The Ultimate Guide to Streaming Services in 2022

With all of the new streaming services being launched every year, it can be difficult to keep with what is available. From sports to movies to family-friendly, there truly is something for everyone. We’ve put together a quick overview of some of the most popular streaming services so you can decide which ones are a good fit for you.

The Basics

Netflix – starting at $8.99/month

Pros:

• • Vast and always growing selection of original programming, including Stranger Things, The Crown and Dead to Me
• • Every plan is ad-free

Cons:

• • Prices have been steadily increasing over the past several years
• • They have lost some licensed content as new streaming services are being launched

Hulu – starting at $6.99/month

Pros:

• • Large library of content from a variety of networks, making it easy to stay up-to-date on currently airing TV shows
• • Can bundle with ESPN+ and Disney+

Cons:

• • Must upgrade for ad-free option

Prime Video – $12.99/month

Pros:

• • Maintains the biggest content library of any streaming service (over 12,000 movies, compared to 3,500 on Netflix)
• • Includes all benefits of Amazon Prime

Cons:

• • More expensive than other services, as you must be an Amazon Prime subscriber to access Prime Video

Disney+ – $7.99/month

Pros:

• • Includes the epic Disney library, as well as Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic content
• • Can bundle with ESPN+ and Hulu

Cons:

• • New theatrical releases are released on a delay

Peacock – starting at $4.99/month

Pros:

• • Watch all of your favorite NBC shows, including The Office and Parks and Recreation, as well as theatrical releases of NBCUniversal movies 45 days after they hit theaters
• • Offers a free version with no credit card required

Cons:

• • No 4K titles available
• • Must upgrade to Premium for access to full content library

For movie lovers

HBO Max – starting at $9.99/month

Pros:

• • Expansive selection of movies and TV shows, including original HBO content like Sex and the City, The Sopranos and more
• • Watch Warner Bros theatrical releases 45 days after they hit theaters

Cons:

• • Pricey, especially if you want to upgrade to the ad-free version

Paramount+ – starting at $4.99/month

Pros:

• • Large library of classic TV shows from CBS, Nickelodeon and blockbuster movies from Paramount Pictures
• • Can upgrade to watch your local CBS station live

Cons:

• • Lacks 4K content
• • No watchlist option to save shows and movies

Starz – $8.99/month

Pros:

• • Sizeable library of original shows and recent releases
• • Can add-on Starz to your existing Hulu or Amazon Prime subscription

Cons:

• • More expensive than some competitors

Showtime – $10.99/month

Pros:

• • All plans are ad-free
• • Can download episodes and movies for offline viewing

Cons:

• • Costly, considering the number of shows and movies available
• • Mostly original content; lacking blockbuster movies

ESPN+ – $6.99/month

Pros:

• • Stream thousands of live sports events, along with original content such as the 30 for 30 documentary series
• • Can bundle with Disney+ and Hulu

Cons:

• • Does not include live NBA or NFL games

Apple TV+ – $4.99/month

Pros:

• • Inexpensive, compared to competitors and there are lots of ways to get a lengthy free trial
• • Includes several critically acclaimed shows, including Ted Lasso and The Morning Show

Cons:

• • Library is limited, as it only includes original content

Discovery+ – starting at $4.99/month

Pros:

• • Over 55,000 episodes of reality programming from HGTV, Food Network, TLC and more
• • Relatively low-priced

Cons:

• • No option to download shows for offline viewing
• • Cannot watch certain shows on demand (i.e. Chopped and House Hunters)

Frndly – starting at $6.99/month

Pros:

• • Includes 30 live streaming channels and on-demand episodes of your favorite family-friendly and educational channels, including Hallmark, Lifetime, History and A&E
• • Inexpensive, considering the number of channels available

Cons:

• • Limited channel selection

Perfect for live TV

Sling TV – starting at $35/month

Pros:

• • Can choose between two plan options, offering a wide array of channels
• • Relatively low-priced with a lot of features

Cons:

• • Only includes 50 hours of Cloud DVR
• • Must upgrade to higher plan to access all channels

Hulu with Live TV – starting at $69.99/month

Pros:

• • Plan includes the entire Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+ library
• • Can live stream ESPN, NFL Network and regional sports networks

Cons:

• • Must add-on to receive enhanced DVR and unlimited screens
• • Among the pricier live TV options

YouTube TV – starting at $64.99/month

Pros:

• • Boasts more channels than any other live TV streaming service
• • Unlimited DVR storage

Cons:

• • Lack of original programming

FuboTV – starting at $64.99/month

Pros:

• • Strong channel line-up, including regional sports networks and ESPN
• • Every plan includes 250 hours of Cloud DVR

Cons:

• • Cost can add up fast, depending on add-ons and upgrades

Philo – $25/month

Pros:

• • The most inexpensive live TV streaming option
• • 60 channels available, including MTV, Hallmark, and Comedy Central

Cons:

• • Limited channel selection – lacking sports, local channels and news