Envision this scenario. It's a tranquil Sunday, and you're primed for an extensive binge-watching spree. However, the plethora of video streaming services available might seem daunting. I've been in that maze, too! With a spectrum from Netflix to Hulu, Prime Video to Disney+, plus some fresh contenders on the rise, choosing the one that merits my time and investment was a real puzzle. This led me to hunt down the best video streaming services of 2024. While I was already at it, it felt ideal to compile the list for your easy access as well. Read More
List of Best Video Streaming Services in 2024
Peacock TV
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Here’s another title that goes beyond just offering a good streaming experience. Owned by NBC Universal, the streaming service has an extensive range of television shows and movies as well as a massive collection of Peacock’s originals, news, live sports, and so much more. The quality blew my mind away- it was as if I got the front-row seat of my favorite NFL games. Despite the live streaming, I could feel each pixel and every cheer from the crowd.
While the device makes a massive contribution in enabling this experience, it’s Peacock’s ability to deliver 1080p live streaming of sports that puts life into the experience. Peacock’s video streaming services cover almost all major professional sports like the NFL, Premier League, Big Ten Football, WWE, and so on. Pairing up good entertainment with greater quality is possible with Peacock- whether it’s your solo date tonight or a banger watch party!
As for the subscription options offered by Peacock, Premium and Premium Plus plans are available. Premium costs $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year, and Premium Plus costs $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year. Basically, when I checked last, there was an offer on annual subscriptions costing me only ten months' worth of price for a 12-month-long subscription.
I went with the Premium one and got access to more than 80,000 hours of content. The catalog included different NBC and Bravo shows, new and old movies, Peacock Originals, live sports, and 50+ Always-on channels for 24x7 entertainment.
But if you hate ads, you will need Premium Plus, an ad-free experience that gets rid of annoying ads that could ruin your streaming experience. However, on live TV shows and games, limited ads could be there. Another perk is the ability to download content offline. You can simply save it on your device and access entertainment without interruptions.
Why we picked it?
YouTube TV
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YouTube TV gives the vibe of good ol’ days but without the hassle of downtimes. YouTube’s live TV streaming service supports 100+ live channels. Some stalwarts include ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, CNN, and AMC. A standout feature that elevates the experience further is the unlimited DVR capacity. That is how I could write this list of video streaming services for you without missing the Seahawks vs Vikings.
DVR makes recording easy; for nine months, you can store unlimited content on its servers. You must be wondering if that might cost too much- fret not! The cost structure of the service offered an unexpected delight, beginning at a modest $64.99 per month for the initial four months—subsequently adjusting to $72.99 monthly.
This positions it as a strong rival against the best streaming sites. The Base Plan encompasses an extensive array of major broadcast and cable networks, augmented by a diverse mix of sports, news, and entertainment channels.
YouTube TV extends its versatility by supporting a myriad of devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even gaming consoles. The convenience of accessing live or recorded content, whether stationary at home or mobile, is remarkably practical. Additionally, the option to establish up to six household accounts significantly simplifies personalizing viewing preferences across family members, enhancing the overall user experience.
Why we picked it?
TubiTV
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TubiTV took me by surprise with the range of its free-to-stream content. Unlike many video streaming services, Tubi does not require subscription memberships or credit card information. As for the content, TubiTV has libraries. These libraries include Popular shows & movies, Genre-based content, and Award-winning content among others.
Whether you are a fan of Cult Classics or have a thing for Crime TV, there are some of the greatest shows and movies to enjoy. But in parallel, the catalog is constantly updating itself- so the entertainment never stops.
But TubiTV gets more creative than that. There’s a category called Not on Netflix; I've never come across something like this before. It contains movies and TV shows that are not available on Netflix.
As for the TV channels, the free streaming site has over 250 of them available for free but supported by ads. Such content mix gave the liberty to enjoy different kinds of films ranging from anime, international movies, to old TV shows.
And by the way, TubiTV also has a very intuitive interface. The interface can be easily navigated on over 30 gadgets, making it even more convenient to watch the shows that I like.
Why we picked it?
Plex TV
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When I initially engaged with Plex, it dawned on me that this platform transcends the ordinary bounds of video streaming services – it's a comprehensive media management ecosystem. Plex distinguishes itself by its integration of complementary streaming content, including movies, TV shows, and live TV channels, alongside adept management of my own media library. This system allowed me to effortlessly organize and access my collection of movies, music, photos, and television series across various devices, eliminating any complexities.
The standout feature of Plex for me was the Watchlist, which allowed me to consolidate a comprehensive list of movies and TV shows from all my preferred streaming platforms—be it Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+. The feature making it one of the best free video streaming services, greatly simplified the discovery of new content as it eliminated the need to toggle between multiple platforms.
While Plex stands among one of the best free alternatives to Netflix, equally impressive was the Plex Pass, their premium subscription model. Available at $4.99 monthly, $39.99 yearly, or $119.99 for a lifetime membership, this premium tier offers perks such as the ability to download content for offline enjoyment, hardware-accelerated transcoding to enhance streaming fluidity, and expanded customization options for managing personal media.
Then, there was the Plex Media Server, which empowered me to convert my computer into a personal media hub, with live video streaming services seamlessly orchestrating my content through rich metadata. This transformed my previously disorganized collection into a meticulously curated library that's simple to explore. Additionally, the Discover Together feature introduces a social dimension to streaming, allowing me to connect with friends, exchange recommendations, and view each other’s watching habits.
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Why we picked it?
Paramount+
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The sheer amount of high quality was a game changer when I first started using Paramount+. Paramount’s video streaming services cater to the tastes of various preferences, including old TV show favorites, hit movies, original series, and live television as well. There was much content for me to watch, ranging from old series such as NCIS, Frasier, or Everybody Loves Raymond to new ones like Tulsa King or Mayor of Kingstown.
I quickly realized Paramount+ wasn’t just a streaming service—it was like having a whole entertainment hub at my fingertips, with on-demand access to a ton of shows and the latest episodes of popular series blended with live streaming services; the platform is useful for a diversified user base.
As for the costs, they have the Essential Plan for $5.99 (with ads) for one month or $59.99 a year if you would rather pay for a year in advance. It allows you to view their library of content and live broadcasts of sporting events, including the NFL, which is available through CBS. If you do not wish to receive ads, you may consider the Premium Plan, which costs $11.99 monthly or $119.99 annually; this plan also enables you to watch the local CBS channel.
I particularly admire a feature available in Paramount Plus which is of live video streaming services that incorporate news, sports, and channels such as CBS. Paramount Plus streams content that is available in its entire family of networks.
Why we picked it?
DIRECTV STREAM
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Ever wanted to have an experience that can resemble the satellite TV experience from as close as possible? DIRECTV STREAM is the answer. Standing tall among the live streaming services, the platform is equipped with extra user-friendly features. To name some, on-demand content and regional sports networks are delivered into a single comprehensive package.
This is coming from an entertainment geek and obsessor of sports- yours truly; their video streaming services delivered everything I needed. During my test, I could switch between well-known networks such as ESPN, CNN, and AMC instantly. The interface made it easy to crash back to the home screen and swap through the channels. There are other premium channels like HBO, SHOWTIME, and Starz.
By the way, here’s the fun part: DIRECTV STREAM runs on everything. Run it on Roku, Apple TV 4K, Android, Fire TV Stick, and even Chromecast.
You can even use Google Assistant to navigate through the platform using your voice. Additionally, the flexibility of the movie streaming site to stream on multiple compatible devices and even on smartphones and tablets enhanced my ability to access my content from virtually anywhere.
Now, let’s talk about the DIRECTV STREAM subscriptions. The package to avail of its video streaming services begins with Entertainment to Premier, with the cost falling between $59.99 to $149.99 per month with discounts.
Why we picked it?
Pluto TV
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Pluto TV offers over 250 channels and 1000 on-demand movies as well as TV shows for free. But what got me by surprise was the quality of its catalog. Pluto TV video streaming services have managed to meet some of the greatest quality benchmarks, making it the perfect option for anytime entertainment for everyone.
Pluto’s niche versatility makes it stand strong among the free streaming sites. It offers live channels for news, sports, comedy, and even classic TV. Then, there are thousands of movies and TV series to check out. The support for devices is also extensive, including smart TVs, Amazon Fire, Apple, Google, and Roku, along with smartphones and web browsers.
In terms of usability, Pluto TV provides the best live streaming service and on-demand content without any hitches. There is also a reasonable section for the children as well, so no member of the family is left without some entertainment. But there’s a drawback: it is limited to the USA, Canada, Latin America, and some European countries, including the UK.
Why we picked it?
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Top streaming services: Comparing specs and features
Feature | Max | Hulu | Netflix | DisneyPlus | Apple TV | Amazon Prime |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pricing | Subscription | Subscription | Subscription | Subscription | Subscription | Subscription |
Ads | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Anime | Limited (Yes) | Yes | Yes | Limited (Yes) | No | Yes |
Original Content | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Offline Downloads | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Also Read: In-depth Comparison Between Netflix vs Hulu vs Amazon Prime
Free vs. Paid Video Streaming Services
Top Streaming services have revolutionized how we consume entertainment, offering a broad spectrum of choices that cater to diverse preferences and budgets. This landscape is broadly divided into free and paid services, each with distinct value propositions. Below, we explore the primary differentiating factors between these two models, helping viewers decide which best suits their viewing habits and financial considerations.
Differentiating Factors for Free Streaming Services:
- Cost: The most significant advantage is that these services are free. Users can access content without any subscription fees.
- Ads: To support the free model, these services include advertisements. Users will experience commercial breaks similar to traditional TV.
- Content Variety: While free services offer a diverse range of content, they may not have the latest releases or exclusive series that paid services provide.
- Original Content: Generally, free video streaming services offer limited or no original content compared to paid platforms.
- Features: Even the best free streaming services often have fewer features, such as the absence of offline downloads and limited device support.
Also Read: Free Movie Streaming Sites
Differentiating Factors for Paid Streaming Services:
- Premium Content: Paid services typically offer a wider and more exclusive selection of content, including the latest shows, movies, and comprehensive original programming.
- Ad-Free Viewing: Most paid services provide an ad-free viewing experience, enhancing user enjoyment and convenience. However, there are some options, like Apple TV, that deliver pre-roll ads. Most of the time, these ads are teasers of other shows or upcoming games.
- Advanced Features: Subscribers to paid services often enjoy additional features like offline downloads, 4K streaming, and enhanced audio quality.
- Device Compatibility: Paid video streaming services usually support a broader range of devices and often provide more robust app functionality.
- User Experience: Paid services often invest more in the user interface and overall viewing experience, offering more personalized content recommendations and smoother navigation.
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MobileAppDaily, a vanguard in tech media, exemplifies both reliability and authority within the software and mobile application realms. We cater to businesses striving for digital excellence by offering an expansive reservoir of insights and the latest tech trends in the industry. Our dedication transcends mere reporting, providing thorough app evaluations, comprehensive industry analysis, and advanced technology perspectives.
Fueled by steadfast dedication, we ensure our report has the best options, providing the best video streaming services listed. We use tons of filters to identify these options. This ensures you stay ahead of industry trends while gaining access to critical resources that drive growth, enhance skills, and lay the foundation for long-term success.
Also Read: Stream Free Music with Free Music Streaming Apps for Android
How Did MobileAppDaily Choose the Best Streaming Services?
We provide an objective perspective, which enables users like you to assess your options within the context of your needs and circumstances. With these focus areas, we seek to provide information that is not only practical but also meets your needs as users.
- Content Variety: Our focus remains on the diversity and breadth of available content. We look for exclusives, originals, movies, TV shows, and additional content types such as documentaries. Another factor that plays a key role is the range of children's programming helping us rank streaming services better.
- Streaming Quality: The availability of high-definition and ultra-high-definition streaming options, as well as audio quality features like Dolby Atmos, are crucial for providing a superior viewing experience.
- User Experience: The ease of navigation, interface design, and overall usability of the video streaming services are important. A well-designed user interface enhances user satisfaction and engagement.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Pricing structures are analyzed not just for affordability but also for the value offered in terms of content quality and quantity. This includes evaluating different subscription tiers and any additional costs for premium content.
- Device Compatibility: The range of devices that a service supports can affect its utility for diverse users. Best streaming sites often prioritize services that offer more extensive compatibility with various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
- User Ratings and Reviews: Insights from actual service users provide real-world data about reliability, content updates, customer service quality, and other experiential factors that potential subscribers might consider.
- Additional Features: Features like offline downloads, the number of simultaneous streams, parental controls, and the presence of ads influence consumer choice. These features can significantly enhance the experience of video streaming services.
- Geographic Availability: The availability of the service in various regions and the content variability based on geographic location are also considered, as this can impact a large portion of the potential user base.
Conclusion
In wrapping up this comprehensive guide, we trust our exploration of various video streaming services has streamlined your decision-making journey. Given the vast array of choices, we understand the challenge of selecting the perfect platform to meet your needs. This is precisely why we dedicated time to thoroughly evaluate each service, highlighting its distinct features and sharing our insights.
At MobileAppDaily, we are committed to helping you make well-informed decisions. Our selection process is meticulously detailed and rooted in research. You can be a cinephile, a sports fan, or seeking entertainment for the kids; we have a streaming service in our list just for you. We have evaluated everything from cost-effectiveness to content variety. Our experts have also done tests to get the device compatibility and user experience to provide you with reliable recommendations.
Thus, if you’re poised to plunge into limitless entertainment, be confident that this guide to the best video streaming services has got you covered. Enjoy your streaming!
And get the attention of the right audience with our Strategic Marketing Solutions.
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Sr. Content Writer
Aman Gaur is a Senior Writer at MobileAppDaily (MAD). He is an IT engineer (as per academics) who turned to writing because of his flair for storytelling. He has an experience of 6+ years and has worked with multiple companies in many niches but primarily ‘Tech’. He has many interests that range from being a tech enthusiast to an admirer of international music and cinema. Currently, he is using his skills to help MAD expand and create valuable content for the platform, thereby, helping in improving overall traffic, leads, and branding of the company.