{"id":93,"date":"2020-08-12T23:28:07","date_gmt":"2020-08-12T23:28:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gohastings.com\/?p=93"},"modified":"2020-09-23T03:09:16","modified_gmt":"2020-09-23T03:09:16","slug":"best-tv-streaming-service","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gohastings.com\/best-tv-streaming-service\/","title":{"rendered":"Ranking the Best TV Streaming Service of 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Once an afterthought for major networks, TV streaming services are rapidly becoming the most popular way a majority of people consume media. There are more of them available with a broader range of content offerings than ever before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We checked some of the most popular and best TV streaming services out there and picked out our top ten to help you find the perfect way to consume media for 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rankings <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Netflix<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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It should be no surprise to anyone that Netflix\u2019s <\/em>wildly popular streaming on-demand service tops our list. They were one of the earliest players in the market and still offer one of the best deals for those looking for a robust mix of new content and old favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why we like it: <\/strong>Netflix <\/em>started with one of the most extensive back catalogs of popular media, then took it to the next level with its award-winning original content. They\u2019re the only place to watch groundbreaking shows like Bojack Horseman, The Witcher, The Umbrella Academy, Castlevania, <\/em>and so, so many more. Even better, they don\u2019t currently show ads on their service and haven\u2019t jacked up the price like many of their closest competitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flaws: <\/strong>While Netflix <\/em>is still a fabulous value for what you get, it\u2019s becoming less so. As more and more streaming options are released, that amazing back catalog we mentioned gets shallower and shallower. Lots of companies are putting out their streaming options using content they had previously licensed to Netflix.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Hulu Plus \/ Hulu Plus Live TV<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Hulu <\/em>is one of the biggest names to come out of the first wave of TV streaming services and has proven itself to be a real contender for best overall. It has a vast and varied catalog of new and classic shows, movies, and animation, plus it now offers a popular option to view live TV and the latest hit shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why we like it: <\/strong>At under $10, Hulu Plus <\/em>is one of the best streaming deals you\u2019ll find today. They have a ton of hit past and current shows available plus the ability to go up a level and remove commercials. Taking it one step further, the combination of Hulu Plus <\/em>with popular live TV options is a real winner. You get Hulu\u2019s<\/em> massive catalog of hit shows and original content plus over half the top 100 channels on TV. You can even bundle Hulu<\/em> with other popular streaming options like Disney+ <\/em>and ESPN. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flaws: <\/strong>The current base DVR option doesn\u2019t allow you to skip through commercials. For many people, that\u2019s an essential perk of recording a show, necessitating a jump to the more expensive pricing tier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Disney+<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Disney+ <\/em>is the first attempt by the House of Mouse to provide all their massively successful content together into one easy to access place. It has content from all of the company\u2019s biggest brands, including Marvel, Star Wars, Disney <\/em>itself, and even classic cartoons and shows from The Disney Channel. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why we like it: <\/strong>It\u2019s the only place to find effectively every Disney <\/em>movie, TV show, and animation ever released from every Disney <\/em>property online. Classic films like Fantasia, Dumbo, <\/em>and Peter Pan <\/em>all available next to the best shows and movies from The Disney Channel <\/em>and modern favorites like Frozen <\/em>and Moana. <\/em>If you\u2019ve got kids (or are a kid at heart), you should sign up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flaws: <\/strong>It\u2019s honestly hard to find fault with Disney+<\/em>, as the low price and vast catalog of hit content make it an enticing offer. The only thing we can say, and that only as a \u2018so far,\u2019 is that there isn\u2019t nearly as much original content on Disney+ <\/em>as you\u2019ll find on other top-ranked TV streaming services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. YouTube TV<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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YouTube TV <\/em>is the latest in a line of enhanced streaming offerings from the company that created the internet video genre. It gives you access to tons of local TV, sporting events, and other live content plus a respectable catalog of other shows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why we like it: <\/strong>YouTube TV <\/em>has the best interface and most channels of any of the live TV replacement streaming options. It includes local coverage from all four of the major networks and gives you easy-to-use DVR that is just as effective as a physical set-top one. If you\u2019re looking for a streaming service that feels a lot like cable, YouTube TV <\/em>is the way to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flaws: <\/strong>It\u2019s by far the most expensive of the TV replacement streaming options. You get the most channels and content, plus the best DVR, but you pay a noticeable premium for it over very comparable services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. HBO Max<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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HBO <\/em>was one of the first premium cable networks to come out of the TV fragmentation of the 80\u2019s and 90\u2019s. Their digital services, once included only as part of a cable subscription, is now available on a wide variety of platforms and devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why we like it: <\/strong>HBO, <\/em>more than just about any channel, has embodied the new Golden Age of television we\u2019re living in. Everyone knows about shows like The Sopranos, True Blood, Game of Thrones, <\/em>and Westworld. <\/em>If you want to watch them online you either need a cable package with HBO<\/em> or you need to subscribe to HBO Max.<\/em> When you add on the huge catalog of blockbuster movies and a gorgeous app with download support you wind up with one of the best streaming services available today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flaws: <\/strong>HBO Max <\/em>is pricier than competing services and doesn\u2019t offer a catalog as significant. The shows and movies they have are very good, but many other services have much more in-depth or diverse offerings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Amazon Prime Video<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Prime Video is an included extra as part of an Amazon Prime<\/em> subscription. I\u2019m sure most of you know what Prime <\/em>is, but you may not realize just how much cool stuff is available through Amazon<\/em> Prime Video. <\/em>It offers an extensive catalog of shows and movies with an intuitive interface and a ton of supported platforms. It\u2019s one of the best options for those with a more eclectic taste in media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why we like it: <\/strong>Let\u2019s face it, almost all of us already have an Amazon Prime<\/em> account. Prime Video is a great extra benefit with a substantial and growing library of movies, TV shows, and even some groundbreaking original content. Shows like Man in the High Castle <\/em>and The Boys. <\/em>They also offer tons of content available for short term rental if you want to watch old movies or major blockbusters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flaws: <\/strong>As a standalone service Prime Video falls short. If you don\u2019t already have Amazon Prime <\/em>for the savings in shipping fees and other benefits this isn\u2019t the extra that\u2019s going to make you get it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. FuboTV<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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FuboTV <\/em>started out as a way for fans to watch international soccer from anywhere in the world. It succeeded at that so well it\u2019s expanding into one of the biggest and best digital sports subscription offerings out there. You can find live and past games from some of the biggest sports out there, and do it in one of the slickest and most straightforward to navigate interfaces we\u2019ve seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why we like it: <\/strong>It\u2019s got a lot to offer, way past its original intended sports focus. You can watch local channels live, explore more than 100 different specialized programming channels, and of course watch the best live sports have to offer. It includes live games from massive franchises like the NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, NFL, and more. You can even record your favorite events using the DVR time that comes with every account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flaws: <\/strong>Price. FuboTV<\/em> looks, acts, and is priced like a classic cable package. It\u2019s many times more expensive than your average TV streaming service even for the base plan and is priced above even its priciest competitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Funimation <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Funimation <\/em>has been one of the biggest names in Western anime for decades, bringing such hit shows to American markets as Dragon Ball Z<\/em>. They\u2019ve since expanded their operations massively and now offer one of the easiest to use and most affordable anime streaming options available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why we like it: <\/strong>If you\u2019re an anime nerd looking to watch the newest simulcast shows from this season, Funimation <\/em>is the way to do it. They consistently offer 5-10 of the hottest shows on the air within 24 hours of their original Japanese broadcast. Even better, they have hundreds of older shows in their back catalog encompassing everything from megahits of years past to niche titles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flaws: <\/strong>Heavy focus on dubs. They have some subbed content available, especially in their back catalog, but Funimation\u2019s <\/em>bread and butter is dubbed anime. If you prefer subtitles, it might not be the best option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Sling TV<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Sling TV <\/em>is an attempt to provide local TV and sport content for the cord-cutter. It lets you tune into many local channels for a small fee and gives you the option to add additional premium content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why we like it: <\/strong>Sling <\/em>offers one of the most affordable options for cord-cutters to get access to live TV. Instead of a single subscription fee they allow you to purchase several levels of access plus the option to add-on different \u2018Extra\u2019 channels. It gives you good access to live TV and lets you customize just what you have available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flaws:<\/strong> Sling\u2019s <\/em>subscription model is complicated, to the point of being confusing. The base price is very affordable, but there are multiple membership levels that are compounded by the \u2018Extra\u2019 channels you can add on. It\u2019s really easy to reach or exceed your previous cable cost through add-ons without realizing it. Even worse, Sling <\/em>has zero support for CBS or ABC channels, so if your local affiliates belong to either of those networks they won\u2019t be available through Sling.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

10.VRV<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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VRV<\/em> is an innovative concept for streaming services we think we\u2019ll probably see a lot more of. It uses curated \u2018channels\u2019 that put different kinds of cartoons and animation together. They\u2019ve got Boomerang<\/em> for classic American cartoons, Crunchyroll <\/em>for hit Japanese anime, and a host of other channels offering all kinds of weird and wacky international content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why we like it: <\/strong>VRV <\/em>lets you satisfy your craving for different animation genres in one easy to navigate place. The channels we mentioned above offer a variety of classic and modern American cartoons plus anime and international animation. One of their biggest draws is the availability of Crunchyroll\u2019s <\/em>vast catalog of hit subbed anime, including the newest and most in-demand shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flaws: <\/strong>You never really know what you\u2019re going to get. Channels appear and disappear with zero notice, so you could lose access to some of your favorite shows overnight with no recourse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who should subscribe to a TV streaming service? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve reached a point where TV streaming services provide amazing value for most anyone. Still, the groups below can see the most benefit from picking one or a few to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People looking to save money on their cable bill – <\/strong>You may have noticed over the past few decades that your cable or satellite bill has shot through the roof while the content you get hasn\u2019t. Streaming services give you an a la carte option for picking the shows, movies, and content you want to watch when you want to view it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t have to pay for the dozens or even hundreds of channels your cable company \u2018bundles\u2019 that you never once watch (1<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who hate commercials – <\/strong>If you\u2019re anything like we are, nothing breaks the immersion of a beautiful show or movie worse than having a random ad pop up. Many streaming services are available either without commercials entirely or offer a \u2018premium\u2019 option that removes them from the regular service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Urban residents – <\/strong>If you\u2019ve ever lived in a rural area, you know the pain that is finding reasonable internet speeds. Many parts of America and the rest of the world outside major metro areas still suffer from extremely slow and unreliable internet access <\/strong>(2<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Streaming services can definitely still work in rural areas, but they\u2019re a lot easier to use if you\u2019ve got gigabit speeds and fiber connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sports fans – <\/strong>Being a sports fan outside the media zone of your team has always been hard. Channels like ESPN <\/em>can help, but even then you\u2019re stuck watching only the games they choose to broadcast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modern streaming services allow you to watch dozens of different sports and hundreds of different teams. You can even relive magnificent moments in your team\u2019s past wherever and whenever you like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Movie lovers – <\/strong>If you\u2019re a movie buff there\u2019s no reason you shouldn\u2019t have streaming subscriptions at this point. There are tens of thousands of classics, modern movies, cult films, and even arthouse works available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How we ranked <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We focused on five key metrics while ranking our list. These were catalog, stream quality, price, interface quality and platform support, and offline support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catalog – <\/strong>By far the most important factor in ranking streaming services is their catalog of media. The biggest names offer tens of thousands of hit shows and blockbuster movies, while more niche offerings focus on specific genres or mediums. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stream quality – <\/strong>As screens get bigger and better year by year, some streaming services have lagged. Even worse, many have begun to include stream quality as part of their pricing model, relegating lower tier users to 1080p or even 720p on mobile devices and withholding the best 2k and 4k streams for \u2018premium\u2019 users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The quality of your internet and TV itself affects how much benefit you\u2019ll get from this. For urban dwellers with fiber connections, there\u2019s no reason not to enjoy your favorite shows and movies in the highest quality possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price – <\/strong>One of the most significant benefits of cutting the cord on cable or satellite is your entertainment cost. In the past streaming services were a wildly inexpensive way to view content, but now you really have to watch the price to make sure you\u2019re actually getting a good value. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One important caveat here is that a service with live TV support is always going to be more expensive than those without.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interface quality and platform support – <\/strong>We\u2019ll just come out and say it: Some streaming services are a nightmare to use. Whether it\u2019s a janky layout or just really poor indexing, it can be a huge problem to find the kinds of shows you\u2019re looking for on many otherwise okay services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s doubly true once things like Xbox and Playstation support are added in. The services on our list offer broad app support across multiple platforms and are at least usable in how their interface works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Offline support – <\/strong>One of the coolest features to come out in the streaming world over the last few years is offline viewing. Some services allow you to download select shows and movies to watch when cell service is weak or entirely unavailable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using these metrics we rated and ranked the most popular streaming services out there. The ones on our list all offer a range of hit shows, movies, or have another focus that puts them at the top of a niche audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FAQ <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Q: Do streaming services have local channels?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A: Yes. <\/strong>Many streaming services now offer local channels as part of their package. It depends on where you live and who your local network affiliates are, but there are several major and many more minor services that allow this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our top pick for streaming service with live TV support is Hulu Plus Live TV<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: What kind of internet do I need for streaming services?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A: <\/strong>The internet speed needed to stream effectively depends on what quality video you want to stream. For basic 360p videos, you need a minimum of 1 Mbps, while streaming at 4K HDR requires at least 18 Mbps. If you live in a rural area or have slower internet speeds, you may not be able to stream higher quality videos nearly as well (3<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Are there free TV streaming services?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A: Yes and no. <\/strong>There are definitely some free streaming services out there, but we\u2019ve reached a point where almost all the best content online is behind a paywall. You can still find the odd ad-supported service with some good shows and movies, but for the most popular shows you need to pay at least a small subscription fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our pick for best free TV streaming service is Sling TV Free<\/em><\/a>. It offers a more limited selection of the services available on their paid platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Can I stream live sports online?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A: Yes.<\/strong> All the biggest sporting organizations have been signing on with different streaming services or creating their own. You can now watch live games and the greats from the past online easily, though usually not cheaply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our top pick for best streaming service for live sports is FuboTV<\/em><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: What\u2019s the best tv streaming service for families?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A: <\/strong>Streaming services for families need to combine entertaining content that children will love with stuff that mom and dad won\u2019t be bored to tears by. Most every streaming service has a good library of cartoons and family-friendly movies, but there\u2019s one that stands head and shoulders above the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disney+<\/em><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It offers all of the House of Mouse\u2019s vast catalog of iconic new and classic movies plus a vast library of other awesome content from their subsidiary studios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: What’s the best streaming service for watching anime?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A: <\/strong>We\u2019re truly living in a golden age for anime enthusiasts living outside Japan. There are now multiple streaming services that provide both back catalogs of popular anime and near-simultaneous streams of the hottest new shows fresh from Japan. You\u2019ve got subs, dubs, and all kinds of extras available depending on what you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our top pick for best streaming service for anime is Funimation<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

TV streaming services offer a wider range of shows, movies, and original content than ever before. You\u2019ve got your pick of services that specialize in different genres and even ones that provide you access to local TV and live sporting events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Hastings <\/em>#1 TV streaming service recommendation, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n