In 2023, streaming fans have more choices than ever, including NBC/Comcast’s Peacock, AT&T’s HBO Max, Apple TV Plus and Disney Plus. While Peacock is slightly different in that it has live news, the other services lack traditional live channels – focusing instead on back catalogs and new original programming – but they can still put a strain on your entertainment budget.
Netflix: Netflix is ​​so popular that it has become a blanket term for streaming, in the same way as “Magic Marker” or even “Coke” in the South. And then there’s the ever-popular ‘Netflix and chill’. Ad-supported plans now start at $7 per month, and the service offers thousands of TV shows and movies, including original TV series like Black Mirror and Stranger Things (note that you may have to trade up for the $15 plan .50 to view certain content). Then there are Netflix original films, including Oscar winners Roma and The Power of the Dog.
Prime Video: The “other” major streaming service, which comes as part of a $139 annual Prime membership, or on its own for $9 per month. The interface isn’t as user-friendly as Netflix, but the service also offers shows unlike its competitor, including original content like The Rings of Power, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Expanse. Amazon Prime has that too the ability to add premium channels (HBO and Showtime and more), making it a potential one-stop shop.
Disney Plus: Disney is one of the largest streaming services to ever launch, amassing a mix of movies, TV shows, and exclusive content, including Loki, Andor, and She-Hulk, starting at $8 per month. Read our Disney Plus review here.
Peacock: Peacock is NBC’s answer to Paramount Plus. Its main claim to fame is that the basic level, with 7,500 hours of content, is free. Peacock Premium unlocks more content for $6 per month – including exclusive shows like Poker Face and Mrs. Davis – while an ad-lite version called Peacock Premium Plus costs $12 per month.
Paramount Plus: Paramount Plus costs $6 per month or $12 per month for ad-free streaming. The service offers live TV for Premium subscribers, sports and on-demand content from CBS, MTV, BET, Nickelodeon and Paramount Network, plus the film studio Paramount Pictures. Paramount Plus also offers exclusive originals like Yellowjackets, 1923 and Picard.
Vudu and Movies Anywhere: Digital libraries (or vaults) that contain older UltraViolet content and stream purchase-only movies and TV, such as new releases.
It’s also worth investigating free, ad-supported services like Roku Channel, Amazon Freevee, Tubi, Pluto and Crackle, which offer a wealth of content. Read CNET’s overview of free TV services here.