The Ultimate Guide to Streaming Services in 2024

Streaming has become one of the most popular entertainment platforms today. There are many advantages and disadvantages to streaming services. You can easily access shows and movies that you want to watch; however, they can also be very expensive.

With the way streaming platforms are going today, you can bet there will be shows and movies you will like. If this is the first time you’ve encountered a streaming service, this is the ultimate guide to streaming services in 2024.

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The Ultimate Guide to Streaming Services in 2024
Image Source: Tom’s Guide

Why Choose a Streaming Service?

A streaming service is an on-demand online entertainment platform for different kinds of shows, movies, documentaries, and other media

The Ultimate Guide to Streaming Services in 2024
Image Source: CNET

Many people choose streaming services for their myriad of content. Streaming providers’ large library of content is one of their biggest advantages. 

There is also the convenience of being able to watch your shows or movies at your own pace. 

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The availability of the content gives you the freedom to choose your schedule on when and how you can watch your favorite shows and movies.

Why is Streaming Better?

Many people still debate whether cable or streaming is better. The fact that streaming allows users to watch shows, sports, movies, and even news through the use of an internet connection means that they do not rely on satellite or cable TV connections anymore. 

Many cable providers are now partnering with streaming services to improve their catalog. Users don’t have to pay extra for cable when it is already included in the package with streaming services. 

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Additionally, you don’t have to wait for the DVD or TV program schedules when you’re using streaming.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Streaming Services

Choosing the perfect streaming service is important if you want to save money

The Ultimate Guide to Streaming Services in 2024
Image Source: Forbes

With so many to choose from, you don’t have enough funds to subscribe to all of them. You might not even have enough time to watch all of the content that each streaming service offers. 

This is why it is imperative that you learn to consider some factors when choosing streaming services so you can get the most out of your money.

Content

With so many streaming services offering content, you must always check first if they have the right kind of content that you’re looking for

Some streaming services are focused more on high-end content, while others offer reality shows and broadcast network TV shows. 

It is up to you to find the perfect streaming service that offers what you want for your entertainment.

Value

Each year, many streaming services raise their prices to survive. A few platforms remain very affordable, but they also tend to have ads in between. 

Many platforms also offer free trials, but some give out 7 days while others have 30 days. You can choose the most popular platform with all the content you like at a very affordable price. 

All you need to do is wait for them to announce a sale or discount promotion for their subscription.

Quality

Streaming services always offer high-quality entertainment, no doubt about that. What you should be looking for is the type of video quality that fits your needs

You want to make sure that the platform offers 4K resolution or at the very least a quality that your internet connection can sustain. 

Many streaming services promise to give the best entertainment only to have video quality at most 720p.

The Best Video Streaming Platforms

When it comes to streaming platforms, there are tons of choices for every user

The Ultimate Guide to Streaming Services in 2024
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Every streaming platform and service has its unique style and content. 

With that in mind, here are some of the best video streaming services that you need to try to see which fits your style and the content that you like.

Best Cable Streaming Service

When it comes to premier content and cable streaming services, Max is the ultimate streaming platform to subscribe to. 

You get exclusive access to cable shows on just one platform, including the highly popular HBO shows and movies. There is also an ad-free tier that lets you download for offline viewing. 

While the price is a bit high, at $16.99 a month, you can still get the ad-supported version for $9.99 per month. 

Most Affordable Streaming Service

Speaking of affordable streaming, you can check out Peacock. Peacock is understandably one of the most affordable out of all the major streaming services in 2024. 

Starting at only $7.99 monthly, you can get live TV, on-demand movies, and TV shows of up to 20,000 hours with original programming. The best part about getting Peacock is that you can even stream three devices concurrently. 

Whether you’re a football fan or a fan of classic sitcom shows like 30 Rock and Friends, Peacock is your go-to streaming service.

Most Family-Friendly Streaming Service

Probably the most family-friendly streaming service of all time is Disney+. It has a huge library of Disney classic movies that you and your family will enjoy. 

New content, such as the Percy Jackson reboot, Star Wars, and Marvel movies and shows, is also available. With Disney+, there’s always something for you and your family.

Best High-Quality Shows

If you’re looking for a well-rounded streaming service that offers high-quality shows with great movies and additional programming, Netflix is your best bet. 

Netflix is the pioneer of the streaming service and hosts an impressive library of content, ranging from original shows to original movies. It is for those who are willing to pay for the quality of content. 

With its standard tier costing $15.49 per month and the premium tier at $22.99 per month, you get access to all of their content and HD resolution. They also offer a much cheaper ad-supported tier starting at $6.99 monthly.

Best Overall Streaming Service

While many are still in contention to become the best in overall service, Hulu takes the cake as the best with a very reasonable price. The streaming service has more channels to offer than any other platform out there

With its very affordable price, it is an unstoppable platform. They offer their subscribers popular content from sports and broadcast network shows to exclusive programming and movies. 

The basic on-demand streaming plan costs only $9.99 a month, and the ad-free version costs $18.99 a month. There’s even an ad-support version for college students starting at only $1.99 a month.

Conclusion

Streaming services have become very competitive these days. All of them have original programming and a wide selection of content, making it extra difficult to choose. Make sure that you check out which streaming services are the best in 2024.