The latest tech war is much more complex than past fights like Apple vs. Android and DVD vs. VHS. The term The Streaming Wars entered the lexicon late last year with the launch of Disney’s anticipated streaming service, Disney +. The platform that reached 10 million subscribers in the first day is set to rival Netflix, Hulu, and other popular streaming services. The endless launch of various streaming services and original content created by these services have overwhelmed users with the options.
These services have many streaming customers shaking their heads, in the similar ways we used to look at cable bills, and wondering if these subscriptions are necessary for our weekly binge watch.
Here’s a brief rundown of the most popular streaming services.
Netflix
The first major player in the streaming game, Netflix is hard to beat. With a price point starting at $8.99/month and tons of award-winning original content and old favorites from other networks, Netflix is a must-have. If you want a blast from the past, you can still get the infamous red-enveloped DVDs in the mail.
Hulu
The streaming service that is the closest thing to traditional cable you can get without the high cable bill, Hulu’s ever-changing library and next-day network shows on the platform, makes the streaming service the ultimate in cord cutting. Hulu has an impressive back catalog of classic shows and weekly updates of your network favorites started at $11.99 per month for an ad-free experience. Add live TV access for $50.99 per month plus ad-free streaming. Considering the average cable bill was reported as $217.42 per month in October 2019, Hulu is a steal.
Apple TV+
Apple has entered its army into the streaming wars as well with Apple TV +. The streaming service has the extremely low price of $4.99, and you get what you pay for-not much. Much like Prime Video, Apple TV + is an added bonus to a product customers already want and have purchased (the service is free for a year when you purchase a new Apple device). Apple TV + does allow users to connect to other streaming services on the device, even with the low price, the service has yet to prove itself a worthy competitor.
HBO Max
An update of HBO GO is set to launch in May 2020 and will host the entire HBO library of past and current shows. $14.99 a month will give uses access to additional shows from WarnerMedia including Friends and The Big Bang Theory.
The steeper price is worth it for the TV aficionado who wants premium cable content without the high monthly bill.
Disney +
The hyped service is only $6.99 a month and provides access to the Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and LucasFilm libraries. Full of nostalgia and new originals, including entries into the Star Wars and Marvel franchises, Disney + is a must-have. Close in price to Apple TV + and offering more and better content, Disney + looks to be winning the war.
