List of Best Streaming Services (+Prices) for 2026
Daniel Stock | 13 Min Read
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UPDATED: 3/9/2026
Remember when having a subscription to one streaming service felt like enough? In 2026, that feels almost nostalgic, especially when research shows 53% of U.S. households have four or more services. With household subscription costs climbing to nearly $70/month and viewers taking, on average, 12 minutes just to pick something to watch, streaming TV has officially become personal.
Whether you’re chasing the latest prestige drama, live sports, nostalgic rewatches, or the best bang for your buck, the right streaming setup looks different for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of the best streaming services and their prices in 2026.
Note: The services below are Subscription Video On Demand (SVOD). If you’re looking for free services, check out this article on free ad-supported streaming television.
Jump to…
1. Netflix
2. Disney Plus
3. Hulu
4. Amazon Prime Video
5. Peacock
6. Paramount Plus
7. HBO Max
8. Apple TV
9. Fubo
10. Sling
Streaming Services Compared
Best Streaming Service for Live TV
Best Streaming Service for Sports
Best Streaming Service for Movies
Best Streaming Service for Local Channels
Best Streaming Service for Kids
Best Streaming Services: Final Thoughts
1. Netflix
Netflix leads the streaming world with its massive library of original series, movies, and documentaries across every genre, making it easy for you to discover personalized recommendations tailored to your tastes. With over 325 million monthly paid subscribers worldwide, it offers flexible plans from ad-supported basics to premium 4K experiences, ensuring high-quality entertainment for solo viewers or families alike.
| Plan | Cost | Ads | Streams | Downloads | Resolution | Live TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard with Ads | $7.99/mo | Yes | 2 Devices | Yes | Full HD (1080p) | No |
| Standard | $17.99/mo | No | 2 Devices | Yes | Full HD (1080p) | No |
| Premium | $24.99/mo | No | 4 Devices | Yes | 4K UHD + HDR | No |
Pros
- Extensive original series like Stranger Things and international hits.
- Personalized recommendations powered by advanced algorithms.
- Multiple plan options, including ad-supported and Premium tiers.
Cons
- Limited live TV and sports programming compared to traditional broadcasters and sports-focused streamers.
- Stricter password-sharing policies that may require additional fees for users outside the primary household.
- 4K HDR streaming is available on the Premium tier.
Best For: Viewers craving award-winning originals and a vast global library.
Key Features: Offline downloads, parental controls, multiple profiles, 4K HDR support, global content access.
Popular Titles: Stranger Things, Squid Game, The Crown, Wednesday, Bridgerton
Learn how Netflix advertising works.
2. Disney Plus
Disney+ brings magic to your screen with timeless classics, epic franchises like Marvel and Star Wars, and family-friendly originals that create unforgettable viewing moments for all ages. Boasting approximately 131.6 million paid subscribers globally, its bundle options let you combine services for more content at a better value, complete with stunning 4K visuals and offline downloads.
| Plan | Cost | Ads | Streams | Downloads | Resolution | Live TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disney+ | $11.99/mo | Yes | 4 Devices | No | 4K UHD | No |
| Disney+ Premium | $18.99/mo $189.99/yr | No | 4 Devices | Yes | 4K UHD | No |
Bundles & Addons: Can be bundled with Hulu, ESPN, or HBO Max (with or without ads) for additional cost.
Pros
- Exclusive access to blockbuster franchises and major theatrical releases.
- Discounted bundle options with Hulu and ESPN+.
- Supports 4K UHD, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos on select titles and devices.
Cons
- Live and certain bundled content may include ads, even on higher-tier plans.
- Primarily focused on Disney-owned franchises and brands.
- Content availability may vary by region.
Best For: Families and fans of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar content.
Key Features: Parental controls, offline downloads, 4K UHD support, Dolby Atmos, multi-device streaming.
Popular Titles: The Mandalorian, Loki, WandaVision, The Simpsons, Encanto
Learn how Disney+ advertising works.
3. Hulu
Hulu keeps you up-to-date with next-day episodes from top networks, exclusive originals, and optional live TV for news, sports, and events, all in one convenient platform. Serving 64.1 million monthly paid subscribers in the US, it offers affordable tiers with downloads and unlimited DVR, making it ideal for busy households that want to stay current without a cable subscription.
| Plan | Cost | Ads | Streams | Downloads | Resolution | Live TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu | $11.99/mo $119.99/yr | Yes | 2 Devices | No | Up to 4K UHD | No |
| Hulu Premium | $18.99/mo | No | 2 Devices | Yes | Up to 4K UHD | No |
| Live TV Only | $88.99/mo | Yes | 2 Devices | No | Full HD (1080p) | Yes (95+ Channels) |
Bundles & Addons: Can be bundled with Disney+, ESPN, or HBO Max (with or without ads) for additional cost. Unlimited Screens Add-on available for $9.99/mo.
Pros
- Next-day access to many current network shows.
- Unlimited DVR included with Live TV plans.
- Discounted bundle options with Disney+, ESPN+, or HBO Max.
Cons
- Ad-supported plans include commercials; ad-free options cost more.
- Sports availability may vary by region due to league blackout restrictions.
- Live TV plans are priced higher than on-demand-only subscriptions.
Best For: Cord-cutters looking for current TV episodes alongside live news and sports options.
Key Features: Hulu Originals, live news and sports (Live TV plan), offline downloads (No Ads plan), multi-screen streaming, and optional premium add-ons.
Popular Titles: The Handmaid’s Tale, Only Murders in the Building, Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Shōgun
Learn how Hulu advertising works.
4. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video delivers a seamless mix of award-winning originals, hit movies, and easy rentals, integrated with shopping perks for a one-stop entertainment hub. Reaching over 315 million monthly active users through ad-supported plans, it features handy tools like X-Ray for trivia and multi-device streaming, ideal for discovering new favorites on the go.
| Plan | Cost | Ads | Streams | Downloads | Resolution | Live TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Video | $8.99/mo | Yes | 3 Devices | Yes | Up to 4K UHD | Yes, (750+ FAST Channels) |
| Amazon Prime Membership | $14.99/mo $139/yr | Yes | 3 Devices | Yes | Up to 4K UHD | Yes, (750+ FAST Channels) |
Bundles & Addons: Ad-free Prime Video is available for an extra $2.99/month.
Pros
- Included with Amazon Prime membership benefits like free shipping.
- Option to rent or buy new releases outside the included catalog.
- X-Ray feature provides cast info and trivia during playback.
Cons
- Includes limited ads by default, with an ad-free upgrade available for an additional fee.
- Some users note the interface can feel busy due to the mix of included, rental, and add-on content.
- Offers select live sports and events, but fewer live TV options than dedicated live TV streaming services.
Best For: Prime members who value integrated shopping perks alongside streaming originals and on-demand rentals.
Key Features: 4K UHD support, offline downloads, multiple user profiles, X-Ray (IMDb integration), and Prime Video Channels add-ons.
Popular Titles: The Boys, Reacher, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Fallout, The Rings of Power
5. Peacock
Peacock offers a fun blend of NBC classics, fresh originals, and live sports like WWE and the Olympics, making it a go-to for affordable, diverse entertainment. With about 44 million monthly paid subscribers, its tiered plans include next-day episodes and 4K options, giving you flexibility to watch what you love without breaking the bank.
| Plan | Cost | Ads | Streams | Downloads | Resolution | Live TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Select | $7.99/mo $79.99/yr | Yes | 3 Devices | No | Full HD (1080p) | No |
| Premium | $10.99/mo $109.99/yr | Yes | 3 Devices | No | Up to 4K UHD | Yes, (Live Sports & Events) |
| Premium Plus | $16.99/mo $169.99/yr | No | 3 Devices | Yes (Select Titles) | Up to 4K UHD | Yes, (Live Sports & Events) |
Bundles & Addons: Can be bundled with Apple TV for an additional cost.
Pros
- Live sports, including WWE events and Olympic coverage.
- Lower-priced entry plan compared to many competitors.
- Next-day access to many current NBC shows.
Cons
- Ad-supported plans include commercials, with a higher-tier option that reduces ads.
- More limited original programming compared to larger streaming platforms.
- 4K streaming available on select titles only.
Best For: Sports fans and NBC viewers looking for a lower-cost streaming option.
Key Features: Live sports and events, next-day NBC episodes, offline downloads (Premium Plus), parental controls.
Popular Titles: The Office, Yellowstone, Bel-Air, Poker Face, Ted
Learn how Peacock advertising works.
6. Paramount Plus
Paramount+ immerses you in CBS hits, blockbuster movies, and live events like NFL games, plus premium Showtime series for a well-rounded viewing lineup. Holding roughly 79.1 million monthly active subscribers, it supports offline downloads and 4K streaming on higher plans, ensuring quality access to your favorites anytime.
| Plan | Cost | Ads | Streams | Downloads | Resolution | Live TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | $8.99/mo | Yes | 3 Devices | No | Full HD (1080p) | Yes, (NFL, UEFA, UFC) |
| Premium | $13.99/mo | No | 3 Devices | Yes | Up to 4K UHD | Yes, (CBS, NFL, UEFA, UFC) |
Pros
- Live CBS streams (Premium plan) and UEFA Champions League coverage.
- Offline downloads are available on higher-tier plans.
- Higher-tier subscription includes SHOWTIME programming.
Cons
- Live TV streams include standard broadcast commercials.
- Local CBS live stream unavailable on the Essential plan.
- Ad-free and SHOWTIME-inclusive plans are priced higher than the entry tier.
Best For: Fans of Star Trek, CBS programming, and live NFL and international soccer coverage.
Key Features: Live sports (including NFL on CBS and UEFA matches), select 4K UHD and Dolby Vision titles, SHOWTIME content (higher tier), offline downloads, multi-device streaming.
Popular Titles: Tulsa King, 1883, 1923, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Frasier
7. HBO Max
HBO Max captivates with prestige dramas, comedies, and day-one Warner Bros. releases, delivering cinematic storytelling right to your living room. Attracting around 131.6 million subscribers globally, it offers ad-free tiers with downloads and immersive audio, perfect for deep dives into compelling narratives.
| Plan | Cost | Ads | Streams | Downloads | Resolution | Live TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads | $10.99/mo $109.99/yr | Yes | 2 Devices | No | Full HD (1080p) | No |
| Standard | $18.49/mo $184.99/yr | No | 2 Devices | Yes | Full HD (1080p) | Yes, (Live Sports) |
| Premium | $22.99/mo $229.99/yr | No | 4 Devices | Yes | Up to 4K UHD | Yes, (Live Sports) |
Bundles & Addons: Can be bundled with Disney+ and Hulu for an additional cost.
Pros
- Exclusive streaming home for Warner Bros. films after their theatrical window.
- Supports 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos on select titles (higher-tier plans).
- Select live sports available through the B/R Sports add-on.
Cons
- The entry-level plan includes ads.
- Simultaneous streaming limits vary by plan.
- Premium tiers are priced higher than the ad-supported option.
Best For: Viewers looking for premium scripted series and blockbuster films.
Key Features: Offline downloads (ad-free plans), select live sports, 4K UHD (higher tiers), Dolby Atmos, multi-device streaming.
Popular Titles: House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, Succession, Euphoria, The White Lotus
8. Apple TV
Apple TV shines with high-production originals starring top talent, seamlessly syncing across your devices for a premium, ad-free experience. With over 45 million global subscribers, it includes family sharing and stunning 4K visuals, making it ideal for those seeking quality over quantity in their content.
| Plan | Cost | Ads | Streams | Downloads | Resolution | Live TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV | $12.99/mo $99/yr | No | 6 Devices | Yes | Up to 4K HDR | Yes (MLB, MLS, Formula 1) |
Bundles & Addons: Can be bundled with Peacock TV for an additional cost.
Pros
- High-quality 4K UHD with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
- Free trials are often included with eligible Apple device purchases.
- Family Sharing is included for up to six users.
Cons
- More focused library centered primarily on original programming.
- Offered as a single ad-free subscription without lower-cost ad tiers.
- Primarily features Apple Originals rather than a large licensed catalog.
Best For: Viewers seeking premium, high-production-value originals in an ad-free environment.
Key Features: Offline downloads, Dolby Atmos support, Family Sharing, seamless integration with Apple devices.
Popular Titles: Ted Lasso, Severance, Silo, Foundation, For All Mankind
9. Fubo
Fubo focuses on live sports, news, and channels in crystal-clear 4K, giving sports fans front-row access without traditional cable commitments. Boasting around 6.2 million monthly subscribers in North America, it features unlimited DVR and multi-view options, so you never miss a game or highlight.
| Plan | Cost | Ads | Streams | Downloads | Resolution | Live TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports + News | $55.99/mo | Yes | *13 Devices | No | Full HD (1080p) | Yes (25+ Channels) |
| Pro | $73.99/mo | Yes | *13 Devices | No | Full HD (1080p) | Yes (185+ Channels) |
| Elite | $83.99/mo | Yes | *13 Devices | No | Up to 4K | Yes (290+ Channels) |
| Latino | $14.99/mo | Yes | 2 Devices | No | Full HD (1080p) | Yes (50+ Channels) |
*Total of 13 simultaneous streams (10 at home + 3 on the go)
Pros
- 4K streaming available for select live sporting events.
- Unlimited Cloud DVR (with storage time limits).
- Local broadcast channels are available in many markets.
Cons
- Priced higher than most on-demand streaming services.
- Primarily sports-focused lineup compared to broader entertainment-oriented live TV services.
- Channel availability varies by region.
Best For: Sports fans looking for live games and news without a traditional cable subscription.
Key Features: Multi-view (device-dependent), Unlimited Cloud DVR, optional channel add-ons, free trial availability.
Popular Content: NFL games, NBA games (regional availability), MLB games, college sports, select international soccer leagues.
10. Sling
Sling lets you customize live TV with flexible packages and add-ons, covering news, sports, and entertainment tailored to your preferences. Serving about 2 million monthly active subscribers, its no-contract approach and short-term passes make it easy to stream what you want, when you want, at a budget-friendly price.
| Plan | Cost | Ads | Streams | Downloads | Resolution | Live TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Select | $19.99/mo | Yes | 3 Devices | No | Full HD (1080p) | Yes (10+ Channels) |
| Orange | $45.99/mo | Yes | 1 Devices | No | Full HD (1080p) | Yes (30+ Channels) |
| Blue | $45.99/mo | Yes | 3 Devices | No | Full HD (1080p) | Yes (40+ Channels) |
| Orange & Blue | $60.99/mo | Yes | 4 Devices | No | Full HD (1080p) | Yes (50+ Channels) |
Pros
- No contracts and easy month-to-month cancellation.
- Customizable channel add-ons for sports, news, and entertainment.
- Flexible monthly pricing with frequent promotional offers.
Cons
- Sling Orange plan allows one simultaneous stream.
- Local channel availability varies by market and may be limited compared to other live TV services.
- Expanded DVR storage is available for an additional fee.
Best For: Budget-conscious viewers who want customizable live TV packages without long-term commitments.
Key Features: Cloud DVR (upgrade available), customizable extras bundles, multi-device support (plan-dependent), and no annual contracts.
Popular Content: SportsCenter, CNN, The Walking Dead, American Horror Story, Real Housewives
Streaming Services Compared
| Service | Starting Cost | Ad-Free | Downloads | 4K | Live TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $7.99/mo | *Yes | Standard | *Yes | No |
| Disney+ | $11.99/mo | *Yes | *Yes | Standard | No |
| Hulu | $11.99/mo | *Yes | *Yes | Standard | *Yes |
| Prime Video | $8.99/mo | *Yes | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Peacock | $7.99/mo | *Yes | *Yes | *Yes | *Yes |
| Paramount+ | $8.99/mo | *Yes | *Yes | *Yes | Standard |
| HBO Max | $10.99/mo | *Yes | *Yes | *Yes | *Yes |
| Apple TV | $12.99/mo | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Fubo | $55.99/mo | No | No | *Yes | Standard |
| Sling | $19.99/mo | No | No | No | Standard |
*Option is available at higher tiers or w/ an Addon.
Best Streaming Service for Live TV
Hulu takes the crown for live TV, delivering over 95 channels with news, sports, and entertainment, plus unlimited DVR so you can record and watch your favorites on your schedule.
Best Streaming Service for Sports
Fubo is the go-to for sports enthusiasts, packing in hundreds of channels with live coverage of the NFL, NBA, MLB, and international events in high-quality streams.
Best Streaming Service for Movies
Netflix reigns supreme for movie lovers, with its expansive library of award-winning originals, blockbusters, and hidden gems tailored to your viewing habits.
Best Streaming Service for Local Channels
Hulu excels at local channels, giving you easy access to ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX affiliates in most markets for up-to-the-minute news and community programming.
Best Streaming Service for Kids
Disney+ is the perfect pick for families with kids, offering endless adventures from Marvel heroes, Pixar stories, Star Wars sagas, and classic Disney tales in a safe, ad-light environment.
Best Streaming Services: Final Thoughts
Choosing the best streaming service in 2026 really comes down to what you love to watch, how much streaming TV advertising you’re willing to tolerate, and how much you’re willing to pay. With prices climbing and more ad-supported plans on the table, it’s worth comparing libraries, bundles, and features before you subscribe (or resubscribe).
The good news? With so many options available, there’s never been a better time to build a streaming lineup that fits both your taste and your budget.
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Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this article are based on aggregate user feedback, publicly available information, and industry reporting. They are provided for informational purposes only and do not reflect the views or positions of MNTN.