Streaming is where it’s at for all of our TV and movie-watching entertainment. Comparing them can be a little overwhelming, especially when you’re considering the costs of subscription services. From popular platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video to newer ones like Disney+ and Hulu, each service offers a variety of content at different price points.
It’s also worth checking to see if your cell phone, internet, or cable provider include any streaming subscriptions free with your plan—carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon often do! Here’s a comparison of plans and their costs (as of August 2023).
1. Netflix
Netflix is a pioneer in the streaming industry and offers an extensive library of movies, TV shows, and original content. They have three subscription tiers:
– Standard plan (with ads): The standard plan with ads will save you $7 a month—it’s only $10.99, as long as you don’t mind watching a couple of ads during the show.
– Standard Plan (no ads): The standard plan without ads is $17.99 per month and allows streaming on two devices at the same time, with no ads.
– Premium Plan: The highest tier, at $24.99 per month, offers Ultra HD and 4k streaming and allows four screens to watch at the same time.
2. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video comes as part of an Amazon Prime membership, which includes other benefits like free two-day shipping and access to Prime Music. The annual subscription for Amazon Prime is $139, or $14.99 if you opt for monthly billing.
3. Disney+
Disney+ has become a favorite among families and fans of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars content. The subscription cost for Disney+ is $9.99 per month with ads, or $15.99 with no ads. Alternatively, you can opt for the bundle that includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for $16.99 per month with ads or $26.99 if you want to go ad-free..
4. Hulu
Hulu offers a massive selection of current TV shows, classic series, and original programming. They have various tiers for their subscription services:
– Basic Plan: Priced at $9.99 per month, this plan includes ads during streaming.
– No Ads Plan: For $18.99 per month, you can enjoy ad-free streaming of Hulu’s content.
– Hulu + Live TV: At $81.99 per month, this package includes access to live TV channels in addition to Hulu’s on-demand content. It sounds expensive, but compared to a traditional cable plan it might be a reasonable option.
5. HBO Max (Max)
HBO Max (now called Max, but who can keep track?) is the home for Max’s vast library of content, along with a collection of popular TV shows and movies. The subscription fee for Max is $16.99 per month, but they now offer an ad-supported plan for $9.99. There’s also a premium plan for $20.99 a month.
6. Apple TV+
Apple TV+ focuses on original programming, with a limited library compared to other services. The subscription is $9.99 per month.
7. Peacock
Peacock offers a mix of TV shows, movies, and original content from NBCUniversal. They have three subscription options:
– Free Tier: Peacock offers a free version with ads.
– Peacock Premium: Priced at $7.99 per month, this plan includes more content and limited ads.
– Peacock Premium Plus: For $12.99 per month, you get the same content as Premium but without ads.
8. Paramount+
Paramount+ features CBS shows and exclusive content from Paramount studios. The subscription cost for Paramount+ is $7.99 per month for the Essential plan with ads, and $12.99 for the Premium plan without ads (which also includes Showtime).
Brigit is not affiliated or partnered with any brands or companies mentioned in this article.
