Contemporarily, Streaming platforms such as Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu have become pop culture. With around 220.67 million users worldwide, these platforms have disrupted the conventional entertainment industry. So regardless of the global financial crunch, the content streaming giants saw a boost in their subscription and viewership unlike anything else.
New platforms are launching each year to test their mettle against the established streaming platforms, so it was the right time to enlist the best available streaming platforms so that you can make an informed decision while purchasing them.
In this article, we will elucidate the USP of different streaming platforms to help you determine which service you should sign up for binge-watching timeless and phenomenal shows and movies.
Pro-Tip: While choosing a streaming platform, make sure to subscribe to a streaming service that has a fascinating and enormous content library with original, new, and classic flicks. The best video streaming site must possess an elaborate and user-friendly interface, with features like resolution settings and subtitle displays. Lastly, make sure to keep your budget in your mind to make a frugal choice.
Netflix
Netflix is the pioneer of online streaming platforms with a huge gallery of classic and original content. It has a sleek interface and a variety of subtitle options. It is also creating original content by collaborating with creators worldwide. Some of its original shows, like Stranger Things and House of Cards, have already become a pop culture phenomenon.
Although Netflix recently faced severe competition from contemporary streaming services like Hulu, it is savoring the first-mover advantage and has occupied a huge market share. Netflix has bizarre and captivating high-quality content. Moreover, it also offers 30 days free trial. However, the Netflix US library differs from other regions because of the geo-restriction. So, to access this library, you would need a premium VPN.
Price: It has three subscription plans:
- Basic $8.99
- Standard $12.99
- Premium $15.99
Hulu
Hulu is becoming a strong competitor in the streaming service wars by carving a niche audience base. It has original award-winning content like The Kardashians, How I met your father and many more.
Hulu has an acclaimed library of content, allowing users to stream their favorite shows on different devices simultaneously. Moreover, it will enable you to record your favorite show with 50 hours of cloud storage. In addition, it has unparalleled pricing and Live TV options to keep you entertained for hours. Unfortunately, Hulu is not available outside the US due to geo-restriction, but you can use it with the help of a premium VPN.
Price: It has four subscription plans:
- Basic Hulu $6.99/month
- Hulu (No Ads) $12.99/month
- Hulu Ads + Live TV $69.99/month
- Hulu No Ads + Live TV $75.99/month
HBO Max
HBO is known for its quality matured entertainment before other streaming services dominated the market. The network is responsible for giving us classic and incredible shows like The Game of Thrones, Euphoria, and Sopranos.
By subscribing to HBO Max, you can access HBO’s exclusive content, DC Comics, and Warner Bros Studios. 2021 has been a promising year for HBO Max, with increased sales and brilliant content creation. It offers parental control, an attractive application, a huge catalog of amazing movies and TV shows, and an offline viewing feature.
HBO Max is available in the US only, so if you want to access HBO Max in Germany or HBO Max in the UK, you would need a premium VPN. However, it offers a 7-day free trial and cost-effective subscription plans.
Price: The Price of HBO Max is
- HBO Max (Ad-Supported) $9.99/month
- HBO Max (Ad-free) $14.99/month
Disney Plus
Disney Plus is indeed one of the biggest names in the streaming wars. The dynamic Hollywood studio has finally created a competitive wave in the market by harboring content from timeless franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, and Disney+’s classic and original content collection. In addition, it offers a plethora of spellbinding and blockbuster content for the fans to resist.
Apart from the entertainment, Disney Plus also offers the sports vertical that hosts show from leading sports platforms like ESPN. As a result, it has competitive pricing and high-quality content.
Price: You can purchase Disney Plus for $6.99/month and $69.99/year.
Sling TV
Sling TV is one of the most affordable and oldest competitors in the streaming wars. It doesn’t have a range of classic and original content or a sleek interface, but it does offer popular content at some of the most economical rates in the market. What stands out about Sling TV is its pricing.
It hosts different channels, from drama, lifestyle, and support to news and sports. You can stream your favorite channels in 4K from this streaming platform. It has a free cloud DVR and access to more than 50 channels. Moreover, it offers a 3-day free trial.
Price: You must pay $20 for the first month and $30 per month for Sling Blue on 3 simultaneous devices.
Conclusion
Streaming platforms have made the content more accessible and fascinating than ever. It is formidable to imagine a future without streaming services because it has become integral to everyone’s daily life. There is a plausibility that it might completely replace cinema halls and cable networks.
So, to catch up on pop culture and watch incredible shows, getting on board with one or multiple streaming platforms from the above list is essential. Although there are other platforms, such as Crave TV, BBC iPlayer, and Kayo Sports, which will capture the streaming market in the future, these are the 5 best streaming platforms for now.
As for our recommendation, Netflix is still the King of Streaming Wars because of its growing library and original content. However, if you seek an alternate option, Hulu and HBO Max will satisfy you.
