Navigating the Streaming Jungle: A Guide to Finding the Best Services in 2024

Remember the days when Netflix felt like it held the keys to the entire world of movies and TV shows? Those days are long gone. The streaming landscape has exploded, and now consumers are faced with a bewildering array of choices, each vying for their attention and dollars. The media catalog is fragmented across dozens of services, making the simple act of finding something to watch feel surprisingly complicated.

And it’s not just about choice; it’s about cost. Over the past year, numerous streaming providers have hiked prices on their subscription tiers. Services that once promised an ad-free paradise are now pushing ad-supported options while simultaneously raising prices and cracking down on password sharing. Bundling options exist, but even those are becoming more expensive. Warner Bros. Discovery has already merged HBO Max and Discovery+ into a single platform (Max), and The Walt Disney Company is working towards a similar combination of Hulu and Disney+.

Given this complex web of services, prices, bundles, and content ownership, it’s more important than ever to be selective about which subscriptions you commit to. This guide aims to help you navigate this confusing landscape and choose the streaming services that best fit your needs, whether you’re looking for the cheapest option or a dedicated hub for a specific genre.

The Cord-Cutting Dream is Dead (But There’s Still Hope)

The original promise of cord-cutting – ditching expensive cable for a cheaper, more flexible streaming experience – is largely dead. Streaming prices have been steadily increasing, but so has the availability of cheaper, ad-supported tiers. The economic realities facing these companies mean that further price increases are likely on the horizon. Netflix, for example, raised prices in October of last year and plans to eliminate its "Basic" subscription altogether. Analysts predict another price hike is inevitable in 2024. On the bright side, Netflix will soon be home to WWE content.

While many services are creeping upwards in price, a few sub-$9.99 options remain. The general rule of thumb is that anything priced below $10 is either an ad-supported tier or a service from a smaller company. These ad-based tiers have experienced significant growth as consumers seek ways to save money.

However, the ad experience can vary widely. Some platforms offer a relatively unobtrusive ad experience, while others bombard you with frequent and lengthy interruptions. Amazon Prime, for example, automatically enrolled all its users in an ad-based subscription unless they opted to pay extra for ad-free viewing. It seems likely that ad-supported tiers will become ubiquitous across the major streaming services, with even YouTube considering an ad-supported linear streaming service.

Bundling for Savings

One way to mitigate the rising cost of streaming is to explore bundle options. The Disney Bundle, which combines basic versions of Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+, offers a significant discount compared to subscribing to each service individually. A premium tier is also available for those who want an ad-free experience.

Disney+ also offers features like 4K Ultra HD streaming in Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos, as well as unlimited downloads on up to 10 devices. Keep in mind that Disney is planning to integrate Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN into a single app, which will likely affect the pricing and availability of the current bundle options.

Hulu + Live TV is another bundle option that combines streaming content with live television channels. It offers a comprehensive entertainment package, but it’s also one of the more expensive options. YouTube TV is a similar service, but it recently increased its subscription price, making Hulu + Live TV a more competitive choice. Pluto TV provides a free option with over 100 channels.

The Best Streaming Services by Category

Given the constantly evolving nature of the streaming landscape, it’s helpful to break down the top picks by category:

Best Overall: Netflix

Despite its flaws (password-sharing crackdown, occasional content cancellations), Netflix remains the best overall streaming service due to its vast and varied content library. From anime and documentaries to prestige dramas and nostalgic favorites, Netflix offers something for everyone. The platform also provides access to a growing selection of mobile games, which is a significant perk for subscribers.

Best Bundle: Disney Trio Premium

Disney’s three-in-one “Trio Premium” deal remains a solid choice for families or anyone interested in Disney-owned content (Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar).

Best Live TV: Hulu + Live TV

The Hulu + Live TV package offers a good balance of streaming content and live television channels, making it a strong contender for those seeking a cable replacement.

Best Free TV: Pluto TV

For a completely free experience, Pluto TV provides access to a wide variety of channels, including classic TV shows and movies.

Best for Exclusive Content: Max

HBO/Max continues to deliver high-quality, exclusive content like "The Last of Us" and "House of the Dragon," making it a compelling option for fans of prestige television.

Best Free, Ad-Supported Streaming: Freevee

Amazon’s Freevee offers a surprisingly good selection of recent and older films, as well as original TV shows.

Best for Korean Drama: Rakuten Viki

For K-drama enthusiasts, Rakuten Viki offers an unparalleled selection of shows and movies.

Best for Spanish-Language Content: Netflix

While other platforms offer Spanish-language channels, Netflix boasts a significant library of on-demand content, including original films and TV shows.

Best for Classic Film: The Criterion Channel

Film buffs will appreciate The Criterion Channel’s curated selection of classic and foreign films.

Best for Star Trek Fans: Paramount+

Paramount+ is the undisputed home of Star Trek, offering access to all the classic series and the latest movies and shows.

Best for Anime: Crunchyroll

Following its merger with Funimation, Crunchyroll has become the go-to destination for anime streaming.

Best for Video Essays and Documentaries: CuriosityStream and Nebula Bundle

This bundle offers a unique combination of high-quality video essays and historical/non-fiction documentaries.

Best for Documentaries (if You Already Have Prime): Amazon Prime Video

If you already subscribe to Amazon Prime, the built-in Prime Video service offers a strong selection of documentaries.

Best for Combining Streaming Services and Owned Media: Plex

Plex allows you to organize all your streaming content and personal media library in one place.

Best Ad-Based Tier: Disney+

Among the ad-supported tiers, Disney+ stands out for its relatively unobtrusive ad experience and its support for Full HD, HDR10, and 4K Ultra HD streaming on some titles.

Best Independent Streaming Service: Dropout

Dropout offers original comedy content from a network of talented comedians, providing a refreshing alternative to the mainstream streaming landscape.

Choosing the Right Subscription Tier

Many streaming services offer multiple subscription tiers with varying features and prices. Here’s a breakdown of the best options for some of the most popular platforms:

• Netflix: The Standard plan is a good balance of price and features, offering HD viewing and allowing streaming on multiple devices.
• Disney+: The ad-supported plan provides a solid value, offering access to the full Disney+ library with relatively few interruptions.
• HBO Max (Max): The ad-supported tier is a reasonable way to save money if you can tolerate occasional ad breaks.
• Hulu: If you’re subscribing to Hulu as a standalone service, the ad-free plan is worth the extra cost to avoid the constant interruptions of the ad-supported tier.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the streaming landscape in 2024 requires careful consideration of your individual needs and preferences. By understanding the available options and choosing the services that best align with your viewing habits, you can still enjoy a great entertainment experience without breaking the bank. Remember to stay informed about price changes and bundle options, and don’t be afraid to switch services as your needs evolve.

This post was edited on 3/11/2024 to update prices to 2024 and add a new category, “Best Independent Streaming Service.”