Stream Smarter, Not Harder
Streaming fatigue is real. The promise of unlimited content often turns into hours of scrolling and little to watch. However, not every subscription is worth keeping, because there are only a few platforms that manage to get it right. The rest are just hanging by a thread. Here's how the current OTT lineup stacks up.
1. Netflix
After nearly three decades in the game, Netflix remains a global leader. Its Emmy-winning originals, like The Crown and Stranger Things, pair with international hits that dominate charts. While competitors rotate content, Netflix secures licensing deals and continues releasing fresh material weekly.
2. Hulu
Why do cord-cutters still flock to Hulu? It’s one of the few platforms combining next-day TV episodes with critically acclaimed originals like The Bear and Only Murders in the Building. Add-ons like live TV and Disney bundles increase value, especially the access to traditional networks.
3. Disney+
Launched in 2019, Disney+ wasted no time becoming a streaming staple. Exclusive access to Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, and National Geographic content gives it unique cultural weight. Its family-friendly interface and bundled pricing with ESPN+ and Hulu only enhance its appeal for both niche fans and households.
4. Max
Home to HBO originals, Max delivers award-winning drama and documentaries. It’s where Succession, The Last of Us, and Euphoria live. Since merging HBO Max and Discovery+ in 2023, the service offers a deeper catalog with everything from true crime to lifestyle shows under one roof.
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5. Apple TV+
Despite having a smaller library, Apple TV+ wins in terms of quality over quantity. Series like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show have earned major awards and critical acclaim. The ad-free experience and global storytelling efforts, including Pachinko and Silo, set a high bar for cinematic production across genres.
6. Prime
Bundled with Amazon Prime, this platform gives more than just series. Beyond hosting The Boys, Reacher, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, it includes Thursday Night Football and exclusive indie releases. Prime Video also supports 4K UHD and multiple user profiles without additional charges.
7. Paramount+
Live sports and Star Trek spin-offs form the backbone of Paramount+. Its ViacomCBS roots bring a strong library of nostalgic Nickelodeon and MTV content. While not a household name for everyone, it fills the gap for fans of procedural dramas and family-oriented franchises like SpongeBob SquarePants.
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8. Peacock
At first glance, Peacock seems NBC-heavy. Dig deeper, and you’ll find originals like Poker Face and a steady stream of Universal films after the theatrical release. It also offers Premier League matches and WWE content. The free tier draws in users, but paid versions open full access.
Peacock TV. All new streaming service From NBC. First Impressions by Cord Cutters Community
9. Tubi
Completely free and ad-supported, Tubi doesn’t hide fees or trap users in trials. Its extensive collection of cult classics and genre favorites fills a content gap often ignored by mainstream platforms. Owned by Fox, it has surprising depth, especially for fans of offbeat or older content.
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10. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is the gold standard for anime in the U.S. The service offers simulcasts direct from Japan and an extensive subtitled and dubbed catalog. Following its merger with Funimation, it now houses titles like Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, and One Piece.
With these top streaming services, it’s time to cut back on the other ones that offer little to no value.
1. Sling TV
Originally praised for flexibility, Sling TV now struggles to justify its rising costs. Its confusing channel tiers and lack of local broadcast stations turn off casual viewers. While it's cheaper than cable, users often feel nickel-and-dimed. Competitors offer more polished experiences and fuller lineups.
Sling TV vs YouTube TV: Comparing the Live TV Services by Shall I Stream It?
2. Starz
Starz leans heavily on legacy content and aging franchises like Outlander and Power. It rarely breaks into mainstream streaming conversations. With minimal investment in groundbreaking originals and an increasingly stale library, it’s hard to see long-term value when more dynamic services offer fresher and broader entertainment portfolios.
How To Watch Starz For Free by Tech Talk
3. Showtime
There was a time when Dexter and Homeland made Showtime essential. That time has passed. Its original lineup has shrunk, and many of its best titles now stream through Paramount+. After Showtime’s merger with Paramount+, the standalone app feels redundant and often overlooked.
Paramount Plus and Showtime - All the Shows Available February 2023 by Mike Mu
4. BET+
BET+ was launched to showcase Black-focused content, but its limited original library and underwhelming interface have made it a hard sell. While the cultural importance is notable, its lack of depth and mainstream engagement keeps it from competing with broader platforms.
BET Plus Review for 2020 | Ad-Free Streaming Is here, but is it worth the price? by Triple M
5. Discovery+
When Max absorbed most of Discovery+'s popular titles, the standalone app lost its edge. While it still exists, its purpose is unclear. Fans of reality and lifestyle shows now access them elsewhere, making this service feel like a duplicate charge.
Discovery+ Review: What to Know Before You Sign Up in 2023 by Shall I Stream It?
6. AMC+
AMC+ blends content from AMC, Sundance, and Shudder, yet its execution falls flat. The service lacks fresh hits beyond The Walking Dead universe, and the UI is sluggish. For viewers hoping for prestigious TV, AMC has delivered. Now, its streamer feels behind on tech and original innovation.
What to Know Before You Get Philo | Affordable Live TV w/ AMC+ by Shall I Stream It?
7. ESPN+
Sports fans expected more. While ESPN+ offers niche events, UFC fights, and some exclusive content, it doesn’t include the ESPN cable channel itself. That catch surprises many subscribers. With limited live game coverage from major leagues and increasing fragmentation of sports rights, the value falls short for most casual sports watchers.
8. Hallmark+
Relying solely on cozy romances and seasonal fluff, Hallmark+ struggles to stand out. It lacks live programming, and its film rotation often duplicates what’s already free elsewhere. Viewers seeking fresh or diverse stories are unlikely to stick around unless they’re devoted fans of Hallmark’s sugar-coated style.
Hallmark+: Is it Worth It? by Shall I Stream It?
9. Fubo
Fubo leans into sports, although its high price tag and inconsistent channel availability push it out of reach for average viewers. Many popular channels are missing without warning due to contract disputes. It may appeal to niche audiences, but the value-to-cost ratio doesn’t hold up.
Fubo Has New Features & Upgrades: Is it Time to Switch? by Shall I Stream It?
10. Philo
It’s one of the cheapest live TV services, yet Philo skips critical features to stay that way. No sports or major networks means limited relevance for everyday viewers. Even casual streamers might find it underwhelming. Slightly pricier options offer stronger content libraries and a more complete viewing experience.
What to Know Before You Get Philo | Affordable Live TV w/ AMC+ by Shall I Stream It?
