Best Streaming Service in 2025? Depends on What You Hate Less

There used to be cable. Now we have freedom, and somehow it is worse. Picking the best streaming service in 2025 feels like trying to unsubscribe from the internet itself. You scroll, compare, get annoyed, subscribe anyway, and still end up watching the same three things.

Every service wants to be the only one you need. But none of them really are. Some have great originals but no live sports. Some are cheap but loaded with ads. Some look great until you actually open the app. The best streaming service is different for everyone, and honestly, sometimes even for the same person depending on the week.

This guide does not tell you which one is perfect. There isn’t one. But it will tell you what you are actually paying for, what you are not getting, and who might actually enjoy it anyway. That way, when you inevitably subscribe to more than one, at least you will know why.

Netflix

Netflix is still the one most people think of first, and for good reason. It has a massive library that covers just about everything from prestige dramas to comfort comedies to international hits. Its original content machine still pushes out big titles that get people talking, like Stranger Things, The Crown, or newer series that dominate social media for a week straight. The recommendation engine is solid, the streaming quality is smooth, and the variety is tough to beat. For those who like to jump genres or just scroll until something weird catches their eye, Netflix keeps you entertained.

Despite all that, Netflix can feel like quantity over quality at times. A lot of originals drop and disappear without a trace. Licensed content comes and goes constantly, so what you loved last month might be gone tomorrow. Live content is nonexistent. And if you are into sports, news, or the latest movies fresh from theaters, you won’t find them here. It is also one of the few services that charge you extra for 4K, which feels a little outdated now.

This is the best streaming service for people who want variety and who stream often enough to get their money’s worth.

If you like jumping between documentaries, rom coms, true crime, and anime all in one weekend, it works.

But if you are looking for one or two specific types of content, it might feel bloated.

• Standard with ads: around 7 dollars per month

• Standard (ad free, 1080p): around 15.50 dollars

• Premium (ad free, 4K): around 23 dollars

• Profiles are limited by plan and password sharing is no longer free.

Max (formerly HBO Max)

Max still has the best curated catalog in terms of quality over quantity. If you like series that actually feel like someone worked on the scripts, this is your place. Succession, The Last of Us, Barry, Euphoria — the list is strong. It also has a great selection of classic films through the Turner Classic Movies library, and now includes more lifestyle and reality content from Discovery. It is the one service where even the filler feels like it went through a committee.

Navigation can be clunky. The app is not always user friendly, especially compared to competitors. Some users still complain about playback issues and weird bugs. Also, if you are not into drama or heavy storylines, the content might feel too intense. You do not come here to relax. You come to watch something that messes with your emotions a little.

Max is the best streaming service for people who treat watching TV like reading novels.

It is for drama lovers, cinephiles, and anyone who refuses to admit they cried during the final scene of Six Feet Under.

It is not ideal for families with kids who want bright cartoons or for anyone who prefers light comedy every night.

• Max offers an ad supported plan at: around 10 dollars per month

• an ad free plan for: 16 dollars

• and an ultimate plan with 4K and downloads for: about 20 dollars.

• The pricing is on the higher side, but the catalog reflects it.

Hulu

Hulu is where you go if you like current TV mixed with streaming originals. It has next day access to network shows, which is a big plus if you still follow weekly TV but hate cable. The original lineup includes gems like The Bear, Only Murders in the Building, and The Handmaid’s Tale. The interface is clean, the categories make sense, and the mix of genres is well balanced.

The movie catalog is inconsistent. Some big titles show up for a month then vanish. If you mostly watch movies, Hulu may feel like it lacks staying power. Also, the ad supported tier has a lot of ads. Like, “didn’t I just watch one?” levels of ads. It can interrupt the flow of even the best shows.

Hulu might be the best streaming service if you want a little bit of everything and still follow regular TV.

It’s especially good for those who want comedy, reality, and offbeat originals.

If you mostly stream movies or hate commercials more than anything, you may get frustrated fast.

• Ad supported plan is: about 8 dollars per month.

• Ad free is: around 18 dollars.

• You can also bundle with Disney Plus and ESPN Plus for a discount, which makes it more appealing if you use more than one platform.

Disney Plus

This is the land of Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and childhood nostalgia. Disney Plus delivers high quality, big budget content in safe, family friendly packaging. Everything looks good, plays well, and feels intentional. The Star Wars and Marvel series keep growing, and the animated collection is unbeatable for younger viewers.

Variety. If you are not into superheroes, animation, or Disney owned IPs, there is not much here for you. The library outside the main franchises feels limited, especially for adults who want broader genres. And for those who already binge watched all the major series, updates can feel slow.

Disney Plus is the best streaming service for families, Marvel fans, Star Wars loyalists, and anyone who wants clean, beautiful content that looks good on a big screen.

It is not great for people who want dark thrillers or edgy storytelling.

• Ad supported plan starts: around 8 dollars per month.

• Ad free is: about 14 dollars.

• There is also a bundle option with Hulu and ESPN Plus that gives more value if you are into multiple content types.

Prime Video

Prime Video is Amazon’s add-on that sometimes feels like an afterthought but quietly hosts a massive catalog. From prestige originals like The Boys and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel to random hidden indie films, it has depth. It also includes some live sports and first run movies before they hit other platforms.

Organization. The user interface is confusing. Movies you have to pay for are mixed with free ones. You end up clicking on something only to realize it costs extra. Also, while the catalog is huge, a lot of it feels like filler. The signal to noise ratio isn’t great.

If you already have Amazon Prime, this is a solid extra.

It can be the best streaming service for casual viewers who want variety and don’t mind digging a little.

It is not ideal for people who want curated content or who hate digital clutter.

• Prime Video is included with: an Amazon Prime membership, which is about 15 dollars per month.

• You can also subscribe to Prime Video only for: around 9 dollars monthly.

Apple TV Plus

Apple TV Plus came in quietly and started winning Emmys. Its catalog is small, but the quality is remarkably consistent. From Ted Lasso to Severance to The Morning Show, the platform invests in polished, character driven content with high production values.

Depth. There is not a lot to scroll through. If you binge a few shows, you may feel like you are done for a while. No back catalog of classics, no massive movie library. It is more boutique than buffet.

Apple TV Plus is the best streaming service for viewers who care about quality over quantity.

Ideal for people who love storytelling, production value, and stylish shows.

Not great for background watching or flipping endlessly until something sticks.

• It is one of the cheapest options at: around 7 dollars per month.

• Often comes with promotions when: you buy Apple devices, so check before paying full price.

Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus blends CBS content, classic movies, Star Trek, and football into one platform. It is a strange mix that somehow works if you like a bit of everything. You get originals like 1923 and The Good Fight, plus live NFL games, news, and reality shows. It also includes a growing kids section and some old Nickelodeon favorites.

It feels like several apps mashed into one. Navigation is better than it used to be but still not smooth. The original lineup is growing but not yet strong enough to carry the platform. And unless you are into one of their major franchises, you might not find a reason to stay long term.

Paramount Plus might be the best streaming service for people who miss traditional TV but want it without cable.

Great for sports, older sitcoms, and Star Trek fans.

Not ideal for viewers who want a deep bench of bold, new originals.

• The Essential plan with ads is: about 6 dollars per month.

• The ad free version with Showtime included is: around 12 dollars monthly.

• You can also get annual billing for: a bit of a discount.

Peacock

Peacock brings NBC shows, Universal movies, and a solid dose of live sports under one roof. It is one of the few platforms that includes next day network shows and Premier League soccer. You also get comedy like The Office and Parks and Recreation, plus originals like Poker Face and Bel-Air.

The user experience is inconsistent. The layout feels clunky and slow at times. And while the content is solid, much of it is available elsewhere or feels recycled. You will find some great stuff but you may have to dig through filler to get there.

Peacock is the best streaming service for fans of NBC comedies, casual movie watchers, and anyone still rewatching The Office for the fifth time.

If you want sleek design or groundbreaking new shows, it may fall short.

• The base plan with ads is: around 6 dollars monthly.

• Ad free access is: about 12 dollars.

• Occasionally included with: internet or mobile service bundles, so check your provider.

Discovery Plus

Discovery Plus is all about unscripted content. Think cooking shows, true crime, home improvement, and endless nature documentaries. It combines content from HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Animal Planet, and more. It is light, easy to watch, and oddly addictive if you just want something on in the background.

If you are into scripted drama or blockbuster films, this is not the platform for you. The layout is functional but basic, and it does not push big original productions. It is comfort TV, not conversation starter material.

Discovery Plus is the best streaming service for people who love background noise that occasionally teaches you something.

Ideal for multitaskers, home renovators, and reality TV fans.

Not great for anyone looking to get emotionally invested.

• Ad supported plan costs: about 5 dollars per month.

• The ad free version is: around 9 dollars.

• Often bundled with: Max since the Warner Bros Discovery merger, so check before subscribing separately.

YouTube Premium

This is YouTube but without ads. And once you get used to that, it is very hard to go back. You also get offline downloads, background play, and access to YouTube Music. No more being interrupted mid video by someone yelling about a new app or toothbrush.

It is not really a traditional streaming service. There are no shows in the Netflix sense, and the original content library has mostly faded. If you are looking for narrative series or movie nights, this will not cover your needs.

YouTube Premium is the best streaming service for people who live on YouTube.

Daily watchers, podcast listeners, and people who hate ads with a deep passion.

If you do not use YouTube heavily, the value drops fast.

• Costs: about 14 dollars per month.

• Also includes: YouTube Music.

• Family and student plans: available at discounted rates.

You Probably Need Two. Maybe Three. And You’ll Still Complain.

Trying to choose the best streaming service is a little like cleaning out your closet. You keep telling yourself you only need the essentials, but somehow you end up with seven monthly charges and still feel like you have nothing to watch. There is no one size fits all. And honestly, that is what makes it both annoying and kind of fun.

If I had to be honest, I personally use a mix of Netflix, Max, and Apple TV Plus. Netflix keeps me busy with guilty pleasure content, Max reminds me that good writing still exists, and Apple TV Plus has this weird ability to surprise me with shows I didn’t expect to like. I also keep YouTube Premium because once you go ad free, you can’t go back. The rest? I rotate them depending on what’s trending or what I forgot to cancel.

The best streaming service for you will depend on how much chaos you’re willing to tolerate in exchange for comfort, distraction, or actual storytelling. Just remember to cancel the ones you haven’t opened in three months. Or don’t. Let’s be honest, you won’t.