Play the Next Episode? Yes, please!
No matter what is going on over the globe, we need entertainment. The digital revolution has changed the course of how we consume entertainment. There is an unmistakable spike in viewership rates when it comes to streaming websites.
This is why the content being produced is getting increasingly competitive. Now, we get a fresh crop of unique and intuitive content regularly. Cabel boxes and DVD players are just sitting at our homes gathering dust, while OTT platforms are all the rage now.
There are several reasons for that, including the fact that it has made movie-watching very convenient. You can enjoy a wider range of options than there is in conventional television or renting a film from the DVD store. The cherry on top is the whole phenomenon of binge-watching.
All you need is a subscription to your favorite streaming platform and a list of favorite shows and movies, and you are all set for the weekend. You can get almost all important streaming apps on X1 and Xumo Stream Box with Xfinity Internet.
When it comes to choosing the Best Video Streaming Services, there are some frontrunners in these streaming wars. In this blog, we will discuss some of the best and most popular streaming platforms and why they are well-liked by users.
Out of more than 200, five streaming platforms are known to be the most pronounced and savvy. Let’s discuss their aspects in detail.
1. Netflix
Price: $6.99/month
Netflix is the proud owner of the majority shares of the video streaming market. Netflix was previously a DVD-renting franchise that revised its business model to become a market leader in streaming. It is now considered the best service out there and practically short-hand for streaming. Here are some reasons for its undeniable success.
- Diverse worldly and global content
- Diverse content library among all genres
- Offline download feature availability
- Interactive content
- Free gaming feature
- Great binge-watching experience
- Easy and user-friendly interface
- Netflix Original content is filled with some great titles
With all these virtues, Netflix also has some of its drawbacks.
- Volatile library with titles getting removed
- Having to pay extra for additional members
- Viewers are not notified about the update in content
2. Disney Plus
Price: $7.99/month
Disney Plus is a close competitor to Netflix. Some would go as far as to call it a tie. The popularity of this platform comes from its association to different franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and Studios like Pixar. These include Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar. Let’s look at some admirable qualities of Disney Plus:
- Large content library from all major studios
- Entire Disney content catalog
- HD Streaming
- Adjustable content rating
- Pocket-friendly bundles
- Family-friendly content
Despite all this, Disney is far from perfect. There are some major flaws with the platform, including:
- Confusing user interface
- Limited content from Fox because Hulu owns half of it
- You have to wait too long for new Disney Originals
3. Max
Max Monthly with Ads = $9.99/month
Max Monthly Ad-Free = $15.99/month
Max Monthly Ultimate Ad-Free = $19.99/month
Max, previously known as HBO Max, is the streaming platform for people who love HBO production on television. Now, you don’t have to stick around TV and wait for HBO to air your favorite show. You can watch it at your ease and convenience, completely ad-free. Let’s talk about some of the reasons HBO is one of the best.
- One-stop shop for HBO originals
- Great variety from other studios like Warner Bros., CNN, DC, Looney Tunes, etc.
- Easy-to-use app interface
- Live watching availability for all HBO TV channels
- Highly effective parental controls
- Easier multiple-user setups
While all of these positive factors weigh in heavily, there are still some aspects weighing it down.
- Pricey packages
- Offline downloads are available for selected packages only
- Volatile library with titles getting removed
4. Prime Video
Price: 14.99/month
This is an obvious choice for people who already have a subscription to Amazon Prime. You will find some premium ad-free content on this platform. Here are some elevating qualities of Prime Video:
- Free with Amazon Prime
- Amzaon Original content
- Highly celebrated titles like The Office and LOTR
- Download feature for offline watching
- No charge for multiple viewership profiles
Prime Video’s benefits are few to count; however, its cons are too potent to ignore.
- Cluttered user-interface
- No differentiation between free and paid content
- Poor search feature
5. Hulu
Price: $7.99/month (with ads) to $17.99/month (no ads)
The unique thing about Hulu is that it has the best of everything. It is that one service that comes in the end but has all-in-one characteristics. Let’s discuss some of them.
- Economical packages for college students
- Top-of-the-line TV shows in the catalog
- Price-friendly packages
- Large DVR of up to 200 hours
- No restriction on the number of watchable screens
- Up to 70 live channels
- All-device friendly
There are still some drawbacks to this service that hold it back.
- Basic package displays ads
- Offline download feature is only available in the premium package
- Lack of Hulu Original content
The Bottom Line
While all of these platforms offer their redeeming qualities, the ultimate choice befalls the user. It depends on their content consumption model which they consider the best streaming service. One thing we are all certain of, these platforms have completely redefined what it means to watch TV. It is now far more accessible, convenient, and personalized.
