Cutting cables seems to be very popular these days, and many companies are releasing their online streaming options to compete. Marathon TV watching is the new most popular leisure activity, with more and more video streaming services entering the market every year. At the beginning of the cord-cutting era, the choice was simple – Netflix.
Today there are different types of devices and streaming services that appeal to diverse audiences depending on their background – cord-cutters, cord-shavers or even the new batch of cord-never.
Because it’s not always easy to decide which streaming service is best for you, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 at random to help you decide and narrow down your search.
1. HBO Now
Benefits: HBO Now is best for people who aren’t fans of cable television. Become a member to get most of the TV offerings, movies, specials, and documentaries. In case you already have HBO through your cable provider, remember that the HBO Go application gives you the chance to watch HBO on your mobile, tablet, and many other devices.
Helpful Information: HBO Now has more than 5 million subscribers, and it is now available on a variety of devices, including Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Microsoft Xbox, Roku, Samsung TVs, and PlayStation Vue. It is also available through a growing number of cord-cutting streaming services, such as DirecTV Now, or as part of Amazon Channels. The point is that if you ever wanted HBO content but didn’t want to pay for cable or satellite service, HBO Now is your best option. Even better, if you’re an Apple tech user, HBO Now works with its app on your Apple TV, iPad, iPhone, and through a web browser on your Mac (or any PC.
Price: $15 per month
2. Amazon Prime
Benefits: With a $99 annual subscription, you have access to original Amazon services with thousands of popular shows from around the world. You can even get a free Kindle book every month and free two-day shipping on purchases. Amazon has over 40,000 live streaming titles, but only a small number of those are found in Prime streaming. It also allows offline downloads, so if you want to catch up on some old shows when you have extra free time, you can download them to your tablet and start watching.
If not, you can also enjoy other programs like Transparent, Alpha House, and Mozart in the Jungle. They recently added a selection of comedy and other children’s plans due to Viacom’s deal, which controls MTV, Comedy Control, and Nickelodeon.
Helpful Information: Amazon Prime Video is available in many countries besides the US: Canada, Australia, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, etc. You can watch it on several supported devices, including Apple TV, Android, Smart TVs, Kodi, Roku, Fire TV Stick, Xbox, and PS4.
Price: $119 per year or $13 per month; A video-only subscription costs $9 per month.
3. Netflix
Benefits: Netflix has a huge library of movies and TV shows, plus now-classic original shows like “Orange Is the New Black” or hits like “Stranger Things.” It even has original movies, “Beasts of No Nation.” A contract with Marvel brought “Daredevil” and “Jessica Jones” to Netflix, and subscribers will have access to Disney titles until the end of 2018. After that, Disney will remove them and thus start its streaming service.
Helpful information: Netflix is co-financing and distributing Michael Bay’s next film, “Six Underground,” starring Ryan Reynolds. The film is expected to be released on Netflix in 2019. Netflix has also expanded its relationship with Comcast, including a Netflix subscription in new Xfinity cable packages.
Price: $8 per month for standard-def video on one screen; $11 per month for high-def video on up to two screens; $14 per month for 4K Ultra High Definition video on up to four screens.
