Choosing a streaming service feels annoyingly personal. You want great shows, a price that doesn’t sting, and apps that actually work on your TV. This streaming service comparison walks through Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Max (HBO Max), Paramount+, and Peacock so you can match content, price, and device support to your habits. I’ll give clear pros and cons, real-world notes (from what I’ve seen), and a compact table to help you pick the right platform quickly.
How to pick a streaming service
Start by asking three simple questions: What do you watch most? How many people will use it? Do you need offline downloads or 4K? Answer those and half the choices disappear. In my experience, content library and price matter most — but device compatibility and simultaneous streams often decide the final pick.
Top services compared at a glance
Below is a side-by-side snapshot of the main services people search for: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Max (HBO Max), Paramount+, and Peacock. Prices vary by region and promotions — treat these as guidelines.
| Service | Typical Price | Best For | Standout Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $6.99–$19.99 | Original series, global hits | Huge originals, strong recommendations, 4K on higher tiers |
| Disney+ | $7.99–$13.99 | Family, Star Wars, Marvel | Exclusive franchises, bundles with Hulu/ESPN (US) |
| Hulu | $7.99–$17.99 | Current TV episodes, cheaper ad-supported plans | Next-day TV, live TV add-on |
| Prime Video | Included with Prime ($14.99/mo) | Value shoppers, rentals, extras | Included shopping perks, rentable movies, channel add-ons |
| Max | $9.99–$15.99 | Premium dramas, Warner Bros. films | HBO catalog, new Warner releases (region-dependent) |
| Paramount+ | $4.99–$11.99 | Sports, CBS shows | Live sports (Paramount+ with live), large CBS library |
| Peacock | $0–$11.99 | Budget viewers, nostalgia content | Free tier, NBC catalog, sports highlights |
Real-world notes on catalogs and exclusives
Content is king. If you love Marvel or Star Wars, Disney+ is hard to beat. For prestige dramas and new HBO films, pick Max. Netflix still leads for a steady stream of originals and international hits. I’ve seen families keep Disney+ for kids and Netflix for grown-up shows — often both are worth it if your budget allows.
Pricing, plans and hidden costs
Promos and bundles matter. Amazon Prime Video comes with Prime benefits, which can be huge value if you shop on Amazon. Hulu’s ad-supported plan is the cheapest for new TV episodes, but ads can interrupt flow (obviously). Watch out for channel add-ons (Starz, Showtime) and rental fees — they add up fast.
Simultaneous streams & profiles
Simultaneous streams affect households. Netflix tiers range from single-device to 4 streams. Disney+ and Hulu also limit simultaneous streams depending on plan. If your family streams on multiple TVs, prioritize services that support 3–4 streams.
Video quality, downloads, and device support
Most services now offer 1080p and 4K tiers. If you crave 4K HDR, check whether the specific show or movie is available in that format — not everything is. Offline downloads are common on Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video; some platforms restrict downloads per device.
- Device support: Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, smart TVs, game consoles — all major services support these, but older devices sometimes lag.
- Data use: 4K will chew up data. If you have a capped connection, pick 1080p or limit streaming quality.
Which service is best for different viewers
Short recommendations — because choices should be quick.
Families with kids
Disney+ for preschoolers and franchise content. Add Netflix if you want variety and family-friendly originals.
Movie lovers
Max if you want HBO films and prestige cinema; Prime Video for rentals and occasional exclusives.
TV binge-watchers
Netflix for frequent new series. Hulu if you like recent network shows and next-day episodes.
Budget-conscious viewers
Peacock (free tier) or Hulu ad-supported. Combine one low-cost service with occasional rentals.
How to test before committing
My practical advice: sign up for free trials or month-to-month plans and test real usage for two weeks. Watch the shows you love, try downloads, and check apps on your TV and phone. If you cancel before a billing cycle, you avoid long-term regret.
Quick checklist before you subscribe
- Is the show/movie you want exclusive? Check the service first.
- How many people will stream at once?
- Do you need 4K or offline downloads?
- Are you getting bundle discounts (e.g., Disney+/Hulu/ESPN)?
Useful official resources
For latest plan details check the official sites: Netflix and Disney+. These pages list current pricing, device support, and exact features.
Final thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. From what I’ve seen, most people end up with two services: one for family/kids and one for adult shows/movies. Try the cheap plan first, watch the titles you care about, and decide based on what you actually use. If you want my quick pick: start with Netflix for variety, add Disney+ for franchises, and use Peacock/Paramount+ as low-cost extras when you need them.