10 Best Video Streaming Services of 2026

1. 1

   Netflix

   A global subscription service for series, films and games, with an ad-supported plan and two ad-free plans.

   9.2overall

   A global subscription service for series, films and games, with an ad-supported plan and two ad-free plans.

   Best forHouseholds that want the largest single catalog of original series and films and a low-cost plan with ads.

   Adoption data

   325 millionNetflix said it crossed 325 million paid memberships worldwide during the fourth quarter of 2025.

   Netflix, Netflix fourth quarter 2025 letter to shareholders (Form 8-K exhibit 99.1) (2025): “we crossed the 325M paid memberships milestone during the quarter”

   Netflix is the default subscription for most households because it pairs the largest disclosed audience in streaming with a low entry price. The company told shareholders it crossed 325 million paid memberships during the fourth quarter of 2025. In the US, its help center lists Standard with ads at $8.99 a month, which streams in 1080p on 2 devices and allows downloads on 2 devices; Netflix notes that most, not all, movies and shows are available on that plan. Standard without ads costs $19.99, and Premium at $26.99 adds 4K with HDR, 4 simultaneous streams, downloads on 6 devices and spatial audio. Netflix bills monthly only, so there is no annual discount, and people outside the household must be added as paid extra members. For a household keeping one service, the ad plan offers the most catalog per dollar of any verified price in this list, while the step up to Premium is steep.

   Strengths

   • +Cheapest verified entry price in this ranking at $8.99 a month
   • +Largest disclosed paid membership base of any service here
   • +Monthly billing with no annual commitment

   Limitations

   • −4K requires the $26.99 Premium plan
   • −Some titles are locked on the ad plan
   • −Sharing outside the household costs extra per member

   SummaryThe safest single subscription for most homes, with the cheapest verified entry plan here. Budget for Premium only if you watch on several 4K screens.

2. 2

   Amazon Prime Video

   Amazon's video service, included with a Prime membership, with originals, live sports, rentals and add-on channels in one app.

   8.5overall

   Amazon's video service, included with a Prime membership, with originals, live sports, rentals and add-on channels in one app.

   Best forHouseholds that already pay for Prime for shipping and want a second service at no extra cost.

   Prime Video is rarely bought on its own: Amazon says a Prime membership costs $14.99 a month or $139 a year in the US, and the video service is one benefit alongside free two-day delivery on eligible items. That bundling is why it scores well on value for households that already shop on Amazon. Amazon describes the app as a home for Prime Originals, Prime-exclusive live sports, more than 900 free ad-supported channels and more than 100 add-on subscriptions, including HBO Max, Paramount+, Peacock Premium Plus and Apple TV. Shows and movies carry limited ads, and removing them requires Prime Video Ultra at $4.99 a month. Amazon does not publish a subscriber count for Prime Video, so we scored adoption conservatively from what it does disclose, such as availability in more than 240 countries and territories. Watch the add-ons: paying for several channels through Prime is convenient, but each one adds to the monthly bill.

   Strengths

   • +Prime also includes free two-day delivery on eligible items
   • +Add-on channels let you pay for several services through one account
   • +Annual Prime price of $139 lowers the monthly cost

   Limitations

   • −Ads are on by default; ad-free costs extra
   • −Amazon does not publish a Prime Video subscriber count
   • −Rentals and add-ons can make the real bill higher

   SummaryThe best second service for Prime members, since the video is already paid for. Add Prime Video Ultra only if the ads bother you.

3. 3

   Disney+

   Disney's subscription service for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic programming, with an ESPN tile for some sports.

   8.5overall

   Disney's subscription service for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic programming, with an ESPN tile for some sports.

   Best forFamilies with children and fans of the Disney, Marvel and Star Wars franchises, especially those who also want Hulu.

   Adoption data

   132 millionDisney reported about 132 million paid Disney+ subscribers worldwide at the end of its fiscal 2025 fourth quarter in September 2025.

   The Walt Disney Company, Disney fourth quarter and full year fiscal 2025 earnings release (Form 8-K exhibit 99.1) (2025): “132 million Disney+ subscribers, an increase of 3.8 million vs. Q3 fiscal 2025”

   Disney+ is the clearest pick for households with children. Disney's annual report describes Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic as top-level tiles in the app, plus an ESPN tile with some sports content, and says the service is sold with and without ads in the US. Disney reported about 132 million paid subscribers at the end of September 2025, second only to Netflix in this ranking. We could not load a US price for the standalone plans from our location, so its price is marked pending. Hulu's own US price list does show the Disney+ and Hulu bundle with ads at $12.99 a month and the ad-free version at $21.99, which makes the pair cheaper than many single services. The weakness is breadth: adults who do not follow the franchises will find less here than on Netflix or HBO Max, and Disney no longer reports subscriber counts each quarter, so the adoption figure will age.

   Strengths

   • +Second-largest disclosed subscriber base in this ranking
   • +Strongest family and franchise catalog here
   • +Disney+ and Hulu bundle with ads costs $12.99 a month on Hulu's US price list

   Limitations

   • −US standalone price could not be verified from this location
   • −Catalog is narrower for adults who skip franchise titles
   • −Disney stopped publishing subscriber counts after fiscal 2025, so the figure ages

   SummaryThe best family service in this ranking, and best value when bought as a bundle with Hulu. Confirm the standalone US price on Disney's site before subscribing.

4. 4

   HBO Max

   Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming service for HBO series, Warner Bros. films and other programming, sold in Basic with Ads, Standard and Premium plans.

   8.5overall

   Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming service for HBO series, Warner Bros. films and other programming, sold in Basic with Ads, Standard and Premium plans.

   Best forViewers who want prestige drama and recent Warner Bros. films and will pay more per month for them.

   Adoption data

   132 millionWarner Bros. Discovery said its Streaming segment, led by HBO Max, ended 2025 with nearly 132 million subscribers worldwide.

   Warner Bros. Discovery, Q4 2025 shareholder letter (Form 8-K exhibit) (2025): “Our Streaming segment finished the year with nearly 132 million subscribers”

   HBO Max earns its place on the strength of its originals. Warner Bros. Discovery's shareholder letters point to The Pitt, Industry and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms as recent drivers of viewing, and the company said its Streaming segment ended 2025 with nearly 132 million subscribers. That figure covers the whole segment, so treat it as an upper bound for HBO Max itself. The service comes in Basic with Ads, Standard and Premium plans, and WBD says about half of new retail sign-ups now choose the ad tier. We could not load US prices from HBO Max's own pages from our location, so the price is pending here. Hulu's US price list sells HBO Max Basic With Ads as an add-on for $10.99 a month, and Philo includes the Basic with Ads plan in its $33 Bundle+ plan. Those partner routes are worth checking, because they can cost less than paying for HBO Max on top of another service.

   Strengths

   • +Large global subscriber base, close to Disney+
   • +Strong slate of acclaimed original series
   • +Can be bought through several partners

   Limitations

   • −US price could not be verified from this location
   • −Partner prices and features vary by provider
   • −Subscriber figure covers the whole Streaming segment, not HBO Max alone

   SummaryThe pick for drama fans who care most about quality per title. Check partner bundles before paying for it on its own.

5. 5

   Hulu

   Disney's US streaming service for current TV seasons and general entertainment, with optional Live TV and add-on channels.

   8.3overall

   Disney's US streaming service for current TV seasons and general entertainment, with optional Live TV and add-on channels.

   Best forUS households that want next-day network TV and the option to add live channels or bundle with Disney+.

   Adoption data

   64 millionDisney estimated about 64 million paid Hulu subscribers as of September 27, 2025, including Live TV subscribers.

   The Walt Disney Company, The Walt Disney Company Form 10-K for fiscal 2025 (2025): “As of September 27, 2025, the estimated number of paid Hulu subscribers, based on internal management reports, was approximately 64 million.”

   Hulu publishes the most complete US price list of any service here, which makes it easy to compare. Its help center lists Hulu with ads at $12.49 a month or $124.99 a year and Hulu Premium without ads at $21.49, with prices for new subscribers effective September 23, 2026. The better buy for most homes is the Disney+, Hulu Bundle with ads at $12.99, only 50 cents more than Hulu alone. Hulu also sells Live TV plans and add-ons for HBO Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ and Cinemax, so it can act as a hub. Disney estimated about 64 million paid Hulu subscribers in September 2025, including Live TV customers. The limits: Hulu is US-only, the ad-free plan is expensive, and Disney is integrating Hulu into Disney+, so the standalone app may not stay in its current form. Check which bundle covers what you watch before choosing a single plan.

   Strengths

   • +Clearest published US price list in this ranking
   • +Disney+ and Hulu bundle with ads is only $0.50 more than Hulu alone
   • +Annual plan lowers the ad tier to about $10.42 a month

   Limitations

   • −Available only in the US
   • −Hulu Premium at $21.49 is one of the priciest ad-free plans
   • −Disney is folding Hulu into Disney+, so the standalone app may change

   SummaryBest bought as part of the Disney+ bundle, where it adds Disney's catalog for 50 cents. On its own, the ad plan is fairly priced and the ad-free plan is not.

6. 6

   Paramount+

   Paramount Skydance's streaming service with CBS programming, Paramount films, originals and live sports including every UFC event.

   8.3overall

   Paramount Skydance's streaming service with CBS programming, Paramount films, originals and live sports including every UFC event.

   Best forSports fans who follow the NFL on CBS or the UFC, and viewers of CBS shows and Taylor Sheridan series.

   Adoption data

   81.6 millionParamount Skydance said Paramount+ added about 2 million subscribers in the second quarter of 2026 to reach 81.6 million worldwide.

   Paramount Skydance, Paramount Skydance Q2 2026 earnings (Form 8-K exhibit 99) (2026): “gaining ~2 million new Paramount+ subscribers in the quarter to reach 81.6 million worldwide.”

   Paramount+ is the sports-heavy choice among the general entertainment services. Paramount Skydance says its seven-year UFC agreement brought every UFC event to the service in 2026, on top of the NFL, WNBA, PGA TOUR, March Madness and UEFA, and that the second quarter of 2026 was its best ever for retention. The company reported 81.6 million subscribers worldwide after adding about 2 million in that quarter. Outside sports, the draw is the CBS lineup, the Paramount film library and originals such as Dutton Ranch, which the company says averaged 13.4 million views per episode. We could not load US plan prices from Paramount's own site from our location, so the price is pending. Hulu's US price list sells Paramount+ with SHOWTIME as an add-on at $13.99 a month, which is a useful reference. Households that do not watch live sports will likely get more from Netflix or Disney+ for similar money.

   Strengths

   • +Widest live sports slate among the general entertainment services here
   • +Growing subscriber base, 81.6 million in mid-2026
   • +Can be added inside Hulu or Prime Video

   Limitations

   • −US price could not be verified from this location
   • −Sports depth varies by plan
   • −Library is smaller than Netflix or Disney+

   SummaryA strong pick for UFC and CBS sports viewers. Less compelling for households that skip live sports.

7. 7

   Peacock

   NBCUniversal's streaming service for NBC and Bravo shows, Universal films and live sports such as Sunday Night Football and the NBA.

   7.9overall

   NBCUniversal's streaming service for NBC and Bravo shows, Universal films and live sports such as Sunday Night Football and the NBA.

   Best forUS viewers who follow NBC sports, Bravo reality series and NBC shows without cable.

   Adoption data

   48 millionComcast reported that Peacock paid subscribers grew 17% year over year to 48 million in the third quarter of 2026.

   Comcast, Comcast third quarter 2026 results (Form 8-K exhibit 99.1) (2026): “Paid Subscribers Increased 17% Year-over-Year to 48 Million”

   Peacock is the sports and Bravo service of this group. NBCUniversal lists Sunday Night Football, Sunday Night Basketball, NBA All-Star Weekend, the NBA Playoffs, Sunday Night Baseball and the MLB Wild Card round among the events it streams, alongside NBC and Bravo shows. Comcast reported 48 million paid subscribers in the third quarter of 2026, up 17% from a year earlier, and said Peacock was profitable for a second straight quarter. NBCUniversal describes Premium as the ad-supported option and Premium Plus as mostly ad-free, with downloads and live local NBC channels. Peacock blocks access from outside the US and we could not verify its current US price from our location, so the price is marked pending. Apple's US page lists the Apple TV and Peacock bundle from $17.99 a month, which is worth a look for Apple TV subscribers. For viewers who do not follow NBC sports or Bravo, the catalog is thinner than the leaders.

   Strengths

   • +Live NFL, NBA and MLB coverage in one service
   • +Fastest disclosed subscriber growth here, 17% year over year
   • +Apple TV bundle option

   Limitations

   • −US price could not be verified from this location
   • −Downloads and local NBC require Premium Plus
   • −Smaller subscriber base than the leaders

   SummaryThe best fit for NBC sports and Bravo viewers. Others will find more catalog per dollar elsewhere.

8. 8

   Apple TV

   Apple's ad-free subscription for Apple Originals, with Formula 1, MLS and Friday Night Baseball included.

   7.2overall

   Apple's ad-free subscription for Apple Originals, with Formula 1, MLS and Friday Night Baseball included.

   Best forViewers who want a smaller, ad-free catalog of originals and Formula 1 or MLS coverage, especially Apple device owners.

   Apple TV is the odd one out: a catalog of Apple Originals only, with no licensed library, priced at $14.99 a month after a 7-day free trial. Apple says the originals are always commercial-free and that new titles arrive every Wednesday and Friday. The service now includes Formula 1 races, MLS matches and Friday Night Baseball at no extra cost, and Apple calls itself the new US home of F1. Family Sharing lets up to six people use one subscription, and buyers of a new Apple device get three months free. Apple One bundles start at $21.95 a month, and Apple also sells an Apple TV and Peacock bundle. The app runs on Android, smart TVs, game consoles and tv.apple.com, but downloads work only on Apple devices. Apple publishes no subscriber count, so adoption scores low. For a household that rotates services, it is a good month-long subscription for a specific series or race season.

   Strengths

   • +Ad-free on the base plan
   • +One subscription shared by up to six people
   • +Three months free with a new Apple device

   Limitations

   • −Smallest catalog in this ranking
   • −Apple publishes no subscriber count
   • −Downloads limited to Apple devices

   SummaryA good ad-free add-on for originals and Formula 1, not a primary service. Rotate it in for a season and cancel between releases.

9. 9

   Fubo

   A sports-first live TV streaming service that replaces cable that has combined with Hulu + Live TV.

   6.9overall

   A sports-first live TV streaming service that replaces cable that has combined with Hulu + Live TV.

   Best forCord cutters who want live local channels and regional sports networks without a cable contract.

   Adoption data

   5.75 millionFuboTV reported 5.75 million total North America subscribers at June 30, 2026, a figure that includes Hulu + Live TV after the two businesses combined.

   FuboTV Inc., FuboTV Q3 fiscal 2026 shareholder letter (Form 8-K exhibit 99.1) (2026): “Total North America Subscribers of 5.75 million, compared to 5.63 million in Q3 fiscal 2025”

   Fubo is a different kind of product: a live TV service that replaces cable rather than an on-demand library. Its help center lists base plans from Essential at $88.99 a month up to Deluxe at $118.99 after an increase of $15 a month that coincided with NBCUniversal channels joining the lineup. Cheaper routes exist: Fubo Sports, covering sports and news, costs $64.99, and Fubo Latino costs $19.99 for Spanish-language channels. FuboTV reported 5.75 million North America subscribers at the end of June 2026, a count that now includes Hulu + Live TV after the business combination with Disney. Add-ons such as DAZN at $34.99 and FOX Nation raise the bill further, and Fubo notes that ZIP code can change regional sports fees and taxes. For a household that only watches on-demand shows, Fubo makes little sense. For one replacing cable to keep live local and sports channels, it is one of the few full options.

   Strengths

   • +Replaces a cable package with live local and sports channels
   • +Spanish-language Latino plan at $19.99 a month
   • +Combined with Hulu + Live TV for scale

   Limitations

   • −Highest verified price in this ranking at $88.99 a month
   • −The latest price change added $15 a month to base plans
   • −Regional sports fees and taxes can add to the bill

   SummaryA cable replacement, priced like one. Pick it only if live channels and regional sports are the reason you pay for TV.

10. 10

    Philo

    A low-cost live TV streaming service with entertainment and lifestyle channels, unlimited DVR and a free channel tier.

    6.8overall

    A low-cost live TV streaming service with entertainment and lifestyle channels, unlimited DVR and a free channel tier.

    Best forHouseholds that want live cable entertainment channels for less and do not need sports or local news.

    Philo is the budget way to keep cable entertainment channels. Its site lists the Essential plan at $25 a month with more than 70 live channels and over 75,000 movies and shows on demand, and a 7-day free trial for new users. Bundle+ at $33 adds the AMC+ library, discovery+ and access to the HBO Max Basic with Ads plan, which makes it one of the cheaper ways to get HBO Max in this ranking. Both plans include unlimited cloud DVR kept for a year, up to 3 streams at once and up to 10 profiles, and there is a free channel tier that needs no credit card. Its pitch centers on entertainment channels such as Bravo, so check the channel list if you want live sports or local news. It publishes no subscriber count, so adoption scores low. As a cheap live layer next to Netflix or Disney+, it is good value.

    Strengths

    • +Cheapest live TV option in this ranking at $25 a month
    • +Bundle+ includes HBO Max Basic with Ads for $33
    • +No contract and a free channel tier

    Limitations

    • −Built around entertainment channels, so sports fans may need another service
    • −No published subscriber count
    • −Only 3 simultaneous streams

    SummaryThe cheapest live TV service here and a smart pairing with an on-demand service. Skip it if you watch live sports.

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