Go to Reviews.org AU Edition
June 20, 2022
10 min read
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There are so many streaming apps on the market that it's hard to decide which is best, so we created a top 10 best streaming apps list that are worthy of your attention.
We're not going to lie, it was a bit tough ranking 10 streaming apps as all streaming services have their unique features, content, and originals. But we made it through. For you. (Yes, you.)
Let's get into the details of these top 10 services so you can have them ready to go for your binge-watching weekend marathon.
What are the top 10 best streaming apps?
Top 10 streaming apps compared
Service | Monthly price | Simultaneous streams | Details |
 | $6.99–$19.99* | 4 | View Plans |
|---|---|---|---|
 | $7.99–$109.99 | 4 | View Plans |
 | $7.99–$14.99 | 2 | View Plans |
 | $9.99–$15.99 | 3 | View Plans |
 | $8.99–$139* | 3 | View Plan |
 | $0.00-$9.99 | 3 | View Plans |
 | $4.99–$9.99 | 3 | View Plans |
 | $6.99–$69 | 6 | View Plans |
| $68.99–$82.99* | 2 | View Plans |
 | $4.99-$6.99/mo. | 4 | View plans |
Data as of 04/05/23. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
*
Data as of 04/05/23. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
What to look for in a streaming service
The best streaming services have fair pricing in terms of what they offer, excellent content, and enough content that you feel like you wouldn't be able to run out of TV shows and movies to watch.
Streaming services that work best for consumers:
- Fair pricing
- Quality of content
- Quantity of content
- How often content gets updated
- Original content you can't find anywhere else
Fair pricing is #1, and most services in the industry are reasonably priced.
For example, Netflix is the priciest on-demand service in the industry, but rightfully so. The pricing is fair because Netflix gives you more content than any other service (besides Amazon Prime Video).
So, in that case, quantity is considered. Quality is also considered because who wants to watch boring originals or 2-star movies?
Most of the big-name streaming services update their content monthly because they know the people want more.
And they keep making those awesome originals we all can't stop binge-watching.
Want to read more?
Netflix is the most well-rounded streaming service
It might come as no surprise that the big-time streaming service, Netflix, has come first on this list.
Netflix has an extensive library of TV shows, movies, and Originals in every genre, for every mood, and every personality (and it gets updated often).
You can watch the hilarious Schitt's Creek one day and the intense Ozark another. And you'll find tons of excellent Original content on Netflix featuring famous actors.
You can watch Ryan Reynolds and Jennifer Garner in The Adam Project, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence in Don't Look Up, and Pieces of Her with Toni Collette.
Netflix offers four plans, and the main difference is simultaneous streams and access to downloading titles. So if you have four or more people in the household who might stream at the same time or you want to be able to download your TV shows and movies for your camping trip, you'll want Premium.
(The other difference is you don't get access to Netflix's entire library with the Basic with ads plan.)
How much does Netflix cost per month?
Data as of 04/05/23. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
†
Compatible device and internet connection required. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Disney+ is best for families
Disney+ is the best streaming service for families because it's full of kid-friendly, nostalgic, and heart-warming content.
Disney+ gives you everything that will put a smile on your face: Disney princesses, Marvel and Pixar movies, Star Wars content, The Simpsons TV shows, and National Geographic stories.
You can also find great Originals like WandaVision, Obi-wan Kenobi, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse.
This beloved streaming service has and will continue to release new movies like Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness, Lightyear, and Hocus Pocus 2 to watch at home with the family on a Saturday night.
You'll have to unlock the movies for a $30 fee, but that's not so bad if you think about how much movie tickets cost. And you might as well get that annual subscription to Disney+ to save $16, because it's inevitable that you'll want it for a year (trust us).
How much does Disney+ cost per month?
Hulu is best for cord-cutters
One feature that makes Hulu stand out from all of the rest: select recently-aired TV content goes straight to Hulu within hours. So if you don't have cable TV and you need to watch the most recent episode of The Bachelor, Hulu's got you covered.
You'll also find recent episodes of Black-ish, The Kardashians, Bob's Burgers, Atlanta, and Young Rock.
Other than Disney+, Hulu is probably Netflix's biggest competitor, especially because of the Original content.
Hulu has outstanding originals, such as The Handmaid's Tale with Elisabeth Moss, The Dropout with Amanda Seyfried, and Pam & Tommy with Lily James and Seth Rogen.
How much does Hulu cost per month?
Data as of 04/05/23. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
‡
30 day free trial, then 7.99/mo. includes ads
^
Hulu (No Ads) excludes a few shows that play with ads before and after the video.
Max is best for newly-released Warner Bros. movies
If you're new to Max (formerly HBO Max), this new streaming service has all of Max's original content and Max's new content.
So you'll find Game of Thrones and Curb Your Enthusiasm in the vast Original library, and you'll also find Westworld and The Flight Attendant.
Other than the many great Originals, you'll find classic TV shows like Doctor Who, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Big Bang Theory, and Friends.
*Takes a big breath*
On top of all of that, you'll get access to newly released Warner Bros. movies perfect for a Friday night in paired with some popcorn. So why not watch The Batman or The Secrets of Dumbledore on your comfy couch instead of going to the movie theaters?
How much does Max cost?
Data effective 04/05/23. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
°
Each Subscription Provider reserves the right to change the price for a Subscription to the Platform in its sole discretion and will be responsible for communicating any price changes to you in accordance with applicable law. You can cancel your subscription at any time.
Amazon Prime Video gives you the most perks
Amazon Prime Video has some of the most titles in the industry, so you're very unlikely to run out of TV shows and movies to watch.
Like the other streaming services, Prime Video has high-quality Originals shows and movies like Coming 2 America, Dog, The Proposal and Forrest Gump.
During the week, your kids can watch Peppa Pig while you cook, you can throw on Suits while you work, and then watch Being the Ricardos over the weekend. Oh, and we would be remiss not to mention that you get to watch Thursday Night Football on Prime.
But finally, let's highlight the perks you'll get with Amazon Prime:
- Access to a big on-demand content library
- Free 2-day Prime shipping
- Easy integration with Amazon Fire TV
- Access to Amazon Music
- A free Kindle book each month
How much does Amazon Prime Video cost?
Data as of 04/05/23. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
**
Requires Amazon Prime subscription. Compatible device and internet connection required. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Peacock is best for classic movie and TV show fans
Peacock is the only streaming service on this list with a free option, and with that option, you get 40,000 hours of content.
Now, if you want access to all of the complete seasons of The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Saturday Night Live, you'll want to upgrade to Premium.
You'll get the complete 60,000-hour library (compared to the free 40,000-hour library) filled with classic shows and movies, as well as Peacock Originals without ads. You also get live streaming for the news and sports with NBC.
So not only will you be able to watch Saved by the Bell and Modern Family, you'll get to watch NBC Sports live as well as on-demand highlights of Premier League and top sports stories. Then you can watch NBC's daily news.
How much does Peacock cost per month?
Data effective 04/05/23. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
††
Due to streaming rights, a small amount of programming will still contain ads (Peacock channels, events and a few shows and movies).
Paramount+ is best for CBS and Paramount content
CBS recently rebranded as Paramount+, and the service is better now than ever.
With Paramount+, you'll find content from CBS, Paramount Pictures, MTV, Comedy Central, The Smithsonian Channel, Nickelodeon, and BET.
Throughout the day, you can watch 60 Minutes, The Amazing Race, The Brady Bunch, Chapelle's Show, Key & Peele, and I Love Lucy.
Paramount+ also has Original content you've probably heard of. Some titles include Star Trek: Picard, The Good Fight, and Why Women Kill.
Other than the on-demand content, you also get to stream live TV channels.
So Paramount+ keeps you up-to-date on the news with CBSN, CBS This Morning, and CBS Evening News.
How much does Paramount+ cost per month?
Data effective 04/05/23. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
‡‡
Cancel at any time. Free trials are for new subscribers only.
Apple TV+ is best for money-savers who like original content
Apple TV+ is a streaming service that only features Original content. But when you realize this service has tons of must-watch Originals like Severance and Ted Lasso, you start to see how $5 per month isn't so bad.
This streaming service might not be well-rounded because you won't find series from TV networks or movies we've seen in theaters, but Apple TV+ is the only place you'll find exclusive Originals that feature Jennifer Aniston, Justin Timberlake, Octavia Spencer, Steve Carell, and Jason Sudeikis.
Just by looking at that list of actors, you know this streaming service has a lot to offer. And Apple TV+ adds new Original series, movies, and documentaries each month.
One of the best movies we've watched on Apple TV+ is Palmer with Justin Timberlake. So give it a go this weekend, and don't forget your popcorn and tissues.
And we can almost guarantee that you and your kids will love The Snoopy Show.
How much does Apple TV+ cost?
Data as of 04/05/23. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
^^
Terms apply. Some titles coming later to Apple TV+
Hulu + Live TV is best for live TV and on-demand content
When most people think of streaming, they think of on-demand content over live TV streaming. But you can get the best of both worlds with Hulu + Live TV.
Hulu Live has all of the content you'd find on Hulu, the on-demand service, and you can watch 75+ channels, including Disney Channel, ESPN, and HGTV. Live streaming, here you come.
Hulu Live is the best option if you want on-demand content with your live TV, and it also comes bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+ for the ultimate family entertainment.
PS: In comparison to other live TV streaming services, Hulu Live has the biggest on-demand library. But if channels is what you're going for, fuboTV or YouTube Live TV has a better dollar-to-channel ratio.
How much does Hulu + Live TV cost per month?
Data as of 04/05/23. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
†
Compatible device and internet connection required. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
°°
Access to Disney+ and ESPN+ through our Live TV plans is not available for subscribers who are billed by T-Mobile.
Discovery+ is best for channel-by-channel content
When you hear Discovery+, you might think of Discovery Channel content. But this streaming service gives you on-demand content from networks like Animal, Planet, Food Network, HGTV, and TLC.
On Discovery+'s home page, you'll be able to choose a genre or click on one of your favorite networks to see the library of on-demand content from that specific channel.
So when you click on Investigation Discovery, you'll find your Evil Lives Here and The Murder Tapes. When you choose Travel Channel, you can watch Ghost Adventures and Expedition Unknown.
You can even enjoy 38 seasons of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives if you'd like.
Discovery+ also has exclusive Originals, such as Cakealikes, Mysterious Planet, and Judi Dench's Wild Borneo Adventure.
How much does Discovery+ cost per month?
Recap: Which streaming service is the best?
- Netflix: Netflix is the best streaming service in the industry because of its extensive library of TV shows, movies, and Originals in every genre, for every mood and every personality. If you had to get just one streaming service, Netflix would be the optimal choice. (But who can get just one?)
- Disney+: Disney+ is the best streaming service for families because it's full of kid-friendly, nostalgic, and heart-warming content. With Disney+, you'll get content from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, The Simpsons, and National Geographic. This streaming service is also the only way to stream new movies, such as Eternals and Encanto.
- Hulu: The strongest feature Hulu has is the quick release of recently-aired TV content from big networks. This makes Hulu the #1 option for cord-cutters or those who don't want a cable or satellite TV service. This streaming service also has Original content that gives Netflix a run for their money. (But there's no denying that Max and Apple TV+ are excelling in the Original game too).
- Max: Max's new streaming service has all of its old original content and Max's new content. Max is also a must-have this year because all Warner Brothers movies released in movie theaters will also be released on Max for you to stream the same day. You'll want this streaming service if you're anticipating House Party.
- Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video gives you the most perks by giving you access to probably the most titles a streaming service offers, access to Apple Music, free 2-day Prime shipping, and a free Kindle book each month.
- NBCUniversal's Peacock: Peacock is for the classic TV show and movie fans who quote The Office every day, think of Leslie Nope as their spirit animal, and love watching SNL skits. You can choose from three different plans, including a free plan, to watch on-demand content and live NBC channels.
- Paramount+: Not only does this service have CBS and Paramount titles, but you'll also find TV shows and movies from MTV, Comedy Central, The Smithsonian Channel, Nickelodeon, and BET. Paramount+ creates popular on-demand content and gives you the option to stream CBS channels.
- Apple TV+: Apple TV+ only offers Original content, but great Original content at that. Enjoy Originals starring great actors, and enjoy new Originals each month for the price of a coffee.
- Hulu + Live TV: If you want on-demand content and live TV channels, Hulu Live is the best option. You'll get access to Disney+, ESPN+, the entire Hulu on-demand library, and 75+ channels.
- Discovery+: This streaming app gives you channel-by-channel content. On the homepage, you can click on a network (such as Animal, Planet, Food Network, or HGTV), and you'll see a list of on-demand titles aired from that channel.
If you're still unsure which video streaming app to get, check out our Best Streaming Services 2022 review to compare more options.
Related articles
Craig's Top 10 Streaming Services
Craig, Reviews.org YouTube host, has a different take on the Top 10 Video Streaming Apps.
His top 10 also include Disney+, Netflix, and Max, but in a different order. And he includes Amazon Freevee (previously IMDb TV) and Roku Channel (two services that are free). Check it out.
Methodology
We compare and rank video streaming services based on five key factors:
- Price
- Quality of content
- Quantity of content
- Original content
- User experience
- Did we mention content?
To decide which streaming services are best for you, we ranked each on these important five aspects. We also consider extra, unique features and how often new content comes in.
FAQs
There are free streaming services like the Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Vudu, Tubi, and Amazon Freevee.
All five of these services offer a decent on-demand library, and the Roku Channel and Pluto TV also provide live TV channels.
The best free TV and video streaming services are the Roku Channel and Pluto TV.
The Roku Channel has live TV channels, such as USA Today, Newsy, People TV, and Stadium. Roku changes up its on-demand content very often, and right now, you can enjoy Wolf of Wall Street, Rio, and Midsomer Murders.
Pluto TV also has live channels and an on-demand content library.
With Pluto TV, you'll find channels like Comedy Central, Major League Soccer, Paramount+ Picks, CNN, and Bloomberg Television. You can choose from lots of genres to watch on-demand, and some titles include Last Holiday, Flight, and The Truman Show.
Netflix will always be better than Hulu as long as Netflix keeps beating them in the amount of content available in the library as well as making stellar Original content.
The easiest way to watch streaming content is to use a phone or a smart TV like Samsung TV or Google Chromecast which makes it convenient for you to access the streaming apps.
Check out our reviews for mid-range Android phones, cheap iPhones, and Amazon Fire TV (3rd Gen) and non-Roku and non-Fire TV devices.
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