The concept of video-on-demand streaming services has opened new realms of entertainment. A 2020 research report suggests that 78 percent, an increase of 25 percent in the last four years, of U.S. consumers have subscribed to some sort of streaming service.
The reason to such massive shift of user preference is that the masses have understood the advantages of streaming services and are switching to the convenience it brings. People have started cutting the cord and are solely depending on streaming platforms for keeping up with their entertainment pangs.
The competition in the sphere of streaming has gotten fierce with new platforms entering it and veterans bringing the best content to the table, every single day. Consumers, now, have to decide as to which streaming services do they want to subscribe to and for how long. An easy trick is to divide your year in terms of streaming services’ subscription, for example, you can use Netflix and HBO Max for the first quarter and then Amazon Prime Video and Hulu for the next. You can rotate the streaming services like this the whole year without burdening your bank account.
In order to help you decide on which streaming services should you be considering in 2021, we have come up with a list of the top 5 services that will be discussed in this post. However, before diving into this well-researched list, you need to know the essentials you need for streaming.
Essentials for streaming
The first thing you require is a high-speed internet connection. People who are tight on a budget can also benefit from high-speed internet without worrying about money. For instance, Spectrum promotions, can offer ultra-fast speeds without limiting data caps and signing a long-term contract.
You must have a streaming device at hand, as well. If you own a smart TV or a gaming console, then you are already there. If not, you should invest in a streaming device like Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV. In the event that all of the said options are out of your range, you would be glad to know that you can stream content via your smartphone as well.
The last but not the least essential is a subscription to a streaming service. We will discuss your options in the next section of this post.
BEST streaming services
After a detailed evaluation of all the major streaming services, we have found our top five streaming services:
- Netflix
- HBO Max
- Hulu
- Disney Plus
- Amazon Prime Video
NETFLIX
Free Trial Period: 30 days
Starting Monthly Price: 9.00 USD
Coinciding streams: One to Four
Original content: Available
Devices and platforms: iOS, Android, Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Nvidia Shield, Xbox, PS 4, Smart TV, and web browsers.
Netflix is synonymous with streaming services in the modern world. The concept of SVOD was also brought to the table by Netflix and therefore, is credited as the pioneer of the streaming sphere. With over 14 thousand titles, Netflix enables its users to watch the best content, licensed and original, at all times. furthermore, the Netflix app allows users to download content for offline viewing as well.
HBO Max
Free Trial Period: No
Starting Monthly Price: 15.00 USD
Coinciding streams: Three
Original content: Available
Devices and platforms: iOS, Android, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Chromecast, Roku, Nvidia Shield, Xbox, TiVo, PS 4, Smart TV, and web browsers.
HBO Max is equipped with all the content of HBO, which everyone knows is a lot. It is the powerhouse of television and is steadily taking its rightful throne in the streaming sphere as well. Blockbuster hits and award-winning original content like Game of Thrones, The Big Bang Theory, Sesame Street, Sex and the City, are just a few examples of what HBO Max holds.
Hulu
Free Trial Period: 30 days
Paying subscribers in the U.S.: 39.4 million
Starting Monthly Price: 6.00 USD
Coinciding streams: Two
Original content: Available
Devices and platforms: iPadOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Fire TV, Fire Tablets, Chromecast, Echo Show, Roku, Nvidia Shield, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PS 3, PS 4, Smart TV, and web browsers.
In the first quarter of 2021, it is estimated that Hulu has almost 39.4 million paid subscribers in the United States. With the best-licensed content from TV and cinema, Hulu knows how to keep its users engaged all the time. One great aspect of Hulu is that it allows you to bundle it with ESPN, and Disney Plus for only 12.99 USD monthly. The only thing about Hulu that might put you off is that its basic package supports commercials, however, they are a lot fewer than when watching the same content on cable TV.
Disney Plus
Free Trial Period: 7 days
Starting Monthly Price: 7.00 USD
Coinciding streams: Four
Original content: Available
Devices and platforms: iPadOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Fire Tablets, Chromecast, Roku, Nvidia Shield, Xbox, PS 4, Smart TV, and web browsers.
Disney Plus was launched in 2019 and since then, its trend has only moved upwards. You can access all the Disney content and relive your childhood at any time through this amazing time-traveling portal. It also includes content from Star Wars, Pixar, Walt Disney Studios, Lucas films, Marvel, Nat Geo, and Twentieth Century Fox. You can also bundle up Disney Plus with Hulu and ESPN at a mere rate of 12.99 per month.
Amazon Prime Video
Free Trial Period: 30 days
Starting Monthly Price: 8.99 USD
Coinciding streams: Three
Original content: Available
Devices and platforms: iOS, Android, Android TV, Fire TV, Fire Tablets, Chromecast, Roku, Blu-ray players, Xfinity X1, Xbox, PS 4, Smart TV, and web browsers.
If you are a member of Amazon Prime, the SVOD service is free of any charges. However, people who are not a member can access it by paying nominal charges as well. With the most collection of classic movies and TV shows, Amazon Prime Video has made sure to mark its position in the world of streaming in a very short time.
