We’ve written about some of the various streaming video options in the past, but since the playing field changes fairly often, with new entrants or pricing changes, it seemed like a good time to revisit the topic.
So, here is an updated overview of some of the top streaming options you have at your disposal whether you’re cutting the cord, or just adding to your video options.
Netflix
When you start a conversation about streaming services, it pretty much starts with Netflix. The granddaddy of the subscription streaming services, Netflix still dominates the industry with over 200 million subscribers, a huge catalog of TV shows and movies, and an app that is built into most smart TVs and streaming devices. While the rise of competitors has definitely taken a bite out of the Netflix library with various content moving to other services (like Marvel movies and series), there is still a ton of content available - much of it produced by Netflix. You can also watch a lot more international content on Netflix than in years past, expanding your viewing options.
Cost: Netflix offers plans from as low as $9 a month, but their most popular Standard Plan runs $14/month.
HBO Max
It may have taken HBO a while to figure out their streaming direction, with previous streaming iterations now merging into HBO Max, but they seem to have gotten themselves on strong footing heading into 2021. The plan to release Warner Bros. movies on the streaming service in 2021, in conjunction with theatrical releases has been a big boost to their subscriber growth. That plan kicked off on Christmas 2020, with the release of Wonder Woman 1984, but there are a number of big releases on the horizon, including the Zack Snyder cut of Justice League. Having access to the strong library of quality HBO-produced series is also a big plus.
Cost: The regular monthly subscription is $15, making it one of the priciest options. But, when weighed against the cost of a few tickets to see a new movie like Godzilla v. King Kong in the theater, it starts to look pretty attractive.
Disney Plus
Disney has also emerged as one of the major players in the streaming industry in a fairly short time. The fact that they have such a strong library of films, series, and characters through Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar gives them a great foundation to work from. This year the release of WandaVision has been a big success, as the weekly release format and mysterious nature of the show has led to plenty of regular media coverage discussing each episode. With numerous additional Marvel MCU and Star Wars series on the way in 2021, the channel is in a strong position to continue growing its loyal fan base in the year ahead.
Cost: Disney Plus comes in at just $8 a month (starting in March 2021 - up a dollar from the current price). You can also add Hulu and ESPN Plus to a bundle for just $13 a month.
Paramount Plus (CBS All Access)
The rebrand of CBS All Access to Paramount Plus will roll out on March 4, so we’re going to go ahead and start using the new name now. The launch will add to the current CBS All Access content library with programming from MTV, BET, Comedy Central, and other ViacomCBS channels. It will also continue to stream your local CBS affiliate station. CBS All Access has already built a strong foundation as the home of Star Trek content and has delivered several fan-favorite shows like Star Trek: Discovery and Picard. More original Star Trek content is on the way in 2021 and beyond.
Cost: The starting price (with commercials) will stay at $6 per month, going up to $10 a month for commercial-free streaming.
Hulu
The focus of the Hulu library is on TV content. There are definitely a number of feature films in their library, but TV shows and Hulu original series are the backbone of the streaming service. Hulu has also produced a number of critically acclaimed and popular shows, headlined by The Handmaid’s Tale and Castle Rock. Hulu is also the home for TV shows like Archer, Killing Eve, X-Files, 30 Rock, LetterKenny, and Seinfeld, among others. Hulu + Live also offers a live TV lineup for an extra cost, making Hulu a versatile option for cord-cutters.
Cost: The ad-supported, streaming plan costs $5.95/month. Removing ads takes it up to $11.99 per month. (Don’t forget the Hulu-Disney Plus-ESPN bundle for $12.99 a month.) Hulu + Live TV comes in at a starting price of $64.99 a month with ads and $70.99 for ad-free.
Discovery Plus
In a short time, Discover Plus has carved out a niche with a lot of reality and documentary TV series content from channels like HGTV, Discovery Channel, Food Network, TLC, Animal Planet, A&E, The History Channel, and Lifetime. It has become the home for home improvement shows (although Hulu also has quite a bit of HGTV content at the moment), true crime, paranormal, and food-related shows. Basically, if you love the content on the channels included in the library, it’s hard to go wrong adding this streaming service.
Cost: Currently, you can watch ad-supported for $5 a month and remove ads for $7 a month.
