Choosing a streaming service feels easy — until you open ten tabs and a bills app. This streaming service comparison cuts through the noise. I’ll compare Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, Max, and a few niche players on price, content, device support, and value. If you want quick picks or a clear way to decide, you’ll get both. From what I’ve seen, small details (offline downloads, profiles, sports) change the winner for different households. Read on and you’ll know which service suits you best — and how to save money while you’re at it.
What this comparison covers
Short version: price, content library, device support, picture quality, simultaneous streams, and special features. I tested official specs and recent catalog updates (spring 2025). I also used personal experience and common user scenarios to highlight the trade-offs.
Quick comparison table
This table gives a snapshot — perfect if you skim.
| Service | Typical Price (US) | Free Trial | Content Strengths | Devices & Streams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $6.99–$22.99/mo | No (rare promos) | Originals, broad global library | Most devices; 1–4 streams (plan) |
| Disney+ | $7.99–$13.99/mo | No | Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic | Most devices; 4 streams; profiles & kids modes |
| Hulu | $7.99–$82.99/mo | Yes (limited) | Current TV, originals, live TV option | Most devices; 2–Unlimited (add-on) |
| Prime Video | $8.99/mo or $139/yr Prime | No (Prime trials exist) | Mix of originals, third-party rentals, sports | Most devices; 3 streams |
| Max (HBO) | $9.99–$19.99/mo | No | Prestige dramas, Warner catalog | Most devices; 1–3 streams (plan) |
How I evaluated each service
I weighed five practical factors:
- Content quality & exclusives — what you can’t get elsewhere.
- Library depth — variety for families vs. niche tastes.
- Price & plans — base, HD/4K, ad tiers.
- Device support — TVs, consoles, mobile offline.
- User experience — recommendations, profiles, kids modes.
Real-world example: I used Netflix for family movie nights, but for my kid’s Disney cartoons, Disney+ wins every time because of the catalog and user profiles. For a drama binge, Max often edges out others.
Deep dive: Strengths & weaknesses
Netflix
Strengths: Massive originals, global reach, consistent UI. Weaknesses: Price creep, rotating licensed content. Netflix is best if you want fresh, buzzworthy originals and a polished recommendation engine.
Disney+
Strengths: Exclusive franchises, family-first features. Weaknesses: Less adult-focused content (outside Star hubs). If you have kids or love Marvel/Star Wars, this is likely the best value.
Hulu
Strengths: Current-season TV and flexible live-TV add-ons. Weaknesses: Ads on cheaper plans; library can feel US-centric. I use Hulu when I want next-day network shows without cable.
Prime Video
Strengths: Bundled value with Prime, rentals and channels. Weaknesses: UI and discovery can be clunky. If you already buy on Amazon or want free shipping, Prime Video is a tie-in winner.
Max (HBO)
Strengths: High-quality dramas, movies, and prestige content. Weaknesses: Smaller breadth than Netflix, higher price for ad-free. For auteur TV, Max often outperforms.
Which service is best for different viewers?
- Families with kids: Disney+ plus a cheap Netflix or Hulu plan for variety.
- Binge-watchers of prestige TV: Max or Netflix.
- Sports fans: Prime Video (select sports), Peacock (not listed above), or live-TV Hulu add-on.
- Budget-conscious: Rotate services and use promos — pick one big library and one niche.
Tips to choose the right service
Ask two quick questions: What do you watch most? Who’s in your household? Then:
- Start with a free trial (where available) and plan around the shows you want to finish in that month.
- Share plans legally if allowed — many services limit concurrent streams.
- Use profiles to filter kids’ content and watch history.
- Pro tip: Keep a running watchlist and unsubscribe immediately after finishing a seasonal show.
Money-saving strategies
- Look for bundle deals (Disney bundles with Hulu & ESPN+).
- Check student or ISP discounts — they’re often overlooked.
- Share costs with trusted household members (within terms).
- Rotate subscriptions seasonally — subscribe only when a show you want is dropping new episodes.
Device compatibility & streaming quality
Most major services support smart TVs, mobile, browsers, and game consoles. If you need 4K HDR or Dolby Atmos — check the specific plan. For example, Netflix requires a higher-tier plan for Ultra HD. I found that streaming quality varies by ISP and device, not just the service.
Privacy, downloads, and parental controls
Nearly every major service offers downloads for offline viewing, but limits vary. Parental controls are robust on Disney+ and Hulu. Consider streaming settings and password hygiene — shared passwords are a weak privacy point.
Fast recommendations (choose quickly)
- Want new hit shows? Netflix.
- Have kids or love franchises? Disney+.
- Follow current US TV or want live TV? Hulu.
- Already Prime member or want rentals/channels? Prime Video.
- Care most about prestige dramas? Max.
Final thoughts
Picking a streaming service comes down to content you actually watch, not the library size on paper. If you’re indecisive, I recommend choosing one flagship service and one secondary niche or family service. That combo covers most bases for price-conscious viewers. Try a plan, test it for a month, then decide — it’s the simplest, least risky way to find the right fit.