Streaming Wars Showdown, Which Platforms are Worth a Subscription?

By: Vincent Harper Last updated: 11/09/2024

With inflation hitting everyone's wallet hard, it’s important to be strategic about your subscriptions. You’re in control! Don’t let them nickel-and-dime you without a fight! If you’re like me, you want the best bang for your buck, and with so many platforms battling for your subscription dollars, it’s getting harder to decide where to invest your time (and money). Here's what I've discovered...

Netflix

Netflix is basically the godfather of streaming. It revolutionized how we consume entertainment, going from DVDs in the mail to on-demand content at our fingertips. Today, it still boasts an enormous library, but it’s facing major challenges, primarily from increased competition and its own strategic choices.

Pros: Killer original content (think Stranger Things, The Witcher, Squid Game, and a constant stream of new releases), a strong international presence with diverse content, and a recommendation algorithm that, while sometimes hit-or-miss, can introduce you to your next binge-worthy obsession. They are also investing heavily in interactive content and gaming.
Cons: Price hikes have become a regular occurrence, alienating some subscribers. The crackdown on password sharing, while understandable from a business perspective, has further angered many users. And the loss of third-party classics to competing services has thinned out some of the older, familiar content. The sheer volume of content can also be overwhelming, making it hard to find what you want.
Verdict: Still a top-tier choice, but the competition is fierce, and customers aren’t thrilled about rising costs. Netflix needs to balance its investment in original content with maintaining a desirable back catalog and finding a more palatable approach to pricing and account sharing.

Disney+

Disney+ launched in 2019 and quickly became a streaming powerhouse. If you love Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and classic Disney films, this is your jam. They’ve also been expanding into more adult-oriented content, though their primary focus remains family-friendly.

Pros: Exclusive blockbuster content (think The Mandalorian, Loki, Moana, and the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe), a massive family-friendly catalog that’s perfect for kids of all ages, and major theatrical releases landing quickly on the platform. The bundle option with Hulu and ESPN+ offers considerable value if you’re interested in those services.
Cons: While they are expanding, the content outside of Disney’s core franchises is still somewhat limited, making it less appealing to general audiences who aren’t invested in those properties. Price increases are also starting to become a concern.
Verdict: A must-have for Disney fans, especially families with children. The bundle option makes it even more attractive.

Hulu

Hulu has been around for a while and has carved out a niche for itself with a mix of current network TV shows, a growing library of original content (like The Handmaid's Tale and Only Murders in the Building), and a strong selection of classic series. Its live TV option also makes it a cable TV replacement contender.

Pros: Wide variety of content, including current network shows, original series, and classic TV. Live TV option available for cord-cutters. The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+ and ESPN+, offers excellent value.
Cons: The interface can be a bit cluttered. Ads are present on the basic tier.
Verdict: A solid option for those who want a mix of current TV, originals, and classic content. The live TV option and the Disney Bundle make it even more attractive.

Max (Formerly HBO Max)

Max (formerly HBO Max) is home to some of the best TV ever made—Game of Thrones, Succession, The Sopranos, The Wire, and a host of other critically acclaimed series. They also have a solid library of Warner Bros. films.

Pros: High-quality, award-winning content, a significant library of Warner Bros. films, and top-tier originals that consistently garner critical acclaim. The focus on quality over quantity is a key differentiator.
Cons: The rebrand to “Max” was messy and confusing for many subscribers. The removal of certain titles for cost-cutting measures has also left a bad taste in customers’ mouths. The interface can also be a bit difficult to navigate.
Verdict: If you’re into prestige TV and movies and are willing to navigate the interface, it’s hard to beat. However, Max needs to address its organizational issues and be more transparent about content changes to regain customer trust.

Amazon Prime Video

Most people get Prime Video because it comes bundled with Amazon Prime. But it’s quietly built a solid library of originals (The Boys, Reacher, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and more). The acquisition of MGM also added a significant back catalog of films.

Pros: Comes bundled with Amazon Prime membership, which offers free shipping, music streaming, and other perks. Solid and growing library of original content. Exclusive sports content, like Thursday Night Football, is a significant draw.
Cons: The user interface remains clunky and less intuitive than some competitors. The mix of free and paid content can be confusing, as it’s not always clear which titles are included with Prime and which require an additional purchase.
Verdict: A great add-on to an Amazon Prime membership, offering excellent value. However, as a standalone service, it might not be compelling enough for most viewers.

Apple TV+

Apple TV+ doesn’t have the sheer quantity of content that other platforms offer, but it makes up for it with high-quality, award-winning hits like Ted Lasso, Severance, and The Morning Show. They are also investing heavily in original films.

Pros: Consistently high-quality, award-winning content. Affordable pricing, especially when bundled with other Apple services. A sleek and user-friendly interface.
Cons: The smaller library means less choice compared to other platforms. Content drops are less frequent, so you might have to wait longer for new episodes or seasons.
Verdict: Worth it if you prioritize quality over quantity and are willing to wait for new content. It's a good supplementary service, but probably not a primary streaming home for most viewers.

Peacock

Peacock leverages NBCUniversal’s vast library, including classic sitcoms like The Office and Parks and Recreation, as well as current NBC shows. They’ve also become a significant player in live sports, offering access to Premier League soccer, WWE events, and more.

Pros: Strong library of beloved network TV shows. Growing selection of original content. Live sports offerings are a key differentiator. Free tier available with limited content.
Cons: Original content can be inconsistent. The free tier has ads, and even the paid tiers have some ads for certain content.
Final Verdict: A good option for fans of classic NBC shows and live sports. The free tier allows you to sample the service before committing to a paid subscription.

Paramount+

Paramount+ relies on its strong franchises, like Star Trek, Yellowstone, and the expanding universe of Taylor Sheridan created shows. They also offer live sports from CBS, including NFL games and Champions League soccer.

Pros: Access to popular franchises with dedicated fanbases. Growing library of original series and films. Live sports are a major selling point.
Cons: Original content outside of the core franchises can be hit-or-miss. The interface can be a bit clunky.
Verdict: A good choice for fans of specific franchises and live sports from CBS. However, its overall content library might not be as broad as some competitors.

So, Who’s Winning? (It’s You, the Viewer)

The “winner” of the streaming wars is ultimately the platform that best fits your individual viewing habits and preferences. There’s no single right answer.