A new year always seems to bring the inevitable: streaming price hikes. Many of the major services nudged up their subscription costs in 2025, making it clear that keeping up with your favorite shows and movies isn’t getting any cheaper. And let’s be honest, 2026 is unlikely to be any different. Even so, not all hope is lost. Some platforms have continued to deliver strong, unmissable content that makes their rising fees feel justified.
As someone who watches movies and TV for a living, I find myself flicking between several services every week, from blockbuster originals on Netflix to franchise hits on Disney Plus, and everything in between. Over the past year, I’ve kept a close eye on what each platform has actually delivered in terms of new releases, standout originals, and the overall bang for your buck.
I’ve graded the best streaming services based on content and value, so you know how to decide which streaming services to cancel and where your subscription money is best spent going into 2026.
1. HBO Max (A+)
HBO Max has firmly held its spot at the top of the 2025 streaming landscape. Known for prestige programming, it continues to deliver on that promise, meaning the content you pay for is truly worth the subscription.
Standout originals this year include “The Pitt,” a real‑time medical drama that became one of the most talked-about series of 2025, earning critical acclaim and awards buzz, and “It: Welcome to Derry,” the streamer’s third biggest original debut (my favorite of the year). Returning favorites like “The White Lotus,” “Hacks,” “House of the Dragon,” and “The Last of Us” only strengthen its lineup.
Even with price increases that put it slightly above some rivals, HBO Max’s combination of original hits and consistent quality give it an edge in both content and overall value. This is proof that sometimes paying a bit more really does get you the good stuff.
2. Netflix (A)
You might be surprised to see Netflix placed second. After all, it’s probably the first streaming service most people think of, and almost everyone who streams has it in their rotation. But in a year where prestige originals increasingly define the top tier, Netflix’s big releases have felt bigger in scale than in impact compared with HBO Max’s standout slate.
In 2025, the service finally released “Stranger Things” season 5, keeping viewers hooked through the holidays, alongside continued hits like “Squid Game” and “Wednesday.” Other major 2025 successes include Emmy-winning “Adolescence” and the global phenomenon “KPop Demon Hunters.” Netflix still dominates in sheer volume, producing over half of the most-watched originals on streaming, and there’s almost always something new to watch.
But judged against HBO Max’s awards-friendly, conversation-driving originals, its 2025 offerings feel broader than impactful. Still, its massive library and daily influx of content keep it indispensable for most households.
3. Apple TV (B+)
In general, Apple TV would sit a bit lower on this list thanks to its more niche appeal and higher price point compared with many competitors. Its catalogue isn’t as vast as Netflix or HBO Max, and that can limit its mainstream reach. But 2025 has been a very strong year for the streamer.
The return of “Severance” delivered another acclaimed season, “Slow Horses” continued to impress, and sci‑fi favorites like “Silo” and the new genre‑bending “Pluribus” became major talking points. The latter even set a record as the platform’s most‑watched show ever. One of my favorite streaming originals of the year, however, is “The Gorge,” an explosive thriller with a generous dose of romance.
Apple TV is best described as a comfort streaming service, with originals that are consistently strong and ideal for relaxed viewing. It also offers a solid selection of miniseries for anyone who wants something quick to binge when time is tight. That reliability, even if it appeals to a more specific audience, makes it worth keeping on your roster.
4. Hulu (B)
While Hulu hasn’t delivered the strongest originals of 2025, it remains home to several very popular franchises like “Alien,” “Predator,” and “X-Men” that make it worth keeping around, especially if you’re planning to bundle it with Disney Plus. I highly recommend doing this, because the bundle only costs $12.99 a month, meaning you save 45%.
This year, Hulu saw the return of beloved titles like “The Bear” and “Only Murders in the Building,” alongside new hits including “Paradise” and the sci‑fi series “Alien: Earth,” which became one of the year’s standout additions.
Hulu’s library spans current broadcast shows, niche comedies, classic TV, and licensed titles, making it a practical option for a variety of viewing preferences. Though its appeal may feel narrower than Netflix or HBO Max and its standalone price isn’t the lowest, Hulu’s mix of content and bundle potential keep it compelling heading into 2026.
5. Prime Video (B-)
Prime Video is a service you could probably live without, but it still has some of the biggest shows on streaming right now. “The Boys,” “Gen V,” “Reacher,” and “Fallout” are just a few examples that continue to draw attention and earn high viewership numbers. Its original movies, however, rarely make the same impact. Personally, I seldom gravitate toward them when there are better movies available elsewhere.
Consistency is Prime Video’s biggest issue. It doesn’t release compelling new content as reliably as other major services, and the experience can vary depending on the device or app. I often find the interface cluttered, which makes browsing and discovery feel uneven, and occasional glitches only add to the frustration.
That said, Prime Video’s strong series keep pulling me back, and the standard plan is still cheaper than most competitors if you can tolerate ads. It’s not essential, but the service still offers enough standout shows and subscription perks to make it worth keeping.
6. Peacock (C+)
Peacock has never been the must‑have service, and in 2025 that hasn’t really changed. It doesn’t churn out many originals, and even with a large library, you might find yourself scrolling without landing on something you have to watch. That said, Peacock does bring something different to the table, including a mix of NBC hits, classic TV, movies, and live sports.
Pricing jumped $3 per plan this year, which makes it feel a bit steep for what you get. On top of that, Peacock will be spamming you with even more ads starting next year, which is likely to put some subscribers off. Still, some of 2025’s biggest theatrical releases like “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Jurassic World Rebirth” landed on the service (eventually “Wicked: For Good” will too), and promos or bundles can make it worth considering.
Much like Prime Video, this service isn't essential, but for sports fans or classic sitcom lovers, Peacock still has its place among bigger streamers. Just be mindful of the extra ads going into 2026.
7. Disney Plus (C)
Disney Plus remains one of the strongest options for families, thanks to its unmatched library of beloved franchises such as Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar classics, and kid‑friendly staples that aren’t available anywhere else. Shows like “Andor” have delivered critically acclaimed storytelling in 2025, and enduring family favorites continue to keep kids (and adults) invested.
That said, I do find its pricing feels a bit steep considering how many households already subscribe. Seeing the cost rise, particularly for a service many families already feel they need, can make it feel like you’re paying extra for something you mostly already expect to have.
However, if you’re a fan of Disney’s big brands or have kids who watch every day, Disney Plus still delivers value most months. Its mix of exclusive franchise content and family‑friendly programming keeps it high on the list for many viewers heading into 2026. But if you don’t watch any of that stuff, it’s not worth keeping.
8. Paramount Plus (C-)
Being last on this list with the lowest grade doesn’t mean Paramount Plus is bad. It’s just that 2025 hasn’t given me much here that made me want to subscribe long‑term. Unlike the bigger services, its originals have felt sporadic, and I haven’t heard much chatter about its lineup outside of returning titles like “Yellowjackets,” “Landman,” and “Mayor of Kingstown.” On the movie side, its biggest addition this year is “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.”
But overall, there isn’t a steady flow of must‑see content that forces you to keep the service constantly. Paramount Plus is one you’ll likely subscribe to when there’s something specific you want to watch and cancel when you’re done, a pattern that can actually save you money in the long run.
It’s a perfectly fine service with solid shows and sports, but in 2025 its content depth and value haven’t quite matched the others. Keep in mind, Paramount Plus has announced another price increase starting January 15, 2026, with each plan rising by $1.
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