Guide to Streaming Video Services

On February 25, 2026  By newsroom   Topic: Technology Buyers Guide

A comprehensive overview of streaming platforms—from industry giants to niche options—covering pricing, features, and standout content. Here's a categorized breakdown:


Major Streaming Platforms

Amazon Prime Video
- Price: $15/month or $139/year (ad-supported); $9/month video-only; +$3/month for ad-free.
- Content: Large library, originals like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Rings of Power.
- Extras: NFL’s Thursday Night Football, MGM+ ($6/month), HDR/Dolby Atmos for ad-free users.

Netflix
- Price: $7 (ad-supported), $15.50 (HD, 2 screens), $23 (4K, 4 screens).
- Content: Originals like Stranger Things, Wednesday, and Squid Game.
- New Features: Spatial audio, sports content (NFL holiday games).

Disney+
- Price: $8/month (ads), $14/month ad-free, bundles with Hulu/ESPN+ ($15–$25/month).
- Content: Marvel, Star Wars, The Simpsons, National Geographic, and Pixar movies.
- Upcoming: Account-sharing limits and Hulu integration.

Hulu
- Price: $8/month (ads), $18/month ad-free, with bundles available.
- Content: Originals like The Bear and Only Murders in the Building.
- Features: Live TV integration ($77–$90/month).

Apple TV+
- Price: $10/month or $99/year.
- Content: Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, CODA.
- Extras: Live sports (MLS, MLB), Apple One bundles.


Live TV Streaming Services

YouTube TV
- Price: $73/month.
- Features: NFL Sunday Ticket, 100+ channels, multiview options for sports fans.

Sling TV
- Price: $40–$60/month.
- Channels: ABC (limited markets), ESPN, Disney, regional sports add-ons.

Fubo
- Price: $80–$100/month.
- Content: Heavy sports focus (ESPN, NFL Network), live TV, and premium add-ons.

Philo
- Price: $25/month ($28 with AMC+).
- Content: 70+ cable channels (AMC, A&E, Paramount), no sports or live news.

DirecTV Stream
- Price: $80–$165/month.
- Features: High channel count, premium add-ons like Max and Showtime.


Free Streaming Services

Pluto TV
- Content: 250+ curated channels, on-demand classics like Titanic and Gunsmoke.

Tubi
- Content: 50,000+ titles, live TV, and niche originals (War of the Worlds: Annihilation).

The Roku Channel
- Features: Free movies, live sports (NBA Zone, NFL Vault).

Sling Freestream
- Features: 500+ free channels, ad-supported with a cloud DVR option.

Amazon Freevee
- Content: Original shows (Bosch: Legacy), live and on-demand content.


Niche Streaming Platforms

Criterion Channel
- Price: $11/month, $100/year.
- Content: Classic films, art-house selections like A Hard Day’s Night.

PBS Passport
- Price: ~$5/month (varies by station).
- Content: Nova, Masterpiece Theater shows like Grantchester.

BritBox
- Price: $9/month, $90/year.
- Content: British favorites like Doctor Who and Sister Boniface Mysteries.

Acorn TV
- Price: $8/month, $80/year.
- Content: Murdoch Mysteries, Agatha Raisin.


Premium Add-Ons

Max (formerly HBO Max)
- Price: $10–$20/month.
- Content: Succession, The Last of Us, Discovery+ catalog.

Paramount+ with Showtime
- Price: $6–$12/month.
- Content: 1923, Top Gun: Maverick, Dexter: New Blood.

Starz
- Price: $10/month.
- Content: Outlander, Power franchise.

ESPN+
- Price: $11/month or $15+ bundled.
- Content: Niche sports, 30 for 30 documentaries.


This guide simplifies navigating the ever-expanding streaming landscape, helping you find the best services for your entertainment needs!


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