In 2024, cutting the cable cord has never been easier or more appealing with a huge number of fantastic TV streaming services available. Gone are the days of being tethered to expensive cable or satellite TV packages with hundreds of unwanted channels.
The future of television is streaming, and the competition is fierce as providers are fighting for your eyeballs (and subscription dollars) with vast libraries of on-demand content, live TV options, and exclusive original programming.
Whether you’re a movie buff, binge-watcher, sports fanatic, or reality TV junkie, there’s a streaming service to suit your viewing preferences. So today we’ll explore the 8 best TV streaming services of 2024 to help you decide which ones are worth subscribing to.
1. Netflix
Netflix is the undisputed king of streaming and a must-have for any cord-cutter. With a massive library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and Netflix Originals, there’s something for everyone. As an early adopter, I’ve been a loyal Netflix subscriber for years, and it’s the first service I recommend to anyone looking to ditch cable. The user-friendly interface, excellent recommendations, and affordable pricing make it an easy choice.
Key Features:
- Vast on-demand library with thousands of titles
- Award-winning Netflix Originals like Stranger Things, Bridgerton, and Squid Game
- Ad-free streaming
- Download titles for offline viewing
- Multiple user profiles and parental controls
- Plans from $6.99 to $19.99 per month
2. Hulu
Hulu is a top choice for those who want to watch current TV shows from major networks soon after they air. With its impressive library of classic and contemporary shows, movies, and Hulu Originals like The Handmaid’s Tale and Only Murders in the Building, it’s a well-rounded service. I’ve found Hulu to be an excellent complement to Netflix for staying up-to-date on the latest episodes of my favorite series.
Key Features:
- Next-day access to shows from ABC, NBC, FOX, and more
- Hulu Originals and a rotating selection of movies
- Live TV option with over 75 channels (Hulu + Live TV)
- Ad-supported ($7.99/month) or ad-free ($14.99/month) plans
- Unlimited simultaneous streams with Unlimited Screens add-on
3. Disney+
For families, Disney+ is an absolute must. This streaming service from the House of Mouse gives you access to an incredible catalog of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content, all in one place. As a parent, I love having so many kid-friendly options at my fingertips, not to mention the nostalgia of revisiting classic Disney movies from my childhood.
Now here is a fun fact, with Hulu plus tv subscription you get the Disney plus complementary so if you need more than just family shows then I think you can check the previous option too.
Key Features:
- Massive library of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic titles
- Exclusive Disney+ Originals like The Mandalorian and WandaVision
- Up to 4K HDR streaming quality
- Simultaneous streaming on up to 4 devices
- Affordable $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year
4. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is a fantastic value-add for Amazon Prime members. In addition to free two-day shipping and other perks, you get access to a vast collection of movies, TV shows, and Prime Originals like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Boys. I’ve found Prime Video’s X-Ray feature, which provides cast and soundtrack information synchronized with the action on screen, to be incredibly useful.
Key Features:
- Thousands of movies and TV shows included with Prime membership
- Premium channel add-ons like Starz, Showtime, and AMC+
- Popular Prime Originals and exclusives
- Download titles for offline viewing
- Included with Amazon Prime ($14.99/month or $139/year)
5. HBO Max
For those who crave prestige TV, movies, and documentaries, HBO Max is the way to go. This streaming service from WarnerMedia is home to the entire HBO library, as well as content from Warner Bros., DC, Cartoon Network, and more. I’m a big fan of HBO’s gritty dramas and thought-provoking documentaries, and HBO Max delivers all that in spades.
Key Features:
- Complete HBO library, including hits like Game of Thrones and Succession
- Warner Bros. movies and TV shows, including new theatrical releases
- DC Universe content, from movies to animated series
- Cartoon Network and Adult Swim favorites
- Plans start at $9.99 per month (with ads) or $14.99 per month (ad-free)
6. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV is the ultimate package for cord-cutters who want the best of both worlds: on-demand streaming and live TV. In addition to Hulu’s impressive on-demand library, you get access to over 75 live channels, including locals, sports, news, and more. As someone who still enjoys the traditional TV viewing experience, I’ve found Hulu + Live TV to be a fantastic cable replacement.
Key Features:
- Over 75 live channels, including locals and sports networks
- Hulu’s full on-demand library of shows, movies, and Originals
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage (with Enhanced Cloud DVR add-on)
- Simultaneous streaming on up to two devices (Unlimited Screens add-on available)
- $76.99/month after 3 day free trial
7. YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a strong contender in the live TV streaming space, offering a robust channel lineup and excellent features. With over 85 live channels, including locals, sports networks, and popular cable channels, it’s a great option for sports fans and families alike. I’ve enjoyed YouTube TV’s unlimited cloud DVR storage and the ability to create separate user accounts for each family member.
Key Features:
- Over 85 live channels, including locals, sports, and cable networks
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage (9 months of storage)
- Create up to 6 user accounts per household
- Stream on up to 3 devices simultaneously
- $57.99/mo for your first 3 months (Save $45), $72.99/mo thereafter for YouTube TV Base Plan.
8. FuboTV
For die-hard sports fans, FuboTV is the ultimate streaming service but you have to use VPN if you are out of the U.S., Canada, France and Spain. With an impressive lineup of sports channels, including local networks, ESPN, FS1, and more, you’ll never miss a game.
While primarily focused on sports, FuboTV also offers a solid selection of entertainment and news channels, making it a well-rounded option. As an avid sports fan, I’ve found FuboTV to be indispensable for keeping up with my favorite teams and leagues.
Key Features:
- Extensive sports channel lineup, including locals, ESPN, FS1, and more
- Solid selection of entertainment and news channels
- Advanced DVR capabilities with intelligent recording and commercial skipping
- Stream on up to 3 devices simultaneously
- Plans start at $74.99 per month
Conclusion
In today’s golden age of streaming, there’s no shortage of fantastic TV services to choose from. Whether you’re a movie buff, TV junkie, sports fanatic, or a little bit of everything, the 8 tv streaming services outlined in this article offer something for everyone.
With their vast libraries, exclusive content, live TV options, and user-friendly interfaces, cutting the cord has never been more appealing or easier. So why not ditch that overpriced cable package and dive into the world of streaming? Your next binge-worthy obsession awaits.
