Best streaming Platform 2025: Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, Prime Video, and more compared

Best streaming Platform 2025: offer something for everyone, from blockbuster movies to niche documentaries. With so many options, picking the right one depends on what you want to watch and how much you’re willing to spend. This guide compares six major platforms—Disney+ and Hulu (bundled), Apple TV+, Max, Netflix, Paramount+, and Prime Video—based on their March 2025 offerings. We also highlight alternative services for more variety.

The Best Streaming Service for TV Shows

Disney+ and Hulu

Disney+ and Hulu merged into a single platform in March 2024, offering a strong mix of family-friendly and adult-oriented content.

Specifications:

• Duo Basic: $9.99/month, ads, 2 streams, Full HD, no downloads.

• Duo Premium: $19.99/month, no ads, 2 streams, 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, Dolby Vision, downloads on 10 devices.

Reasons to Join in March 2025:

• Affordable bundle with access to Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, FX, and National Geographic.

• Hulu’s movie library updates frequently, ideal for movie fans.

• Family-friendly and mature content in one place.

Reasons to Switch:

• Limited original content compared to Netflix or Max.

• Weekly episode releases, not great for binge-watchers.

• Few new kid-friendly titles in April 2025.

What’s New in March 2025:March brings Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again and Moana 2 to Disney+, while Hulu adds five movies with 90%+ on Rotten Tomatoes, like The Handmaid’s Tale season 6. Only 12 new originals are planned for April, lagging behind Netflix’s 40+ in March.

Is It Worth It?The Disney+ and Hulu bundle is a solid choice for variety, covering classics like The Little Mermaid and originals like Only Murders in the Building. With 3,232 TV shows (Disney+ 576, Hulu 2,656) based on 2023 Reelgood data, it outpaces Netflix’s 2,495. Sports fans can add ESPN+ for live games and documentaries. However, a 2024 price hike and password-sharing crackdown may frustrate some users.

The Best Streaming Service for Originals

Apple TV+

Apple TV+ focuses on high-quality original content, especially sci-fi and book adaptations.

Specifications:

• Standard: $9.99/month, no ads, 6 streams, 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, share with 6 people.

Reasons to Join in March 2025:

• Top sci-fi shows like Silo, Foundation, and Severance season 2.

• New episodes of Mythic Quest, Surface, and Prime Target.

• Book adaptations like Pachinko and Lessons in Chemistry with 86%+ on Rotten Tomatoes.

Reasons to Switch:

• Smallest content library among major platforms.

• Lacks horror or anime content.

• Limited variety compared to Hulu or Prime Video.

What’s New in March 2025:March features the Severance season 2 finale, new Surface episodes, and Love You To Death. Check our Severance season 2 recaps for insights.

Is It Worth It?Apple TV+ delivers award-winning originals like Ted Lasso and Slow Horses. Its small library (under 200 titles) prioritizes quality over quantity. At $9.99/month, it’s ad-free and shareable with up to five people, offering great value for fans of sci-fi or comedies like Shrinking.

The Best Streaming Service for Quality Content

Max

Max, home to HBO originals, balances quality and variety.

Specifications:

• With Ads: $9.99/month, ads, 2 streams, Full HD, no downloads.

• Ad-Free: $16.99/month, no ads, 2 streams, Full HD, 30 downloads.

• Ultimate Ad-Free: $20.99/month, no ads, 4 streams, 4K, Dolby Atmos, 100 downloads.

Reasons to Join in March 2025:

• HBO originals like The White Lotus season 3.

• A24 deal brings new films like Heretic and Sing Sing.

• Classic Hollywood movies added, like Executive Suite and Night Nurse.

Reasons to Switch:

• Focus on older films may not suit fans of modern titles.

• Horror-heavy additions like Child’s Play may not appeal to all.

• Reality TV influx, including Celebrity IOU and 90 Day Fiancé.

What’s New in March 2025:The White Lotus season 3 episodes drop weekly, joined by five movies with 91%+ on Rotten Tomatoes, like Dune: Part Two. Max’s A24 partnership boosts its indie film appeal.

Is It Worth It?Max shines with HBO hits like Succession and The Last of Us. Its 2023 Reelgood data shows 1,800+ movies and 600+ series, bolstered by A24 and Criterion Collection deals. Two price hikes in 2023-2024 and content removals are drawbacks, but quality remains high.

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The Best Streaming Service for Most People

Netflix

Netflix remains the go-to for a vast, varied library.

Specifications:

• Standard with Ads: $6.99/month, ads, 2 streams, Full HD, 2 downloads.

• Standard: $15.49/month, no ads, 2 streams, Full HD, 2 downloads, add 1 member.

• Premium: $22.99/month, no ads, 4 streams, 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, 6 downloads, add 3 members.

Reasons to Join in March 2025:

• Period dramas like The Leopard and The Lady’s Companion.

• High-rated dramas Adolescence and Toxic Town (100% on Rotten Tomatoes).

• 30+ new movies, including Blade Runner: The Final Cut and Sicario.

Reasons to Switch:

• Few new TV shows in March.

• Cult classics like Sixteen Candles leaving.

• Disney+ and Hulu bundle is cheaper.

What’s New in March 2025:Highlights include Adolescence, The Electric State, and Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney. Netflix added three thrillers with 89%+ on Rotten Tomatoes, like The Replacement.

Is It Worth It?Netflix’s 3,900+ movies and 2,500 series (2023 Reelgood) include hits like Bridgerton and Stranger Things. Price hikes, canceled shows, and password-sharing restrictions frustrate, but its seamless app and original-heavy catalog keep it dominant.

Explore Netflix plans.

The Best Streaming Service for Movies

Prime Video

Prime Video boasts the largest movie catalog.

Specifications:

• Standard with Ads: $8.99/month, ads, 3 streams, 4K, HDR10+, 4 downloads.

• Ad-Free: $11.98/month, limited ads, 3 streams, 4K, Dolby Vision, 4 downloads.

• Amazon Household: Ads, 3 streams, 4K, share with 2 adults and 4 kids.

Reasons to Join in March 2025:

• Oscar winners Anora and Wicked added.

• NHL hockey streams, like Canucks vs. Devils.

• The Wheel of Time season 3 episodes drop weekly.

Reasons to Switch:

• Limited new horror or thriller content.

• Marvel fans should opt for Disney+ for Daredevil: Born Again.

• A24 movies like Heretic are on Max.

What’s New in March 2025:Prime Video adds 314 titles, including Anora, Sing Sing, and classics like Back to the Future. Reacher season 3 and The Wheel of Time season 3 continue.

Is It Worth It?With 26,300+ movies and 2,700+ series (JustWatch), Prime Video’s library is massive. Hits like The Boys and Fallout shine, but ads (unless you pay extra) and mixed paid/free content annoy. Its MGM acquisition boosts classics like Creed.

The Best Streaming Service for Classics

Paramount+

Paramount+ excels in classic films and Star Trek content.

Specifications:

• Essential: $7.99/month, ads, 3 streams, Full HD.

• With Showtime: $12.99/month, no ads, 3 streams, 4K, Dolby Atmos, 25 downloads.

Reasons to Join in March 2025:

• All Star Trek movies and Star Trek: Section 31.

• Taylor Sheridan westerns like 1923 season 2.

• Classics like Ex Machina and Pulp Fiction.

Reasons to Switch:

• Small library (803 movies, 752 series in 2023).

• Heavy on reality TV like Survivor.

• Few new originals in March.

What’s New in March 2025:Paramount+ adds 97 titles, including Million Dollar Baby and There Will Be Blood. Yellowjackets season 3 and 1923 season 2 drop new episodes.

Is It Worth It?Paramount+ offers hits like Tulsa King and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Its small library and price hikes since 2022 are cons, but the Skydance merger may bring fresh content. Ideal for classic movie fans.

Alternative Streaming Services to Consider

Beyond the big six, consider:

• Peacock: NBC Universal’s service with The Office and live sports.

• Sling TV: Live TV and on-demand shows from Dish Network.

• Mubi: Curated indie films for cinephiles.

These platforms cater to specific tastes, offering variety outside mainstream services.

Conclusion

Choosing a streaming service in 2025 depends on your preferences. Netflix and Prime Video offer vast libraries, Disney+ and Hulu excel for TV shows, Apple TV+ shines with originals, Max delivers quality, and Paramount+ is great for classics. Check March 2025’s new releases and deals to decide which platform fits your needs.

FAQs

Which streaming service has the most content in 2025?
Prime Video has the largest library with over 26,300 movies and 2,700 series, followed by Netflix with around 3,900 movies and 2,500 series.

Is the Disney+ and Hulu bundle worth it?
Yes, at $9.99/month, it offers 3,232 TV shows and movies across genres, making it a cost-effective choice for families and adults.

Which service is best for original content?
Apple TV+ focuses on high-quality originals like Severance and Ted Lasso, ideal for fans of sci-fi and comedies.

Can I avoid ads on streaming services?
Most services offer ad-free tiers, like Netflix’s Standard ($15.49/month) or Max’s Ad-Free ($16.99/month), but you’ll pay more.

What’s a good alternative to Netflix?
Prime Video has a larger movie catalog, while Hulu offers more TV shows. Peacock or Mubi are great for niche content.