With the availability of unlimited wireless internet, Streaming has been an integral part of our lives. Based on Deloitte, 82 percent of Americans use an online streaming service that is paid and can have an average of four subscriptions to streaming services. With more than 300 streaming services available in the US and over 300 streaming platforms worldwide, the choices can seem overwhelming. In the following article, titled 2022 guide to streaming, we'll take an in-depth review of the top streaming services, including the best video streaming platforms, the best choices to stream live TV, and the best streaming options for watching your most loved sports teams.
Top Streaming Services
Your most loved shows and films are more easily accessible than ever before, thanks to the growth of online streaming. We selected some of the most popular streaming options and compared them side-by-side.ProviderStarting PriceFree Trial AvailableUS Library SizeNetflix$8.99/mo.No5,724Hulu$6.99/mo.Yes2,511HBO Max$9.99/mo.No2,775Amazon Prime Video$8.99/mo.Yes7,947Disney+$7.99/mo.No1,343Apple TV+$4.99/mo.Yes79Peacock$4.99/mo.Yes1,761Discovery+$4.99/mo.Yes1,924
Netflix
Starting Price (per month): $8.99
Free Trial: No
US Library Size:5,724 titles
Simultaneous Streams: 1 (Basic), 2 (Standard), 4 (Premium)
User Profiles:5
Mobile App: Yes
Even as new competitors are gaining ground, Netflix still holds the top spot among all streaming services, holding 20 per cent of the US stream market. Netflix is considered one of the pioneering streaming services and is popular for its original contents and library size. Netflix has three plans available Standard, Basic ($8.99/mo. ), Standard ($13.99/mo. ), and Premium ($17.99/mo.). Each includes unlimited movies and shows; however, they differ in Price, concurrent streams, the number of devices supporting downloads, and HD or Ultra HD availability. Subscribers can modify or terminate their subscription at any time.
Netflix
- New shows and films added each week
- Choose between Basic, Standard, and Premium plans.
- You can cancel at any time and without penalty.
Hulu
Starting Price (per month): $6.99
No-cost Trial Sure (30 days)
US Library Size:2,511 titles
Simultaneous Streams: 2
User Profiles:6
Mobile App: Yes
Hulu is an excellent streaming service that offers complete seasons of exclusive shows and current-season episodes, various hit films, Hulu Originals, kids' shows, and more. Hulu with no live TV offers two plans available One is advertising-supported ($6.99/mo.), and the other is completely ad-free ($12.99/mo.). Hulu is a fantastic choice for those that don't want live TV but wish to catch the latest episodes from their favorite shows right after they start airing. Hulu additionally provides premium add-ons to entertainment, including SHOWTIME, HBO Max, Cinemax, and STARZ.
Hulu
- Thousands of TV episodes and movies
- Most new episodes the day after they air
- Ad-free option available
HBO Max
Starting Price (per month): $9.99
Free Trial: No
US Library Size:2,775 titles
Simultaneous Streams: 3
User Profiles:5
Mobile App: Yes
HBO Max is a new streaming service launched in May of 2020. HBO Max is famous for award-winning original programming and streaming Warner Bros. movies the same day they debut in cinemas. You can select two options: Ads ($9.99/mo.) or Ad-Free ($14.99/mo.). Both plans offer more than 13000 hours of content, as well as HBO favorite, shows however, the Ad-Free plan has the same day Warner Bros. movie premiers and downloads for offline viewing, as well as the option of streaming selected films in 4K UHD.
HBO Max
- Stream blockbuster movies, HBO Originals & more
- Warner Bros. movie premieres in cinemas along with HBO Max the same day
Amazon Prime Video
Start price (per month): Included with Amazon Prime Membership or HTML1:$8.99/mo.
No-cost Trial Sure (30 days)
US Library Size:7,947 titles
Simultaneous Streams: 3
User Profiles:6
Mobile App: Yes
Amazon Prime Video has the largest library of streaming content compared to other top streaming services. Prime Video is Amazon's streaming service that lets you view films, shows, award-winning Amazon Originals, as well as top channels and sports, and much more. The premium features of Prime Video include 4K Ultra HD High Dynamic Range (HDR) and mobile downloads to allow offline viewing of certain content. Football fans can take advantage of Thursday Night Football live on Prime Video for no extra cost.
Amazon Prime Video
- Included in Amazon Prime membership
- Access to Amazon Prime original series
- Live Thursday Night Football games
Disney+
Starting Price (per month): $7.99
Free Trial: No
US Library Size:1,343 titles
Simultaneous Streams: 4
User Profiles:7
Mobile App: Yes
Disney+ is the streaming center of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Disney plus provide new releases, Disney classics, exclusive series and movies, seasons of your favorite shows, documentary films, and many more. With the Disney+ subscription, you receive a free premium ad-free service with unlimited downloads on at least 10 different devices and over 100 titles available that are available in high definition UHD and HDR. You can also select to purchase the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, ESPN+, and your Choice of Hulu with no Ads ($19.99/mo.) or Ad-Supported ($13.99/mo. ).
Disney+
- Stream originals from Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars & more
- Access to thousands of Disney movies and shows
- Unlimited downloads on up to 10 devices
Apple TV+
Starting Price (per month): $4.99
No-cost Trial Absolutely (length varies)
US Library Size:79 titles US Library Size: 79 titles
Simultaneous Streams: 6
User Profiles:6
Mobile App: Yes
Apple TV+ is a streaming service that includes Apple Originals, award-winning series and kids' programming, comedy, and much more. There are fresh Apple Originals added every month. Apple TV+ has a smaller library size, but its price is low, making it worthwhile, particularly if you're planning to watch "Ted Lasso," "The Morning Show," and other original shows. Apple is also kind with its trial offer; Apple TV+ is available for three months when you buy the Apple device and redeem it within 90 days. Alternatively, you're able to try a seven-day trial for free.
Apple TV+
- Included for 3 months when you purchase an Apple device
- New Apple Originals added every month
- Always commercial-free
Peacock
Starting Price (per month): $4.99
Test for Free: Sure (7 days)
US Library Size:1,761 titles
Simultaneous Streams: 3
User Profiles:6
Mobile App: Yes
Peacock is an online streaming service offered by NBCUniversal, home to exclusive NBC content such as "The Office." There are three plans available: an unpaid tier and Premium ($4.99/mo. ), and Premium Plus ($9.99/mo.). The free version includes around two-thirds of the catalog but with ads. Peacock Premium offers the complete catalog without ads, and Premium Plus lets you stream the entire content without ads. With Premium Plus and Premium Premium, you can watch live sports like Premier League, live events such as WWE, exclusive Peacock original shows, and next-day access to the latest NBC shows.
Peacock
- Free version available
- Classic shows, movies & Peacock originals
- Sports coverage & next-day streaming of current broadcast series
Discovery+
Starting Price (per month): $4.99
Test for Free: Absolutely (7 days)
US Library Size:1,924 titles
Simultaneous Streams: 4
User Profiles:5
Mobile App: Yes
Discovery+ is a streaming service that includes entertainment from some of the biggest TV networks. The subscription of Discovery+ gives you unlimited access to over 55,000 hours of the 2,500+ classic and contemporary shows on channels such as HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, Lifetime, Discovery Channel, and others. The paid-for plan with ads for $4.99/mo. After a seven-day trial, opt for ad-free for $6.99/mo.
Discovery+
- Access to exclusive and original Discovery+ series and channels
- Ad-free plan available
- Student discounts available
The Best Streaming Services that include Live TV
Many good options are available if you're looking to enhance your streaming by Live TV. Live TV streaming services permit you to remove the cord and end the cable television contract. Explore our top choices below.ProviderStarting PriceChannelsSimultaneous StreamsHulu + Live TV$64.99/mo.75+2YouTube TV$64.99/mo.70+3DIRECTV STREAM$69.99/mo.65+20Sling TV$35.00/mo.32+1Philo TV$25.00/mo.60+3
All prices are subject to change. Capable of change at any moment. Additional charges and terms could be applicable.
Hulu + Live TV
Starting Price (per month): $64.99
Free Trial: Yes
Channels (in entry-level package): 75+
ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC channels: Yes, in most areas
On-Demand: Yes
Simultaneous Streams: 2
User Profiles: 6
DVR: Yes
Mobile App: Yes
Hulu + Live TV is a streaming platform that lets you watch live news, sports and entertainment. It also gives you unlimited access to the complete Hulu streaming collection. Hulu + Live TV comes with 50 hours of Cloud DVR, with the option of upgrading by 200 hours. Additional add-ons that are paid for include unlimited streaming, ESPN+, HBO Max, Cinemax, SHOWTIME and Starz. Sports fans can also avail their Sports Add-On for $9.99/mo. Also, you can access live and on-demand programming on NFL RedZone, TVG, TVG 2, MAVTV, Outdoor Channel, and Sportsman Channel.
Hulu + Live TV
- Live TV with 75+ top channels
- No cable required
- Access to the entire Hulu library
YouTube TV
Starting Price (per month): $64.99
A Free Test: It's true (length varies)
Channels (in entry-level package): 85+
ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC channels: Yes, in most places
On-Demand: Yes
Simultaneous Streams: 3
User Profiles: 5
DVR: Yes
Mobile App: Yes
YouTube TV is one of the most popular streaming services that allow viewers to stream live TV from the most popular and major broadcast cable channels, including live national and local news, sports and breaking news. YouTube TV provides unlimited Cloud DVR storage space and five user accounts with the subscription.
YouTube TV
- 85+ top channels of entertainment, news, live sports & more
- No cable box, contracts, or hidden fees
- Premium channel and sports add-ons available
DIRECTV STREAM
Starting Price (per month): $69.99
Free Trial: No
Channels (in entry-level package): 65+
ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC channels: Yes, in most places
On-Demand: Yes
Simultaneous Streams 20 (must be at home or 3 away from home)
User Profiles: No
DVR: Yes
Mobile App: Yes
DIRECTV STREAM, formerly known as AT&T TV Now, is streaming live TV, which lets you stream the top shows on primetime, including breaking news, sports and other on-demand shows. While there's no trial for free, you can return your money if you cancel the subscription in the first 14 days. There are four packages you can pick Entertainment Ultimate, Choice and Premier. HBO Max is included with Premier and Ultimate; however, both the Choice and the Ultimate packages include three months of no-cost service. Twenty hours of cloud DVR storage is included with every package, but upgrading your storage plan at $10 per month is possible.
DIRECTV STREAM
- Stream movies, news, local channels & live sports
- $10/mo. for unlimited DVR storage
- HBO Max included
Sling TV
Sling TV can be described as an app-based streaming platform for streaming live TV and on-demand content online at home or while on the move. There are three distinct Sling packages available: Orange ($35/mo. ), Blue ($35/mo. ), and Orange & Blue ($50/mo.). All new or existing Sling customers (that do not include DVR Plus) are entitled to FREE DVR storage for fifty hours. DVR Plus may be added for just $5 per month. To get the 200-hour storage. Discover more information about each plan below:
Sling Orange
Starting Price (per month): $35
FREE trials ( 7 days on selected devices)
Channels (in entry-level package): 32
ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC channels: Yes, in most places
On-Demand: Yes
Simultaneous Streams:1
User Profiles:1
DVR: Yes
Mobile App: Yes
Sling Blue
Starting Price (per month): $35
FREE trials (7 seven days with selected devices)
Channels (in entry-level package): 43
ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC channels: Yes, in most areas
On-Demand: Yes
Simultaneous Streams:3
User Profiles:1
DVR: Yes
Mobile App: Yes
Sling Orange & Blue
Starting Price (per month): $50
No-cost TrialYes (7 seven days with selected devices)
Channels (in entry-level package): 51
ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC channels: Yes, in most areas
On-Demand: Yes
Simultaneous Streams: 4
User Profiles:1
DVR: Yes
Mobile App: Yes
Sling TV
- Sling Orange: great for news & entertainment
- Sling Blue: perfect for sports & families
- No rental equipment, no hidden fees, cancel anytime
Philo TV
Starting Price (per month): $25
Test for Free: Sure (7 days)
Channels (in entry-level package): 60+
ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC channels: No
On-Demand: Yes
Simultaneous Streams: 3
User Profiles: 10
DVR: Yes
Mobile App: Yes
Philo is streaming live TV with more than sixty major channels of entertainment. However, it doesn't include local channels, news channels, or sports channels that are popular. With Philo, you can stream across three devices simultaneously and create up to 10 profile profiles for users, as well as access the ability to store unlimited storage for your DVR. The available add-ons for purchase are Epix as well as STARZ.
Philo
- Live & on-demand TV
- Premium channel add-ons available
- Cancel or restart subscription at any time
Best Streaming Services for Sports
Fans of sports and cord-cutters, Get together! Various streaming services for sports focus on live sports, so you don't need to miss a game. In everything from soccer to MMA, There are options for each sports lover.
Provider Starting Price Simultaneous Streams Sports Coverage
ESPN+ $6.99/mo. 3 MLB, MLS, NCAA Sports, NHL & Tennis
Paramount+ $4.99/mo. 3 NCAA Sports, NFL, PGA Tour & UEFA
fuboTV $64.99/mo. 3 Regional, National & International
DAZN $19.99/mo. 2 Boxing & MMA
ESPN+
Starting Price (per month): $6.99
Free Trial: No
Sports Coverage: MLB, MLS, NCAA Sports, NHL, and Tennis
On-Demand: Yes
Simultaneous Streams:3
User Profiles: 1
DVR: No
Mobile App: Yes
Watch live sports as well as archived sports through an ESPN+ subscription. Subscribers have access to thousands of sporting events that include MLB, NHL, MLS, UFC Fight Nights, PPV events, as well as college sports such as football, basketball, and lacrosse.
ESPN+
- Thousands of live events from the best leagues and biggest tournaments
- Access to the entire "30 for 30" library
- Live UFC Fight Nights and PPV events
Paramount+
Starting Price (per month): $4.99
Test for Free: Yes (7 7)
Sports Coverage: NCAA Sports, NFL, PGA Tour, and UEFA
On-Demand: Yes
Simultaneous Streams:3
User Profiles:6
DVR: No
Mobile App: Yes
Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access) is a streaming platform that lets users enjoy live sports and Original content on channels such as CBS, MTV, VH1 and VH1, the Smithsonian Channel, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and more. Members can watch every CBS NFL game, March Madness, the PGA tour, and UEFA. For $9.99 per month, it is possible to upgrade your commercial-free subscription.
Paramount+
- Brand-new originals and exclusive content
- Live sports, shows & news with your local CBS station
- Ad-free option available
fuboTV
Starting Price (per month): $64.99
No-cost TrialYes (7 7)
Sports Coverage:Regional, National & International
On-Demand: Yes
Simultaneous Streams:3
User Profiles:6
DVR: Yes
Mobile App: Yes
fuboTV is an online streaming service focusing on channels that offer live sporting events, such as NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS and international soccer, and news and television networks. If you're a fan of soccer and international sports, FuboTV is the most suitable streaming alternative. Its most well-known fuboTV accessories include Sports Plus, including NFL RedZone (NCAA games, NFL RedZone, and more). Fubo Cycling (Giro of Italia and Flanders Classic), and International Sports Plus (world-class soccer including the most prestigious tournaments).
fuboTV
- Watch NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, MLS, golf, tennis, boxing, MMA, college sports & more
- No hidden fees and cancel anytime
DAZN
Starting Price (per month): $19.99
No-cost TrialYes (1 one month)
Sport CoverageBoxing as well as MMA combats
On-Demand: Yes
Simultaneous Streams: 2
User Profiles: 5
DVR: No
Mobile App: Yes
DAZN is an on-demand and lives streaming sports channel that allows users to watch boxing and MMA fights. Boxing is one of the most popular sports. DAZN stream fights on behalf of the promoters like GGG Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions, Matchroom Boxing, and World Boxing Super Series. MMA streaming is available through Combate Americas, Bellator, and KSW partners. DAZN is accessible at $19.99 per month and $99.99 annually (value at $8.33 each month).
DAZN
- Watch the best in boxing, live and on-demand
- Get exclusive access to all of the fights and original content from GGG, Anthony Joshua & more
- Available on smart TVs, game consoles, connected devices & more
Internet Speed Needed for Streaming
There's nothing you need to stream content at the push of a switch -- just a strong broadband internet and a streaming device can do the trick. We explain the exact speeds of the internet is required to stream your most loved television shows and films.
Smooth streaming starts with a speedy internet connection. To determine the best speed for your internet activities, it is important to think about the frequency at which you stream videos. Here are some estimates of the speed you need to stream video content:
Standard-definition (SD) video is 3 Mbps.
HD (HD) video equals 5 Mbps
Ultra HD, also known as 4Kor Ultra HD, equals 25 Mbps
We suggest you look for an internet service provider with speeds of at least 50 Mbps to accommodate your high-speed internet usage. As defined by the FCC, the High-speed Internet is an internet connection that offers speeds of up to 25 Mbps. But, if your home comprises more than one device or person linked to the network at home, speedier speeds will provide you with a greater experience.
