Hulu Vs. Amazon Prime Video: Which Streaming Service Is Best For...

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Elfreda Dasovich

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Jul 11, 2024, 5:46:38 PM7/11/24

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These services are just one-half of the streaming equation, though. As the cable box slowly withers away, it's being replaced by smart TVs and the best streaming devices, which include Rokus and Chromecasts. And by testing the best streaming services and devices side-by-side, we figure out the best way to build the ultimate streaming setup with the best selection of content and live channels.

Hulu vs. Amazon Prime Video: Which streaming service is best for...

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Here's a quick overview of the best streaming services you can buy right now based on our testing and reviews. And keep up on scrolling if you want to see our in-depth analysis of all the top streaming services for every user and budget.

Hulu's one of the most interesting options on this list, and its unique nature makes sure it's one of the best streaming services. While it doesn't deliver as many new originals as say Netflix, its quality to quantity ratio is better. But more importantly, its next-day airings of cable and broadcast TV shows make it a must-have for many cord-cutters who don't want to spend $40 or more on the likes of Sling. And while it's still our value pick, a new Hulu price hike puts its ad-free tier at $17.99, which is more than standard Netflix and the ad-free Max. There's also Hulu + live TV (which goes up to $77 in October) as the ultimate back to school package, since it includes Hulu's shows and throws in Disney Plus and ESPN.

In addition, the service hosts a number of original shows (including joint ventures with the BBC, like The Wrong Mans and season 4 of The Thick of It), a selection of offbeat movies and a surprising amount of classic anime series. Recent Hulu hits include Only Murderers In the Building season 2, Fire Island and The Dropout. Even with a paid subscription, you have to sit through commercials, but far fewer than if you watched the same shows on cable. Hulu's live TV streaming option is also a solid aspect of its overall package, and that will let you watch CBS too. Wondering what to watch? Check out our lists of the best shows on Hulu and the best movies on Hulu.

The great-granddaddy in the market remains near the top of our list of the best streaming services. As you probably know, Netflix provides unlimited streaming of TV shows, movies, comedy specials and original programming (we need Stranger Things 5 now) for one monthly subscription fee. It's continuing to try and make big movies its big thing, but The Gray Man wasn't exactly a winner (a sequel is coming, though). The new Netflix with ads plan offers a new $6.99 entry-point, but the previously affordable Basic plan just got a price hike. So did the already-too-expensive Premium plan.

We're also curious about what will change with the addition of TV-MA content in the U.S., as Disney Plus getting the Netflix Marvel shows and improved parental controls. Deadpool, Deadpool 2 and Logan are the first R-rated Disney plus movies, too, but those are just drops in the bucket, as Netflix and HBO Max have long outranked Disney Plus when it comes to a wide variety of content for adults. Fans of Disney, Marvel, Pixar and/or Star Wars have no choice but to subscribe, which makes Disney Plus one of the best streaming services.

Other popular networks, like NBC, BBC America, CNN, Cartoon Network, TBS and the Food Network, sweeten the deal. If you want a live TV service with more channels (such as CBS), we say consider Fubo TV, unless you need TNT. In which case, Sling may be the best for you. Check out our Sling TV guide to packages, channels and more. While the other popular streaming services start at around $65 or $70, Sling stands out with its $40 per month starting price.

When we first named Apple TV Plus one of the best streaming services, it entered this list at the very end, in last place. In the months since? We keep going back to Apple TV Plus, as its hot streak is almost unparalleled outside of HBO Max. Severance was arguably the show of 2022, The Afterparty was a great surprise and Apple TV Plus even took home the best picture Oscar for CODA. So for anyone who says Apple TV Plus is for "Ted Lasso and little else," tell them they need to check out the best Apple TV Plus shows and movies. It's serving up programming that continues to surprise and charm, while Netflix almost feels routine and boring.

Amazon Prime Video's biggest hit is The Boys, which has already had one animated spinoff (a college-based one is also coming). The thing we don't love about Prime Video is how its apps vary greatly across platforms. When we tested Prime Video on Roku or Apple TV or Chromecast, we saw fewer sorting and discovery options than we did on a Fire TV device. You can also rent or purchase movies through Amazon Prime Video, but it's an à la carte service. Check out our list of the best Prime Video movies for more recommendations.

Apple TV Plus earned its spot on the best best streaming services by becoming more than just a service you watch Ted Lasso on. The likes of Pachinko, Severance, CODA, The Afterparty and Shining Girls have proven that Apple has an eye for good content. Annoyingly, we've found that it isn't on all brands of Smart TVs.

The best streaming services will help you stream all the great content that isn't on cable (on services that seek to replace cable). These days, though, they're all in a big state of flux, with prices hikes everywhere (hi, Peacock!), and our favorite (HBO Max) just became the mononym'd service known as Max. That said, it's still got all the big new shows we'd expect, with favorites such as Harley Quinn coming back this summer.

These services are just one half of the streaming equation, though. As the cable box slowly withers away, it's being replaced by smart TVs and the best streaming devices, which include Rokus and Chromecasts. And by testing the best streaming services and devices side-by-side, we figure out the best way to build the ultimate streaming setup with the best selection of content and live channels.

Viewers now have more streaming options than ever, but subscribing to every service out there will quickly weigh on your wallet. To help you decide what to sign up for, we rounded up the best streaming services of 2023 and broke down what makes each of them unique

Below, you can find all of our recommendations for the best streaming services, with picks for different budgets and viewing habits in mind. Keep in mind that many of our recommendations are now seeing limited-time sales for Black Friday. Check out all of the best Black Friday streaming deals for the latest discounts, and visit our Black Friday deals hub for more shopping advice and product sales.

Hulu offers two plans that provide on-demand streaming, including a basic option with commercials and a premium plan without ads. Hulu also offers one of the best live TV streaming service packages that adds popular network and cable channels.

Peacock used to have a free ad-supported plan with a limited selection of content, but this is no longer available as a sign-up option. Instead, the current entry-level option is Peacock Premium, which offers ad-supported access to everything on the service for $6 a month. For ad-free access, you need to pay $12 a month for Peacock Premium Plus. The top tier also adds livestreaming access to NBC, so you can watch your local station without an antenna or cable.

Additionally, Netflix's recent policy change around password sharing means that the platform may no longer be the best option for bigger households or people with long distance connections. It also recently discontinued its ad-free Basic plan, which means the starting price for ad-free streaming is now $15.49 rather than $10 a month. This makes Netflix one of the more expensive streaming options out there.

With that said, Max has become known for removing titles with little warning. Even some big releases, like "Westworld," have been pulled from the service as part of the studio's cost-cutting measures. This uncertainty surrounding some titles isn't ideal for subscribers. The service is also pricey, especially if you want 4K streaming, which is something that most competitors don't charge extra for.

Since the goal is entertainment, choosing the best streaming services for your needs will largely come down to your personal tastes. However, we can judge the different on-demand platforms based on a few common factors, like their library size, selection of critically acclaimed exclusives, video quality, app functionality, and price.

The best streaming services have an option for 4K video quality, with support for HDR color and contrast on compatible TVs. However, live TV channels rarely broadcast in 4K, so we have lower expectations for live TV streaming services and sporting events, which still use HD resolutions like 1080p or 720p.

When comparing catalogs, we try to consider the range of entertainment offered by each of the best streaming services, how much the platform has invested in exclusive programming, and which age ranges are best suited to watch. While most of the best streaming services will have a rotating list of movies, it's important to pay attention to which series and franchises will remain platform exclusive, like "The Office," "Star Wars," and "Stranger Things."

Prime Video allows up to three simultaneous streams, which is pretty standard with most streaming services. It also offers offline downloads for unconnected viewing, allowing up to 25 downloads per Prime Video account with 30 days to watch.

Access to Prime Video is included with Amazon Prime membership, which costs $14.99 a month or $139.00 a year. For non-Prime members, Prime Video is available as a standalone streaming service for $8.99 a month.

The stand-alone Criterion Channel is the result of a special deal with WarnerMedia, which shut down the FilmStruck streaming service in late 2018. Parts of the Criterion Collection film library, which had been included in that service, are also available on the Max (formerly HBO Max) service.

Our guide to the best TV in February is divided into three sections: the best shows and movies to watch in the month, the best shows to watch by streaming service, and a calendar of TV highlights. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it below.