Picking a streaming plan feels like grocery shopping these days — aisle after aisle, new labels, and a budget staring back at you. A solid streaming service comparison can save you time and money. Below I break down the major players (Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Max, Apple TV+) across price, content, device support, and real-world usability so you can decide — quickly and confidently. I’ll also share what I’ve noticed from testing apps and watching at home (spoiler: simultaneous streams and kids profiles matter more than you think).
How I evaluated services
Short version: I tested apps on phone, TV, and web, compared announced libraries, checked pricing as of 2025, and considered real-world needs like travel downloads and family profiles. I leaned on official sources and hands-on use. This is aimed at beginners and people who already subscribe to one or two services.
At-a-glance comparison table
Quick scan first — details follow.
| Service | Approx. Monthly Price (USD) | Free Trial | Simultaneous Streams | Offline Downloads | Notable Originals/Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $6.99–$19.99 | Varies by region | 1–4 (plan) | Yes | Huge originals library; global reach |
| Disney+ | $7.99–$13.99 | Occasional promos | 4 | Yes | Family brands: Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar |
| Hulu | $7.99–$17.99 | Usually 30-day promo | 2–4 (plan) | Yes (on supported plans) | Next-day TV, originals like The Handmaid’s Tale |
| Amazon Prime Video | $8.99 (Prime benefits vary) | Often 30 days with Prime | 3 | Yes | Included with Prime; mix of rentals and originals |
| Max (HBO) | $9.99–$19.99 | Occasional promos | 2–3 | Yes | Prestige TV, Warner Bros releases |
| Apple TV+ | $6.99 | Free with device purchase/promo | 3 | Yes | High-quality originals, smaller library |
Key comparison factors to consider
1. Price vs value
Price alone is seductive. But value depends on what you watch. If you love blockbuster originals, Netflix or Max might justify higher cost. If family-friendly franchises matter, Disney+ often wins. I usually ask: how many new shows will I watch per month? That guides whether a cheaper plan or premium tier makes sense.
2. Content library and originals
Netflix still has the most diverse originals. Disney+ owns franchises that pull families back repeatedly. Hulu excels at current TV and reality. Prime Video mixes purchases, live sports add-ons, and steady originals. Max targets premium drama and films. Apple TV+ focuses on a smaller, curated slate.
3. Device support and app quality
I use a 4-year-old smart TV, Android phone, and laptop. Netflix and Prime Video worked flawlessly across all. Disney+ sometimes had hiccups on older TVs. App stability matters more than many realize — a crashed app during prime time is annoying enough to cancel.
4. Simultaneous streams and profiles
For families, simultaneous streams are a non-negotiable. Disney+ and Netflix’s higher tiers let several people watch different things at once. Profiles and parental controls matter — Hulu’s kids’ profile works well.
5. Offline downloads and travel
Downloads are essential if you commute or travel. All major services offer downloads, but limits and retention vary. Netflix’s download feature is the most polished from what I’ve tried.
6. Live TV and sports
If you want live sports or local channels, add-ons and bundles matter. Hulu + Live TV and Prime Video with add-ons can work, but costs climb fast. Think of live TV plans as a separate line item.
Service-by-service notes (real-world examples)
Netflix
Strengths: massive originals, good downloads, global catalog. Weakness: price creep and regional licensing. Example: I dropped Netflix a year ago when price rose, but returned for a must-watch original — that’s the pattern I see with many users.
Disney+
Strengths: unbeatable for family franchises. Weakness: fewer adult-only originals outside Marvel/Star Wars. Example: households with kids often keep Disney+ year-round for new family releases and classics.
Hulu
Strengths: next-day TV, flexible bundles. Weakness: ad tiers feel intrusive. Example: I use Hulu for current network shows and occasional Hulu originals — it’s great when you want to stay caught up with broadcast TV.
Amazon Prime Video
Strengths: Prime bundle perks, rentals, add-ons. Weakness: UI can hide included titles among rentals. Example: Prime is often kept for shipping benefits more than video, but video is a valuable bonus.
Max (HBO)
Strengths: prestige TV and recent Warner Bros. films. Weakness: price for the ad-free tier. Example: cinephiles and drama fans often prioritize Max for singular series and award-season films.
Apple TV+
Strengths: great production values, low price. Weakness: smaller library. Example: Apple TV+ is the easiest add — low cost, often free with device purchase, and surprisingly consistent quality.
How to pick the right plan for you
- If you watch a lot of originals: consider Netflix or Max.
- If you have kids: Disney+ is often the best value.
- If you want live TV and news: look at Hulu + Live TV or bundles.
- If you want low-cost, high-quality picks: try Apple TV+.
- On a budget: rotate subscriptions — subscribe month-by-month to one or two services for new seasons.
Budget strategy I recommend
From what I’ve seen, many households save money by keeping two services: one for family/franchise content and one for adult originals. Example combo: Disney+ + Netflix (or Disney+ + Prime Video). Rotate a third subscription every few months to catch new seasons.
Comparison checklist before you subscribe
- How many simultaneous streams do you need?
- Do you need downloads for travel?
- Which exclusives are must-watch?
- Is there a bundle (student, mobile carrier) that reduces price?
- Do you plan to watch live sports or local channels?
Short FAQ snapshot (for quick answers)
- Which streaming service has the most originals? Netflix generally leads in sheer volume of originals.
- Are ad-supported plans worth it? If you watch casually, ads save money — but they interrupt binge sessions.
- Can you share passwords? Policies vary; many services restrict sharing outside a household.
Closing thoughts
Choosing a streaming service is personal. My advice: start small, prioritize the shows you love, and use short-term subscriptions to sample. If you want a quick pick: for families choose Disney+, for prestige drama pick Max, and for breadth go with Netflix. Happy watching — and yes, pick the plan that actually gets watched.
Recommended next steps
Compare the services you use in the table above, check current promos on official sites, and trial one new service this month to see if it sticks.