As technology advances, therefore more and more people are opting for online streaming services rather than cable TV. Fortunately, there are many choices to pick from, which makes it difficult to select the best one. This guide is aimed at a brief overview of the best TV streaming services and the ways to choose the most suitable one.
What does TV Streaming mean?
Online TV streaming services can be described as internet-based services that allow consumers to watch all kinds of television programming in real time. Cable TV on the other hand requires equipment and people do not need to commit for long periods in the service. It means that you can binge-watch your favorite show at any time of the day on any device including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers.
It is a paid platform, so to avail of the services, clients pay monthly subscription fees to access it. Some of the apps are available for free, with ads, while others do not have any ads involved at all. Most streaming services also provide their original series and films that you can’t watch on other networks.
Why Choose a TV Streaming Service?
Flexibility: Get to see what you want to see, at your convenient time.
In this respect, the best TV streaming services can offer the greatest amount of options in terms of viewing. And it means you are free to choose when you want to watch something and you aren’t bound to those rigid schedules that other regular TV has.
Shows can be started, stopped, and restarted whenever the viewer wants to, and thus life can be scheduled according to the shows instead of the other way around.
It also allows for the practice of binge-watching, which is the ability to watch all the episodes of a show in one day if one has the desire to do so. Services also have developed serious matrices that groom what programs or films might interest a viewer based on the previous history, which helps in search.
Affordability: Usually less expensive than regular cable subscription services
Another wonderful aspect of the finest TV streaming services is that they are affordable. Most of the streaming services are very flexible with month-to-month subscription plans and do not require annual subscriptions without any cancellation fees. Most services offer an option of a premium, standard or free service depending on your needs and ability to pay.
In contrast to cable television, streaming services do not contain a lot of different extra expenses, for example, equipment renting and installing. This is primarily a direct monetization scheme on which cord-cutters have been able to save serious dollars as compared to the cable bouquets available in the market which may not be relevant for most households.
Variety: Availability of material from other sources
The best TV streaming services allow viewers to access content that is not available on local TV at the touch of a button. Most of the platforms provide a vast collection of worldwide series and movies and let you watch something you would not normally come across. Some of the current specific streaming services include for example anime, documentaries, or independent movies.
Besides, streaming services give consumers full access to endless libraries of older shows and movies that may not be broadcast on television anymore. This great range ensures that there is always something new and exciting to stumble on every time that one visits the site.
Original content: Some programs that are only available in this service
The primary draw of most of the major TV streaming services is in their specialization of original content production. Netflix and other streaming platforms are ordering tens of billions of dollars worth of highly acclaimed original series and films you can’t find on any other service.
They are going to develop new stories and styles that conventional TV networks cannot or are unwilling to finance; this results in a vast number of programs. Most streaming service providers upload their original series in one go and thus meet the needs of the audience that can watch the show at their convenience.
No ads (on some services): Continuity of view
Most of the competing TV streaming services allow their users to watch content without commercials, although for a somewhat higher price. This is not only more efficient but also more effective to keep the audience’s attention on the content being delivered. If there is no advertising, then a half-hour TV episode is usually 22 minutes long.
Such non-stop watching is especially useful after movies and drama series because inconsistency interferes with the plot and the audience’s stimulus. This is particularly beneficial since you are not always forced to stick your neck on massive advertisements that are placed on every corner to remind you that you are in a marketing environment.
Pros and Cons of Having the Best TV Streaming Services
Top 12 Best TV Streaming Services
1. Netflix
Netflix is today one of the biggest streaming services in the world. It offers a great library of movies, television series, documentaries, and even Netflix originals that have received awards. As a streaming service that hosts content for people of all ages and preferences Netflix is one of the most widely used streaming services.
Key Features:
- A huge selection of movies and TV shows
- Popular Netflix Original series and films
- Multiple user profiles on one account
- Downloads for offline viewing
- HD and 4K streaming options
Pricing:
- Basic (SD, 1 screen): $9.99/month
- Standard (HD, 2 screens): $15.49/month
- Premium (4K, 4 screens): $19.99/month
2. Hulu
Hulu is quite a versatile streaming service, as it combines streaming of movies and shows by demand alongside live television networks. It is very useful for new episodes of shows that are currently running and thus can be very useful to those who have cut the cord but do not want to miss their favorite series.
Key Features:
- Next-day streaming of many current TV shows
- Hulu Original series and films
- Live TV option with 75+ channels
- Add-ons available for premium channels
- Option to bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+
Pricing:
- Hulu (with ads): $7.99/month
- Hulu (no ads): $14.99/month
- Hulu + Live TV: Starting at $69.99/month
3. Amazon Prime Video
It has a combination of our favorite movies and TV shows as well as Amazon’s productions. Prime Video also allows its users to either stream, lease, or buy other content including movies and shows not under the Prime Video plan.
Key Features:
- Included with Amazon Prime membership
- Amazon Original series and movies
- Option to rent or buy additional content
- X-Ray feature for behind-the-scenes info
- 4K and HDR streaming available
Pricing:
- Included with Amazon Prime ($14.99/month or $139/year)
- Standalone Prime Video: $8.99/month
4. Disney+
Disney+ is designed for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic lovers. It offers a children-friendly interface with new and old content including original series such as The Mandalorian series and Wanda Vision consecutively.
Key Features:
- Exclusive Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars content
- Disney+ Original series and movies
- Family-friendly content
- 4K and HDR streaming
- Option to bundle with Hulu and ESPN+
Pricing:
- Disney+ (with ads): $7.99/month
- Disney+ (no ads): $10.99/month
- Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+): Starting at $12.99/month
5. HBO Max
HBO Max is an SVOD service that comprises a library of HBO’s acclaimed originals and movies together with the Max Originals. And it’s the home of popular series like Game of Thrones, Succession, and The Last of Us.
Key Features:
- HBO’s entire library of original series
- Max Original series and movies
- Same-day releases of Warner Bros. films
- High-quality content for adults and kids
- 4K and HDR streaming for select titles
Pricing:
- With ads: $9.99/month
- Ad-free: $15.99/month
6. Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is designed to offer exclusive and unique programs and movies. Despite the above factors, it provides award-winning shows and movies with the stars of Hollywood and although it has a comparatively smaller library than some of its rivals. It is particularly relevant for users who target product advertisements, thus, getting access to qualitative material.
Key Features:
- Exclusive Apple Original shows and movies
- Ad-free viewing experience
- High-quality 4K HDR content
- Family sharing for up to six people
- Affordable pricing
Pricing:
- $6.99/month (with a 7-day free trial)
7. YouTube TV
YouTube TV is an online streaming service that delivers live TV and provides you with the experience of cable without having to sign you up for a long-term subscription. It has access to the major and minor networks, local channels, and cloud DVR with storage space that can never be full.
Key Features:
- 85+ live TV channels
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage
- Up to 6 accounts per household
- Access to YouTube Originals
- Available on multiple devices
Pricing:
- $64.99/month (base plan)
8. Sling TV
Sling TV is a cheap live TV streaming service that provides the customer with a choice of channels. Sling has two entry-level subscription tiers (Sling Orange and Sling Blue), which you can combine, as well as various channel bundles.
Key Features:
- Flexible channel packages
- Low-cost entry point for live TV streaming
- Cloud DVR included
- Multiple simultaneous streams (varies by package)
- Available on most streaming devices
Pricing:
- Sling Orange: $35/month
- Sling Blue: $35/month
- Sling Orange + Blue: $50/month
9. Peacock
Peacock is the streaming service of NBCUniversal, which contains both in-house NBC productions and NBC series and movies, along with Peacock Originals. The least expensive one has restricted content and is packed with ads, the rest of the levels provide more content and fewer (or no) ads.
Key Features:
- Free tier available
- NBC and Universal Content Library
- Peacock Original series and movies
- Live sports, including Premier League soccer
- Next-day access to current NBC shows
Pricing:
- Free tier (with ads)
- Premium (with ads): $4.99/month
- Premium Plus (ad-free): $9.99/month
10. Paramount+
CBS, BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV and other streaming services are available on Paramount+ which used to be known as CBS All Access. It hosts live sports, and news, and also boasts a growing library of original content it produces.
Key Features:
- Live CBS channel in most markets
- Paramount+ Original Series
- Large library of current and classic shows
- Live sports, including NFL games
- 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision support
Pricing:
- Essential (with ads): $4.99/month
- Premium (ad-free): $9.99/month
11. Discovery+
Discovery+ is the streaming platform that hosts shows from the Discovery channels including HGTV, Food TV, and TLC among others. That is why it will be interesting for fans of reality shows, programs related to repair and construction, as well as documentary films about nature.
Key Features:
- Content from 14+ Discovery-owned networks
- Discovery+ Original Series
- Ad-free option available
- Up to 4 concurrent streams
- Available on most streaming devices
Pricing:
- With ads: $4.99/month
- Ad-free: $6.99/month
12. FuboTV
FuboTV is an OTT TV streaming which is mainly focused on sports but it also has many entertainment and news channels. This one is ideal for those who want to watch several sports networks simultaneously with the happening events.
Key Features:
- 100+ channels, including major sports networks
- 4K streaming for select events
- Cloud DVR included
- Multiple simultaneous streams
- Available on most streaming devices
Pricing:
- Pro plan: $74.99/month
- Elite plan: $84.99/month
- Ultimate plan: $94.99/month
Comparison Table
Frequently Asked Questions About TV Streaming Services
Is it possible to watch live sports on streaming?
Most of the streaming services provide live sports. Sports lovers and enthusiasts need to try YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV. ESPN+ and Peacock also have special services dedicated to some particular sports.
Is it necessary to own a smart TV to be able to engage in streaming?
While most smart TVs just make it easier to get to the streaming apps that people want, it is not mandatory.
Is it okay to use the same streaming account with my family or friends?
Most streaming services have provisions for account sharing although the company’s policies may differ. For instance, browsers like Netflix and Disney+ have multiple user profiles, and streaming at the same time in pro plans.
Is the streaming of TV programs cheaper than cable subscriptions?
In many cases, yes. Over-the-top services may be cheaper and more versatile than cable television subscriptions in many ways.
With streaming services, can I watch my shows when I am in a different country?
It depends upon the service and the country to be visited. Some examples of vertically differentiated services include the Netflix service which is offered in different countries but offers different materials.
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