The competition for your streaming dollars is fiercer than ever. With Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Apple TV+, and other platforms offering original content, live TV, and bundles, choosing where to spend your money comes down to one thing: value. But “value” means more than just price—it’s about how much content you’re getting, how often you use it, and whether the features match your needs.

Here’s a breakdown of today’s top services based on price, content variety, and viewing experience.

Netflix: Still the Benchmark, But At a Cost

• Starting Price: $6.99/month (with ads)
  
• What You Get: A massive library of originals, licensed content, global hits, and customizable profiles
  
• Pros: Unmatched international catalog, offline downloads, top-tier originals like Stranger Things and The Crown
• Cons: Frequent price increases, rotation of licensed content, no more free password sharing
  

Netflix offers excellent content diversity, but if you’re on a budget, the ad-supported tier may be the only viable entry point.

Disney+: Blockbusters and Bundles

• Starting Price: $7.99/month (with ads)
  
• What You Get: Access to Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic
  
• Pros: High-quality content across genres, growing original series catalog
  
• Cons: Limited content for adults compared to others unless bundled with Hulu
  

For families or franchise fans, Disney+ is a great value—especially when bundled with Hulu and ESPN+.

Hulu: Best for Next-Day TV and Variety

• Starting Price: $7.99/month (with ads)
  
• What You Get: Original content plus next-day access to network TV shows
  
• Pros: Large variety, excellent selection of reality, comedy, and drama
  
• Cons: Ad-supported plans can be disruptive, limited 4K content
  

Hulu remains a top choice for users who want both current and classic content. It’s also part of the Disney bundle.

Max (Formerly HBO Max): Prestige at a Premium

• Starting Price: $9.99/month (with ads)
  
• What You Get: HBO Originals, Warner Bros. films, Discovery+ content
  
• Pros: Award-winning series, high production quality, day-and-date theatrical releases
  
• Cons: More expensive than most competitors at higher tiers
  

Max caters to viewers who prefer premium TV and blockbuster films.

Apple TV+: Quality Over Quantity

• Starting Price: $9.99/month
  
• What You Get: A curated library of Apple Originals
  
• Pros: Critically acclaimed series (Ted Lasso, Severance), high production value
  
• Cons: Smaller catalog, no licensed third-party content
  

Apple TV+ is ideal if you prioritize quality storytelling over volume.

Paramount+: Strong for Sports and Nostalgia

• Starting Price: $5.99/month (with ads)
  
• What You Get: CBS, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, BET, and live sports
  
• Pros: NFL, Champions League, Star Trek franchise, classic series
  
• Cons: App interface inconsistencies, regional availability of content varies
  

Paramount+ is a smart pick for fans of CBS content and live sports.

Peacock: The Underdog with Free Options

• Starting Price: Free (limited content) or $5.99/month (Premium)
  
• What You Get: NBCUniversal programming, live sports, and exclusive movies
  
• Pros: Strong library, free tier, Premier League and WWE access
  
• Cons: Ads even in paid plans, less original content than others
  

Peacock delivers good value if you’re looking for a mix of sitcoms, movies, and live events.

Final Verdict: What’s the Best Value?

• Best for Families: Disney+ Bundle (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+)
  
• Best for Variety: Hulu
  
• Best for Prestige TV: Max
  
• Best on a Budget: Paramount+ or Peacock
  
• Best Overall Catalog: Netflix (if you can afford it)
  

Before you subscribe, consider which service fits your viewing habits—not just your budget. Use tools like JustWatch to compare what each platform offers and what’s coming up next.

You can also stretch your streaming dollars by paying with discounted or cashback-enabled gift cards from platforms like Fluz. Explore the options at Fluz to optimize your entertainment spend.