Step aside cable television, there’s a new sheriff in town and it goes by the name of streaming services. This new technology capitalizes on fast internet service to bring you a myriad of TV shows and movies at the click of a button. Some high speed internet providers even offer the ability to download multiple high-def movies in a matter of minutes. With so many service offerings, it’s easy to get lost in the differences between them. Here are the best streaming services to suit your binge-watching needs:
Netflix
If you’re the person who has a shelf of DVDs stored away for a rainy day, Netflix may be for you. Out of all the available streaming services, Netflix provides the largest amount of content. They’re committed to always being free from ads and never being short of options. For those of the impatient nature, be aware that Netflix waits several months after a season has aired to make it available online. In the meantime, browse libraries of old-time classics or try your luck with one of the Netflix Original series (hello, Stranger Things). To make your life even easier, Netflix and Google partnered to enable the use of your mobile device and high speed internet to launch content on your smart TV. No more losing the remote between the couch cushions, now the power is in your back pocket.
Hulu
Are you itching to watch the latest episode of Game of Thrones? Enter, Hulu. Unlike Netflix, Hulu uploads the latest episodes of series as they air so you don’t have to wait for the season to end to watch it online. Be sure to watch these episodes quickly as Hulu only displays a limited number of episodes each week. Notably, Hulu is the only service that offers HBO – so if you’re an Entourage fan, Hulu may be the clear winner for you. As for ads, Hulu does sprinkle them throughout your viewing session, but it comes with the territory of a lower-cost service. That being said, you can pay an additional monthly price if you prefer to enjoy your TV-binging in peace. At the end of the day, your Hulu experience is really up to you (and your bank account).
YouTube TV
YouTube is no longer home to only hair tutorials and DIY videos. In 2017, YouTube launched YouTube TV, a service most similar to traditional cable television. With YouTube, you get the best of both worlds – the live TV-feel with an entire movie repository as well. For $35 per month with no contract, you have access to over 40 channels including four major news networks, as well as unlimited DVR space. If that’s not enough, a larger library of channels is available for an additional monthly fee. So, what’s the catch? Unfortunately, YouTube TV is only available on desktop, mobile, or devices like Amazon Fire, Apple TV, and Roku. If you don’t already own one of these, consider the additional cost you’ll have to pay on top of your monthly charge for the streaming service.
Amazon TV
Along with free shipping, unlimited e-books and, exclusive savings, an Amazon Prime membership gives you access to Amazon TV, which includes hundreds of TV shows and movies. Considering Amazon TV is priced at $99 per year, it’s most beneficial for those who are already Prime members or plan to take advantage of the Prime bundle. The most noticeable difference between Amazon TV and the other services is availability. As of now, this product is not available on Android, Chromecast or Apple TV, so if you’re a proud owner of any of those devices, perhaps you should consider spending your money elsewhere.
While they function similarly, streaming services all offer something unique. Where one lacks, another excels, which is why you should consider your options carefully before committing to a service that may not be worth your money. Whether you prefer an ad-free experience or unlimited DVR space, there’s an option to suit everyone’s entertainment interests. Just remember to choose wisely.
~Samantha Rivers
