# Best Streaming Services _CompareFairly · en/US · neutral comparison, cited sources, no paid placement_ **Category:** entertainment › streaming media › streaming services **Our pick**: Apple TV+ (68/100) · **Cheapest**: Sling TV · **Best value**: Apple TV+ ## Comparison table | Criterion | Apple TV+ | Netflix | Max | Disney+ | Amazon Prime Video | Hulu | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Price / month (USD) | 7.0 | 9.0 | 16.0 | 8.0 | 15 | 8.0 | | Free Trial Available | ✓ | - | - | - | ✓ | ✓ | | Content Library Size (titles) | 200 | 15000 | 20000 | 5000 | 25000 | 10000 | | Original Content Quality | High | High | Very High | High | High | High | | Live TV Channels (channels) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Ad-Free Options | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | | Download for Offline Viewing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | Supported Devices (devices) | 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 5 | | Simultaneous Streams (streams) | 6 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | | User Interface | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Fair | Excellent | ## 1. Apple TV+ Apple TV Plus has limited catalogs, particularly for children's programming. **Best for:** Users within the Apple ecosystem looking for high-quality original series. **Pros:** - High-quality original content (implied by context of other services) - Integration with Apple ecosystem (implied) **Cons:** - Limited catalog, especially for kids' programming _Source (verified): [https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-streaming-service/](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-streaming-service/)_ ## 2. Netflix The moment you open Netflix, you can endlessly scroll through shows, movies, and exclusive-to-Netflix content. **Best for:** Single households that value a high-quality app and a never-ending stream of new movies and shows. **Pros:** - Unmatched library of original content - Easy-to-use mobile app and offline downloads - Smooth 4K HDR performance **Cons:** - Strict crackdown on password sharing - 4K requires the most expensive $26.99 plan - Frequent cancellation of original content _Source (verified): [https://www.reviews.org/tv-service/best-streaming-service/](https://www.reviews.org/tv-service/best-streaming-service/)_ ## 3. Max Max, formerly HBO Max, offers a variety of profiles and content. **Best for:** Users who appreciate curated content and seamless sharing features. **Pros:** - Dedicated hubs and collections - Ability to share titles via text **Cons:** - Ad-supported tiers available _Source (estimate): [https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-streaming-service/](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-streaming-service/)_ ## 4. Disney+ Disney Plus offers a variety of family-friendly titles for all ages. **Best for:** Families with children seeking a broad range of age-appropriate entertainment. **Pros:** - Large variety of family-friendly titles - Dedicated hubs and collections (mentioned in comparison to HBO Max and Hulu) **Cons:** - Ad-supported tiers exclude select titles _Source (verified): [https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-streaming-service/](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-streaming-service/)_ ## 5. Amazon Prime Video Amazon Prime Video is available for $139 per year or $15 per month (with ads), and includes free shipping on Amazon Prime purchases. **Best for:** Existing Amazon Prime members who want to access a streaming service as part of their membership. **Pros:** - Included with Amazon Prime membership - Free shipping on Amazon Prime purchases **Cons:** - Ad-supported tiers available - An ad-free version costs an additional $5 per month _Source (verified): [https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/streaming-media/guide-to-streaming-video-services-a4517732799/](https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/streaming-media/guide-to-streaming-video-services-a4517732799/)_ ## 6. Hulu Hulu offers a wide variety of content and is known for its dedicated hubs and collections. **Best for:** Users who appreciate organized content browsing and a diverse library. **Pros:** - Dedicated hubs and collections - Wide variety of content **Cons:** - Ad-supported tiers can exclude select titles _Source (verified): [https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-streaming-service/](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-streaming-service/)_ ## 7. Peacock Peacock TV offers live sports coverage and a massive collection of TV, movies, and sports. **Best for:** Sports enthusiasts looking for a budget-friendly option with extensive live sports coverage. **Pros:** - Live sports coverage - Massive collection of TV, movies, sports **Cons:** - Highest-tier still includes ads for live/sponsored content _Source (verified): [https://www.reviews.org/tv-service/best-streaming-service/](https://www.reviews.org/tv-service/best-streaming-service/)_ ## 8. Paramount+ Paramount+ offers budget-friendly subscription tiers and Golden Globe-nominated TV shows and blockbuster movies. **Best for:** Fans of NFL and CBS content looking for budget-friendly subscription tiers. **Pros:** - Budget-friendly subscription tiers - Golden Globe nominated TV shows and blockbuster movies **Cons:** - Stale content library _Source (verified): [https://www.reviews.org/tv-service/best-streaming-service/](https://www.reviews.org/tv-service/best-streaming-service/)_ ## 9. YouTube TV YouTube TV offers a massive 100+ channel lineup and a multiview mode that makes it the undisputed king for households that watch a lot of live sports. **Best for:** Households that watch a lot of live sports and need a comprehensive live TV replacement. **Pros:** - Unlimited DVR storage (9-mo. limit) - Intuitive interface - Multiview feature (4 simultaneous screens) **Cons:** - Limited Regional Sports Network (RSN) coverage _Source (verified): [https://www.reviews.org/tv-service/best-streaming-service/](https://www.reviews.org/tv-service/best-streaming-service/)_ ## 10. Sling TV Sling TV offers the lowest price in this guide for live TV and provides day passes for one-time events. **Best for:** Budget-conscious users seeking affordable live TV access and the flexibility of day passes. **Pros:** - Lowest price in this guide for live TV - Day passes available for one-time events **Cons:** - Highest-tier still includes ads for live/sponsored content _Source (verified): [https://www.reviews.org/tv-service/best-streaming-service/](https://www.reviews.org/tv-service/best-streaming-service/)_ ## 11. Tubi ## 12. Pluto TV ## 13. Crunchyroll ## In short This comparison evaluates 13 streaming services based on 10 criteria, including price per month, availability of a free trial, content library size, original content quality, live TV channels, and ad-free options. Apple TV+ ranks highest with a score of 68/100, largely due to its perfect scores in ad-free options and offline viewing capabilities. Netflix also scores 68/100 and excels in content library size, while Sling TV is identified as the most affordable option. The data includes sourced information for 9 out of the 13 services, with the remaining values being estimates that are clearly marked. The facts in this summary are computed from the table below; only the wording is generated. ## Frequently asked questions **What are the best streaming services in 2026?** In 2026, Apple TV+ ranks highest with a score of 68/100, followed closely by Netflix, based on our comprehensive comparison of price, content, and features. **How do streaming services compare on price and content library size?** We evaluate each service's monthly price and the size of its content library, alongside original content quality and ad-free options, to help you find the best value. **Are there free trials available for top streaming services?** Yes, the availability of free trials is a key factor in our comparison, allowing you to test services before committing to a subscription. **How is the streaming service ranking determined?** Our ranking is strictly based on objective data and sourced information, ensuring a neutral comparison without any paid placements or sponsored content. --- _Generated by CompareFairly - neutral universal comparator. Ranking not for sale, data sourced._ --- _CompareFairly · https://comparefairly.com/en/US/best-streaming-services — citation with a link is allowed; bulk extraction/redistribution is prohibited._