Comparing Streaming Apps: From Netflix and Disney+ to Max and Beyond

We can all agree that catching up on new episodes of our favorite television shows used to be relatively more difficult. With cable channels as one of the few available options — and new movie releases only available in theaters or months later as TV reruns or physical releases — watching what we wanted, when we wanted, was a challenge. Fortunately, with the emergence of streaming platforms, consuming content has become much easier and more accessible.

In the modern digital landscape, streaming services provide an abundance of entertainment options. Yet, with countless platforms offering different content and features, deciding which one to subscribe to can also be challenging. To make your decision easier, we’ve compared some of the leading streaming services to help you find the best match for your viewing preferences.

Netflix

Whether Netflix is the best streaming service out there is, of course, very subjective. It will always depend on one’s preferences, but it is considered one of the streaming giants for a variety of reasons, one being its slew of critically acclaimed originals — from movies and television series to documentaries and anime. It also features a user-friendly interface, which can be easier to navigate for different types of subscribers.

Netflix prices vary between countries, but a premium subscription typically costs $24.99 per month, with an additional $6.99 for extra members. The standard subscription, on the other hand, is available for $17.99 per month.

Reason to subscribe: Netflix is best known for dropping full seasons at once, so if you’re a habitual binge-watcher who isn’t fond of waiting another week for a new episode, it’s the best platform for you. Apart from its original content (which spans a wide range of genres), the streamer also offers a large selection of movies and shows in its extensive library, though availability may vary by region. The platform also takes note of your viewing habits, so its algorithm tailors recommendations based on your interests.

Original titles: Bridgerton, BoJack Horseman, The Crown, Castlevania: Nocturne, Emily in Paris, Ginny & Georgia, The Night Agent, Nobody Wants This, Outer Banks, Squid Game, Stranger Things, Sweet Magnolias, Virgin River, Wednesday, The Witcher, and more.

Why it may not be perfect for you: Netflix has been increasing its subscription prices over the years, which can be a huge deal-breaker for some users. As mentioned, what’s available in other regions may not be available in your location, possibly making content availability an issue as well. Netflix also constantly removes titles from its library, so you may need to allot time to catch up on your to-watch list before it’s too late.

For more information on subscription fees, plans, and other details, you may visit Netflix's official website.

Disney+

Disney+ is a family-friendly streaming platform, perfect for fans of classic Disney originals. It features a massive catalog of fan-favorite Disney titles like Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, A Bug’s Life, Brave, Encanto, Inside Out, Turning Red, Lilo & Stitch, and Finding Nemo, among a handful of others. If you’re also a fan of Marvel, Star Wars, or Pixar, Disney+ is also the ideal platform for you.

Prices depend on your subscription bundle, and you can unlock more content by signing up for a Disney+ Bundle with Hulu, Max, or ESPN+. The Disney+ ad-free subscription costs $16 per month, but bundles are generally much pricier.

Reason to subscribe: With access to Disney’s extensive vault of classics, Disney+ is a haven for both kids and kids at heart. It’s a huge plus if you’re a fan of both Marvel and Star Wars, as it is the only platform that features original content for both franchises.

Original titles: Andor, Ahsoka, Daredevil: Born Again, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Ms. Marvel, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Agatha All Along, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, X-Men '97, The Mandalorian, Obi-Wan Kenobi, WandaVision, Ironheart, The Acolyte, and more.

Why it may not be perfect for you: Unlike Netflix, most — if not all — Disney+ shows do not release entire seasons at once. While this may not be a problem for some, if you're not a fan of waiting and prefer to binge-watch an entire season in one go, a Disney+ subscription might not be worth it. Additionally, Disney+ heavily caters to family-friendly content, so mature content is typically not available.

For more information on subscription fees, plans, and other details, you may visit Disney+'s official website.

Max

HBO Max, now simply called Max, is home to a wide range of content, including popular HBO titles, Warner Bros. classics, the DC Universe, and even Studio Ghibli films. A subscription to Max also grants exclusive access to blockbuster hits like Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Mamma Mia!, Crazy Rich Asians, Barbie, Wonka, and many more. Of course, prices vary by region, but an ad-free subscription typically costs $20.99 per month.

Reason to subscribe: Max is, again, home to a number of classics. Especially if you’re a fan of older titles and critically acclaimed darlings, a subscription to Max is perfect for cinephiles. Additionally, the platform makes movies available for streaming shortly after their theatrical releases, making it perfect for those who want to relive a movie experience or those who missed it in cinemas.

Original titles: The Pitt, Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake, Hacks, Peacemaker, The Last of Us, Creature Commandos, Harley Quinn, Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, Tokyo Vice, Love & Death, The Girls on the Bus, The Sex Lives of College Girls, Velma, and more.

Why it may not be perfect for you: Of course, with such great content comes a price. Max is considered pricey, even with an ad plan. It is also not available in every country, so some users may not be able to access Max in its entirety.

For more information on subscription fees, plans, and other details, you may visit Max's official website.

Apple TV+

Apple TV+ has rapidly gained a reputation for its acclaimed and top-tier original content spanning a variety of genres. At just $9.99 per month, the streaming service also provides one of the most budget-friendly subscription rates, making it an excellent choice for fans of its exclusive originals.

Reason to subscribe: Apple TV+ prides itself on its 4K streaming and Dolby Vision features, offering not only top-tier content but also stunning visuals. Additionally, it’s completely ad-free, providing an uninterrupted streaming experience, something that sets it apart from other platforms, even those with premium subscriptions.

Original titles: Acapulco, The Morning Show, The Buccaneers, Ted Lasso, Loot, Invasion, Severance, Pachinko, Prime Target, Silo, Slow Horses, Presumed Innocent, Palm Royale, The Studio, and more.

Why it may not be perfect for you: While Apple TV+ has earned an impressive reputation for its originals, it is still relatively new; meaning, its overall library remains smaller compared to its competitors. If you're looking for a broader selection of content, you might find Apple TV+ not worth the subscription.

For more information on subscription fees, plans, and other details, you may visit Apple TV+'s official website.

Prime Video

Prime Video also boasts a massive catalog of movies, television shows, and documentaries, though it may not be as extensive as its fellow streaming platforms. What Prime Video lacks in sheer volume, it makes up for with its slew of original content. If you’re already a member of Amazon Prime, you’ll get access to Prime Video’s library at no additional cost. Amazon Prime membership is priced at $14.99 per month, while a standalone Prime Video subscription costs $8.99 per month.

Reason to subscribe: Unlike other major streaming platforms, Prime Video is much more affordable. It also allows users to rent or buy movies and shows that are not included in their subscription.

Original titles: The Boys, Citadel, Countdown, The Devil's Hour, Fallout, Gen V, Invincible, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Reacher, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, The Terminal List, We Were Liars, Upload, Hazbin Hotel, and more.

Why it may not be perfect for you: Prime Video’s interface is considered difficult and confusing to navigate. And it also has fewer exclusive releases, which can be a deal-breaker, especially for non-Amazon Prime subscribers.

For more information on subscription fees, plans, and other details, you may visit Prime Video's official website.