On-Demand Streaming Services
Review These Popular Options
Starting at $6.99/month
- Pros
- Great selection of original TV shows and movies
- Good recommendation system
- Easy-to-use interface
- Creates their own quality movies and TV shows
- Affordable options
- No Annual Contract and No Hidden Fees
- Cons
- Titles come and go frequently
- No live TV or sports
- Only one simultaneous stream on the basic plan
- Devices
Firestick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Playstation, iOS, Windows, macOS, Android, Andriod TV, XBOX, LG, Samsung, VIZIO, Nintendo and Sony are compatible.
FAQ’s
The Basic Package allows for only one device at a time. The Standard Package allows for two devices. The Premium Package allows for four devices to be streaming Netflix simultaneously. For pricing information, click here.
Yes, you can actually have up to 100 active Netflix downloads per device. It’s recommended you delete the title once you’ve watched it. Not all titles are available for download. For easy steps on how to download Netflix titles, click here.
Yes, simply select “Download Next Episode” (called “Smart Downloads on devices running Windows 10 or Windows 11). When you’re finished watching an episode, it will be deleted and the next episode in series will automatically be downloaded. To learn how to activate the “Download Next Episode” on Netflix, click here.
Yes, parents can set up PIN-protected parental controls. This allows children to enjoy family-friendly TV shows and movies and restricts their access to mature content.
$6.99/Month
Apple TV+ is a subscription video streaming service known for its high quality/award winning original shows and movies. In addition, it offers 27 live tv channels. It’s also home to Friday Night Major League Baseball. You can subscribe to MLS Season Pass as an add-on. This allows you to watch every team with no blackout restrictions for an additional $14.99/month. Apple TV+ releases new content each month and it costs only $6.99 per month.
- Pros
- Allows simultaneous streaming for up to six devices
- Generous offline access policies
- Episodes and movies are ad-free
- No Annual Contract
- No Hidden Fees
- Economical
- Cons
- Not available on Android phone and Android tablet devices unless viewing from a web browser.
- Limited brand-new content
- Devices
Firestick, Apple TV, Roku, iOS, Windows, macOS, LG, Samsung, VIZIO and Sony are compatible.
FAQ’s
Yes, Apple TV+ probably has the most generous offline access policies compared to all other streaming services. Apple TV+ does not limit the number of downloads or the number of devices they download to. The only stipulation is the device needs to be subscribed to Apple ID.
Not only does Apple TV+ allow up to six different profiles for your family’s account (each with their own unique login) but also allows simultaneous streaming for up to six devices.
The parental controls on Apple TV+ are based on the rating of shows and movies. The service doesn’t allow playback of certain content based on how the users have set up their profiles related to the ratings (G, PG, PG-13, R) of shows and movies.
Apple TV+ is available if over 100 countries. Plus, you can still watch episodes and movies that have been previously downloaded onto your iPhone or iPad for subsequent viewing — without the need of an internet connection.
Starting at $7.99/month
Hulu offers two options for their on demand services. The basic version is $7.99 per month (includes advertisements during programming) while their ad-free tier is $14.99 per month. Hulu’s on demand streaming library not only includes over 40,000 movies and TV shows, but it also offers next-day streaming of broadcast and cable shows — which is a big advantage over other on demand only services. Hulu also creates it’s own original series, movies, and documentaries.
- Pros
- Save money when bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+
- No Annual Contract
- No Hidden Fees
- Economical streaming option
- Cons
- Limited brand-new content
- Must upgrade to fast forward through commercials
- Allows up to only two simultaneous streams
- No live TV
- Devices
Firestick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, PlayStation iOS, Windows, macOS, Android, Andriod TV, XBOX, LG, Samsung, VIZIO, Nintendo and Sony are compatible
FAQ’s
Hulu’s content has commercials in its Basic Plan ($7.99 per month) but also offers a “No Ads” Plan for just $14.99 per month.
Hulu’s simultaneous streaming limit is up to two devices. However, when subscribing to the “Unlimited Screens Add-On” (an addition $9.99 per month) you can stream an unlimited number of devices that are connected to your home network at the same time. If you’re on the go, (away from home network), the “Unlimited Screens Add-On” plan does limit you only three simultaneous streams on mobile devices.
Yes, if you subscribe to Hulu’s “The Disney Bundle” (includes Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+) or the ESPN+ Add-on (includes Hulu and ESPN+) you can purchase and watch UFC PPV events on Hulu. You can watch pay-per-view events on two screens simultaneously.
Yes, but you are limited to a total of 25 active Hulu downloads across a total of five supported mobile devices. You’ll have access to the unwatched downloads for 30 days, unless the content expires from Hulu’s streaming library. Also, if you start to watch a downloaded episode or movie and then stop, you’ll have 48 hours to finish watching before the download expires. To continue watching the content, you’ll need to download it again. For learn how to download Hulu titles, click here.
$8.99/month if not an Amazon Prime Member
Membership to Amazon Prime will cost you $14.99 per month or $139 per year, and on top of the shipping and shopping benefits, it includes full access to Amazon’s video streaming service. If you aren’t an Amazon Prime member but still want access to the streaming platform, it costs $8.99/month. Additionally, you can rent or buy movies and shows that aren’t included in the main Prime Video service, as well as subscribe to over 100 premium channels for $4.99 to $14.99.
- Pros
- Original Prime Video content
- Included with Amazon Prime
- Can watch new movies for an extra fee.
- Rotation of prime movies is great.
- PIN restricts the ability to purchase or watch content on an individual device
- Cons
- Prime-eligible movies are usually older.
- Less of an “on-demand” feel with the interface
- Devices
Firestick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Playstation, iOS, Windows, macOS, Android, Andriod TV, XBOX, LG, Samsung, VIZIO and Sony are compatible.
FAQ’s
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you receive Amazon Prime Video as one of the various perks. You also receive free package delivery (two-day, one-day and same-day delivery options) along with shopping and reading benefits from the site. Subscribing to Amazon Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year.
Yes. Prime Video is also a standalone streaming service. It’s only $8.99 per month if you’re not a Amazon Prime member.
Yes, although not all titles are eligible for downloading. Another caveat is that you can NOT download onto a laptop or PC. Downloads are only available on mobile devices like your smartphone or tablet.
No. Amazon Prime Video is an “on-demand” streaming platform, meaning you can watch the content at anytime while online. So, in the case of your home TV, there’s no need to DVR the content.
$7.99/month or $79.99 Annually
Disney+ is the streaming home of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. The service can be ad-free (no commercials — YAY!!) and includes exclusive access to new original movies and series. The always-growing service is $10.99 per month or $109.99 annually. There is a basic option with ads that costs $7.99/month. As Disney owns both the Hulu and ESPN+ streaming services, there are additional bundling opportunities when also subscribing to these services.
- Pros
- Access to great Disney content
- Economical
- No Annual Contract
- No Hidden Fees
- Lots of great children’s content
- Save money when bundling with Hulu and ESPN+
- Cons
- Not every Disney show is listed and available
- No live TV or sports
- Devices
Firestick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Playstation, iOS, Windows, macOS, Android, Andriod TV, XBOX, LG, Samsung, VIZIO and Sony are compatible.
FAQ’s
Disney+ offers a multiple parental control features including content ratings, kid profile set-up, PIN only access to content, and a password protected “profile creation restriction” to prevent other users from creating new profiles.
Disney+ subscribers can create a shared streaming experience with SharePlay when using an iPad, iPhone or AppleTV. Subscribers can watch Disney+ content while on FaceTime, allowing them to see and communicate with each other while viewing the content. To learn how to set up to join a SharePlay session, click here.
Disney+ allows a household to set up seven different profiles, more than enough for most families. However, simultaneous streaming is limited to only four devices. To learn more about setting up profiles for each member of your family, click here.
Yes. Actually, a separate watchlist can be set up for each profile in your account so each family member can manage their own watchlist. To learn more about setting this up, click here.
Starting at $4.99/month
discovery+ is a subscription streaming video service that includes unlimited access to over 70,000 episodes of some of your favorite TV networks and TV shows. The channel lineup can change but can include shows like House Hunters, Chopped, Fixer Upper, Dirty Jobs, Gold Rush, Deadliest Catch, Property Brothers, Pawn Stars, American Pickers, Diners Drive-ins and Dives, Storage Wars, Ice Road Truckers and more.
- Pros
- Great option if you like to binge watch Food Network or HGTV
- Over 70,000 episodes of content
- Affordable plans
- Cons
- Shows are not aired until after they are first aired on cable TV and “live” TV streaming services
- The service is available only in the US and it’s territories and small number of foreign countries.
- No “live” TV option
- Devices
Firestick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, XBOX, LG, Samsung, VIZIO and Sony are compatible.
FAQ’s
discovery+ is $4.99 per month but the content includes commercials. The “discovery+ (Ad-Free)” option is ad-free and costs $6.99 per month.
Yes. For more information on student discounts, click here.
For more information on military discounts, click here.
discovery+ allows simultaneous streaming for up to four devices. It allows up to five different user profiles for your household’s account.
No, discovery+ does not have a parental controls setting on its streaming platform.
Starting at $9.99/month
- Pros
- Largest library of shows – combines the vast libraries of Warner Bros. and Discovery
- Iconic series, award-winning movies, fresh originals, and family favorites
- Promises 40+ new titles a month
- Offers something for everyone
- Kid’s profile to allow access to only kid-safe content and parental controls
- Cons
- More expensive than most other on-demand streaming options
- Fewer 4K titles available than Netflix
- Devices
Firestick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Playstation, iOS, Windows, macOS, Android, Andriod TV, XBOX, LG, Samsung, VIZIO and Sony are compatible.
FAQ’s
Subscribers can choose from three Max plans:
- With Ads – $9.99/month or $99.99/year (16% savings)
Stream in Full HD on 2 devices at once - Ad-Free – $15.99/month or $149.99/year (over 20% savings)
Stream in Full HD on 2 devices at once, up to 30 offline downloads - Ultimate Ad-Free – $19.99/month or $199.99/year (over 16% savings)
Stream in 4K UHD on 4 devices at once, up to 100 offline downloads
If you get HBO with your cable or satellite TV package, you may have access to Max at no extra cost. To find out if your TV provider will support Max, go to Ways to get Max.
Starting at $4.99/month
Peacock is a streaming live TV and on demand movie service owned by the television and streaming division of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast. Popular live tv channels that Peacock offers include the WWE Network, Premier League, GolfPass, and NBC Sports. Peacock’s Premium tier ($4.99 per month) permits access to its full library of content. Peacock allows you to instantly watch over 40,000 hours of movies and TV shows and includes over 50 live TV channels. The Premium tier include a maximum of five minutes of commercials per hour. The Premium Plus tier ($9.99 per month) is mostly commercial-free and allows for downloading of select titles for viewing offline.
- Pros
- Peacock is an affordable option
- Access to full seasons of The Office
- Set Parental Controls to block access inappropriate content to your kids by creating a PIN
- Access to Peacock Originals
- Ability to create a profile curated for kids content
- Cons
- Missing the major, popular TVs shows found on ABC, CBS and Fox.
- No downloads for offline viewing unless subscribe to the Premier Plus tier
- Few sports options
- You’ll need to connect to a US IP address via a VPN app to stream Peacock when overseas.
- Devices
Firestick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Playstation, iOS, Windows, macOS, Android, Andriod TV, XBOX, LG, Samsung, VIZIO and Sony are compatible.
FAQ’s
Peacock includes TV shows like The Office, Psych, The NFL Network, Saturday Night Live, Law and Order, Yellowstone, Parks and Recreation, King of Queens, Cheers, Downton Abby, 30 Rock, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Keeping up with the Kardashians,The George Lopez Show, Two and a Half Men, Everybody Loves Raymond, Frasier, plus live events (WWE and NBC’s NFL games). The Premium Plus tier ($9.99) is mostly ad free with the ability to download and watch select titles offline.
NBC’s Sunday Night NFL games are available via streaming on Peacock.
These games can be streamed on the Premium tier of Peacock, but it’s only $4.99 per month. So, if you’re a fan, it’s still a great deal.
