While cable channels are becoming less and less popular, streaming services are gaining more and more viewers daily. Unlike the television format, streaming TV platforms allow users to watch movies and series when convenient. And this feature most likely prompted your decision to change your subscription. But before diving into the exciting world of popular movies and TV shows, you must decide which service is best for you. And this handy guide will help you do that.
5 Steps to Make an Informed Decision
On a global scale, video services have become very numerous. Each has its bundle of rights and movie collections, which leads to the need to choose at least 1-2 most suitable for you based on the size of the library, subscription price, and quality of content. Here are five steps to help you select the best service for your needs.
# 1 Determine How Much You Can Afford
The first step to choosing an exemplary streaming TV service is determining how much you can afford to spend. Each streaming TV service offers different packages at various prices, so research to see if you get the best value for your money. For example, consider whether you want live streaming, on-demand content, or a combination of both. Also, consider whether you want to add premium channels like HBO or Showtime to your package.
# 2 Make a Comparison
The next step is to compare different streaming TV services. Look at their lineup of channels, HD quality, and device compatibility to find the one that best fits your needs. Also, find out what additional features each streaming TV service offers, such as DVR storage and rewind features.
# 3 Check Out the Free Trial Options
Most streaming TV services offer free trial periods, which is a great way to test the service before signing up for a subscription. Use the free trial to see if you like the platform and if it meets your needs. For example, Netflix offers a free first month of use, but only once for a specific account and device. That’s enough time to find out if this platform suits you.
# 4 Evaluate the User Experience
It’s essential to evaluate the user experience before you make a purchase. First, watch a few shows and movies to understand the interface. See how easy it is to browse content, add titles to manage lists, and find information about shows and movies. Also, check customer service to find out if they have a chat, phone, or email. These aspects will make a difference in your overall experience with the service.
# 5 Consider Bundle Options
A bundled connection is a great way to get a better deal on your streaming TV service. Many streaming TV providers offer packages with multiple benefits for one low price. In addition, you can bundle your streaming TV service with other services such as the Internet, home phone, and wireless plans. A bundled connection can save you money in the long run, so it’s something to consider when choosing the right option.
Best Streaming TV Services
So, now that you know what to look for when choosing a streaming service, it’s time to take a closer look at the platforms themselves. Below is a table showing what top services offer, what devices they are suitable for, and how much a subscription costs. Thus, it will help you make the most informed decision possible.
| Service Name | What offers? | Suitable devices and platforms | Tariff plan |
| Netflix | It offers the most incredible set of video content worldwide. The company spends $10-15 billion annually and recoups its investments with record growth in subscribers and four dozen Oscar awards. In addition to movies and TV shows, it can boast projects like A Life on Our Planet (a documentary by nature expert David Attenborough).It is also worth noting the convenience and simplicity of the service interface and the speed. | Android, iOS, web browser, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Nvidia Shield, Roku, Smart TVs of leading brands, game consoles PS4 and Xbox One, and Smart TV consoles of different manufacturers. | Basic with ads ($6.99 per month),Basic ($9.99 per month), Standard ($15.49 per month), and Premium ($19.99 per month). |
| Hulu | It offers a wide selection of series and movies produced and broadcast by well-known networks such as Fox, ABC, and NBC. Often new content appears on Hulu just 24 hours after it airs. You also get access to acclaimed blockbuster movies, kids’ shows, documentaries, and more. And after the Disney/20th Century Fox merger, Hulu and FX merged, making streaming the primary source for FX’s famous original TV shows. | Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire Tablets, Fire TV, iPhone and iPad, Nintendo Switch, Mac and PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Roku, VIZIO SmartCast TV, Xbox. | Hulu with ads ($7.99 per month)Hulu ($14.99 per month) Hulu + Live TV with ads ($69.99 per month) Hulu + Live TV ($82.99 per month) |
| BET Plus | BET Plus offers exclusive original programming like Tyler Perry’s Ruthless and Tyler Perry’s Bruh, classic series such as Martin and The Game, and movies from iconic personalities such as Spike Lee, John Singleton, and Ali LeRoi. BET Plus can also boast an impressive mix of standup comedy, reality series, and documentaries. It is also worth discovering how to cancel a BET Plus subscription if you don’t like the service. In case of difficulties, you can contact the experts of the consulting service Howly. | iOS and Android mobile and tablet devices, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Roku, Chromecast, Xbox One, Amazon Prime Video, and Samsung Smart TV. | $9.99 per month$94.99 per year |
The Main Trump Cards
Finally, in the final paragraph of this article, we would like to discuss the main trump cards of streaming services, which will be a powerful argument in any discussion about the benefits of streaming platforms over cable TV. Moreover, they will help convince your friends to move to the bright side of the endless world of quality content.
✔️ Content availability. Viewers call the Netflix streaming service’s content distribution model the most optimal: movies and self-produced series are released on the same day for the entire world. If Netflix publishes a series, all episodes of the new season are available to watch immediately. So now, it’s no need to wait a week for the series to be released, as is the case with television releases. The user who has paid for a subscription chooses when to watch the series or movie.
✔️ No censorship. Things are simplifying with censorship, too. For example, streaming services, which are not limited to television broadcasts, can speak on the most pressing topics. And despite attempts by the public to take this right away from them, there are currently no legal obstacles to that.
✔️ Exclusivity. Streaming services that produce their content have a different model of working with users. Whereas on-air and cable channels are forced to show ads that repay part of their production costs, streaming services distribute their content on a subscription basis. The more users sign up for at least a minimal subscription, the more money the service receives.
Summing Up
Choosing an exemplary streaming TV service can be a difficult decision. However, if you research the most popular options, you can find the perfect service for your needs. Then, determine your budget, compare streaming TV services, take advantage of free trials, evaluate the user experience, consider package options to get the best deal, and the trick is done.
