Battle of the Streaming Services
Netflix was always the monopoly in streaming…until recently.
Now there’s Disney Plus, Discovery Plus, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, Peacock, and Paramount Plus, among others.
So which one is the best, and/or best value?
I can’t say definitively as I don’t have experience using all the different platforms but I’ll talk about the ones I have used.
Netflix is up first. I’ve used this platform off and on for over decade, even when it was just a DVD service. It is far better now I’ll admit. I like that I can always anticipate new shows. I also know that some of my favorites are always there. I really like how easy it is to search, how it’s available on most app stores. It is one of the more expensive services though.
Next up is Disney, slightly more limited but very predictable. I like that you can see new releases for free a couple months after initial release. I also enjoy that I can see old and new movies. It’s also well designed, easy to navigate and very reasonably priced.
I’ve tried Peacock Free tier, and It was very limted but I honestly only have interest in one maybe two shows that aren’t available anywhere else.
HBO Max is great but it’s kind of a Netflix contemporary without as many recognizable titles. Additionally, it seems more movie heavy than tv heavy.
Hulu was better when there was a free tier with ads, it’s been a while since I’ve used this one – and I know it’s more tb heavy but it’s still a fun platform from what I know.
Amazon Prime is the real wildcard and I do appreciate that it’s included with regular prime though I don’ think I’d pay for anything extra. I never know what is gonna be included in the library, when it will come, and if any originals would be any good.
Discovery Plus looks fun though I’ll admit it seems focused on “reality” tv. I would appreciate the chance to try it especially since I wouldn’t have to buy a cable package for it again.
Paramount Plus doesn’t really interest me – it seems like a kind of Netflix, though I will say it looks much cheaper that Netflix but I can’t confirm.
So which is the best one? Well, I’m going to list my favorites starting with the only one I’d get if I could only afford one. Each following one is the one I’d add from what I’ve tried with each extra I could afford, lastly, I’ll also list the one’s that I’m most interested in trying.
- Disney
2. Netflix
3. Peacock (though this one does start at free)
4. HBO Max
5. Hulu
6. Amazon Prime
Haven’t Tried List
- Discovery Plus
- Paramount Plus
This isn’t an exhaustive list, nor will everyone have the same picks as me but but I thought it could be helpful, for those who may have similar tastes as me.
Happy Streaming
