To find the best streaming service in 2025, we need to ask a few key questions:
What type of content are you most interested in? (Movies, TV shows, sports, anime, documentaries, live TV?)
Do you prefer binge-worthy originals or a large library of classics?
Are you looking for budget-friendly options or premium, ad-free experiences?
Let’s break it down by category, so you can match your needs to the right platform.
Best Overall Streaming Service: Netflix
Why?
Massive library: 17,000+ titles globally (6,000+ in the U.S.)
Original content: 1,500+ Netflix Originals, including Stranger Things, The Crown, Bridgerton
Available in 190+ countries
New content added weekly
Pricing (as of August 2025):
Standard with ads: $6.99/month
Standard (no ads): $15.49/month
Premium (4K + 4 screens): $22.99/month
Best For: Binge-watchers, international viewers, fans of Netflix Originals
Best for New Movies: Max (formerly HBO Max)
Why?
First-run Warner Bros. releases after theatrical windows
Prestige content like Succession, The Last of Us, Euphoria
Huge film catalog (DC, Studio Ghibli, Turner Classic Movies)
Pricing:
With ads: $9.99/month
Ad-free: $15.99/month
Ultimate ad-free (4K): $19.99/month
Best For: Movie buffs, drama lovers, DC fans
Best for Live TV: YouTube TV
Why?
Over 100 live channels (including sports, news, and entertainment)
Unlimited cloud DVR
Includes local channels and major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox)
Pricing:
Base Plan: $72.99/month
Add-ons: Sports Plus, 4K Plus, etc.
Best For: Cord-cutters who still want traditional live TV
Best for Sports: ESPN+ / DAZN / Fubo
ESPN+:
Live coverage of UFC, NHL, La Liga, PGA, and college sports
30 for 30 documentaries
$10.99/month or $109.99/year
DAZN:
Strong boxing and MMA presence
Growing international sports catalog
Fubo:
200+ live channels with an emphasis on sports
$79.99/month for base plan
Best For: Hardcore sports fans, UFC/boxing followers
Best for Families & Disney Fans: Disney+
Why?
Includes Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic
Family-friendly content with no mature themes
Strong original lineup: The Mandalorian, Loki, Inside Out 2
Pricing:
Disney+ Basic (ads): $7.99/month
Disney+ Premium (no ads): $13.99/month
Disney Bundle (with Hulu + ESPN+): $14.99/month
Best For: Families, Marvel fans, nostalgic adults
Best for Award-Winning Content: Apple TV+
Why?
Low-cost, high-quality content
Critically acclaimed originals: Ted Lasso, Severance, Foundation
Exclusive deal with top creators (Scorsese, Spielberg, Oprah)
Pricing:
$9.99/month
Free 3-month trial with Apple device purchase
Best For: Film snobs, drama lovers, Apple ecosystem users
Best for Anime: Crunchyroll
Why?
1,000+ anime titles
Simulcasts from Japan within one hour
Includes Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen
Pricing:
Free with ads
Premium tiers: $7.99–$14.99/month
Best For: Anime purists, otaku culture fans
Best Budget Option: Peacock / Tubi / Pluto TV
Peacock:
Mix of free and premium content
Includes NBC shows, WWE, and The Office
Tubi & Pluto TV:
100% free with ads
Great for background viewing or casual entertainment
Best For: Budget watchers, casual streamers
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
Ask yourself:
Do you want live TV or on-demand only?
Are you interested in a specific genre (sports, anime, drama)?
Do you care more about new releases or nostalgic content?
What’s your budget?
If you want one service that covers most bases, go with Netflix or Max. For live TV + sports, opt for YouTube TV or Fubo. For value, try Tubi or Peacock. And if you're deep into anime, nothing beats Crunchyroll.
