The Best & Cheapest Streaming Services In The US (2026 Guide)

Let’s be honest: “cutting the cord” was supposed to save us money. But as we close out 2025, managing a dozen different subscriptions often costs more than the cable package we all hated. The landscape has shiftedprices are up, ad free tiers are a luxury, and finding actual value requires a calculator and a bit of strategy.

We aren’t just listing apps here. We’ve analyzed the December 2025 price hikes and service changes to tell you exactly what is worth your wallet’s attention. Whether you are looking for a cable replacement or just a weekend movie library, here is how the numbers stack up right now.

The Top Contenders: Value vs. Cost

If you are trying to keep your monthly entertainment bill under control, these are the platforms you need to know about.

1. Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video remains the best “two birds-one stone” deal in the economy. While the standalone video service is $8.99/month, most people get it via the full Amazon Prime membership ($14.99/month or $139/year). It’s not just about movies; it’s about that free shipping.

The Catch: As of late 2025, ads are the default. If you want a truly seamless experience, you have to pay an extra $2.99/month to remove them. Even so, the library of 4K content and originals makes it a staple for most households.

2. Hulu

Gone are the days of the $6.99 bargain bin. As of October 2025, Hulu’s price jumped to $11.99/month for the ad supported plan. If you want to go ad free, you are looking at a steep $18.99/month.

The Smart Move: Don’t buy Hulu alone. The “Disney Bundle” (Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+) is the real value play here. However, be aware that the Live TV bundle is now a heavy hitter at $89.99/month. It effectively replaces cable, but it’s priced like it, too.

3. YouTube TV

If you need live sports and local news, YouTube TV is currently the gold standard for user experience. Following a price hike in early 2025, the base plan sits at $82.99/month.

It’s expensive, yes. But with unlimited cloud DVR (stored for nine months) and the ability to share with six accounts in your household, it beats traditional cable contracts. Just don’t expect it to be a “cheap” add on; this is a full utility bill.

4. HBO Max

After a confusing year of rebranding to “Max” and then back to “HBO Max” in July 2025, this service remains the king of prestige drama. It’s also one of the priciest. The tiers now stand at:

• Basic with Ads: $10.99/month
• Standard Ad Free: $18.49/month
• Ultimate (4K): $22.99/month

If you want to watch the latest Warner Bros hits in 4K, you have to pay up. However, the quality of the libraryfrom DC to Harry Potteris arguably unmatched.

5. Apple TV+

Remember when Apple TV+ was $4.99? Those days are history. The service now costs $12.99/month. Unlike Netflix, Apple doesn’t flood you with content; they focus on high budget, star studded originals. There is no back catalog of old sitcoms here. You are paying for premium, new content. If you buy a new Apple device (or even a high-end TV from brands like Sony), check if you are eligible for a free trial.

6. Sling TV

Sling remains the pragmatic choice for people who want live TV but refuse to pay YouTube TV prices. As of late 2025, you are looking at $45.99/month for Sling Orange (sports focus/ESPN) or $50.99/month for Sling Blue (news/entertainment). You can combine them for $65.99.

It’s clunkier than the competition, and local channels are hit or-miss depending on where you live, but it saves you about $40 a month compared to the big guys.

7. Paramount+

If you were looking for Showtime, stop looking. It has been fully swallowed by Paramount+. The current pricing is $7.99/month for the Essential plan (ads) and $12.99/month for the Premium plan (no ads + Showtime library).

Warning: A price hike has already been announced for January 15, 2026, pushing these to $8.99 and $13.99 respectively. If you are on the fence, lock in an annual plan now.

8. Frndly TV

This is the hidden gem for the budget conscious. Frndly TV is exactly what it sounds like: family-friendly live TV. Prices range from $8.99 (SD quality) to $12.99 (HD + DVR).

You won’t get ESPN or CNN here, but for Hallmark, The History Channel, and A&E, it is the absolute cheapest way to keep “linear TV” in your house.

9. Peacock

NBC’s Peacock has finally found its footing, but it also ditched its free tier for new users. You are now looking at $7.99/month for the ad supported Premium plan or $16.99/month for Premium Plus (mostly ad free + downloads).

If you are a Premier League fan or love The Office, this is a mandatory subscription. Just don’t expect to watch for free anymore.

Lifestyle & Savings

Saving money on streaming services frees up your budget for other essentials. Whether you are upgrading your wardrobe or looking for the best shopping spots, check out our curated guides below:

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