Best Streaming Services
Not all streaming services are the same. We scored the top platforms on content depth, value, and what you actually get for your money.
Affiliate Disclosure: We research and test every product independently. We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links — this never affects our rankings, scores, or editorial independence. All tier assignments are based strictly on our 100-point rubric.
How We Rank Streaming Services
100-point rubric · 6 weighted criteria
Gold — Best in Category
90+ points. Excellent across every criterion.
Hulu
Next-day TV episodes, a massive on-demand library, and the only streaming service that bundles Disney+ and ESPN+
Hulu earns Gold as the best all-around streaming service for people who watch current TV. Its core strength: next-day episodes from ABC, NBC, Fox, FX, and Hulu Originals — so you never miss what's airing. The Disney Bundle ($14.99/mo) adds Disney+ and ESPN+ to Hulu, making it one of the most complete entertainment packages available. Hulu Live TV ($82.99/mo) turns it into a full cable replacement with 90+ channels and unlimited DVR. Whether you want on-demand, live sports, or kids content, Hulu covers more ground than any competitor at its price point.
From $7.99/mo
Max (HBO)
HBO's prestige TV library plus Warner Bros. films — the streaming service with the highest concentration of critically acclaimed content
Max (formerly HBO Max) earns Gold as the streaming service with the highest density of critically acclaimed content per dollar: The Sopranos, The Wire, Succession, Euphoria, White Lotus, and every HBO original ever made, plus Warner Bros. theatrical releases (DC films, Harry Potter, Dune), Discovery content, and CNN. No other streaming service has HBO's hit rate on prestige drama. The ad-supported tier at $9.99/mo is genuinely good value for what's in the library. If you want the best TV dramas and don't need current network shows, Max is the pick.
From $9.99/mo
CuriosityStream
The streaming service for curious minds — documentaries, science, history, and more
CuriosityStream is a documentary-focused streaming service founded by Discovery Channel founder John Hendricks. It earns a Gold tier rating for its 3,000+ non-fiction titles, the lowest streaming subscription price in its category ($3.99/mo Basic), and an exclusive library unavailable elsewhere. Best for learners, documentary enthusiasts, and households tired of entertainment-only streaming services.
From $3.99/mo
Silver — Strong Choice
75–89 points. Solid option, missing a few things the Gold tier has.
Peacock
NBCUniversal's streaming service with a free tier, NFL Sunday Night Football, Premier League, and WWE
From $0/mo· Free tier
Paramount+
CBS, Paramount films, Champions League soccer, and Showtime — streaming's best-kept sports and entertainment bundle
From $7.99/mo