Finally looking to cut the cord or your family has finally embraced kicking your cable company to the curb? TV streaming services are here to stay and with their surge in popularity there are more streaming platforms than ever before. Subscribing to a streaming service will take more thought than the standard Netflix versus Hulu debate you may have had.
To help you choose the best TV streaming service for you, we’ve rounded up the top five streaming services available in 2021. We have something for everyone on our list. From cord cutters, binge watchers and movie buffs alike; no one will be unhappy.
- Netflix
Starting Price: $8.99 per month (or free for T-Mobile subscribers)
Exclusive Content: Yes!
Netflix, hands down the most popular streaming service in existence to date is our number one streaming service. With its origins in renting DVD’s by mail, the streaming service has since moved the majority of its services to streaming online. To our surprise, their DVD rental by mail service is well and alive with a staggering number of subscribers.
Netflix has original programming like Orange is the New Black, Grace and Frankie, Stranger Things, Ozark, Black Mirror and many more. The streaming service always has new original programming in the works so stay tuned for the next up and coming show.
- Hulu
Starting Price: $5.99 per month (or free for Sprint subscribers)
Exclusive Content: Yes!
Hulu, one of the first streaming services to create a live TV streaming option makes number two on our list. If you’re into day time programming, reality shows and a general mix of everything, Hulu is your go to streaming service. Hulu subscribers can find a ton of programming from TLC, A&E, Food Network and most major network shows.
Hulu has original shows like the super popular The Handmaid’s Tale, Shrill, Little Fires Everywhere with more Hulu Originals in production as we write.
- Disney+
Starting Price: $6.99 per month (or free for Verizon Wireless subscribers)
Exclusive Content: Yes!
Disney+, home to everything Disney is well deserving of the number three spot on our list. The streaming service still has a ton to offer going into its second year of operation. If you haven’t given their free trial a whirl yet, you may be surprised to hear that there is more than just Disney programming available. Subscribers to the service can also find some programming from Fox and Discovery channels. However, both channels have their own streaming services with much more in-depth programming than the extras included on Disney+.
Disney+ has original programming like the popular The Mandalorian and the newly released WandaVision with The Falcon and the Winter Soldier coming soon. The streaming service doesn’t have a ton of original programming like Netflix or Hulu, but many more shows are coming soon.
- Amazon Prime Video
Starting Price: $8.99 per month (or included with Amazon Prime subscription)
Exclusive Content: Yes!
Amazon Prime Video is available as a standalone streaming service or as a part of your Amazon Prime subscription adds many new titles to your binge list. Because of the service’s binge ability, we rate the streaming service as number four on our list. The service isn’t known for their original titles, but more of their versatile buffet of content that’s conveniently available to avid Amazon shoppers. If you have a must watch show on your list and you can’t find it anywhere, Amazon Prime Video is likely to have it, even if it is a cheap rental.
Amazon Prime Video has original series like Sneaky Pete, The Tick, Patriot, Goliath and more. Many of the Amazon Prime Original Series are severely underrated due to Amazon being late to the streaming service game.
- Sling TV
Starting Price: $35 per month
Exclusive Content: No
Sling TV is the best and most affordable TV streaming service available right now that’s almost exclusively live TV. For its cable like feel, we’ve rated Sling TV fifth on our list. If you want to cut the cord but miss the cable subscription feel already; Sling TV is the streaming service to go with. You’ll only get a fraction of the channels you get with cable, but you’re exchanging those channels you’ve never watched for some extra money back into your pocket.
