Within the last few years, streaming services have begun changing the way people watch television. Since then, it has continued to grow its presence in the media world, and last year it even overtook broadcast television to become the second most-used form of TV usage, just after cable (via CBR).
But with success has come competition, and there are now numerous streaming services available, all with their own exclusive series and movies. But there's also a price difference between each streaming platform too, giving consumers the power to choose how much they want to spend on content.
Peacock (Free)
Viewers who are interested in watching Peacock's original series, such as Girld5Eva and Bel-Air, will need to subscribe to one of the streamer's plans - $4.99 with ads, $9.99 without. But basic access to Peacock is completely free and allows audiences to watch a large selection of movies and TV shows.
Viewers can stream NBC hits like The Office, Parks and Recreation, This is Us, and Mr. Mayor without paying a penny, making Peacock an excellent option for those who may already be paying for another streaming service but are looking for new content.
Shudder ($4.75/mo.)
AMC's horror streaming service, Shudder, has been gaining steam for years now, becoming a sleeper hit in the world of streaming. Naturally, Shudder is a great streaming service for horror fans because it contains tons of excellent movies and TV shows that all center around horror, suspense, and the paranormal.
In recent years, Shudder has also started producing its own original content, such as the highly-praised series Creepshow and Cursed Films. Best of all, at just $4.75 per month and is one of the cheapest options out there.
Paramount+ ($4.99/mo.)
In just one year, Paramount+ has boomed onto the scene. Beforehand, it was the struggling streaming service, CBS All Access, and had a limited number of original series (most notable being Star Trek: Discovery). However, the rebrand and a boatload of original content have helped turn the failing streamer into one that now has almost 35 million subscribers (via CNET).
Hit shows on the platform include RuPaul's Drag Race: All-Stars, 1884, and Picard. Plus, highly-anticipated shows, like Halo, are sure to drive subscriber numbers even higher. Best of all, Paramount+ offers a 25% discount on prices for students, as well as a commercial-free option for $9.99 (via their official website).
AppleTV+ ($4.99/mo.)
Apple's streaming service has notoriously struggled to find its footing. It launched with The Morning Show, which became an instant hit...but Apple TV+ was unable to find success again until the release of Ted Lasso. Sadly, it seems as if the streamer might be struggling once again, which has hurt its subscriber numbers.
Plus, Apple inflates its subscriber numbers by giving free Apple TV+ subscriptions to anyone who buys new Apple devices, making its true numbers incredibly hard to decipher (via engadget). However, for just $4.99 a month, some might choose the service for a month or two to catch up on Ted Lasso.
Discovery+ ($4.99/mo.)
One of streaming's biggest surprises was that Discovery+ became such a massive hit. Focusing solely on low-budget lifestyle and reality TV, Discovery+ has managed to rake in over 22 million subscribers (via Variety). The streamer combines content from all of Discovery's networks, including TLC, Food Network, HGTV, OWN, and more.
At some point, Discovery+ will go defunct as it's just been announced that it will merge with HBO Max to produce one singular mammoth-sized streaming service. However, the merger date is still TBA, so lifestyle and reality fans can continue watching Discovery+ for the foreseeable future.
Hulu ($6.99/mo.)
Hulu is one of the older streaming services and has built up an impressive library of content. Still, for its size, it's actually quite cheap. At just $6.99 per month, viewers can watch hit shows from across a wide range of networks like NBC, ABC, Lifetime, VH1, and more.
For $12.99 a month, Hulu has an ad-free tier and allows subscribers to add on channels like HBO Max, Showtime, and STARZ. Hulu even has live TV, making it a great streaming service for viewers who want a hybrid option.
Disney+ ($7.99/mo.)
Disney's streaming giant, Disney+, has become one of the most-subscribed platforms in just a few short years. It's also raised its price since it first launched and has said that it plans to raise prices again next year (via Forbes).
But higher prices likely won't impact Disney+'s subscriber numbers since the streamer attracts numerous markets that are all craving content - such as parents with children, Star Wars fans, and the Marvel crowd. Plus, many viewers will surely think the price is worth it if Disney+ keeps producing acclaimed series like WandaVision and original films, like Turning Red.
Amazon Prime Video ($8.99/mo.)
Prime Video is a unique concept. It was founded by an online retailer and was originally available only to those who had Amazon Prime, a service that was originally just a way to get faster shipping and deals on products.
However, through the years, Prime Video has developed an identity of its own and has become known for hit series like The Boys, Jack Ryan, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. One thing that many might not realize is that Prime Video is also available as its own subscription now. Instead of paying the full $14.99 per month Prime fee, viewers can opt for a Prime Video-only subscription, which costs $8.99 a month (via Amazon Official Website).
HBO Max ($9.99/mo.)
HBO Max is one of the more expensive streaming services, starting at $9.99 per month with ads, and $14.99 per month for a , ad-free experience. However, the streamer offers a lot more than other services, which could explain the price.
Not only does a subscription come with HBO's library of classics like The Sopranos and Sex and the City, but it also includes acclaimed HBO Max originals, like The Flight Attendant and Euphoria. Adding to all that, HBO Max is committed to "fast-tracking" all Warner Bros. movies to the platform just 45 days after their theatrical release.
Netflix ($9.99/mo.)
Netflix is the most expensive streaming service. It's tied with HBO Max for the highest entry price, and its version, which costs $9.99, is the most expensive of any streamer. Granted, Netflix has also been around for much longer than the other platforms and has been building a library of original content for almost a decade.
In that time they've accumulated massive hit series like the reboot of Arrested Development, Orange Is the New Black, Sense 8, Emily in Paris, and more. Netflix also has a wide selection of blockbuster movies, unknown indie films, and classic TV series, making it a great option for the viewer who is always looking for new, varied content.