Best Streaming Services 2026: Complete Comparison Guide

Choosing a streaming service used to be simple. Netflix was the only game in town. Now you’re staring down a dozen options, each with exclusive shows you can’t watch anywhere else. Subscribe to everything and you’re paying more than cable ever cost. Pick wrong and you’ll miss the shows everyone’s talking about.

We’ve spent the past year tracking content libraries, testing video quality, comparing prices, and noting which services actually deliver value. The streaming landscape in 2026 looks different from even a year ago—prices are up across the board, but so is the quality of original content. Here’s what’s actually worth your money.

Quick Comparison: Top Streaming Services 2026

Service	Best For	Starting Price	Content Highlights	Link
Netflix	Original series and movies	$7.99/month	Stranger Things, Squid Game, Adolescence	Visit Netflix
Max	Premium drama and HBO originals	$9.99/month	House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, White Lotus	Visit Max
Disney+	Families and franchises	$9.99/month	Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Disney classics	Visit Disney+
Prime Video	All-in-one value	$8.99/month	The Boys, Fallout, Reacher, Rings of Power	Visit Prime Video
Hulu	Current TV and next-day episodes	$9.99/month	Next-day network TV, FX originals, anime	Visit Hulu
Peacock	Live sports and NBC content	$10.99/month	Premier League, NFL, The Office, Yellowstone	Visit Peacock

Detailed Streaming Service Reviews

Netflix

Starting price: $7.99/month (with ads) | $17.99/month (Standard) | $24.99/month (Premium 4K) Best for: Viewers who want the biggest library of original content

Netflix pioneered streaming and remains the benchmark others measure themselves against. With over 280 million subscribers worldwide, it has the budget to outspend everyone else on original programming—and it shows.

The content library is enormous. You’ll find everything from prestige dramas like Adolescence (which dominated the 2026 Emmys) to guilty pleasures like reality dating shows. The final season of Stranger Things broke records as the biggest premiere week for an English-language show in Netflix history. Squid Game continues to prove that international content can become global phenomena.

What makes Netflix worth considering in 2026 is the consistency. While other services might have one or two must-watch shows, Netflix releases something noteworthy almost every week. Recent standouts include American Primeval (a gritty Western limited series), Black Mirror’s return with its first-ever sequel episode, and Wednesday Season 2.

Video quality reaches 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos on the Premium plan, though you’ll pay $24.99/month for it. The Standard plan at $17.99 limits you to 1080p and two simultaneous streams. The ad-supported tier at $7.99 offers a reasonable entry point, though ads appear before and during content.

Strengths:

• Largest library of original content
• Consistently releases new shows weekly
• Excellent recommendation algorithm
• Strong international content selection
• Downloads available on all plans

Weaknesses:

• Premium plan is expensive at $24.99/month
• Password sharing crackdown limits household flexibility
• Licensed content (movies from other studios) has shrunk significantly
• No live TV or sports content
• Price increases every 12-18 months

Netflix makes sense as a primary streaming service. The breadth of content means there’s always something to watch, and originals like Adolescence prove Netflix can still create culturally significant television.

Start watching Netflix

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Max (formerly HBO Max)

Starting price: $9.99/month (with ads) | $16.99/month (ad-free) | $20.99/month (Ultimate) Best for: Viewers who prioritize quality over quantity

Max carries HBO’s legacy of prestige television into the streaming era. If you want the shows that sweep awards season and dominate cultural conversations, this is where you’ll find them.

The HBO originals library is unmatched for drama. House of the Dragon delivers the Game of Thrones scale audiences crave. The Last of Us proved video game adaptations can be genuinely moving. The White Lotus has become appointment television. True Detective returned strong with its fourth season. And the entire back catalog—from The Sopranos to The Wire to Succession—remains available.

Beyond HBO, Max includes content from Warner Bros., DC, Adult Swim, and Discovery networks. That means theatrical releases like Dune: Part Two and Barbie arrive on the platform after their theatrical windows. DC fans get access to movies and animated series. Discovery content adds reality programming if that’s your thing.

The Ultimate tier at $20.99/month includes 4K streaming with Dolby Atmos and allows four simultaneous streams. The standard ad-free plan at $16.99 caps at 1080p but removes all advertising. The ad-supported tier at $9.99 is functional but shows ads even on some premium content.

Strengths:

• Best prestige drama programming available
• Full HBO back catalog (The Sopranos, The Wire, etc.)
• Warner Bros. theatrical releases after cinema run
• Strong documentary selection
• No ads on content even in the basic ad tier for some originals

Weaknesses:

• Interface can be confusing to navigate
• Discovery content clutters the platform for some users
• No annual plan option for the basic tier
• 4K requires the most expensive Ultimate plan
• Fewer total hours of content than Netflix or Prime

Max earns its place through quality rather than volume. If you’d rather watch fewer shows but better ones, this is the service to prioritize.

Try Max today

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Disney+

Starting price: $9.99/month (with ads) | $15.99/month (Premium ad-free) Best for: Families with kids and fans of Marvel, Star Wars, or Pixar

Disney+ leverages the most valuable intellectual property collection in entertainment. Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, National Geographic, and nearly a century of Disney animated classics—all in one place.

For families, the value proposition is clear. The complete Disney vault is here: every animated classic from Snow White to Wish, every Pixar feature, and countless Disney Channel originals. Parental controls are robust, and the content is genuinely family-friendly by default.

Marvel content continues to expand with series like Daredevil: Born Again and feature films arriving after theatrical release. Star Wars fans get The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, Skeleton Crew, and the entire movie saga. These franchises alone justify the subscription for dedicated fans.

The Premium tier at $15.99/month adds 4K streaming with HDR and Dolby Atmos, plus the ability to download content for offline viewing. Both tiers support four simultaneous streams, which is generous for families.

Strengths:

• Unmatched library for families with children
• Complete Marvel and Star Wars collections
• 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos on Premium
• Four simultaneous streams on all plans
• Strong download functionality

Weaknesses:

• Limited content for adults without kids
• Marvel and Star Wars fatigue setting in for some viewers
• Fewer original series than Netflix
• Ad tier is restrictive (no downloads, limited features)
• Some catalog content rotates out periodically

Disney+ is essential for families and franchise fans. Adults without kids may find the library limiting unless they’re deeply invested in Marvel or Star Wars.

Subscribe to Disney+

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Amazon Prime Video

Starting price: $8.99/month (standalone) | $14.99/month (included with Amazon Prime) Best for: Amazon Prime members who want maximum value from their subscription

Prime Video occupies a unique position. You can subscribe standalone for $8.99/month, but most subscribers get it as part of their $14.99/month (or $139/year) Amazon Prime membership. If you already pay for Prime’s shipping benefits, streaming is essentially a bonus.

The original content has improved dramatically. The Boys remains one of the most acclaimed superhero shows on any platform. Fallout proved Prime Video can create prestige adaptations. Reacher delivers reliable action entertainment. The Rings of Power, despite mixed reception, represents one of the most expensive productions in TV history.

Beyond originals, Prime Video has the largest rental and purchase library of any streaming service. Can’t find a movie on your subscriptions? It’s probably available to rent here. The X-Ray feature provides trivia, cast information, and scene details that enhance viewing.

In early 2024, Prime Video introduced ads on the base tier. You can pay an additional $2.99/month to remove them. This makes the true ad-free cost either $11.98/month (standalone) or effectively $17.98/month if you count it against your Prime membership.

Strengths:

• Included with Amazon Prime membership
• Strong original series (The Boys, Fallout, Reacher)
• Largest rental and purchase library
• Thursday Night Football and sports content
• X-Ray feature adds viewing context

Weaknesses:

• Now includes ads unless you pay extra
• Interface is cluttered with rental content mixed into browse
• Some content channels require additional subscriptions
• Video quality inconsistent across titles
• Originals release schedule less predictable than Netflix

Prime Video makes most sense for existing Amazon Prime members. The streaming content is a genuine value-add to shipping benefits. As a standalone service, other options may offer better content per dollar.

Watch on Prime Video

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Hulu

Starting price: $9.99/month (with ads) | $18.99/month (ad-free) Best for: Cord-cutters who want current network TV shows

Hulu fills a gap other streaming services ignore: next-day access to current network television. Episodes from ABC, NBC, Fox, and other networks appear the day after they air. If you’ve cut cable but still want to follow broadcast shows, Hulu is essential.

The FX originals library adds significant value. The Bear has become a critical darling and cultural phenomenon. Shogun swept the 2024 Emmys with a record-breaking haul. What We Do in the Shadows delivers consistent comedy. These are exclusive to Hulu and not available on the main Disney+ service despite Disney owning both.

Anime fans find a solid selection here, including simulcasts of popular series. The reality TV and documentary offerings round out a library that covers more genres than Disney+ despite fewer total titles.

The Disney Bundle at $10.99/month (with ads) combines Disney+ and Hulu, offering significant savings over subscribing separately. The ad-free bundle costs $19.99/month—less than buying both services individually.

Strengths:

• Next-day access to current network TV
• FX originals (The Bear, Shogun) exclusive to Hulu
• Strong anime selection
• Disney Bundle provides excellent value
• Live TV add-on available for cord-cutters

Weaknesses:

• Ad-free tier is expensive at $18.99/month
• Interface can be confusing, especially post-Disney integration
• Original movie selection is limited
• Some content overlaps with Disney+
• 4K availability is limited

Hulu’s value depends on your viewing habits. If you follow network TV shows or FX originals, it’s practically essential. If you only watch streaming exclusives, other services offer more.

Get Hulu

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Peacock

Starting price: $10.99/month (Premium with ads) | $16.99/month (Premium Plus) Best for: Sports fans and NBC comedy lovers

Peacock has carved out a niche as the home of NBCUniversal content plus significant live sports offerings. The 2026 price increase to $10.99/month for the base tier raised eyebrows, but the content may justify it for the right viewer.

The Office remains Peacock’s biggest catalog draw, with all nine seasons plus extended episodes unavailable elsewhere. Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock, and other NBC classics fill out the comedy library. Yellowstone, which premiered on Paramount+, is available here for streaming past seasons.

Sports differentiate Peacock from entertainment-only services. Premier League soccer matches stream live. Sunday Night Football and select NFL playoff games require Peacock. WWE programming has a dedicated home here. The Paris Olympics used Peacock as its primary streaming hub.

Original content is building but remains the weakest compared to bigger streamers. Ted, based on the Seth MacFarlane movie, performed well. The Traitors has built a dedicated audience. But Peacock can’t match Netflix or Max for prestige originals.

Strengths:

• The Office, Parks and Rec, and NBC comedy classics
• Premier League and NFL football coverage
• Yellowstone streaming rights
• WWE content
• Annual plans offer 16% savings

Weaknesses:

• Premium Plus still shows ads during some content
• Original series library is limited
• User interface feels dated
• Free tier no longer available for new subscribers
• Third price increase in three years

Peacock works best as a complement to other services rather than a primary subscription. If you need The Office, live sports, or Yellowstone, the value is clear. Otherwise, prioritize services with stronger original libraries.

Start watching Peacock

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Methodology: How We Evaluated

Our streaming service evaluations consider multiple factors that affect the real-world viewing experience:

Content Library Assessment We catalog available titles, noting the balance between originals and licensed content. We track how often new shows release and whether they generate critical acclaim or cultural conversation. Back-catalog depth matters—a service with decades of classic shows offers more value than one relying solely on new releases.

Price-to-Value Analysis We calculate cost per hour of quality content, factoring in both the sticker price and the content you’ll actually watch. A $20/month service might offer better value than an $8/month one if it has more shows you want to see.

Video and Audio Quality We test 4K HDR playback where available, noting which services deliver consistent quality and which compress aggressively. Audio codec support (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X) matters for home theater setups.

Interface and Usability We evaluate how easily you can discover new content, resume watching, and manage profiles. Download functionality, parental controls, and cross-device syncing all factor in.

Platform Availability We verify app availability across major platforms: iOS, Android, web browsers, smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, gaming consoles, and Apple TV.

We maintain active subscriptions to every service reviewed and update evaluations quarterly to reflect content additions and price changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which streaming service has the best original content?

Netflix produces the most original content by volume, releasing new shows and movies almost daily. Max (HBO) typically wins for critical acclaim and prestige drama, with shows like The Last of Us and House of the Dragon earning significant awards recognition. Apple TV+ has the highest quality-per-show ratio but a much smaller library. The “best” depends on whether you prefer quantity, critical acclaim, or specific genres.

Is it worth subscribing to multiple streaming services?

For most viewers, two to three services cover the majority of must-watch content. A common combination is Netflix for volume and originals, plus Max for prestige drama, plus one service aligned with your specific interests (Disney+ for families, Peacock for sports, Hulu for network TV). Rotating subscriptions monthly—subscribing to binge a show then canceling—can reduce annual costs significantly.

What’s the best streaming bundle to save money?

The Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for $16.99/month with ads or $26.99 ad-free) offers the best savings for entertainment content. The Disney+/Hulu/Max bundle at $19.99/month with ads combines three major services at significant discount. For Apple device users, the Apple One bundle ($19.95/month) includes Apple TV+ along with Apple Music, Arcade, and iCloud storage.

Which streaming service has the best video quality?

Apple TV+ delivers the most consistent 4K HDR quality with Dolby Atmos across its entire library—no cheaper tier with reduced quality exists. Netflix, Disney+, and Max all offer comparable quality but require higher-priced tiers ($24.99, $15.99, and $20.99 respectively). Prime Video quality varies significantly by title. Peacock has the weakest overall video quality.

Are ad-supported streaming tiers worth it?

Ad-supported tiers make sense if you’re price-sensitive and don’t mind 4-5 minutes of ads per hour. Netflix’s ad tier at $7.99/month is the best value entry point for casual viewers. Max’s $9.99 ad tier provides access to HBO content at a reasonable price. However, if you binge-watch frequently, ads become more intrusive—the math often favors ad-free tiers for heavy viewers.

Final Verdict

The best streaming service depends on what you actually watch. Here’s our recommendation by viewer type:

For most viewers: Netflix remains the default choice. The combination of constant new releases, algorithm-driven discovery, and sheer content volume means there’s always something to watch. Start with the $7.99/month ad tier to test whether Netflix fits your habits.

For prestige TV fans: Max delivers the best drama programming available. If you want shows that win Emmys and spark cultural conversations, this is where to find them. The $16.99/month ad-free tier is worth the premium.

For families: Disney+ is essential if you have kids. The combination of Disney classics, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars provides enough content to keep children entertained indefinitely. The $9.99/month ad tier works fine for most families.

For value seekers: The Disney Bundle (Disney+ and Hulu) at $10.99/month offers exceptional value—two services for essentially the price of one. Add the Max bundle option at $19.99/month for three services at significant savings.

For Amazon shoppers: If you already pay for Prime, you’re already paying for Prime Video. Take advantage of it. The originals have improved significantly, and the rental library fills gaps other services can’t.

For sports fans: Peacock is the only option for Premier League and select NFL games. It’s worth subscribing during sports seasons and potentially canceling during off-seasons.

The streaming landscape will keep evolving. Prices will rise, services will merge, and exclusive content will shift between platforms. The smartest approach is flexibility: subscribe to what you’ll watch now, cancel when you’ve finished, and rotate based on what’s releasing. The days of maintaining five simultaneous subscriptions may be ending—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Compare all streaming services