Best streaming services of 2024
We’ve compared and rated our favorite streaming services, including live TV streaming services such as Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV and YouTubeTV. Find out if cord-cutting is right for you!
Compare the best streaming services
Streaming movies and shows is easier than ever before. You can pick from live TV streaming services that bring cable channels to your TV through your internet connection or video streaming services like Netflix to play entirely on-demand content. Prices can range from $4.99/mo. up to $80/mo., depending on factors like streaming without commercials, including live channels, original programming and more. Here are the top services available nationwide.
Our top 3 streaming picks
- Best for live TV: YouTube TV
- Best for on demand streaming: Netflix
- Best cheap streaming option: Sling TV
Starting at $6.99/mo.
Our overall score: 8.7/10
“Netflix is the best video streaming service overall. It has the best mix of original and licensed content around, and its technology is in a class of its own.”
Starting at $64.99/mo.*
Our overall score: 8.5/10
“While DIRECTV is more expensive than other live TV streaming services, you’ll get the best channel lineup in streaming and a simple-to-use, all-in-one device.”
Starting at $72.99/mo.
Our overall score: 8.8/10
“Other live TV streaming services have slightly better channel lineups, but YouTube TV closes the gap with its outstanding user experience.”
Compare top streaming packages
If you’re having trouble deciding which services to add, our experts have done the research on details like channel lineups, content offerings, simultaneous streams and more. Compare some popular options below.
| Streaming providers | Number of movies | Number of TV shows | Movies in IMDb Top 250 | TV shows in IMDb Top 250 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAX | 2,047 | 613 | 61 | 46 |
| Netflix | 3,714 | 1,941 | 26 | 60 |
| Hulu | 1,172 | 1,254 | 11 | 61 |
| Prime Video | 66,021 | 10,853 | 24 | 36 |
| Disney Plus | 953 | 325 | 15 | 4 |
*According to data from JustWatch.com (05/05/23)
YouTube TV is $72.99/mo. with no long-term contracts or equipment fees. You get 100+ live TV channels. We like YouTube TV because they have the best channel lineup for news, sports, comedies, dramas and more. They are also the exclusive carrier of the NFL Sunday Ticket.
Netflix plans range from $6.99 to $22.99/mo. with no extra costs and no contracts. Netflix offers movies, documentaries, TV shows, anime and original content. Netflix is known for its nearly flawless interface.
Sling TV has three packages: Orange ($40/mo.), Blue ($40/mo.) and Orange + Blue ($55/mo.). The channel count is 30 to 50. It’s cheaper than other options but has fewer channels than cable, satellite and some other live TV streaming services.
Live streaming vs. video-on-demand streaming
The major difference between live streaming and on-demand streaming is timing. You can watch a live event as it is happening or a debut of a new show as it is being viewed worldwide with a live service, or watch a replay of the event, or a favorite show or movie, with an on-demand service. The best providers will have a mix of the two or at least an option to add on live streaming.