How to Cut the Cord and Choose the Right Streaming Service for Your Family
It’s no secret that streaming services have taken over the world. People are ditching cable subscriptions in droves and opting for streaming services instead. While this can be an excellent option for some, it can also be overwhelming to decide which streaming service is right for your family. We’re making it a little easier with a breakdown of the different streaming services and packages available so you can make the best decision for your needs!
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How to Cut the Cord and Choose the Right Streaming Service for Your Family
There are a few things to consider when choosing a streaming service for your family.
The first is content. What kind of shows and movies does your family like to watch? Make sure the streaming service you choose has content that appeals to everyone in the family.
The second thing to consider is price. Streaming services can range from $4.99/month to more than $50/month or more. Choose a price that fits your budget, and remember that you can always add or remove services as needed.
The third thing to consider is features. Some streaming services offer unique features like offline viewing or ad-free watching. Consider what features are important to you and your family before deciding.
Popular Streaming Services
Now that you know what to look for let’s look at some of the most popular streaming services available.
Netflix
Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services on the market. It offers a wide variety of content for all ages, including original programming that you can’t find anywhere else. Netflix also provides ad-free viewing and the ability to download shows and movies for offline viewing.
Prices start at $15/month.
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime TV is a streaming service offered by Amazon and included in your Amazon Prime Membership. It features a mix of TV shows, movies, and original programming, as well as other perks like free two-day shipping on Amazon purchases and access to the Kindle Lending Library.
Amazon Prime Membership is $14.99 per month or $139 per year. Prime Video membership is $8.99 per month if you decide to get the service without an Amazon Prime membership.
Hulu
Hulu is another popular streaming service that offers a mix of TV shows, movies, and original programming. Hulu also has the option to add live TV to your subscription, which is excellent for families who want to ditch cable but still keep up with their favorite shows.
Hulu (with Ads) $6.99/mo
Hulu (with NO Ads)$12.99/mo
Hulu + Live TV now with Disney+ and ESPN+ for $69.99/month**
Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV now with Disney+ and ESPN+ for $75.99/month**
HBO Max™ CINEMAX® SHOWTIME® STARZ® for additional
Disney+
Disney+ is a streaming service geared towards families with children. It offers a wide variety of Disney content, including movies, TV shows, and original programming featuring Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. There’s something for everyone, all ad-free.
Prices start at $7.99/month or $79.99/year.
Live TV Streaming Options
If you are looking to watch shows live, you have several options. These services tend to cost a little more, but you can save money if you choose to view your favorite shows the next day. However, if you are afraid to be left out of the water cooler conversation, Live Streaming might be the way to go.
DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM is a streaming service offered by AT&T. It includes a wide variety of TV shows and movies, as well as the ability to add premium channels to your subscription.
$69.99/mo. + – $149.99/mo. HBO Max $14.99/mo., SHOWTIME $11/mo., STARZ $11/mo., EPIX $6/mo. and Cinemax $11/mo.
Sling TV
Sling TV is a streaming service that offers live TV streaming. It has a variety of packages available, with plans starting at $35 per month. They offer programming from ESPN, CNN, HGTV, and more.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV also gives you the option of adding live television to your subscription.
Hulu + Live TV now with Disney+ and ESPN+ for $69.99/month**
Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV now with Disney+ and ESPN+ for $75.99/month**
HBO Max™ CINEMAX® SHOWTIME® STARZ® for additional
fuboTV
fuboTV is a streaming service that offers live TV streaming focusing on sports and includes major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX. Prices start at $64.99/month.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a streaming service offered by Google. It provides a live TV option and a variety of TV shows and movies, and the ability to add premium channels to your subscription. Watch live TV from 85+ channels, including major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CNN, Disney, Nickelodeon, and more. Prices start at $64.99/month.
Philo
Philo is a streaming service that offers live TV streaming without sports or local channels. Live, streaming, & on-demand. 60+ channels. $25/month.
A la Carte Streaming Options
HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz are streaming services that offer a la carte options, which means you can subscribe to just one channel instead of an entire streaming package. This can be an excellent option for families who only want to watch certain shows or movies. Prices start at just $14.99/month.
Apple TV Plus is a streaming service offered by Apple. It features original programming that you can’t find anywhere else. Prices start at just $4.99 per month.
Discovery Plus is a streaming service offered by Discovery Communications. It offers a mix of TV shows, movies, and original programming from 14 cable networks, including TLC, Food Network, HGTV, History, Animal Planet, and Discovery shows. Plans start at $4.99 per month – $6.99 (ad-free) per month.
PBS Kids is a streaming service offered by PBS that provides children’s programming. It is free to use with no subscription required. Purchase a membership to get access to more content.
Peacock, owned by NBC Universal, is an ad-supported streaming service that offers a mix of TV shows and movies like The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Friday Night Lights. They have free limited access plans, and paid plans start at $5.99 per month – $9.99 per month.
Paramount Plus is a streaming service offered by Paramount that offers a mix of movies and TV shows like The Godfather, Mission: Impossible, and SpongeBob SquarePants. Prices start at $4.99 per month – $9.99 per month.
There are a lot of streaming services to choose from. Ultimately you may decide that a mixture of platforms works best for your family’s needs. Happy watching!
