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Cori Lenon
The on-demand video market is becoming very crowded, and it can be difficult to know which streaming service is perfect for you. We've put together a guide to help you choose the best, from Netflix to Disney Plus and more.
Streaming services have completely revolutionised how we consume film and TV. Netflix is one of the most subscribed to streaming platforms worldwide, boasting almost 231 million subscribers, but even for the likes of Netflix, competition is rife, with more and more new streamers entering the market.
The term 'streaming wars' has been coined to acknowledge this fierce competition between platforms. And with so much choice, and the likelihood that our favourite shows and films are spread across multiple services with each coming with its own cost, how do we begin to choose?
After years of expertise rating and reviewing the latest films and TV shows, RadioTimes.com knows a thing or two about streaming. In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know when choosing the best streaming service for you.
There's no easy answer to what is the best streaming service because it really depends on what your film and TV taste is, as well as what features are most important to you, and of course, how much you're willing to pay.
In terms of content, it's hard to compete with Netflix which outputs an incredible amount of original film and TV each month, on top of an impressive back catalogue. It's fair to say that with this much content, the quality can be a mixed bag, but every so often a huge word-of-mouth hit, such as Stranger Things or The Crown, will land on the service, while a few of their films have been nominated for an Academy Award, such as Roma.
However, with Netflix losing much of their licensed back catalogue, franchise fans may be better off heading to Disney Plus. The streaming service includes the very best of Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel, and will be the only place to see many of the spin-off shows from each of those universes. The addition of Star also means there's plenty more mature content, too, like Good Trouble.
For those on a budget, Amazon Prime Video is one of the best value streaming services out there. It has a steady stream of hit original films and shows, but also allows you to buy or rent content that's not included in the service. If you opt for the full Prime package rather than just the standalone streaming service, you get free next day delivery, plus access to Amazon Music, Prime Reading, Amazon Photos, exclusive deals and gaming benefits.
While all five are streaming services require paid subscriptions, each platform can vary considerably in terms of price, free trials, amongst other things. Streaming services will only allow you to stream on a certain number of devices at once; families, in particular, will want to take note of the maximum number of screens the service will support simultaneously.
One thing that can sometimes frustrate Amazon users is that not all video content on the service comes under the subscription price, with some additional shows only available at an extra cost. However, Amazon has since added a 'Free to Me' section, making it clearer which shows and films are available for no added cost.
Like Netflix, Amazon has also shifted some of its focus towards film, and these are the best movies on Amazon Prime Video. Amazon also bought the rights to several high-profile films during the pandemic, including The Tomorrow War, Without Remorse and Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.
Amazon has also partnered with film studio Lionsgate. This deal means the streaming service has exclusive first window streaming rights in the UK for films such as The Courier, The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard, Wrath of Man and The Father. As Lionsgate was previously partnered with rival Netflix, this contract represents a huge coup for Amazon.
American Gods, The Man in the High Castle, The Marvellous Mrs Maisel, Good Omens, The Romanoffs, Mr Robot, Outlander, The Grand Tour, Nine Perfect Strangers, Clarkson's Farm, Modern Love, Star Trek: Picard, Reacher, The Last of Us.
Amazon Prime offers the best value of any streaming service out there due to all the extra consumer-friendly features - but its streaming service stands on its own due to a number of award-winning shows, a film selection that is steadily improving and the unique ability to purchase content not included in Prime.
The best TV shows on Apple TV+ include a mixture of hard-hitting dramas, experimental comedies and a growing range of documentaries, almost always with a household name attached either in front of or behind the camera.
The best movies on Apple TV+ tend to be more adult-oriented dramas, again with huge names such as Tom Hanks and Bill Murray attached. Other offerings include a Billie Eilish documentary and a Meghan Markle-narrated nature documentary.
Amongst the raft of originals that launched with the platform are See, a Jason Momoa vehicle set in a world where humankind has lost the ability to see, and The Morning Show, a #MeToo focused drama that stars Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carrell, although critical reviews have been mixed.
However, a whole host of shows have launched since, with Jason Sudeikis's football comedy Ted Lasso arguably becoming the service's flagship series. Mythic Quest, Schmigadoon! and Slow Horses have become other TV highlights, while film offerings include Tom Hanks's return to World War II in Greyhound and Bill Murray teaming-up with Sofia Coppola in On The Rocks.
Apple became the first streaming service to win the Best Picture Oscar for heart-warming indie drama CODA, and has found success on the TV side with Ben Stiller's workplace thriller Severance and starry anthology Roar.
Apple TV+ was always tempting by offering the work of A-List talent at a competitive price - and it's finally starting to realise its potential by filling up its library and producing quality content that is permeating pop culture.
Here's how to watch Apple TV+ on a smart TV and the best Apple Music offers for this month. Also, check out how the music streaming service fared against Spotify in our Apple Music vs Spotify guide.
Some of the best series on Disney Plus include spin-off shows and mega franchises like Star Wars and Marvel, with The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Moon Knight and Loki dominating pop culture during their release.
However, Disney's other franchises have made an appearance, too. The best movies on Disney Plus include the new live action The Little Mermaid and Pixar offerings Luca and Turning Red, which debuted exclusively on the service, while classic franchises such as The Mighty Ducks and Turner & Hooch have received reboots.
In February 2021, Disney Plus added a new section called Star, which featured more mature content from other Disney-owned properties, including the Oscar-winning Nomadland and new episodes of The Walking Dead.
Disney Plus has since introduced Star, a section that houses more adult-oriented content. Parental controls have also been implemented, keeping all inappropriate content neatly locked away behind that one segment if needed.
Avengers: Endgame, Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story 3, Mary Poppins, The Muppets, The Parent Trap, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, The Jungle Book, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Fantasia, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Hamilton, Luca, Nomadland, Death on the Nile, The King's Man, Eternals.
The price of Disney Plus depends on the plan you opt for. The Standard with Ads plan costs 4.99 a month. The Standard plan costs 7.99 a month or 79.90 for a year, and the Premium plan costs 10.99 a month or 109.90 for a year.
Offering big-budget blockbuster TV and films based on some of the most beloved franchises in the world, Disney Plus is excellent for families and big kids alike - though its Star section is quickly becoming a game-changer offering quality adult drama on par with its rivals.
Can you gift Disney Plus? If you're shopping for a present for a loved one, a Disney Plus gift card could be just the ticket. Plus, make sure that you know how to watch Disney Plus on a smart TV.
Some of the best series on Netflix such as Bridgerton, Bojack Horseman and Stranger Things have proved their worth over a number of series, while the service has also been putting an increasing focus on its film output in recent times. After enticing directors such as Martin Scorsese and David Fincher to work for the streamer, the platform has also made quite a stir at the Oscars as some of the best movies on Netflix such as The Power of the Dog and Don't Look Up scored multiple nominations.
As things stand, Netflix has a substantial library of non-original films and TV. However, as more streaming services emerge, it's losing some of this content, with Disney content relocating to Disney Plus, and several BBC programmes moving to ITVX.
Bojack Horseman, Orange is the New Black, GLOW, The Crown, Stranger Things, Mindhunter, Bridgerton, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Queer Eye, Wednesday, Dark, Friends, The Office US, Anatomy of a Scandal, Squid Game, Sex Education.
The Standard plan is 10.99 a month and allows you to watch on two screens at once, with HD available. If you're looking for a cheaper option, you can opt for the 7.99 a month membership, giving you access to one screen viewing in standard definition. A premium account allows an account to watch on up to four screens simultaneously and also offers ultra HD and is available for 15.99 a month.
The first major streaming service and still one of the best, few can match Netflix for their impact on streaming and the world at large. The sheer deluge of content means there are a few misses, but Netflix swings big with impressive budgets, talent and production value, meaning its hits often become worldwide sensations.
Like Amazon, Hayu is also available through NOW, offering over 8000 episodes of US reality shows such as Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Hayu also offers its own subscription that costs 4.99 a month, and there's a seven day free trial.
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