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Essentially, you have two options when it comes to TV streaming. On-demand services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Max, and Disney+ offer a combination of original and licensed shows and movies that can be streamed any time (now often with ad-supported tiers), while live TV streaming services mimic traditional cable TV channels. To find the best on-demand service, we analyzed the quality and output of originals, the depth and freshness of licensed libraries, pricing, and everyday user experience.
How We Chose the Best On-Demand Streaming Services
Large budget for acquiring and producing content
The best streaming service should be willing to re-invest a hefty chunk of your monthly fee into improving its library. Today’s leaders sustain multibillion-dollar annual content investment. Netflix says it will spend roughly $17 billion on content in 2024, with growth expected beyond that (Netflix IR). Amazon’s SEC filings show approximately $20 billion in 2024 “video and music” expense, the closest official proxy for Prime Video’s content outlay (Amazon 10-K). Disney targeted about $25 billion in total company content spend in fiscal 2024, covering general entertainment and sports across linear and streaming (includes Hulu and Disney+) (Disney IR). Scope varies by company, so compare like-for-like metrics (cash spend vs. P&L amortization). Older trade coverage remains useful for historical context: Variety (archival), Motley Fool (archival), Yahoo Finance (archival), Vanity Fair (archival), and IndieWire (archival).
Critical and audience reception of original content
Industry-wide original scripted output surged to a peak and then pulled back. FX Research counted 516 original scripted series across all U.S. distributors in 2023 (down from 2022’s high), reflecting strike impacts and a shift toward profitability (FX Research via Variety). As studios license libraries more pragmatically, it’s increasingly important for services to deliver high-quality originals that sustain engagement.
To evaluate which providers were succeeding the most in this area, we looked at aggregated critic ratings from Rotten Tomatoes, user reviews from IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes, and nominations and wins in three major award categories: Golden Globes, Oscars, and Emmys. We also considered release/output signals — multiple analyst trackers consistently rank Netflix No. 1 by annual original title volume and cumulative originals library (Ampere Analysis; Omdia).
Large collection of licensed content
Original content is gaining traction, but cable-era favorites still matter — and rights are more fluid than ever. In the U.S., The Office streams on Peacock; Friends is on Max (per current listings); Seinfeld is on Netflix; Modern Family is co-exclusive on Hulu and Peacock; and Suits streams co-exclusively on Netflix and Peacock. South Park has split rights — core seasons on Max, with Paramount+ carrying exclusive specials and events (Paramount+). Older reports highlighted how nonoriginal programming once dominated Netflix viewing time and how broadcast hits drew massive linear audiences (archival ratings coverage; archival Nielsen snapshot).
With that in mind, we looked for streaming services that provided access to cable shows soon after they aired live. If you’re a cord-cutter who doesn’t care about sports and news, but you still want to keep up with your favorite shows, the best on-demand streaming services offer a great compromise.
User experience
Great movies and shows don’t mean much if you have to fight through a headache just to find them. Ad-supported tiers are now mainstream (Netflix’s ads plan surpassed 40 million MAUs), and modern TV platforms expect deep linking, reliable “Continue Watching,” and fast playback (Netflix Upfront). In addition to evaluating the quality of content on each service, we also graded responsiveness, ease of navigation, organization, and accessibility (conformance with WCAG 2.2), while noting emerging patterns like contextual overlays in tvOS 18 (Apple) and industry QoE benchmarks (Mux). Older Nielsen surveys also placed “easy to use technology” near the top of consumer priorities — still true today.
The 5 Best On-Demand Streaming Services
Netflix
Pros
Hefty content budget
Best selection of Popular TV an movies
Abundance of original content
Family programming
Offline viewing
Cons
Fewer network shows
Expensive
Why we chose it
Hefty content budget
Netflix continues to outspend most direct rivals on originals and key licenses, guiding roughly $17 billion in cash content spend for 2024 with growth signaled beyond that (Netflix IR). The slate increasingly mixes global series/films with live and sports-adjacent events, including a landmark deal to carry WWE Raw starting in 2025 (Netflix + WWE). Archival coverage helps contextualize how far budgets have scaled.
Best selection of popular TV and movies
Netflix’s library balances buzzy originals with high-utility licensed comfort TV. In the U.S., Netflix carries Seinfeld and co-streams Suits, while iconic staples like The Office and Friends live on Peacock and Max, respectively. Availability rotates and co-exclusives are common, so the exact mix will change over time.
If your priority is a steady flow of new series and films with broad appeal across genres and countries, Netflix remains a strong single-subscription bet; cinephiles seeking canonical classics may want to complement it with a niche service like The Criterion Channel.
Abundance of original content
By volume and global breadth, Netflix still leads in first-run originals. Industry trackers consistently rank Netflix No. 1 by annual release count and cumulative originals library (Ampere Analysis; Omdia). After a strike-related dip across the industry, FX Research counted 516 scripted series across all U.S. distributors in 2023, with commissioning stabilizing into 2024–2025 (FX Research via Variety). Netflix guided a return to roughly $17B in content cash spend in 2024 (Netflix IR).
On the awards front, HBO/Max and Netflix typically dominate nominations and wins across Emmys, Oscars, and Globes in any given year; the exact tally varies, but both services reliably produce conversation-shaping titles.
Offline viewing
Netflix makes a number of its shows and movies available for download, which allows you to watch them when you don’t have internet access. This is a crucial feature for travelers (especially if you have kids). You can load up a phone, laptop, or tablet with the latest season of “Puffin Rock” before your next long drive, avoiding dozens of repetitions of “are we there yet?” from the backseat.
Family programming
If you need a service that everyone in the family will enjoy, Netflix has a deep catalog for kids and robust parental controls, plus a steady cadence of kid-friendly originals and licensed favorites.
Points to consider
Fewer network shows
Of the broadcast and cable hits people follow, rights are fragmented and frequently rotate. In the U.S., next-day NBC shows live on Peacock, while many ABC/FOX/FX series land on Hulu; Netflix typically adds full seasons later, if at all. Iconic franchises like Friends and The Office no longer stream on Netflix domestically (archival rankings). If keeping up with broadcast shows as they air is important to you, you’re likely to be happier with Hulu or network-owned apps. (If you’re looking for a specific show, we also liked the site JustWatch for finding which services carry particular programs.)
Expensive
Netflix is priced as a premium service. Current U.S. rates are approximately $6.99/month for Standard with ads, $15.49/month for Standard (ad-free), and $22.99/month for Premium (4K, more devices). Netflix also charges $7.99/month per extra member on eligible plans (Netflix plans and pricing; extra members). Archival note: SD broadcasting effectively ended years ago.
Hulu
Pros
Network shows
Shows available the day after they air
Flexible pricing
Cons
Less original content
Weak movie library
Why we chose it
Network shows
Because Hulu is owned by Disney and increasingly integrated with Disney+, it has a substantial edge for next-day ABC, FOX, and FX series in the U.S., and it co-licenses some crowd-pleasers like Modern Family with Peacock. If these are the types of programs keeping you attached to cable, Hulu represents one of the cheapest ways to cut the cord without losing next-day access.
Shows available the day after they air
You won’t have to wait around to catch many favorites on Hulu. In general, ABC/FOX/FX episodes arrive the day after their prime-time broadcast. NBC next-day episodes moved to Peacock, but Hulu remains strong for Disney-owned networks. That’s still the shortest timeframe we found among on-demand competitors, which typically add full seasons after finales.
Flexible pricing
Hulu offers two core on-demand tiers: with ads at $7.99/month and No Ads at $18.99/month in the U.S., with Live TV bundles available at higher prices (Hulu pricing). Ad loads are lighter than traditional cable and continue to evolve (archival discussion).
Points to consider
Less original content
Hulu’s positioning as a network TV alternative means a selective approach to originals. Disney has emphasized quality-over-quantity and tighter curation as it integrates Hulu with Disney+, so expect a targeted slate rather than wall-to-wall exclusives (Disney IR).
Weak movie library
Hulu is clearly most invested in providing great TV shows; if movies are more your thing, Netflix, Amazon, and The Criterion Channel are all better options.
Amazon Prime Video
Pros
Amazon Prime perks
Enormous library
HBO back catalog
Flexible pricing
Cons
No new network shows
Less critically acclaimed original content
Why we chose it
Amazon Prime perks
Amazon Prime Video more than holds its own as a streaming service, but a Prime membership also includes perks like free two-day shipping on all Amazon.com orders, plus unlimited photo storage, access to Prime Music (a lesser version of the Amazon Music Unlimited, which is more akin to Spotify), and one free e-book each month.
Enormous library
Prime Video’s catalog is vast, mixing originals, a wide range of licensed titles, and optional add-on subscriptions via Prime Video Channels. You’ll rarely run out of things to watch on Amazon.
HBO back catalogue
Prime Video doesn’t include HBO’s library by default, but you can add premium networks like Max as paid Prime Video Channels. Amazon also leans into big tentpoles and sports rights alongside a deep library of films and series.
Flexible pricing
Prime membership includes Prime Video in many markets, with plan structures and add-ons changing over time. Check Amazon’s current plan page for the latest pricing and ad options if you’re evaluating Prime primarily for video.
Points to consider
No new network shows
If you want to watch shows on ABC, CBS, Fox, or NBC without a cable subscription, Prime Video isn’t a good option. Unlike Hulu, it doesn’t carry next-day episodes from these major networks. If you’re looking for this type of content, Hulu typically puts episodes up the day after they air on TV.
Less critically acclaimed original content
Critical reception varies by title and year. Amazon has shifted toward fewer, bigger swings (for example, franchise series and sports-adjacent programming), which can mean a less constant cadence of buzzy releases than Netflix in some months.
Its film slate mixes prestige entries with broad-audience fare; overall quality trends depend on the specific season.
Max
Pros
Hit shows
Great selection of documentaries
Cons
Small library overall
Expensive
Why we chose it
Hit shows
From “Sex and the City” to “Game of Thrones,” HBO has consistently produced the most talked-about and lauded television of any TV network or streaming service, and they generally aren’t available anywhere else. It has completely dominated the Emmys in recent years, earning more than twice as many nominations and wins as the next closest service, Netflix.
HBO/Max remains a perennial Emmy leader across drama, comedy, and limited series; the exact wins and nominations shift each year, but prestige output is a consistent strength. Max is also the U.S. streaming home for Friends and the core South Park seasons (with Paramount+ carrying exclusive specials), keeping it central to the TV conversation (Friends availability; South Park (US)).
It’s why archival coverage often noted competitors’ ambition to find the “next Game of Thrones.” If you want HBO’s originals without a cable bill, Max is your option.
Great selection of documentaries
While HBO doesn’t make scripted movies like Amazon and Netflix, its series- and feature-length documentaries are consistently strong and critically acclaimed, with deep benches across sports, true crime, and culture.
Points to consider
Small library overall
Max’s catalog is curated relative to Prime Video’s sheer volume. If you’re someone who watches more movies than TV and value breadth above all, you may want to pair Max with Netflix or Amazon.
Expensive
Max offers three tiers in the U.S.: With Ads ($9.99/month), Ad-Free ($15.99/month), and Ultimate Ad-Free with 4K and more streams ($19.99/month) (Max plan details). You can also lower your total cost via multi-service bundles, like the U.S. bundle that combines Disney+, Hulu, and Max (bundle announcement). Archival pricing context and older live TV options may no longer reflect today’s landscape.
The Criterion Channel
Pros
Classic films
Bonus features
Cons
Fewer new or popular movies
No TV shows
Why we chose it
Classic films
If Netflix is the new Blockbuster, The Criterion Channel is the replacement for your old college library’s DVD collection. It’s like a course in film history, replete with a curated library of classic and international films that have shaped the history of cinema. That’s not to say those are all obscure titles, either — it mixes essentials with discoveries and restorations.
While it fared well with the most popular movies, it absolutely dominates the critical darlings. We looked at Sight and Sound’s critics’ top 100 list, a once-a-decade poll that asks critics to list the 10 greatest films of all time, and which Roger Ebert called, “by far the most respected of the countless polls of great movies — the only one most serious movie people take seriously.” If it’s arthouse, foreign, or classic films you’re after, The Criterion Channel is the only option.
Bonus features
The Criterion Channel does an incredible job of going behind the scenes with people who make and love movies. Nearly every film in its catalogue has supplemental features like director interviews, guest curators, and themed collections. If you’re curious about how movies get made and want to learn more, these extras are invaluable.
Points to consider
Fewer new or popular movies
You won’t find many blockbusters or recent releases on The Criterion Channel. If you want to keep up with the latest movies, Netflix and Amazon are much better options.
No TV shows
Unlike the other names on this list, The Criterion Channel doesn’t carry any TV shows. It’s strictly for movies, so you’ll have to get your binge-watching fix elsewhere.
Guide to On-Demand Streaming Services
How to choose a streaming service
Focus on the content that’s most important to you
Think about what kind of TV you like to watch. Is it important to keep with your favorite network shows? Do you want to see if “Game of Thrones” lives up to the hype? Or are you just looking for a way to catch the occasional on-demand movie or documentary? Once you’ve prioritized specific titles, we liked the tool JustWatch.com for comparing which streaming services you can find them on.
Sign up for free trials
After you’ve narrowed down which services fit your preferences, test them out! Free trials vary widely today (many are shorter or seasonal, and some services don’t offer them). Always check the current plan page and set a reminder so you don’t get billed if you decide not to keep the service.
Connect to your TV
To start streaming, you’ll need a strong internet connection (more on that below) and a way to access streaming apps on your TV. Most TVs sold in the past few years have the ability to connect to the internet, and often come with apps already downloaded. Gaming consoles like XBox and PlayStation also have the ability to stream Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon. If you have an older TV and no gaming console, your best bet is to purchase a streaming device like a Roku or Amazon Fire TV. If you’d like to learn more about setting up your TV for streaming, we’ve put together a full guide here.
FAQ
What is the best free streaming service?
There are a number of streaming services that let you watch movies and shows for free. The selection isn’t quite as good as paid services — if a movie’s available for free, it probably means the big players didn’t think it was worth buying its streaming rights — but you’ll still be able to find something to watch. Here are some of our favorites:
Kanopy: Kanopy has a collection of foreign language and independent films that is virtually unrivalled in the streaming world. There are plenty of titles you can’t stream anywhere else, paid or free, and serious film buffs could spend years exploring its library. Kanopy even has 50 classic Criterion Collection titles — the only place you can stream them outside of Criterion’s dedicated streaming service, The Criterion Channel. You’ll need an active library card to log in, and you’re limited to about six movies a month (the number varies by library), but it’s well worth checking out. Available on Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast.
Crackle: A solid free streaming option with a rotating selection of recognizable movies and series. It might not have the sheer volume of some other services, but it’s also not weighed down by a lot of garbage — chances are you’ll actually know many of the titles in Crackle’s lineup. Expect periodic ad breaks. Available on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox, PlayStation, and Chromecast.
Tubi: One of the leaders in free, ad-supported streaming, Tubi offers a surprising number of respectable movies and shows across genres. FOX reports Tubi has surpassed 80 million monthly active users, underscoring how mainstream FAST has become. Expect a few minutes of ads per half hour of video. Available on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox, PlayStation, and Chromecast.
Pluto TV: A pioneer in free, ad-supported TV (FAST), Pluto TV combines hundreds of themed 24/7 channels with an on-demand library. Paramount reports Pluto TV’s global audience at 80M+ MAUs, and its mix of news, classics, reality, and cult favorites makes it one of the easiest free ways to browse and watch. Available on most smart TVs, streaming devices, and mobile apps.
Freevee: Amazon’s free, ad-supported service mixes familiar movies, classic series, and growing originals. Like other FAST/AVOD apps, you’ll see short ad breaks during playback. Available on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Xbox.
How much data does video streaming use?
The better your picture quality, the more data you’ll use. Netflix estimates standard-definition (SD) streaming eats up around 0.7 GB per hour, while high-definition (HD) uses 3 GB, and 4K Ultra HD requires a whopping 7 GB.
Fortunately, you can take some steps to curb this usage. Netflix allows you to modify your data usage to low, medium, high, or auto, and adjusts your resolution automatically. Amazon doesn’t have a specific setting for data usage, but you can adjust stream quality. Hulu is the only service that doesn’t provide options: you’re stuck streaming with the settings of the plan you sign up for.
What internet speeds do I need for streaming?
Again, this depends on the resolution you’ll be streaming. The FCC recommends about 5-8 Mbps for HD streaming and a full 25 Mbps for 4K Ultra HD. As a rule of thumb, you should double those numbers for every device you’ll be streaming at the same time. If you want to have three 4K streams on three different TVs at the same time, you should aim for 75 Mbps. If you don’t know what kind of speeds you’re getting, we found Ookla’s SpeedTest.net to be a pretty accurate measurement.
Can I still stream on an older TV?
You can, but you’ll need some special equipment. You have two options for making an old TV smart: Purchase an HDMI to AVI converter and plug in a streaming device, or buy a Roku Express+. We think the Roku is the best option, as it also comes with an HDMI port if you ever want to move it to a newer TV, and it retails for a pretty reasonable $35. It’s the only streaming device around that plugs into the yellow, red, and white composite jacks you’ll find on older TVs.
If you already have another streaming device you’d like to use, you can go with a converter. The New York Times recommends a model from Cirago that starts at $70, but we also found some cheaper options on Amazon for around $20. There have been a lot of complaints about these types of converters not functioning properly, so make sure you’re familiar with the return policy if you decide to go this route.
