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Streaming services are subscription-based platforms that deliver video content over an internet connection, unlike cable TV or satellite TV. Some streaming services are free, but most require a monthly subscription. All that’s required is a smart TV or streaming device to start binging. We break down the differences between top streaming services to help you find the right subscription to fit your budget and needs.
If you are looking for specific shows or content and don’t need all of the networks and channels that come with traditional TV providers? Then streaming might be perfect for you. If you don’t need live TV, streaming is a great alternative to save money as regular programming that offer local and live TV is considerably more expensive.
One of the benefits of streaming is that you can tailor your streaming subscriptions to meet your needs. You get exactly what you like to watch, rather than dozens and dozens of channels you’ll never watch.
Streaming has some slight inconveniences versus traditional TV, though. The most significant is having to hop in and out of different streaming apps to find what you want to watch. Whereas with cable TV, you can access everything your plan offers from one convenient platform.
| Provider | Starting Price | US Library Size | Simultaneous Streams | User Profiles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $8.99/mo. | 5,655 | 1 | 5 |
| Hulu | $5.99/mo. | 2,444 | 2 | 6 |
| Disney+ | $7.99/mo. | 1,278 | 4 | 7 |
| Paramount Plus | $5.99/mo. | 2,108 | 2 | 6 |
| Provider | Netflix |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8.99/mo. |
| US Library Size | 5,655 |
| Simultaneous Streams | 1 |
| User Profiles | 5 |
| Provider | Hulu |
| Starting Price | $5.99/mo. |
| US Library Size | 2,444 |
| Simultaneous Streams | 2 |
| User Profiles | 6 |
| Provider | Disney+ |
| Starting Price | $7.99/mo. |
| US Library Size | 1,278 |
| Simultaneous Streams | 4 |
| User Profiles | 7 |
| Provider | Paramount Plus |
| Starting Price | $5.99/mo. |
| US Library Size | 2,108 |
| Simultaneous Streams | 2 |
| User Profiles | 6 |
All prices vary and are subject to change at any time. Additional fees and terms may apply. As of 7/27/22.
Best Value
Hulu is a top streaming service with entire seasons of exclusive series, hit movies, Hulu Originals, kids shows, and more. Hulu is ideal for those who don’t need live TV but want to watch new episodes of their favorite shows the day after they air. Although, if you do want live TV, it offers that option as well – for a premium.
Best for Families
If you have kids or simply love Disney classics, then Disney+ is meant for you. Disney+ is blowing the vault wide open with its exclusive access to Disney original movies as well as Disney franchises including Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars.
Best Content Variety
EarthLink Live TV offers 150+ channels to stream your favorite sports, news, and entertainment. It pairs premium live TV with fast fiber internet from EarthLink for smooth streaming. EarthLink Live TV gives you the perks of cable without the headaches of contracts or hidden fees.
Best for Original Content
Netflix continues to offer a wide variety of content and produce high-quality original content users can’t get enough of. With Netflix Originals like Stranger Things, Ozark, and Bridgerton, there’s something for everyone in the family. In total, Netflix has over 6,000 movies and TV shows in its content library, as well as new releases each month.
Best Hollywood Content
Paramount+ is one of the newest and most affordable streaming platforms. It has a growing library of Paramount titles, originals, CBS shows, and live sports. While low-cost and teaming with diverse content, Paramount+ is supported by ads.
Streaming comes with many advantages. You can select services based on your viewing tastes from a variety of platforms and content types, versus paying for many channels you don’t want or need. Depending on how many services you subscribe to, streaming is often much less expensive than cable TV or satellite TV plans. Additionally, the majority of streaming services do not require contracts. You can cancel anytime without worrying about fees and penalties for doing so.
Streaming is a convenient way to watch your favorite shows on a wide variety of platforms. From niche services, like EarthLink Live TV, to content aggregators, like Hulu, there’s something for every viewer’s needs.
A smooth streaming experience begins with fast internet. To find the right internet speeds for your needs, consider how often you stream videos. Here are a few estimates of the minimum speed required for one stream:
We recommend looking for internet providers that offer speeds of at least 100 Mbps to support heavy internet usage.
One of the biggest advantages streaming has over cable TV or satellite TV is that they do not require contracts. The majority of streaming services offer month-to-month subscriptions, so you can cancel any time you want. However, it’s best to check with the service about contracts before starting a subscription.
The only things required to stream (other than a subscription) is a fast internet connection and some sort of internet-capable device. Choices and price ranges vary for devices.
YouTube TV and Hulu Live TV are the main streaming services that offer access to live and local channels. They are considerably more expensive than streaming platforms without live TV. Each costs about the same amount as a basic satellite or cable TV subscription would cost.
In most cases, streaming is cheaper than cable, but it depends on what services you need. If you’re just using Netflix, Disney+, and Paramount+, then yes, your total streaming bill will be considerably lower than the cost of cable TV. But, if you have YouTube TV or Hulu Live TV, and a couple other streaming platforms, your total monthly bill will be similar to a monthly cable bill. And keep in mind when considering streaming, you will need a streaming device (or a smart TV) for each TV you will be using for streaming content. There are many aggregated streaming devices on the market, starting as low as about $30.
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