We bet you can count on one hand the number of people you know who still pay for cable. Literally almost everybody streams content now. But it used to be that Netflix was really the only option; now there are tons to choose from, and finding a company that jives with your particular needs can be overwhelming. Here, we break down all the info you need to have on the top streaming services.
The Great Streaming Showdown
Price: The first month is free; basic service is $7.99/month; standard service is $9.99/month; premium service is $11.99/month.
What you can watch: Movies, TV shows (typically one season behind), international films, documentaries and Netflix originals
Ads: No
Watch from: Smart TVs, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Nexus Player, Roku, Nvidia Shield, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, Blu-ray players, set-top boxes, Apple and Android phones and tablets, Windows Phone, PCs and laptops
Price: 30 days free, then $7.99/month (add-on features like no commercials or HBO, Cinemax and Showtime are extra); seven days free, then $39.99/month for Hulu with live and on-demand TV
Ads: Limited or no commercials
What you can watch: Current episodes of TV shows and Hulu originals, exclusives and movies
Watch from: Smart TVs, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire and Fire TV, Nexus Player, Roku, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii, Wii U, TiVo, Apple and Android phones and tablets, Apple iPod Touch, Windows Phone, PCs and laptops
Price: 30-day free trial (six months if you become a Prime Student member), then $10.99/month
Ads: Yes (but some are skippable)
What you can watch: TV shows, Amazon originals and movies; if you already have an Amazon Prime membership, you can access Prime-eligible movies and TV shows
Watch from: Smart TVs; Amazon Fire, Fire TV and Fire TV Stick; Roku; PlayStation 3; Xbox 360; Wii; Wii U; Blu-ray players; set-top boxes; Apple and Android phones and tablets; PCs and laptops
Price: 30-day free trial, then $14.99/month (HBO Go is free if you subscribe to the channel from a cable provider)
Ads: No
What you can watch: Movies, series, documentaries, sports, specials and more
Watch from: Smart TVs; Apple TV; Chromecast; Amazon Fire, Fire TV and Fire TV Stick; Roku; Android TV; PlayStation 3; PlayStation 4; Xbox One; Xbox 360; Apple and Android phones and tablets; PCs and laptops
Price: $149 (32 GB); $179 (4K, 32 GB); $199 (4K, 64 GB); this does not include subscriptions to certain apps
Ads: Depends on the streaming applications you use
What you can watch: Movies, TV shows, live sports and news from more than 60 video services
Watch from: Apple TV, iPhone and iPad
Price: Starts at $29.99; this does not include subscriptions to certain apps
Ads: Depends on the streaming apps you use
What you can watch: Cable channels, subscription channels, free channels, rent-or-buy channels
Watch from: Your TV
Price: $35; $69 (4K Ultra HD and HDR); this does not include subscriptions to certain apps
Ads: Depends on the streaming apps you use
What you can watch: Movies, TV shows, videos, sports, games and more on your TV streamed from your phone, tablet or laptop
Watch from: Your TV
