Which Video Streaming Service Is Best for Your Budget?
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With the push of a button, video streaming services provide you with hours of entertainment — often with few to no ads — at your convenience. For a set monthly premium, you can choose what streaming services you’d like to subscribe to, such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and Disney+. However, determining what’s worth your time and money can be challenging.
While the cost of most streaming services are affordably priced, they can quickly add up. To avoid overspending on multiple providers, take a step back from the remote and assess what services offer the best value for your wallet.
The 8 Top Video Streaming Services
Among the many video streaming services available, Netflix has the largest user base at 204 million in 2020, but other services like Disney+ and Amazon Prime are quickly gaining ground. Beyond offering popular, on-demand shows, most streaming services now have exclusive shows and extra features, such as having more users or watching shows in 4K.
Finding the best streaming service from the multiple offerings will depend on what you like to watch, your budget, your needs and more. Basic plans range monthly from $4.99 to $64.99.
For example, if you’re looking to channel surf, live streamed TV may be best for you. But if you only want a specific title, consider one of the many popular on-demand services. Or, if you're a sports fan and your family members are not, keep in mind what type of sports you're interested in and consider if there is a streaming service that could work with everyone's needs. Some services provide sports while others do not.
To help you decide, the following are the top video streaming services on the market today.
Summary of Top 8 Video Streaming Services
Streaming Service | Plans and Pricing | Simultaneous Streams | Original Content | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Yes | Those with a wide-range | |
| 4 | Yes | Those who love Disney | |
| 6 | Yes | Fans of Apple-exclusive | |
| 3 | Yes | Amazon Prime account | |
| 2 | Yes | Fans of well known | |
| 1-3 | No | Those who enjoy | |
| 3 | Yes | Fans of both live TV | |
| 3 | Yes | WarnerMedia |
Prices as of April 2022.
Netflix

Plans
- Basic: $9.99/month
- Standard: $15.49/month
- Premium: $19.99/month
Simultaneous Streams
- Basic: 1
- Standard: 2
- Premium: 4
Ways to Watch
- Smart TVs and streaming devices
- Phones
- Tablets
- Laptops or Computers
- Game Consoles
With over 200 million subscribers, Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services around the world. Streaming in more than 190 countries, Netflix has made a name for itself as the first and foremost provider of digital video streaming services.
Starting at $9.99 a month, their basic plan lets you stream a number of old, new and original content across various genres with no limit. Netflix also boasts a sleek interface and various consumer-friendly features, such as having different audio and subtitle options and letting you pick up where you left off in a movie or show. These many features contribute to a great consumer experience, making it the go-to entertainment platform for many.
Netflix also offers a standard plan at $15.49 a month, which lets you stream from two screens, have downloads on two devices and is available in HD. For families, it has a premium plan at $19.99 a month and lets you stream from sour screens, have downloads on four screens and is available in Ultra HD.
Compare the Plans
Basic | Standard | Premium | |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly cost* | $9.99 | $15.49 | $19.99 |
No. of screens you | 1 | 2 | 4 |
No. of phones or | 1 | 2 | 4 |
Unlimited movies, | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Watch on your | Yes | Yes | Yes |
HD available | No | Yes | Yes |
Ultra HD available | No | No | Yes |
*According to Netflix, you may be charged taxes with your subscription depending on where you live.
Key Takeaways
- A large collection of high quality old, new and original content
- Numerous user-friendly features and a modern interface
- Offline playback
- Compatible with many devices
- Restrictions on what you can watch based on where you are streaming from
- Delays in adding new content to its library
- Frequently removes shows
Disney+

Plans
- Disney+ Only: $7.99/month
- Disney Bundle (Ad-Supported): $13.99/month
- Disney Bundle (Ad-Free Hulu): $19.99/month
Simultaneous Streams
4
Ways to Watch
- Smart TVs and and streaming devices
- Phones
- Tablets
- Laptops or Computers
- Game Consoles
Launched in November 2019, Disney+ has grown to more than 500 films, 15,000 episodes and 80 originals to date. From popular Marvel movies to classic favorites, such as “The Simpsons,” viewers can watch content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and even National Geographic at $7.99 per month.
If you have an existing ESPN+ or Hulu subscription, you can opt to purchase the Disney Bundle instead. It includes subscriptions to Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ at only $13.99 a month, which is $8 cheaper than the cost of subscribing individually to all three.
Subscribers can also benefit from a user-friendly interface and offline playback features. One downside: Not all titles are optimized for today’s modern screen and some older content may only be available in certain resolutions.
While Disney+ is quickly growing its user base, the streaming service still has to polish its offers in a few areas.
Compare the Plans
Disney+ Only | Disney Bundle | Disney Bundle with Ad-Free Hulu | |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly cost | $7.99 | $13.99 | $19.99 |
Ad-Free Experience | Yes | No | Yes |
Unlimited Downloads | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Over 100 titles in | Yes | Yes | Yes |
No. of screens you | 4 | 4 | Yes |
ESPN+ and Hulu | No | Yes | Yes |
Key Takeaways
- Access to shows and movies from most brands under the Disney umbrella
- Offline playback features
- Compatible with various devices
- Service isn’t available in all countries
- Limited variety of titles versus competitors
- Doesn’t offer all Disney and Fox movies
Apple TV+

Plans
- $4.99/month
Simultaneous Streams
6
Ways to Watch
- Apple TV
- Smart TVs and streaming devices
- Phones
- Tablets
- Laptops or Computers
- Game Consoles
- Cable or Satellite Receivers
Apple TV Plus features 4K HDR resolution and mobile downloads at a low monthly cost of $4.99, making it the lowest-priced, ad-free premium streaming service available. The streaming service currently has more than 50 exclusive shows and movies, a sharp decrease compared to Netflix or Amazon Prime. Unlike its competitors, Apple TV does not have any back catalog or other production company under its umbrella.
Despite having a small gallery of shows, Apple TV+’s star-studded shows and affordability make it one of the top video streaming services in the industry.
Key Takeaways
- Costs less than most competitors
- Allows for offline playback and mobile downloads
- Offers 4K, HDR and Dolby Vision and Atmos at no additional cost
- Big-budget, star-studded originals
- Small catalog of shows and movies compared to competitors
- Only features original content
- Limited breakout hits
- Doesn’t offer separate user profiles
To save on the cost of streaming services, take advantage of different credit cards that offer elevated earnings on streaming services.
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card: This card offers $15 in credit annually for select streaming services, such as Netflix and Spotify. Spending on dining, takeout, or food delivery also earns up to four points per dollar with the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card.
- U.S. Bank Altitude Connect: Similar to the Altitude Go, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect’s cardholders can earn two times the points every day on eligible streaming services. It also offers two times the points on grocery stores and dining and one times the points on all other purchases.
- Journey Student Rewards from Capital One: The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One offers students the option to earn $5 per month for 12 months on select streaming subscriptions. On top of that, cardholders can get 1% cash back on all their purchases.
- The Platinum Card by American Express: In addition to getting $240 a year for digital entertainment, American Express Platinum cardholders can also enjoy a number of luxury benefits. From five times the points on flights and hotel stays to hundreds of dollars a year in credit for travel and shopping, this card is suited for those with high-end lifestyles.
Amazon Prime Video

Plans
- Amazon Prime Video only: $8.99/month
- Amazon Prime Membership: $14.99/month
- Amazon Prime for EBT and Medicaid Recipients: $6.99/month
- Amazon Prime Student Membership: $7.49/month
Simultaneous Streams
3
Ways to Watch
- Smart TVs and streaming devices
- Phones
- Tablets
- Laptops or PCs
- Game Consoles
Similar to other streaming services, Amazon Prime Video gives users access to a host of movies, series and Prime original content. While Prime Video typically comes with your standard Prime membership, users can get Prime Video solely for $8.99 monthly compared to Prime’s $14.99 monthly subscription fee. Unlike other competitors, users can also buy or rent content on a pay-per-title basis.
In terms of streaming, Prime Video subscribers can stream 4K HDR videos and create user profiles for up to six people. However, not all videos are free even with a Prime Video subscription — some need to be bought or rented.
Compare the Plans
Amazon Prime Video only | Amazon Prime Membership | Amazon Prime for EBT and Medicaid Recipients* | Amazon Prime Student Membership* | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Monthly cost | $8.99 | $14.99 | $6.99 | $7.49 |
Stream thousands of | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Access over 2 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Access to games | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Access to unlimited | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Shipping Benefits | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Deals & Discounts | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
*Amazon offers a prime membership for students and EBT and Medicaid recipients. You must qualify for these discounted plans.
Key Takeaways
- Comes with Amazon Prime subscriptions by default
- Offers an impressive list of TV shows, movies and original content
- Can stream 4K HDR
- Offers Thursday Night Football and WNBA games
- Offline playback
- Buy or rent movies or TV shows
- Loses third-party content to other services
- Doesn’t offer many high quality shows compared to competitors
- Doesn’t give you access to all the movies and series available on their platform
Hulu

Plans
- Hulu (Ad-Supported): $6.99/month
- Hulu (No Ads): $12.99/month
- Hulu + Live TV with Disney+ and EPSN+: $69.99/month
- Hulu (No ads) + Live TV with Disney+ and ESPN+: $75.99/month
Simultaneous Streams
2
Ways to Watch
- Smart TVs and streaming devices
- Phones
- Tablets
- Laptops or PCs
- Game Consoles
Hulu, one of the most popular streaming services outside of Netflix, offers popular content for $6.99 per month. It has a growing catalog of familiar shows that are consistently updated and released in near real-time, so you don’t have to wait for a full season to be produced before you can watch an episode.
Unlike competitors, Hulu’s most affordable plan includes ads, which may decrease its value and deter some users. However, Hulu offers a basic, ad-free experience starting at $12.99 per month. The price bumps up to $12.99 a month if you want to go ad-free.
People who like Disney+ or ESPN+ can opt for a bundled plan, which includes Hulu + Live TV, Disney+ and EPSN at $69.99 per month with ads or $75.99 per month with no ads. Live TV subscribers can also get an “Unlimited Screen Add-on,” which costs an additional $9.99 per month.
Compare the Plans
Hulu (Ad-Supported) | Hulu (No Ads) | Hulu + Live TV with Disney+ and EPSN+ | Hulu (No ads) + Live TV with Disney+ and ESPN+ | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Monthly cost | $6.99 | $12.99 | $69.99 | $75.99 |
Streaming thousands | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Access to majority of | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Streaming up to | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
No. of screens you | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Download & watch | No | Yes | No | No |
Live TV with | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Live TV guide | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Record live TV | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Disney+ & ESPN+ | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Key Takeaways
- Affordable starting price at $6.99
- Updates shows soon after they air
- Familiar selection of shows and movies and great original content
- Cheapest plan includes ads
- Fewer original series compared to competitors
- Confusing or overwhelming gallery interface
Sling TV

Plans
- Sling Blue or Sling Orange only: $35.00/month
- Sling Blue and Sling Orange: $50.00/month
Simultaneous Streams
- Sling Orange: 1
- Sling Blue: 3
- Sling Blue and Sling Orange: 3
Ways to Watch
- Smart TVs and streaming devices
- Phones
- Tablets
- Laptops or PCs
- Game Consoles
Sling TV is a live TV streaming service, which costs less than a typical cable bill and can be watched on most devices. It comes with limits, though — less DVR storage. And if you're a sports fan looking for a streaming service that could work for you and your non-sport fan family members, keep in mind that, Sling TV does have sports, but it is a limited selection.
Unlike competitors, Sling TV offers two basic plans at the same price: Sling Orange and Sling Blue. Aside from sharing many of the same channels, there are some exclusive channels to each plan and varying options for how many devices can stream at the same time. Sling Orange users have 32 channels, including ESPN and Disney, but can only stream on one device.
Conversely, Sling Blue can be streamed from three devices and has 42 channels, focusing on entertainment and news, such as Fox and NBC. To get more channels, you can purchase add-ons for customization or purchase their $50 Sling Orange and Sling Blue plan.
Compare the Plans
Sling Orange Only | Sling Blue Only | Sling Blue and Sling Orange | |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly cost | $35.00 | $35.00 | $50.00 |
No. of streaming | 1 | 3 | 1-3 |
No. of available | 32 | 42 | 50 |
Hours of DVR | 50 | 50 | 50 |
*You can take a look at what channels are included in each of these plans on Sling TV’s website.
Key Takeaways
- Live TV streaming services at an affordable price point
- Customizable plan with add-ons
- Two basic plans for different users
- Doesn’t require any annual contract
- Less channels versus competitors
- Limited diverse viewing preferences in one household
- Requires an antenna to access local channels
- DVR storage space is limited
YouTube TV

Plans
- $64.99/month
Simultaneous Streams
3
Ways to Watch
- Smart TVs and streaming devices
- Phones
- Tablets
- Laptops or PCs
- Game Consoles
YouTube TV offers live streaming TV services with little-to-no gaps. From old cable–TV favorites to your must-see major network, users can watch their desired channel on an easy-to-use interface on just about any streaming device.
For avid sports fans, it lacks regional sports networks. But sports fans can opt for YouTube TV’s Sports Plus add-on, which includes Fox College Sports, Stadium, TVG and more.
Beyond their complete lineup of channels, YouTube TV also features unlimited DVR. Users can save recordings and keep it in storage for up to nine months.
Key Takeaways
- Over 85 channels
- Unlimited DVR storage space
- Three streams and six accounts per household
- Easy-to-use interface
- Basic parental control options
HBO Max

Plans
- With Ads: $9.99/month
- Ad-Free: $14.99/month
Simultaneous Streams
3
Ways to Watch
- Smart TVs and streaming devices
- Phones
- Tablets
- Laptops or PCs
- Game Consoles
HBO Max features an impressive content library — current HBO shows, HBO originals (dubbed Max Originals) and show and movie collections from WarnerMedia's other brands. This includes Warner Bros., New Line Cinema, DC, CNN, Turner, Rooster Teeth, Looney Tunes and more.
HBO Max still requires some polishing. The basic plan, which has ads, comes at a higher price than its competitors and its content offerings may not be as versatile or worth the cost for some people. To remove ads, it would cost $14.99 per month.
Compare the Plans
HBO Max with Ads | HBO Max with No Ads | |
---|---|---|
Monthly cost | $9.99 | $14.99 |
Enjoy 13,000+ hours | Yes | Yes |
Enjoy new favorites | Yes | Yes |
Streaming up to | Yes | Yes |
Curated kids’ experience | Yes | Yes |
Download up to | No | Yes |
Stream in 4K UHD | No | Yes |
Key Takeaways
- Award-winning originals and shows
- Offline playback
- Intuitive interface
- Not available in all countries
- Costly price point versus competitors with no ads
To avoid overspending or subscribing to too many streaming services, try to stick to one service per month and determine if the service’s offerings are a good fit for you.

The Average Cost of Video Streaming Services per Month
Streaming services cost an average of $55 per month in 2021, up from $38 in early 2020. With on-demand content costing less than most activities out of the house, it’s no wonder why consumer spending almost doubled in the span of a year.
The cost of streaming services isn’t the only thing to consider: Internet bills and electricity-usage should factor in too. Internet services cost $68.38 per month on average, making the average total spending on internet and streaming services a whopping $123.38 a month.
How much you spend monthly on streaming services will depend on your subscription choices. For instance, basic plans range between $4.99 to $64.99 per month depending on provider, but add-ons and ad-free options can cost more. Review the graph below for the average cost of popular video streaming services on a monthly basis to get an idea of how much you might spend.
Constantly streaming videos online can take a toll on your bandwidth — which can affect your monthly internet bill. Manage your bandwidth usage through your streaming service’s data usage settings or your device and limit how much data you use. This way, you can ensure you keep your internet bill in check.
Deciding on Streaming Services
Not all streaming services will offer everything you want or fit your budget, which is why it’s important to evaluate your options before you subscribe. By avoiding subscribing to multiple services you don’t use, your budget planning will remain on track.
How to Select The Best Streaming Service For Your Needs
Evaluating your options can be an overwhelming task, but a worthy one when it comes to your wallet. Keep the following tips in mind before you subscribe to a streaming service.
Be honest about what you’ll watch
It’s easy to want to watch the latest and most talked about shows or movies, but finding the time to watch them is another thing altogether. Think about what shows interest you most and what you’ll have time to watch consistently to help guide your streaming service choice. For instance, if you want to watch one or two Disney movies but like entertainment series better, you may want to subscribe to Hulu with a Disney add-on over Disney+.
Set your budget
How much do you want or can you spend monthly on streaming content? Evaluate what your budget allows and stay within a set amount that you determine. It’s more cost effective to start small and add-on or change plans as you go.
Narrow your choices
Based on your interests, research what providers are truly offering. Peruse their movie and series listings, noting your interests and determining how much of their content you would watch. This can help ensure the shows you want to watch are actually available from your desired provider.
Try a free trial, one at a time
Many streaming services offer free trials — from a few days to 30-days — to encourage new subscribers. It’s a good idea to test them out before you decide on one. However, it’s best to try them one at a time so you maximize your trail periods and have time to explore their content offerings and platform settings.
Compare costs and offerings
After narrowing your list of favorites, finalize it by adding in costs and add-ons for each streaming provider. Compare the various pros and cons to help you make your decision.
There are a number of credit cards that reward you simply for using streaming services — and it’s best to take advantage of them to increase your savings.
- U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature® Card: The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card gives you 5% cash back on two categories of your choice — one of which is streaming services. Beyond that, you can get 2% cash back on another everyday category of your choosing and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- PayPal Cashback Mastercard®: With the Paypal Cashback Mastercard, you can earn 2% back on all types of spending. This means that if you put your streaming subscription costs on this card, you can get 2% of the costs back.
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Users of the AmEx Blue Cash Preferred Card can earn 6% back on selected streaming subscriptions and 1% back on all other purchases. Cardholders can also get 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, up to $6,000, and 3% cashback on transit and U.S. gas stations.
- Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card credit card offers 3% cash back on streaming services and other categories such as groceries, restaurants, certain entertainment expenses and more. Users can also benefit from the 1% flat-rate cash back on all other purchases.

4 Ways to Get the Best Video Streaming Deals
Being strategic about your video streaming subscriptions and finding the best deals can help you save a lot of money across the board — and it’s easier than you might think. Review the tips below to reduce your monthly spending.
Examine all the plan types
Certain video streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Disney+ have different tiers and plans. While some of the cheapest plans come with ads, it may help you save in the long run.
Stop when you have to
Video streaming services don’t come with strings attached and you can leave any time. If you anticipate that you won’t be watching due to a busy month, like if you have exams or have a project to do at work, you can cancel and restart your plans after your busy period.
Share it with a friend or family member
Most streaming subscriptions offer family plans or let you watch on several devices simultaneously using different profiles, such as Netflix. Given this setup, you can opt to share the costs of an account with a friend or family member.
Use a rewards card
There are plenty of credit cards that can offer you some form of savings on video streaming subscriptions. For instance, plenty of cash back credit cards can give you at least 1% back up to 4% back, depending on the available categories.
Streaming Services Costs FAQs
Video streaming services are uber-popular, but it can be challenging to pick the best option with their various options and offerings. Below are a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you find the best one for you.
Expert Insights
Streaming TV series and movies is an affordable, convenient entertainment option. Choosing your subscriptions wisely is essential and will save you money in the long run. MoneyGeek reached out to several experts for their insights on how to find the best option for you.
- How can consumers best determine which streaming service is best for them given the number of choices?
- How can consumers save on their streaming subscriptions?

Public Relations Manager at TopCashBack

CEO & Co-Founder of Fig Loans

Attorney and Founder of Gibson Hill PC
Related Content
Learning how to manage your habits and activities, from streaming to eating out, can ultimately help you with your finances in the long run. Find more tips, strategies and information on managing your day-to-day finances in the resources below.
- How to Live on a Low Income: Living on a low income is the reality for many — but it doesn’t mean you can’t stretch your earnings. Learn how to live even if money is tight.
- A Financial Literacy Handbook for All Life Stages: Regardless of where you are in life, this financial literacy handbook can help you make smart financial decisions.
- A Saver's Guide to Eating and Living Well: A healthy life is a balanced life. Learn how to manage your health and wellness on a budget.
- The Guide to Budgeting: Creating a budget can help ensure you don’t go overboard with your streaming services subscriptions. Understand how to make and maintain a budget in this guide.
- Understanding Credit Card Debt & How to Pay It Off: If you decide to put your subscriptions on a credit card, you have to understand what happens to those charges. Otherwise, you could stretch beyond your limits and into debt.
About Bennett O'Brien
sources
- J.D. Power. "Despite Return to ‘Normal,’ People are Spending More Time and Money on Streaming Services Now than During Height of Pandemic." Accessed March 17, 2022.
- New America. "The Cost of Connectivity 2020." Accessed March 17, 2022.
- World Economic Forum. "Which streaming service has the most subscriptions?." Accessed March 16, 2022.