Streaming services have become big in the past years, but with the growing options in the market, it can be challenging to keep track of our expenses, especially if we are subscribed to multiple streaming platforms. As much as we want to give you a straightforward answer as to which streaming services are worth your budget, it’s a bit complex to answer as it depends on your budget, preferences, viewing habits, and the content you want to watch.
Here, we’ll be sharing major streaming platforms and their pricing and offering to determine which one is the best choice for you. From on-demand streaming services to pay as you go TV, we will discuss everything to help you find the most suitable platform for you. Let’s start!
On-Demand Streaming Services
When the term streaming services is mentioned, most people think about on-demand platforms like Netflix and such. On-demand streaming services allow users to watch their favorite shows, movies, and documentaries whenever they want, without waiting for scheduled broadcasts. They’re also often more affordable than live TV services. Here’s how much they cost:
- Netflix ($6.99 – $22.99 per month)
Netflix is probably the first thing that comes to mind when we think of streaming. With plans ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 a month, it offers a lot of variety. You get everything from hit shows, movies, documentaries, and some of the best original content around. If you want high-quality entertainment with lots of options, Netflix is worth the price.
But keep in mind, the higher you go with the plan, the more devices you can watch on, the better the video quality, and the more expensive it will be. Since Netflix is affordable already, you could pair it with a service like DIRECTV if you prefer live TV and don’t want to miss out on sports or live events,
- Hulu ($9.99 – $18.99 per month)
Hulu is great if you like watching new TV episodes shortly after they air. For $9.99 a month (with ads) or $18.99 (without ads), you get access to a mix of current TV shows, exclusive series, and movies. The price is a bit higher if you want to skip ads, but it’s still a good deal, especially if you love staying up-to-date with recent episodes or exploring a mix of original and classic content.
- Apple TV+ ($9.99 per month)
Apple TV+ is pretty affordable, given that it’s Apple, but the content is more focused on quality over quantity. Its library is smaller than others, but they’ve got some amazing original shows and movies that you can’t find anywhere else. If you’re someone who loves fresh, well-produced content without a huge backlog to sift through, this one gives you great bang for your buck.
- Disney+ ($7.99 – $13.99 per month)
Disney+ is a must-have if you’re into Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, or Pixar as one subscription gives you all those content. It’s actually one of the more budget-friendly options, especially considering you get access to all those franchises. The best part about it is you can even share the subscription with your friends or workmates to split the cost, and you won’t have any access issues.
Live TV Streaming Services
Many live TV platforms became a great alternative for cord-cutters. While most live TV service plans aren’t at the same level as traditional TV services, let’s say DISH TV packages, they still allow you to enjoy your favorite live TV channels. Here are the leading live TV streaming services in the market and their costs:
- Sling TV ($40 – $55 per month)
Sling TV is one of the more affordable live TV streaming options. It has been one of the top choices for cord-cutters who want flexibility without breaking the bank. With Sling, you get a good selection of live TV channels, including sports, news, and entertainment.
- Hulu + Live TV (75.99 per month)
Hulu + Live TV combines the best of both worlds/ For $75.99 per month, you not only get access to popular live channels but also Hulu’s extensive on-demand library. This makes it a perfect solution if you love both live events and binging your favorite shows. The price might be a bit steep, but when you factor in that you’re getting both live TV and Hulu’s massive streaming library, it’s still a pretty competitive deal.
- YouTube TV ($72.99 per month)
YouTube TV offers one of the most comprehensive lineups of live channels, including local stations, sports, and news. It also comes with unlimited DVR storage, so you can record and save as much content as you like. While it may be expensive to some, the pricing is actually reasonable for what you get.
Wrapping Up
It’s easy to get caught up with many streaming services, especially if you have the fear of missing out on trending shows and movies. However, while most streaming services are affordable at first glance, the costs could easily pile up, which will lead you to waste a lot of money on streaming platforms you don’t even use. These are just some of the platforms we think are worth our money, but before you choose any of them, make sure to assess what you really need and want so you can end up with the streaming platform that’s right for you.
