Cord cutters now have so many options that they can overwhelm. There is an argument to be made that it is better to subscribe to and drop streaming services each month based on what you will watch.
But many consumers do not want the hassle and prefer to take a more traditional approach. With that in mind and considering that the average cable TV bill in the U.S. is $45, we selected what we feel is an amazing streaming package that comes in at just about $45 a month if you select it all.
1. Netflix
Despite increased competition, Netflix remains the top dog. No other streaming services provides the sheer amount of ad-free content that Netflix does. In addition to a constant stream of original television programs and films, Netflix offers an impressive library of other moves and TV series. It has also begun adding video games to the mix, which may make it even more appealing for some households.
If you have only one streaming service in your home, it should probably be Netflix, and the service is very affordable at $8.99 a month, but there is a caveat. That price gets you only a single stream. If you want two simultaneous streams available, you have to upgrade to the standard plan at $13.99 a month, and if you want four simultaneous streams, you will need the premium plan at $17.99 a month.
2. Disney Plus
Disney Plus offers the second largest collection of ad-free movies and TV shows, and while it does not yet offer the sheer amount of original content that Netflix does, the original Marvel and Star Wars series will be enough for many. The basic service is just $7.99 a month and includes four simultaneous streams, but we actually recommend the bundle. It costs $13.99 a month but includes Hulu and ESPN Plus. That price is cheaper than if you were to order Disney Plus and Hulu separately, and you get ESPN to boot.
3. Hulu
Although we included Hulu in the bundle above, we want to showcase it as its own product because we think that it may be the most underappreciated streaming service. In fact, we think it is the ideal complement to Netflix and would recommend if you decide to skip on Disney Plus and ESPN Plus. You will get some ads with the basic service that costs $6.99 a month, but it is a small price to pay for the impressive amount of new television shows you get along with movies and original content.
4. HBO Max
If you want even more content, then we think that the next obvious choice is HBO Max. This streaming option may be best known for Game of Thrones, but it provides you access to the WarnerMedia library, which is extensive: Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, DC Comics, Studio Ghibli and more. It also gets newer movies before they arrive on services like Netflix and, of course, there is a lot of original content too.
5. Prime Video
Prime Video strikes us as a cross between Netflix and Hulu, and if it fits your budget, we like it as a complement to those two because it often fills in gaps. It is not unusual for a show that leaves Hulu or Netflix, for instance, to show up on Prime Video. Prime Video costs $8.99 a month and provides three simultaneous streams. It also included free for those with Prime Membership, which is $119 a year.
Final Thoughts
Our two honorable mentions are Sling TV and Peacock. Sling TV is an excellent option for cord-cutters who want a direct cable TV replacement. Peacock is NBC’s streaming service, and it offers a lot of ad-supported free content, and its pay service becomes more interesting with each passing month.