For the past decade, Netflix has been the dominant force in the video streaming market, and it currently has more than 222 million subscribers. However, other streaming services are slowly catching up, with Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ gaining ground.
As these streaming services gain in popularity, monthly subscription fees are on the rise. These recent price hikes could mean spending nearly as much as cable if you subscribe to several services. So, how do you choose which one is the best for you? Here’s MoneyGeek’s review of the best streaming services for your budget.
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Netflix
Price
Netflix has a tiered price structure with three levels: Basic (one device, standard definition), Standard (two devices, high definition) and Premium (four devices, high and ultra-high definition). Basic costs $9.99 per month, Standard costs $15.49 per month, and Premium costs $19.99 per month.
Details
Netflix boasts a truly impressive library of content that is constantly changing. Additionally, in the past few years, Netflix has made a massive push to generate premium-quality original content.
Ways to Watch
You can stream Netflix video content through streaming media players, smart TVs, game consoles, set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, smartphones, tablets, PCs and laptops.
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Disney+
Price
Disney+ has two pricing options. The $7.99 option gives you access to Disney+. The second option, at $13.99, gives you access to Disney+ as well as Hulu and ESPN+.
Details
Due to its low price point and the gigantic library of Marvel and Disney shows and movies, this new streaming service is going to provide strong competition for Netflix. If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get quality family content, this may be your best option.
Ways to Watch
You can stream Disney+ on smart TVs, PCs and laptops, mobile devices, tablets and game consoles.
Image Credit: Disney+.
Apple TV+
Price
Apple TV+ costs just $4.99 per month. The Apple TV+ app is also available on new iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches, Macs and Apple TVs. Additionally, you get three months free when you buy a new iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV or Mac.
Details
Apple TV+ is definitely the underdog among the streaming service provider giants. However, its original series are promising and its low price of $4.99 per month is highly affordable. For less than a cup of coffee, Apple TV+ subscribers can access some of the most interesting new original content in the streaming world.
Ways to Watch
You can stream Apple TV+ on the following devices: iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, Airplay, PC, Roku Players and TVs, Samsung Smart TV and `1Fire TV.
Image Credit: Apple.
Amazon Prime Video
Price
Prime Video is available through an Amazon Prime subscription, which includes Amazon Prime Video and other Amazon Prime benefits such as free shipping, at $14.99/month.
Details
In recent years, Amazon has earned a reputation for putting out great original shows. Amazon Prime subscribers can stream movies and videos from their Amazon library at no additional cost. For shows on premium channels such as HBO or Showtime, you can pay as you go: You buy shows by the episode or the season. The best way to subscribe to Amazon Prime Video is to subscribe to Amazon Prime. Prime costs $14.99/month and you get Amazon Prime Video, free two-day delivery on Amazon purchases, discounts at Whole Foods and more.
Ways to Watch
Stream Prime Video through Smart TVs, Blu-ray players, set-top boxes, Fire TV, Fire phone, Fire tablet, game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Wii), Android devices and iOS devices.
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Hulu
Price
On its own, Hulu is available with ads for $6.99/month; the ad-free version of the subscription service costs $12.99/month. You can also purchase a Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+ and Live TV bundle with ads for $69.99/month; the ad-free version of this bundle costs $75.99/month.
Details
In addition to a wide selection of series and movies, Hulu recently added Live TV, which allows you to watch live entertainment, including sports. However, Live TV comes at an additional subscription fee.
Ways to Watch
Android TV (some models), Android phones and tablets, Apple TV (4th generation or later), Chromecast, Echo Show, Fire tablets, Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, iPhone, iPad, LG TV (some models), Nintendo Switch, Mac and PC, PlayStation 3 and 4, Roku and Roku Stick (some models), Samsung TV (some models), Vizio SmartCast TV, Windows 10, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.
Image Credit: Hulu.
Sling TV
Price
Sling Orange or Sling Blue are each available for $35/month, or $50/month for both. Premium channel or lifestyle channel add-ons are available for an additional fee.
Details
Sling TV is slightly more expensive than some of the other services, but it’s the option most similar to standard cable. The fact that it is more than $100 cheaper than cable makes it more appealing for many people. You can add premium channels individually if you’d like. Local channels in most major markets require an HD antenna, which you can get free by subscribing to Sling TV and prepaying two months.
Ways to Watch
You can stream Sling TV through Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast, Xbox One, Air TV, Android, Windows, LG, Samsung, Oculus and Facebook Portal.
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YouTube TV
Price
YouTube TV is available for $54.99/month for the first three months, and $64.99/month thereafter.
Details
YouTube TV is one of the more expensive streaming options. However, a major benefit of YouTube TV is that you can share it with up to five people. If you split the cost with your friends or your family members, then it is much more reasonable. Like Sling TV and Hulu, this is a great replacement for cable, and even though YouTube TV is more expensive than other streaming options, it is still cheaper than cable.
Ways to Watch
Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, LG, Samsung, Hisense, Vizio, Sharp, Xbox One, Android, iOS and Fire TV.
Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
So, Which Option Is Best?
Choosing the best option for you comes down to what you like to watch and how much you want to pay.
If you’re a major Disney, Marvel or Pixar fan, Disney+ will most likely be the best for you. The next factor to consider is price. Of all the streaming services on this list, Apple TV+ is the cheapest option, coming in at just $4.99 per month. However, it also has the smallest selection of programs.
Regardless of which streaming service you choose, any option will likely be cheaper than cable TV in most circumstances. With the average cost of internet service in the U.S. at roughly $70 for a basic package, you could get internet service and one or two streaming options for less than the price of cable TV.
However, with streaming costs on the rise, it’s crucial to pay attention to the total amount you pay every month and ensure it aligns with your budget.
Whether you’re looking to cut the cord, add a service, or evaluate your budget, finding a streaming option that best meets your needs is sure to help you save in the long run.
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This article originally appeared
on MoneyGeek.com and was syndicated
by MediaFeed.org.
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