6 streaming services that are actually worth paying for

Almost every company increases their annual subscription prices, but while these increases make streaming services more expensive than ever, they still offer the best value for money and are worth every penny.

 

6. Netflix

 

Netflix remains the biggest streaming service thanks to its vast library of original movies, TV shows, and documentaries. It's also one of the most attractive streaming services to sign up for, thanks to its global availability.

If you're looking for a service that offers a constantly updated library of content, Netflix is ​​one of the top choices. Whether you're into binge-watching TV series or just want to watch a movie in one sitting, Netflix has something new to keep you entertained every month.

This steady stream of content is hard to beat. Netflix also doesn't license content to other platforms, so you'll find plenty of content to watch that isn't available elsewhere, and Netflix's global focus on content is a plus.

5. HBO Max

 

HBO Max is a premium original content streaming service. If you want to watch some of the best TV shows of all time, HBO Max is worth paying for. Unlike platforms that prioritize quantity over quality, HBO Max has built a reputation for curating some of the best TV shows and movies available.

HBO Max's biggest draw is the quality of its HBO Originals, from older titles like The Sopranos, The Wire, and Rome to newer ones like Succession, Euphoria, House of the Dragon, Game of Thrones, and The White Lotus.

In addition to high-quality original content, HBO Max's value proposition is further enhanced by the inclusion of live sports content in its Standard and Premium plans, priced at $16.99 and $20.99/month, respectively. In addition to on-demand content, you can also watch a variety of live sports content, including NBA, NHL, MLB, NASCAR, American football, and more.

4. Hulu

Hulu is one of the best value streaming services out there, offering a balanced mix of current TV shows, original content, and on-demand movies. The service has invested in original programming, producing big titles like The Handmaid's Tale. But Hulu's biggest selling point isn't its on-demand library.

 

Its biggest strength is its ability to stream current TV episodes the next day from major networks, including ABC, NBC, and Fox. It's the perfect service if you want to catch up on popular shows like Grey's Anatomy without having to wait for the season to end. It's a solid value proposition, especially if you want to follow a traditional TV schedule but with more flexibility.

3. Disney+

Disney+ is appealing because of its iconic brands. As Disney continues to remove its content from many competing services, Disney+ has become the go-to platform for that purpose. It brings together popular brands, content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, all in one place. The exclusivity to these popular brands is what makes the subscription worth it.

Another standout feature is that Disney+ doesn't limit 4K HDR streaming to its higher-priced plans, despite offering two subscription plans: Disney+ Basic with ads ($9.99/month) and Disney+ Premium ($15.99/month or $159.99/year, billed annually). Disney keeps things simple by allowing all subscribers to enjoy content in 4K as standard when available, while many competitors do so exclusively for their higher-priced plans.

2. Apple TV+

 

Apple TV+ is another great streaming service worth paying for. While Apple TV+ doesn't have the same extensive content library as its competitors, it makes up for it with higher quality. Launched in 2019, Apple TV+ boasts a robust library of original content that anyone who values ​​storytelling and filmmaking will enjoy, such as Ted Lasso and Severance.

Combine quality content with an affordable price of $9.99/month for ad-free streaming in 4K, and you have a strong value proposition. Apple TV+ offers one of the most affordable ad-free streaming plans on the market, and it also offers 4K streaming. On most services, plans that cost $10 or so per month typically include ads and are limited to 1080p (Full HD) streaming quality.

1. Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is often seen as an add-on to the broader Amazon Prime membership, which costs $14.99 a month or $139 a year, billed annually. But it still stands on its own as a streaming service worth paying for, offering an individual plan for $8.99 a month. The service boasts a huge library of content, from TV shows to classic sitcoms to blockbuster movies.

The service also has outstanding original programming, including Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, Reacher, The Wheel of Time and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

The interface may not be the best compared to other services, but it makes up for it with a huge library of content. In addition to on-demand content, Prime Video also offers sports content, most notably exclusive coverage of NFL Thursday Night Football games.