Streaming prices, plans and picks, checked against official pages
Plain answers on which streaming services are worth paying for, what they cost right now, and which device to watch them on.
How much does streaming cost in November 2026?
Most major on-demand services start at $8.99 to $12.49 a month with ads; ad-free plans run from $13.99 (Paramount+) to about $21.49. Live TV services that replace cable cost $25 (Philo) to $82.99 (YouTube TV) and up.
| Service | From (with ads) | Ad-free from | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $8.99 | $19.99 | A deep library of originals in every genre |
| Hulu | $12.49 | $21.49 | Next-day TV episodes and FX series |
| Disney+ | $12.49 | $21.49 | Families with young kids |
| HBO Max | $10.99 | $18.49 | HBO series and Warner Bros. films |
| Peacock | $8.99 | $19.99 | NBC shows, Bravo and Sunday Night Football |
| Paramount+ | $8.99 | $13.99 | NFL on CBS and Champions League soccer |
| Prime Video | $8.99 | $19.98 | Households that already pay for Amazon Prime |
| Apple TV | $14.99 | $14.99 | High-quality originals without ads |
| YouTube TV | $64.99 | n/a | A full cable replacement with local channels |
| Sling TV | $19.99 | n/a | The cheapest way to get ESPN and cable news |
| Fubo | $19.99 | n/a | Sports fans who want regional sports networks |
| Philo | $25 | n/a | Cable entertainment channels (reality, lifestyle, AMC, Hallmark) at a low price |
All prices checked November 9, 2026 on each provider's official pricing page (linked from every review). Monthly US prices before tax.
Which streaming service is best for you?
Best streaming service for sports
For the most sports in one place, YouTube TV ($82.99) or Fubo (Pro $88.99) are the strongest picks because they carry local networks plus ESPN.
Best streaming service for kids
Disney+ is the best fit for most families because of its Disney, Pixar and Marvel library.
Cheapest streaming services
The cheapest major paid plans are Netflix Standard with ads, Peacock Select, Paramount+ Essential and Prime Video standalone, all at $8.99 a month.
Best live TV streaming service
YouTube TV is the best all-around cable replacement at $82.99 a month: local networks in most markets, ESPN, 100+ channels and unlimited DVR.
Will cutting cable save you money?
Usually, if you keep your streaming list short. The cord-cutting cost calculator compares your current bill with the exact plans you would pick.
Popular comparisons
- Netflix vs Hulu
- Netflix vs Disney+
- HBO Max vs Netflix
- Peacock vs Paramount+
- Prime Video vs Netflix
- Apple TV vs Netflix
- YouTube TV vs Hulu
- YouTube TV vs Sling TV
- YouTube TV vs Fubo
- Sling TV vs Philo
Which streaming device should you buy?
Roku
Anyone who wants an easy, brand-neutral device, including less technical family members.
Amazon Fire TV
Prime members and homes that already use Alexa speakers.
Apple TV 4K
iPhone users and anyone who wants the cleanest, fastest experience.
Google TV Streamer
Android and Google Home users who like content suggestions across services.
Latest from The Stream Desk
- Walmart raises prices on its onn Google TV streamers by $10
Walmart's onn Google TV lineup now costs $10 more per device, with the 4K Pro at $69.98 and the Full HD stick at $39.98.
- Five NBA teams moved local games to DAZN this season
Five NBA teams signed exclusive local streaming deals with DAZN before the 2026-27 season, keeping only some games on over-the-air TV.
- Netflix wins Spanish rights to the 2030 men's World Cup
Netflix will stream all 104 matches of the 2030 World Cup in Spain. US rights for 2030 and 2034 have not been sold yet.
- Disney+ and Hulu ad-free plans rise to $21.49 a month
Disney raised its standalone ad-free Disney+ and Hulu plans by $2.50 to $21.49 each; the ad-free Disney+, Hulu bundle went to $21.99.