Fast internet connections and an abundance of media streaming devices have accelerated the decline of traditional cable. An increasing number of people are cutting the cord in favor of dedicated streaming alternatives (even if there are still some good reasons to keep cable). Streaming services are only growing larger and more numerous, leaving you with an overwhelming number of options.
If you're looking to toss some money at a streaming video service, our top picks are a terrific starting point.
New Channels and Consolidation
The competition between video streaming services has never been tougher, so some media companies are banding together. For instance, CBS and Viacom merged (again) to launch Paramount+, along with a Showtime bundle. Warner Bros. merged with Discovery to form new streaming giant Max, which has already killed CNN+, the Batgirl movie, and many cartoons. However, thanks to the Discovery+ content, it is leading the charge in streaming's new trash TV golden age. Amazon bought MGM for $9 billion, too, which considerably boosted Prime Video's library. Crunchyroll became the definitive anime streaming service by gobbling up rivals Funimation and VRV. Disney bundles Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ to cover all entertainment bases. Even AMC+ has a bundle packaging together AMC Premiere, Shudder, Sundance Now, IFC Films Unlimited, and BBC America.
The increasingly competitive streaming market is not without consequences. Consumers who may have originally been attracted to the flexibility that streaming services offer over cable, now must navigate a crowded and constantly shifting nightmare of streaming rights and new services, many of which continue to rise in cost. Live TV streaming services are also struggling to adjust to the rising costs of broadcast rights from cable channel owners. The price of just about every one of these services has increased considerably over time.
The Catalog Is Everything
As mentioned, a video streaming service's success largely depends on what its library offers. That's why so many services are investing heavily in developing high-quality original content. Consider, for example, Netflix's Stranger Things, Amazon's The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale, all of which are Emmy-winning shows. Without these hooks, standalone video streaming services would likely be unable to compete with existing entertainment behemoths. Several platforms have also saved popular shows from the grave in an effort to build a compelling library. For instance, Roku brought back all the originals from the ill-fated Quibi, even if many of those shows have since been removed.
Apart from on-demand video streaming services, complete cable-replacement services are now just as mainstream. Some of the best live TV services, for example, such as Hulu and YouTube TV, offer robust lineups of local, news, sports, and lifestyle channels. Others have specialties. For instance, DirecTV Stream is the best option for regional sports networks (RSNs) and Philo is custom-built for lifestyle and entertainment fans.
Video Streaming Services: What You Should KnowCan You Stream Live Sports Online?
Sports fans may worry that they won't be able to watch live sports when they ditch cable. However, that's simply not the case. Many of the video streaming options we reviewed are also among the best sports streaming services. Regardless of whether you want to watch regional, national, or international sports, there is a service that meets your needs. Although blackouts and cancellations may still apply, these streaming options offer distinct advantages over cable, including full-featured apps on many platforms and simultaneous streaming capabilities. Check out our roundup of the best NFL streaming services, best MLB streaming services, best NBA streaming services, and the best NHL streaming services for specific recommendations.
Other Video Streaming Options
Smaller and sometimes cheaper options also exist with a more specific focus. For example, Crunchyroll, Hidive, and RetroCrush represent anime streaming services. Check out our roundup of the best free video streaming services, if you want to reduce the amount you spend on streaming subscriptions each month. Explore our article about the best video streaming services for celebrating Black art, too.
Horror fans need not fear ditching cable, either, with the best horror streaming services. We've curated lists of the best horror films and scary original shows. Even Troma has a streaming app now, so low-budget schlock aficionados have options.
Cinephiles should read our coverage of the best movie streaming services. If you're after something more educational, our roundup of the best documentary streaming services is a good place to start. Alamo on Demand and Angelika Anywhere offer virtual versions of curated movie theaters. If live theater is more your thing, BroadwayHD is your best bet.
Although it is not what typically comes to mind, Vimeo also offers a small selection of indie films and video projects via its On Demand section. If you want to watch people play games, Twitch is your best bet. You should also consider streaming Netflix and other top video services to your game consoles.
Plex is yet another option for streaming your local media content, over-the-air cable (provided you have the right hardware), and an on-demand library that now includes all of Crackle's library. Open-source software Kodi offers similar media-management functionality.
You should use a virtual private network (VPN) for all your internet-related tasks, but VPNs are particularly useful for streaming services since they can sometimes grant access to region-locked content. For example, if you connect to a VPN server in the UK from a device in the US, you may be able to watch free content from BBC TV. That said, streaming services are cracking down on VPN usage, so we recommend signing up for a trial to test your network setup before fully committing to a service. Make sure to check out our explainer on how to unblock Netflix with a VPN, as well as our guide on the best VPNs for video streaming.
If you want to cut the cord, here's our rundown of what you can expect from the most popular services. You shouldn't fall into the trap of paying more for video streaming services than you did for cable, so make sure to only sign up for those that offer the content you actually want to watch, and pick services that fit your budget. If you need more help, check out these useful streaming video guides that help you find content. We've reviewed dozens of streaming services, but if we missed your favorite option, make sure to let us know in the comment section.
Watch More Video
Stay up to date with the latest streaming hits with our recurring feature on what to watch this weekend. Does your home's Wi-Fi coverage not extend to your backyard oasis? We'll show you how to download videos from every video streaming service for offline playback.
Even though you may not be able to be in the same physical place as your friends and family due to COVID-19, you can still watch the same shows together. You can use the Netflix Party Chrome extension to sync that service's video playback across devices. Amazon Prime Video members, Disney+ users, Hulu ad-free subscribers, and Plex fans also enjoy co-watching features.