Best streaming services of 2024

Compare the best streaming services

Streaming movies and shows is easier than ever before. You can pick from live TV streaming services that bring cable channels to your TV through your internet connection or video streaming services like Netflix to play entirely on-demand content. Prices can range from $4.99/mo. up to $80/mo., depending on factors like streaming without commercials, including live channels, original programming and more. Here are the top services available nationwide. 

Our top 3 streaming picks 

• Best for live TV: YouTube TV 
• Best for on demand streaming: Netflix
• Best cheap streaming option: Sling TV

How we chose the best streaming services

We looked at affordability, value, channel count, contract length and original content in order to determine which streaming services were the best options available.

We looked at affordability, value, channel count, contract length and original content in order to determine which streaming services were the best options available. We broke down this analysis into several categories so that all shoppers are able to find the best TV service based on their needs. For that reason, we differentiated between the best live TV streaming service, the best on demand streaming service and the best cheap streaming service option.

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Popular streaming packages

• Starting at $6.99/mo.

  Our overall score: 8.7/10

  “Netflix is the best video streaming service overall. It has the best mix of original and licensed content around, and its technology is in a class of its own.”

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• Starting at $64.99/mo.*

  Our overall score: 8.5/10

  “While DIRECTV is more expensive than other live TV streaming services, you’ll get the best channel lineup in streaming and a simple-to-use, all-in-one device.”

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• Starting at $72.99/mo.

  Our overall score: 8.8/10

  “Other live TV streaming services have slightly better channel lineups, but YouTube TV closes the gap with its outstanding user experience.”

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• Starting at $74.99/mo.

  Our overall score: 8.4/10

  “fuboTV isn’t a good option for fans of American sports, but it has one of the best overall channel selections of any live TV streaming service.”

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• Starting at $25.00/mo.

  Our overall score: 6.8/10

  “Philo is the only skinny bundle to include DVR storage, but other live TV streaming services have better channel lineups for cheaper.”

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• Starting at $7.99/mo.

  Our overall score: 7.6/10

  “With plenty of news, sports and family channels in addition to its on-demand service, Hulu + Live TV provides a solid experience overall.”

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• Starting at $40/mo.

  Our overall score: 6.8/10

  “Sling is one of the cheaper options around for live TV streaming, but you won’t get popular channels like ABC, CBS or most regional sports networks.”

  Read review

*Plus taxes.

Compare top streaming packages

If you’re having trouble deciding which services to add, our experts have done the research on details like channel lineups, content offerings, simultaneous streams and more. Compare some popular options below.

*According to data from JustWatch.com (05/05/23)

YouTube TV is $72.99/mo. with no long-term contracts or equipment fees. You get 100+ live TV channels. We like YouTube TV because they have the best channel lineup for news, sports, comedies, dramas and more. They are also the exclusive carrier of the NFL Sunday Ticket. 

Netflix plans range from $6.99 to $22.99/mo. with no extra costs and no contracts. Netflix offers movies, documentaries, TV shows, anime and original content. Netflix is known for its nearly flawless interface.

Sling TV has three packages: Orange ($40/mo.), Blue ($40/mo.) and Orange + Blue ($55/mo.). The channel count is 30 to 50. It’s cheaper than other options but has fewer channels than cable, satellite and some other live TV streaming services.

Live streaming vs. video-on-demand streaming

The major difference between live streaming and on-demand streaming is timing. You can watch a live event as it is happening or a debut of a new show as it is being viewed worldwide with a live service, or watch a replay of the event, or a favorite show or movie, with an on-demand service. The best providers will have a mix of the two or at least an option to add on live streaming. 

Streaming service FAQs

What streaming service is best all around?

Hulu has the vote of US News and PC Magazine as the best all-around streaming service, for price and channel line-up.

What is the most popular streaming service?

By subscriber numbers, Netflix is the most popular, with Amazon and Disney Plus rounding out the top 3.

What is the best streaming service for my money?

Sling TV and Hulu have solid channel lineup and have middle-of-the-road prices.

Find out which streaming service is best for you with our comparison articles

Netflix vs. Prime Video

YouTube TV vs. Sling

Netflix vs. Hulu

YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live TV

Philo vs Sling TV

Hulu + Live TV vs. Sling