Best streaming service 2021: Netflix and more TV compared

The best streaming service is more than just a matter of who has the greatest shows. It's about the app experience, how quickly they release new content and value for money.

Viewers have signed up to the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime in droves, and for good reason. There's never been so much choice when it comes to picking the best streaming service for your needs, which is great for viewers in some respects but it can be overwhelming and expensive to make the right decision.

The TV landscape has been changing fast – and that means every major studio in the US is figuring out how to play catch-up when faced with huge competition from the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. In 2022, Paramount Plus will join in, rebranding the existing CBS All Access service into a broader service. In 2020, Peacock and HBO Max made the market even more competitive, to mixed effect.

That's why we're here to help. We spend all day looking at these services, monitoring their original content, and looking out for what makes the best streaming services in 2021. To help you choose which ones are actually worth paying for these days, we've put together this guide to the essentials.

Best TV streaming service 2021 overview:

Netflix

Amazon Prime Video

Hulu

Disney Plus

YouTube TV

HBO Max

Sling TV

Crunchyroll

Apple TV Plus

Peacock

Twitch

Best TV streaming service 2021:

What is the best TV streaming service you can get right now?

netflix

Image credit: Shutterstock (Image credit: Shutterstock)

1. Netflix

The best streaming service around by far

SPECIFICATIONS

Compatible devices: Android, Apple, Windows, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Smart TVsFree trial: 1 monthSimultaneous streams: 1-4

TODAY'S BEST DEALS

Netflix Standard

$13.99/mth

VISIT SITE

at Netflix

REASONS TO BUY

+Netflix Original TV and movies

+Multi-device support

+Affordable pricing

+Huge selection of options

REASONS TO AVOID

-Can require faster internet speeds

-Additional cost for 4K content

If you're a connoisseur of movies and/or TV, there's only one must-have player in town and that's Netflix. It is, unequivocally, the biggest and best streaming service, despite not always stocking its digital shelves with must-have new movies and TV; that said, this is the staple streamer you need to own if you ever plan on cutting the cord and surviving without it.

These days, most smart TVs have Netflix apps and finding a streaming box without it is the equivalent of finding a needle in a haystack. The quality of the movies and TV we tried – mostly streamed in Ultra HD – on both TV and on tablets is exquisite.

The best Netflix VPN in 2021

Since launching its own original content in 2013, Netflix's originals library has swelled to an enormous size, boasting dozens of award-winning shows including Stranger Things, Orange is the New Black, The Crown, Master of None, House of Cards and later The Witcher and Top Boy – you can see our pick of the best Netflix series in the US.

The number one threat to Netflix is its licensed content disappearing to newer, competing networks. Friends and The Office, for example, have both departed already. Both garnered significant audiences on Netflix in the US. Netflix will have to work hard to make up for those losses.

Subscription costs have gone up by $1-2 a month as of 2021, with the basic plan at $9, HD plan at $14, and 4K Premium plan at $18. But don't forget you can also give Netflix a spin with the 1-month free trial (in the US, anyway) to see if it's worth your money.

Verdict: 5/5

Head straight to Netflix to see all of your subscription options

TV streaming services

2. Amazon Prime Video

A strong selection of both popular films and TV

SPECIFICATIONS

Compatible devices: Android, Apple, Windows, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Smart TVsFree trials: 1 monthSimultaneous streams: 3

TODAY'S BEST DEALS

Amazon Prime Video - Free Trial

Amazon Prime - Yearly

$119/year

Amazon Prime - Monthly

$12.99/mth

VISIT SITE

at Amazon Prime

REASONS TO BUY

+Amazon originals

+Brilliant selection of movies

+Good for kids

+Big collection of films

REASONS TO AVOID

-Interface not as intuitive as Netflix

Amazon and Netflix are two sides of the same coin. That's not to say they're identical – they're definitely not – but the differences are few and far between, and Prime comes a close second in the battle of the best streaming services.

Like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video has its own set of original series – The Expanse, Hunters, and The Boys among others – but, generally speaking, they don't receive the same fanfare as their Netflix-bred brethren.

Although Netflix is as guilty for dud programming as the rest of them, it's worth mentioning Amazon Prime does get some pretty terrible new additions from time to time. So always check out guide to the best Amazon Prime TV shows before you dive in head-first.

The two big differentiators between the services are the fact that access to Amazon's streaming service comes standard with a subscription to Amazon Prime – meaning access to Amazon Music and premium delivery services.

A subscription to Amazon Prime will run up $12.99 per month, a dollar less than Netflix, but great value when you factor in the other benefits of the service.

Prime Video is available for PC and Mac, the Kindle Fire HD, iPad, Xbox, PlayStation, internet-enabled TVs and Blu-ray players, Sony's Home Cinema system, Sony's Network Media Player and myriad other minor devices that will go unmentioned.

Verdict: 4.5/5

Check out the prices of Amazon Prime Instant Video on its website.

hulu

Image credit: Shutterstock (Image credit: Shutterstock)

3. Hulu

The go-to for big name TV shows

SPECIFICATIONS

Compatible devices: Apple, Android, Windows, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Smart TVsFree trials: 1 monthSimultaneous streams: 1

REASONS TO BUY

+Low Base price

+Strong selection of TV shows

+Good original shows

REASONS TO AVOID

-Paid service has commercials

-Limited to one stream

Video streaming service Hulu offers big-name titles like The Simpsons, Saturday Night Live, and South Park alongside a huge number of titles from NBC, FOX and Comedy Central. It's also the only streaming service app on the Nintendo Switch.

Hulu comes in two flavors: the standard on-demand streaming service you've always known and loved, and the new Hulu with Live TV -to learn more you can read our full Hulu review here.

The former works well and is well worth its cost of entry – especially since Hulu's price cut brought the monthly subscription to only $5.99 (you can also combine it with Disney Plus and ESPN Plus for $12.99 per month). Sure, it'll air with a few advertisements, but it's nothing you're not used to coming from traditional cable. On the homepage you'll find highlighted shows based on your past visits to the site. It's got a pretty great anime section, too.

The other option on the table is Hulu with Live TV, a cable alternative that will run you around $64.99 a month – which is, unfortunately, limited to the US. The service lives up to its name by offering you a bevy of live TV channels and 50 hours cloud DVR service and two simultaneous screens. This is a bit less than the next contender on our list – YouTube TV – which offers more screens and unlimited DVR space.

The biggest problem with Hulu is that it lets users run head first into the paywall, keeping you from the content you're most apt to pay for.

Some call this good business. Some call it extortion. Wherever you stand on the subject the fact that you get so much free content upfront means that the old adage of "you get what you pay for" definitely does not apply here.

Verdict: 4/5

Explore your options when it comes to deals on Hulu's website

Image credit: Disney Plus

Image credit: Disney Plus (Image credit: Disney)

4. Disney Plus

The new home of Disney shows and movies

SPECIFICATIONS

Compatible devices: PS4, Xbox One, Samsung and LG devices, Roku players, Amazon Fire TV and Fire tablets, Apple TV, Android TV, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Google ChromecastFree trials: 7 daysSimultaneous streams: 4.

TODAY'S BEST DEALS

Disney+ Monthly

$7.99/mth

Disney+ Yearly

$79.99/year

VISIT SITE

at Disney+

REASONS TO BUY

+Great content base

+4K included as standard

+Price is competitive

REASONS TO AVOID

-Best originals are still to come

-Some movies missing

-All family-friendly content

Disney Plus doesn't feel like it's trying to be the main TV streaming offering in your life. Instead, it's a family-friendly option that feels like it lives alongside a Netflix or Amazon Prime Video subscription. It has a very specific selection of content: Disney animated movies, Star Wars, Pixar, Marvel, and National Geographic.

Essentially, if Disney owns it and kids can watch it, it's on here, and often streaming in 4K for no additional price. The real reason to sign up are big originals across those different subject areas – WandaVision, The Mandalorian and Pixar's Soul, for example, all demonstrate an intention to invest big in blockbuster content for the platform.

The app is easy to use, with useful genre listings, and 4K streaming is included as part of the same $6.99 per month package (you can also subscribe for a year at $69.99, and bundle it with ESPN+ and Hulu for $12.99 per month). That basic monthly cost will increase by $1 per month as of March 26, 2021.

It's pretty well-priced, then, and as far as classics go, Disney Plus has launched with a whole bunch of fantastic movies. If you can't stream a particular movie on the service, too, a listing page will tell you when you can.

The library isn't nearly as comprehensive as Netflix or Amazon at this stage, but Disney Plus benefits from having a very specific angle.

Verdict: 4/5

(Image credit: YouTube)

5. YouTube TV

Live TV streaming without the hassle

SPECIFICATIONS

Compatible devices: Apple, Android, Windows, Roku, Xbox, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Smart TVsFree trials: 7-30 daysSimultaneous streams: 6

REASONS TO BUY

+Easy Live TV

+Watch on the go

+YouTube's Red original series

REASONS TO AVOID

-Pricey

-Limited to one stream at a time

Ask someone what they think was the biggest internet revolution of the 21st century and they'll probably say it was YouTube. And with good reason – the user-generated video-blogging site has changed the online landscape forever.

It lets anyone, however well known they are (or not), whatever the quality of their content and wherever they hail from, upload their weird and wonderful videos for anyone around the world to watch at their convenience. The beauty of YouTube is that in the blink of an eye it's taken the broadcasting power from the bigwigs and placed it right in our hands.

OK, so it might not have stopped people wanting to watch a high quality, professionally made production in their living room TVs, but it's an insight into how TV might be produced in the future. After all with YouTube you don't need a big budget – or indeed any budget at all – to produce your own TV series and establish a massive following.

While the free portion of YouTube will always remain the most popular (the latest statistic says that a whopping eight years' worth of content is uploaded each and every day to the site), but if you're looking for quality content, YouTube TV is also an excellent option worth considering.

A subscription to YouTube TV is on the expensive side at $64.99 a month, but you're treated to a fair amount of content – 85+ channels replete with cloud DVR functionality. The service is available only in the US for now, however, and even here it's only available in around 100 markets around the country. Still, if you're lucky enough to be in one of those areas, it's the best live TV streaming service out there right now.

Verdict: 4/5

Head to YouTube to see whether YouTube TV is the streaming service for you

HBO Max

(Image credit: HBO Max)

6. HBO Max

The best of HBO, plus a lot more

SPECIFICATIONS

Compatible devices: Apple, Android, Windows, Roku, Xbox, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Android TV, Smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire devices Free trials: 7 days Simultaneous streams: 3

REASONS TO BUY

+All episodes of every HBO series

+Easy to use system

+Big collection of shows and TV

REASONS TO AVOID

-Originals vary in quality

-4K content is limited so far

HBO Max is a new streaming service built on top of an old one. The next evolution of HBO Go and HBO Now, it takes the basis of HBO's content – which includes many phenomenal shows, like The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, Barry, The Leftovers and Succession – and adds a heap more content to make it into more of a Netflix competitor.

That's why a lot of the original fare we're seeing on the service so far is a bit broader in targeting different audiences, with Anna Kendrick's Love Life kicking us off, and Kaley Cuoco's dark comedy The Flight Attendant also feeling a little different to the usual heavy HBO dramas. You'll find original movies on the service, as well as series previously available on the DC Universe app, like Titans and Harley Quinn.

There's a big archive of existing shows to enjoy on there, too, like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, South Park and Rick and Morty. The content channels on HBO Max are great, with Studio Ghibli, Adult Swim and Cartoon Network among those in the mix.

HBO Max's big 2021 initiative is releasing Warner Bros' blockbusters on the service day and date with theaters. That includes everything from Godzilla Vs Kong to The Suicide Squad and the untitled fourth Matrix film. Rather than being permanent additions, however, these premieres are removed from the service after a limited period of time. But they give you something you definitely won't find on other services, no doubt at enormous expense to Warner Bros.

HBO Max costs $14.99 per month, but sometimes HBO offers annual or six-month tiers at discounted prices. That's steep, but HBO's hit rate remains incredibly high, and the investment in originals should pay off big time in the long run.

Selected titles are available in 4K on supported devices (more info here), including the film premieres, with more 4K content coming in 2021.

Verdict: 3.5/5

See more and sign up direct at the HBO Max website

Sling TV

7. Sling TV

More affordable than YouTube TV but not as good

SPECIFICATIONS

Compatible devices: Apple, Android, Windows, Roku, Xbox, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Android TV, Smart TVsFree trials: 3 days Simultaneous streams: 3

TODAY'S BEST DEALS

Sling Orange

$35/mth

Sling Blue

$35/mth

Sling Orange + Blue

$50/mth

VISIT SITE

at Sling TV

REASONS TO BUY

+Stream everywhere

+No setup or contract needed

+On-demand TV shows

REASONS TO AVOID

-Occasional performance issues

-Search function isn't great

Sling TV is a kind of cure-all for the cord-cutting generation, something that we knew we needed but no company stepped up to make. That said, it's everything cable's not. It's affordable. It's no-obligation. And there are absolutely zero sales reps trying to stop you from cancelling your contract. Best of all, you won't have to give up some of the perks cable provided in the last few years like the ability to pause live TV or watch something that aired up to 72 hours ago.

As of 2021, Sling TV features two tiers – the more sports and family-oriented Sling Orange, which includes access to ESPN, ESPN 2 and ESPN3, and Sling Blue, which is more news and entertainment-oriented, featuring FX, SyFy, USA and Discovery. They're $35 per month each if you're a new customer ($25 for your first month), or you can get both together for $50 per month.

If the included cable options aren't enough, Sling TV sells several Extras that give you access to more channels for $6 each per month. These are broken down by category – like Comedy Extra, Kids Extra, Hollywood Extra and so on. A Sports Extra tier – $15 a month if you've already got the Orange and Blue tiers, or $11 per month if you've just got one of them – unlocks another 10+ channels including ESPN U, NBA TV and MLB Network.

Unlike most services, you can actually watch Sling TV for free. It hosts over 5,000 shows and films at any one time that requires no credit cards or log in to watch. You literally just head to the website and start watching!

Sling TV is available on iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick, Xbox One, Oculus, Roku TV, plus select LG and Samsung smart TVs and on PC and Mac via the website portal.

Verdict: 3.5/5

Ready for TV binging? Go on over to Sling to see what you can get in full

Crunchyroll - TV streaming apps 2020

8. Crunchyroll

A one-stop shop for all of your anime needs

SPECIFICATIONS

Compatible devices: Apple, Android, Windows, Roku, Xbox, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Android TV, Smart TVsFree trials: 14 daysSimultaneous streams: 3-4

REASONS TO BUY

+Affordable

+A massive collection of anime

+No ads

REASONS TO AVOID

-Confusing interface

-Few feature length options

Call us crazy but there's something endearing about a streaming service that knows exactly what its audience wants. Crunchyroll is the best streaming service any anime, manga or East-Asian cinema fan in your life has always wanted and never knew about.

Founded by Berkeley graduates back in 2006, Crunchyroll started as a bootleg website of sorts where users uploaded their favorite shows without permission of the original owners. Not the humblest of beginnings. But now it's an essential offering for anime fans.

While you won't find genre staples like Dragon Ball Z, Digimon or Pokémon around, most of the site's 200-plus series are available to watch for free in SD, typically prefaced with a 20-second advert. Watching any content in full 1080p HD requires a $7.99 monthly subscription to the service, just be sure to check out the 14-day free trial before you begin.

Besides the slick web interface, Crunchyroll is available on iOS, Android, Windows Phone, PS4, Wii U, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, Google TV and Samsung and Panasonic's line of Smart TVs.

Verdict: 3.5/5

For anime galore, go on over to Crunchy Roll

(Image credit: Apple)

9. Apple TV Plus

The electronics giant enters the streaming game

SPECIFICATIONS

Compatible devices: Apple, Samsung Smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox, Chromecast with Google TVFree trials: 7 days Simultaneous streams: 6

REASONS TO BUY

+Expensive-looking shows

+Promising upcoming projects

+Free year's sub with Apple devices

REASONS TO AVOID

-Limited library

-Not available on Android or games consoles

Apple's newest streaming service has money bags and talent on its side. Launching back in 2019 with The Morning Show, an expensive drama starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carrell, as well as See with Jason Momoa, Apple is flexing its muscles to get the best talent.

Unfortunately, it doesn't have a deep content library, which is what the platform would need to be the best streaming service in 2021. At a very lean $4.99 per month, though, some of the programming here is well worth checking out – particularly Mythic Quest, a sitcom from the creators of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and TechRadar favorite Ted Lasso. Over time, that library could develop into something great.

Apple has started making some pretty big moves to secure movies on the platform, landing Tom Hanks' WWII movie Greyhound, and bankrolling the next Martin Scorsese movie.

Apple also needs to work a little harder to get its app onto other devices. Pretty much every streaming service is available on games consoles, but not this one – and that's a real disadvantage.

Verdict: 3/5

Sign up to Apple TV Plus here

Best streaming services - peacock

(Image credit: Peacock)

10. Peacock

A free streamer with a premium tier

SPECIFICATIONS

Compatible devices: Web browsers, Android, Apple, Roku, PlayStation, Smart TVs, Xbox, Various cable set top boxes from Contour and XfinityFree trials: 7 days (Premium)Simultaneous streams: 3

REASONS TO BUY

+Free subscription tier

+The only streamer with The Office now

+Decent movie selection

REASONS TO AVOID

-Certain content paywalled

-Can't compare on originals yet

-Not in 4K yet

NBC Universal's attempt to enter the streaming market is buoyed by one big benefit: it's free to sign up and use, with an ad-supported tier letting you enjoy a healthy helping of its content for absolutely nothing. That said, a lot of the better stuff is behind a paywall – $4.99 per month if you want to access all of it with ads, and $9.99 if you want to enjoy without ads.

Peacock's originals haven't exactly captured our imagination yet, but the likes of AP Bio, Brave New World and Intelligence are worth a look. You can also watch new NBC shows after they've aired, like Mr Mayor and Young Rock, and the service is also the streaming home of Paramount's mega hit drama Yellowstone.

Really, you're getting Peacock to have the network's various brilliant sitcoms to stream on-demand. This service is the exclusive US home of The Office, and it's also where you can watch Parks and Recreation. The first two seasons of each are available to stream for everyone – anything past that requires a paid subscription.

But there's also a helping of great movies to watch on Peacock. Oddly, this is where the Harry Potter movies all live in the US, and while the first is free to stream, the rest need a subscription. The rest of the movie library varies between being free-to-stream and paywalled, but there's some great stuff to watch in there.

As of early 2021, Peacock doesn't support 4K streaming, but it has other cool stuff that's worth a look. You've got a number of channels to watch within the app, and news and sport are also part of the offering, here. 175 Premier League matches are exclusive to Peacock this season.

Overall, then, it's well worth having around – but we can't help but miss the days where The Office was just on Netflix. It's hard to see how further streaming competition has actually benefitted users in that particular case...

You also can't get the Peacock app on Amazon devices, as it stands.

Verdict: 3/5

Sign up to Peacock here

Twitch streaming - how to stream on Twitch

11. Twitch

Free streaming of game playthroughs, musicians and so much more

SPECIFICATIONS

Compatible devices: Apple, Android, Windows, Xbox, Google Chromecast, Apple, Nvidia ShieldFree trials: N/ASimultaneous streams: Unlimited

TODAY'S BEST DEALS

Twitch TV

VISIT SITE

at Twitch

REASONS TO BUY

+Completely free

+Compatible with a host of devices

+Huge array of streams

REASONS TO AVOID

-Unskippable ads

-No mobile streaming

For a certain crowd, Twitch (formerly known as Justin.tv) is about the best invention since sliced bread. Essentially it's a livestreaming platform that focuses primarily on videogames where you can find everything from world tournament coverage to someone muddling their way through that indie darling you had your eye on buying.

It's not traditional by any means, but you'll find plenty to see and do on Twitch. Best of all the app is free on almost any platform you can think of: iOS, Android, Xbox One, PS4, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV … you name it, it probably has a Twitch app. You can read more about Twitch here.

Twitch may be limited to a niche audiences of gamers at the moment, but the platform clearly shows promise. Amazon bought the service wholesale in December 2014 for a cool $970 million. Whether you count it as real TV programming, however, is another question.