, such as "Titanic," "Top Gun," and "The Godfather" films.
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. Beginning in 2026, the streaming service now also has the rights to all UFC events. Unlike with ESPN, the previous rights holder, Paramount Plus subscribers won't need to pay an additional pay-per-view (PPV) fee to watch major numbered UFC events. UFC coverage is available in both tiers of service.
If the base Paramount Plus library isn't enough, you can get Paramount Plus Premium (formerly Paramount Plus with Showtime) to stream even more movies and shows. The two services merged in June 2023, and Showtime programming now comes with the ad-free Premium 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: Resurrection" or the latest season of "Yellowjackets." Some new episodes even drop on Paramount Plus Premium before their linear Showtime premiere.
Read our Paramount Plus streaming service guide and our Paramount Plus review.
Best for ABC and FOX fans
Hulu is an excellent choice for cord-cutters thanks to a mix of exclusive titles and next-day streaming for popular network shows. The app also hosts a wealth of film content, including both straight-to-streaming titles and Academy Award-winning movies.
What we like
What we don't like
- Hulu with ads: $12/month or $120/year
- Hulu without ads: $19/month
- Hulu with Disney Plus and ESPN: starts at $22/month
- Hulu with Disney Plus and HBO Max: starts at $20/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. 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 HBO 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 for a discounted price. There's also an HBO 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.
And for the ultimate cord-cutting experience, Hulu even offers a full-fledged live TV tier starting at $90 a 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.
Read our full breakdown of Hulu prices and plans.
Best for originals
Apple TV may have a limited lineup compared to the more established services, but it's less expensive than other ad-free services and offers a growing selection of critically acclaimed series you can't stream anywhere else. The service also carries select movies and live sports, including MLS matches and Formula 1 races
What we like
What we don't like
- Apple TV: $15/month or $119/year for ad-free streaming
- Apple One: Starts at $22/month for Apple TV Plus, Apple Music, 50GB of iCloud, and Apple Arcade
- Apple TV and Peacock bundle: Starts at $18/month
Apple TV, formerly Apple TV Plus, is one of the most affordable ad-free streaming services you can subscribe to, even after its recent price hike. It costs $15 a month or $119 a year to access its entire lineup of on-demand movies and shows, following an August 2026 price hike. That's less than commercial-free plans cost from Disney Plus, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, or Peacock.
While Apple TV lacks a significant catalog of licensed content from other networks and studios, the original programming that the streaming service has produced in the little over six years since its launch is remarkable. Apple TV's television projects have been particularly popular, featuring critically-acclaimed hits like "Ted Lasso," "Severance," "For All Mankind," "Pluribus," "Silo," and "The Studio." The service is particularly focused on science fiction programming, although it offers content across a variety of genres. The streamer also offers select movies, including award-winning films like "Killers of the Flower Moon" and "CODA."
Apple TV has also become a must-have service for sports fans in recent years. The streaming service previously offered full access to MLS via its MLS Season Pass, but now all Apple TV subscribers will have access to MLS matches beginning in the 2026 season, without the need to purchase anything extra. The service also includes exclusive live Friday Night Baseball games and, beginning this year, holds the US rights to Formula 1 races (taking over the reins from ESPN).
Like Prime Video, the Apple TV 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 $22 monthly, a nice discount off the regular combined price of those services. There's also a budget-friendly option that lets you bundle Apple TV with Peacock.
Read our Apple TV guide.
Best for critically acclaimed content
HBO 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. This ad-supported tier doesn't include B/R Sports live streaming.
What we like
What we don't like
- HBO Max with ads: $11/month or $110/year for ad-supported access to the HBO Max library in up to 1080p
- HBO Max ad-free: $18.49/month or $185/year for ad-free access to the HBO Max library in up to 1080p
- HBO Max Ultimate ad-free: $23/month or $230/year for ad-free access to the HBO Max library in up to 4K
- HBO Max with Disney Plus and Hulu: starts at $20/month for ad-supported streaming
The HBO Max streaming service, formerly known as Max (and recently re-rebranded), 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 HBO 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 "Sinners."
HBO Max 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 HBO Max. HBO Max is also a great option for fans of unscripted television, as it 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 HBO Max is a good value for viewers who also crave prestige TV. The streaming service also carries select on-demand CNN programming. Some of this could very well change in the future with the news that Warner Bros. Discovery intends to split into two separate companies.
With that said, HBO 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 many competitors don't charge extra for.
Read our HBO Max streaming service guide.
Best for sports
ESPN Unlimited has everything from ESPN Plus, in addition to all that the ESPN linear networks have to offer, along with some exclusive events not found on broadcast channels.
What we like
What we don't like
- ESPN Select: $14/month or $140/year
- ESPN Unlimited: $32/month or $320/year
- ESPN Select with Disney Plus and Hulu: starts at $22/month
- ESPN Unlimited with Disney Plus and Hulu: starts at $36/month
- ESPN Unlimited with FOX One: $39.99/month
- ESPN Unlimited with NFL Plus Premium: $41.99/month
ESPN is one of the best sports streaming services, offering a dedicated platform to watch live games and analysis. The newly revamped app expands upon ESPN Plus by offering a higher tier of service (ESPN Unlimited) that carries all of ESPN's linear networks and content in one place, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes, ESPN on ABC, the SEC Network, SEC Network Plus, the ACC Network, ACC Network Extra, and ESPN Plus.
This means that viewers can watch select NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, golf, tennis, and soccer matches, as well as many college games and other sporting events. The app also still carries ESPN Plus content — like US Open coverage and other select events — without any of the live networks through its new ESPN Select plan, which is cheaper than Unlimited and on par with what ESPN Plus used to cost.
Outside of live sports, ESPN 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. The app also comes with access to articles, live scores, and other perks.
While the $32 a month ESPN Unlimited plan might be a bit pricey for a standalone streaming service, especially after the August 2026 price hike, Disney is offering some solid evergreen discounts for those who bundle ESPN with Disney Plus and Hulu. There are also discount bundling opportunities for ESPN Unlimited and NFL Plus Premium and ESPN Unlimited and FOX One.
Read our ESPN streaming service guide.
Best for online shoppers
Amazon Prime Video is a capable, competitive streaming service that's more than just a Prime membership perk. You can also sign up for a stand-alone plan at $9/month.
What we like
What we don't like
- Amazon Prime with ad-supported Prime Video: $15/month or $139/year as part of an Amazon Prime membership
- Prime Video with ads (stand-alone): $9/month for Prime Video on its own
- Ad-free Prime Video Ultra upgrade: $5/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," "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," 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.
The streaming service also offers several live sporting events, with more added every year. Prime Video has the rights to select NFL, NBA, WNBA, and NWSL games. The streamer also offers NASCAR coverage, along with combat sports and other live sporting events. Due to the nature of live TV, no matter which tier you sign up for, you'll likely still have commercials on live events.
Prime Video is also unique in that it allows users to sign up for many popular external streaming services through its app, making it a great option for viewers looking to handle the bulk of their streaming billing in one place. HBO Max, STARZ, AMC Plus, Apple TV, BritBox, and Paramount Plus are just a few of the services that let you sign up through Prime. Bundling services through Prime Video also often offers savings opportunities.
Prime Video supports four streams simultaneously and comes with ads. Before January 2024, all Prime Video memberships were ad-free, but you can now upgrade to ad-free for an extra $5 a month with Prime Video Ultra. This rebranded tier will also allow viewing on up to 5 devices, up to 100 downloads, and 4K streaming (the latter was previously available on select titles across all tiers).
Read our Prime Video guide.
Best back catalog
With its exclusive shows and a huge content library, Netflix remains one of the quintessential streaming services.
What we like
What we don't like
- Netflix Standard with ads: $9/month for 1080p streaming with ads on up to two devices at the same time
- Netflix Standard: $20/month for ad-free 1080p streaming on up to two devices at the same time
- Netflix Premium: $27/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 "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 one of the most impressive selections of licensed content from other studios and networks, including titles that used to be exclusive to other services, like Hulu and HBO 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, although other streaming services have begun to follow suit. It also discontinued its cheapest ad-free plan in 2023 and had another round of price hikes in early 2026, which means the starting price for ad-free streaming is now $20. 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.
Read our Netflix price guide.
Best for anime
Crunchyroll offers one of the largest collections of anime shows and movies you can stream online. Premium plans start at $8 a month for ad-free access to the entire Crunchyroll library.
What we like
What we don't like
- Crunchyroll Fan: $10/month or $100/year for ad-free streaming on one device
- Crunchyroll Mega Fan: $14/month or $140/year for ad-free streaming on up to four devices
- Crunchyroll Ultimate Fan: $18/month or $180/year for ad-free streaming on up to six devices
Since launching in 2006, Crunchyroll has undeniably become the leading streaming service for anime. The app is solely focused on anime programming and boasts more than 1,000 titles, including "Demon Slayer, "One Piece," "Dragon Ball," and "Attack on Titan."
The app often gets new episodes shortly after they premiere in Japan, making it a must-have for international fans. In addition to its massive back-catalog of external programming, Crunchyroll also offers a slate of original series, including "Tower of God" and "Onyx Equinox."
All tiers offer ad-free streaming, and the Mega and Ultimate Fan plans also include offline viewing and access to the Crunchyroll Game Vault. Additionally, each tier of service comes with varying degrees of discounts on select products at the Crunchyroll Store. The base Fan plan starts at 5% off, while the more expensive tiers range from 10-15% off, plus member-only offers, early access to sales, and free shipping within the US.
While Netflix and a few other streamers have begun to build out their anime libraries over the years, Crunchyroll still has a stronghold on the genre. Casual fans might be able to get away with not subscribing, but anime devotees will be hard-pressed to find a better lineup of both deep catalogs and newer releases.
Read our Crunchyroll guide.
Best free option
Tubi is a free streaming service that lets you watch tons of movies and shows with ads. The streamer also offers a selection of live chanels.
What we like
What we don't like
Free streaming services can be pretty hit-or-miss, but Tubi consistently impresses. The US streaming app, owned by the Fox Corporation, offers ad-supported streaming for both live and on-demand content. For the most part, Tubi doesn't even require you to create a free account to watch, but it can be a good idea if you want to store your progress with a TV show or movie (and you'll occasionally need an account for select live events).
The streaming service offers an impressive selection of on-demand films and television shows, including many classics. The streamer carries older shows like "Columbo" and "The Twilight Zone," as well as more recent network and cable hits such as "How to Get Away with Murder" and "This Is Us" (both streaming at the time of writing). The platform even has episodes from some newer ongoing shows, like the first season of the sitcom "Adults" (which just dropped its second season on FX and Hulu). Occasionally, Tubi is the only place you can stream an old TV show, an increasingly valuable asset in an age where too many series become lost media.
Tubi also has an impressive selection of live channels. Many of these are traditional FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV) options, including some truly random channels (one plays the sitcom "The Conners" on a 24/7 loop) and news networks' free counterparts (like ABC News Live and LiveNOW from FOX). However, there are also a few genuinely valuable channels, like ION. When FOX held the Super Bowl broadcast rights in 2025, Tubi even offered a 4K live stream of the game.
Notably, Tubi also has some originals, which help set it apart from many of its free streaming peers. These originals include TV series like "Boarders," several movies, and a handful of sports documentaries pegged to major figures, like basketball legend Dawn Staley and tennis star Naomi Osaka.
Read our Tubi review.
How we test streaming services
At least one member of our team has personally tested every streaming service in this guide, as well as some other apps that didn't make the cut. Content, advertisements, price history, audio/video quality, offline viewing capabilities, device availability, and simultaneous streaming are among some of the many features we consider when testing platforms. You can learn more about how Business Insider evaluates these apps in our how we test streaming services guide, or explore some of our criteria below.
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, including price. This has become a particularly notable feature as popular paid services (such as Netflix) continue to hike their prices, while free services (like Tubi) become better and better. On the low end, mainstream services start at $9 a month for ad-supported plans and can cost as much as $27 a month for ad-free plans with the most features. These extra perks often include ad-free streaming, the ability to download content to watch offline, additional premium programming, and 4K streaming (more on that below). 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 HBO Max make you pay for their premium tiers to unlock 4K support.
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 often restricted to premium plans.
You'll also want to ensure that the streaming services you sign up for are actually 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. Some services even allow subscribers to stream via their gaming consoles, including newer versions of Xbox and PlayStation.
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.
We take all of these components into account when evaluating a streaming service to decide whether it's worth recommending to our readers. We continue to use many of these apps in our everyday lives, so recommendations often come with years of hands-on experience. This also means we're often revisiting services to decide whether they're still worth the money or if it might be time to skip out on a subscription after the latest price hike.
Check out our roundups of the best streaming deals and bundles for the latest discounts on streaming services. You can also explore our guide to the best ways to save on streaming services.
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