With the best video streaming services, you can enjoy high-quality content without having to shell out for expensive cable subscriptions. And HBO Max is currently the best streaming service, as it gets better every week (and the Apple TV HBO Max app just got better). Even after the recent price increase, Netflix is still a formidable competitor (despite the current churn).
Reacher and Wheel of Time were two recent successes for Amazon Prime Video’s executive team to share in the joy of. With shows like The Afterparty and Severance making it to the top of the list, Apple TV Plus has joined the ranks of this list. On top of that, our best streaming services list includes live TV options to help you cut the cord.
7 Best Video Streaming Services in 2023
This past year, Netflix was the most popular streaming service, but HBO Max proved to be an excellent alternative to going to the movies.
Big Red isn’t doing itself any favors with Netflix’s price hikes. To determine which streaming service is deserving of its flowers, the Tom’s Guide streaming team watches a great deal of content on both platforms.
Over the course of the last year, we’ve kept finding the same startling conclusion. HBO’s content, as well as the app’s layout, make the HBO Max app worth the aggravation.
1. HBO Max
All of HBO’s best movies and shows are included in HBO Max. This makes HBO Max one of the best video streaming services available in 2022. Seasons one and two of The Sopranos, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Veep can be found on both HBO and HBO Max. HBO Max, on the other hand, offers a lot more for $14.99 per month (or $9.99 with ads and no big Warner movies).
The Flight Attendant with Kaley Cuoco was a hit with us, so we’re excited about its return. Another option is to watch classics such as Friends or Ghibli films such as The Wind Rises.
As a result, we have shifted our focus away from Warner Bros.’ big films to find the reasons why we love HBO Max, which are a lot more diverse than just the big movies.
Since HBO Max keeps bringing me new and exciting projects, such as Tokyo Vice and the Tony Hawk documentary as well as shows like A Black Lady Sketch Show, I keep coming back for more. As of now, House of the Dragon is available on HBO Max, don’t miss out on that.
Try now: HBO Max
2. Netflix
Our list of the best streaming services is still dominated by Netflix, the market’s oldest and most venerable service. One of Netflix’s most well-known features is the ability to stream an unlimited number of shows, movies, comedic specials (such as Bo Burnham’s Inside), and original series for a flat monthly fee.
Netflix is my go-to source for new shows and movies, so if one month doesn’t have what We are looking for, we know that the following month will. February 2022 wasn’t all that exciting for me, but the new Drive to Survive season arrived in March, and Russian Doll season 2 premiered in April. Further, Netflix is one of the best Anime streaming websites.
That being said, what do you think? Unlike Netflix, HBO Max seems to have an understanding of movies that Netflix does not.
Try now: Netflix
3. Disney Plus
Why wouldn’t Disney Plus be a dominant player in the category? From Marvel to Star Wars to Disney’s own animated canon to The Simpsons, Disney owns a staggering number of properties (all 30 seasons, and counting).
Most content is available in 4K resolution with HDR color palettes, and it’s normally priced at $8 per month, making it one of the best streaming services on the market. This service has always been a disappointment to us in spite of the fact that the Disney Plus apps are fast, responsive, and well-designed.
The $7.99 a month fee is reasonable when there’s new content, but we find ourselves waiting for the next big thing far too often. The value of a movie like Turning Red to Disney Plus is because of this.
We’re also interested in seeing how Disney Plus’ parental controls and access to Netflix Marvel shows will change with the addition of TV-MA content in the United States (formerly restricted to the Star Channel in international versions of Disney Plus). In terms of content for adults, Netflix and HBO Max have long dominated, and we’re hoping this changes soon.
Try now: Disney Plus
4. Hulu
For us, Hulu became even more valuable in 2021 when we decided to ditch our cable provider. Aside from shows like The Handmaid’s Tale, it’s a great way to keep up with the latest cable and network TV shows (especially if you use a live TV service like Sling that doesn’t have all the channels). This Sling TV alternative is one of the best video streaming services available as of now.
As a result, if you’re anything like us, you’ll love Hulu. Access to most major network shows (except for CBS shows) and a few cable shows the following day is provided by this subscription service. The most recent season of a show, or even all of the show’s seasons, can be accessed by subscribers.
Aside from that, the service offers a number of original programs (such as The Wrong Men and season 4 of The Thick of It, which are produced in conjunction with the BBC), a diverse selection of foreign films, and a surprising number of classic anime series.
Vacation Friends, an adult comedy starring John Cena and Lil Rel Howery, has been a recent Hulu hit. Although you must sit through advertisements even with a paid subscription, they are far fewer than if you watched the same shows on cable. As part of its overall package, Hulu offers live TV streaming, which will allow you to watch CBS.
Take into consideration that Hulu has fewer originals than Netflix or HBO Max, so expect fewer new shows per month when you sign up for the service. However, sometimes, Ads on Hulu may disturb. Here’s our guide to remove them.
Try now: Hulu
5. Peacock
NBCU’s parent company, NBCUniversal, has finally worked out the kinks with Amazon, allowing Peacock to finally be considered one of the best streaming services available. Yes, it’s been almost a year in the making, but here we are.
While Peacock isn’t to blame for the delay in the Tokyo Olympics, it did take away one of the main reasons to consider the service. Peacock, which streamed the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics, did an amazing job with those as well. Peacock is getting better at performing in front of an audience.
Peacock is a service we use at Tom’s Guide for a variety of reasons. Peacock Originals Girls5eva and Vigil were two of our favorite new shows — the kind of shows that persuade you to upgrade from the free tier to the paid tier. Peacock is only available to Henry, a member of the WWE staff, for live events and WWE content.
Saved By The Bell’s reimagining was superior to expectations. If Peacock could only add one thing, what would it be? You can pause, rewind, fast forward, and even go back to the beginning of a live stream if you’re running late. What would you do if you didn’t have them? This is the strangest time in our lives, where we have to be punctual for everything.
Try now: Peacock
6. Fubo TV
Fubo TV is one of the best live sports streaming services for people who don’t want to pay for cable. Fubo’s basic package costs $64.99 per month and includes more than 120 channels, including nearly every major broadcast and cable channel.
Fubo, unlike other live TV streaming competitors like YouTube TV and Sling TV, offers 4K streaming for some content on demand. Aside from the high price, Fubo’s Cloud DVR storage is also a drawback.
This multi-screen view was the most distinguishing feature of Fubo TV outside of its abundance of international sports. We were able to watch both racing and soccer at the same time thanks to those two features working so well together.
ABC and ESPN have recently been added to Fubo’s channel lineup, which is already the most extensive among the higher-priced streamers. Aside from the NFL Network and the major broadcast networks, Fubo’s NFL streaming service has now become the go-to destination for football fans.
In addition, NBC, Fox, AMC, Food Network, MTV, and Syfy are all represented, as are a slew of specialty sports channels. TNT, which is essential for the NBA playoffs, is its only big sports flaw.
Try now: Fubo TV
7. Amazon Prime Video
Prime Video is an obvious choice for those who do the majority of their shopping on Amazon. Every month, you’ll receive a complimentary Kindle book and access to both Amazon Music and Prime Video for $139 (formerly $119) per year.
There is a wide selection of movies, television shows, and original programming on Amazon Prime Video. There aren’t nearly as many new shows on Prime Video as on Netflix or HBO Max, but that may be due to the service’s lower output rates. Interestingly, you can watch some of the best Anime movies on Prime Video.
The Boys, Amazon Prime Video’s most popular show, saw a significant increase in its audience in season 2 and has already been renewed for a third season. We don’t like the fact that Prime Video’s apps are so different on different platforms.
Compared to a Fire TV, we found a lack of sorting and discovery options when testing Prime Video on other devices. Amazon Prime Video also lets you rent or buy movies, but it’s a pay-as-you-go service.
Try now: Amazon Prime Video
Well, these are the best video streaming services as of now. We hope this guide helped you. If you liked this, check out our guide for the best free movie apps to watch movies online. Keep checking this page regularly as we will keep updating it. Further, here’s a guide to fix HBO Max not working or streaming issues.
