Let the streaming wars begin.
With the rapid influx of companies trying to make their way into the streaming game, consumers have a lot of choices. But, which ones give you the most bang for your buck? Which ones do you need, and which ones could you skip? Here are the pros and cons of five top streaming services right now.
1. Disney +
Price: $6.99/month or Bundle with Hulu and ESPN+ for $12.99/month, $69.99/year
Pros:
· 7-day free trial
· Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Pixar content
· Disney Channel nostalgia: Disney Channel Original Movies, original TV shows like That’s So Raven and Lizzie Maguire
Exclusive Content: The Mandalorian, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Noelle
Cons:
· I mean, Toy Story 4 or the Spiderman movies aren’t up there yet…
Is it worth it? YES. It’s time to cozy up on the couch and relive your childhood.
2. Apple TV+
Price: $4.99/month
Pros:
• 7-day free trial
• Apple is creating some premium original content with a myriad of A-List actors and directors
• Available on a myriad of devices and streaming platforms
Exclusive Content: Dickinson, The Morning Show, For All Mankind
Cons:
• Not a ton of options outside of original Apple content
Is it worth it? Yes, but if you’re not someone who wants strictly Apple content, maybe wait until Apple brings more.
3. Hulu
Price: $5.99/month with ads, $11.99/month with no ads, or Hulu + Live TV for $44.99/month
Pros:
· It’s an “oldie” but a goodie
· Lots of shows and movies, ranging from Brooklyn 99 to Property Brothers to Smallville
· Able to watch TV shows the day after they air
· Live TV and Ad-free options
· Free with Spotify Premium
Exclusive Content: The Act, Looking for Alaska, Castle Rock, The Handmaid’s Tale
Cons:
· It’s similar to Netflix as far as some of the content available
Is it worth it? Yes. Hulu has a ton of content and can be bundled with other services.
4. Netflix
Price: $8.99/month, $12.99/month, $15.99/month plans
Pros:
· It’s an “oldie” but a goodie
· Now has a deal with Nickelodeon to create exclusive content and bring older shows to the platform, like Victorious and Sam and Cat
·Lots of award-winning originals
Exclusive Content: Stranger Things, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, You, The Crown
Cons:
· It’s similar to Hulu
· It will lose some favorites to other streaming services soon, namely The Office and Friends
Is it worth it? Yes. Netflix is the O.G. and houses so many favorites that make great nights in.
5. Amazon Prime Video
Price: $12.99/month, $59/year (Prime student), $119/year
Pros:
· Hosts popular movies and TV shows, as well as originals
· Included with a subscription to Amazon Prime
· Discount for students
· Without a Prime subscription, able to purchase videos separately
Exclusive Content: The Marvelous Ms. Maisel, The Man in the High Castle, Jack Ryan, Late Night
Cons:
· Content may require an extra purchase
Is it worth it? Yes. It’s included if you have Amazon Prime, so why not?
