Fast internet connections and an abundance of media streaming devices have accelerated the decline of traditional cable. An increasing number of people are cutting the cord in favor of dedicated streaming alternatives (even if there are still some good reasons to keep cable). Streaming services are only growing larger and more numerous, leaving you with an overwhelming number of options. Fortunately, we here at PCMag have thoroughly tested many streaming services, big and small, for our expert reviews. Our top picks, including Hulu and Netflix, are terrific starting points if you want to stream the best movie and television programming.
Overview
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![Netflix]()
Best for Original ShowsNetflix
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![Hulu]()
Best for Live and On-Demand ContentHulu
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![Peacock]()
Best for Affordable TV Shows and MoviesPeacock
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![Tubi]()
Best for Free Movies and TVTubi
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![YouTube TV]()
Best for Replacing CableYouTube TV
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![Amazon Prime Video]()
Best for On-Demand Shows and MoviesAmazon Prime Video
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![Disney+]()
Best for Family-Friendly ContentDisney+
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![HBO Max]()
Best for HBO Shows and Popular MoviesHBO Max
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![Crunchyroll]()
Best for AnimeCrunchyroll
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![Curiosity Stream]()
Best for HD & 4K Documentaries: CuriosityStreamCuriosity Stream
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![Netflix]()
Best for Original ShowsNetflix
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Netflix is the standard-bearer of streaming video services, hosting an impressive catalog that features new titles replacing older ones every month. Its entry-level, ad-supported tier ($7.99 per month) doesn't include every show in the library, but the top-of-the-line Premium plan ($24.99 per month) has the full library and 4K streams. Netflix also shines with blockbuster-quality original movies and TV shows, star-studded comedy festivals, live boxing, and NFL Christmas Day games.
Who It's For
Viewers who want original shows: Netflix's constantly growing library of premier original programming outclasses its rivals. The impressive catalog includes Altered Carbon, Black Mirror, BoJack Horseman, Dead to Me, Mindhunters, Orange Is the New Black, Russian Doll, Stranger Things, The Umbrella Academy, Wednesday, and anime productions. That's in addition to its original movies, such as El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, The Irishman, and KPop Demon Hunters.
People who want lots of features: You want features? Netflix has them. The platform is one of the few streaming services that supports both offline downloads and 4K and HDR streaming. On top of that, your subscription includes mobile games, the ability to disable the obnoxious auto-playing previews, many parental control options, and a screen lock that prevents unintentional screen taps on phones and tablets.
Specs & Configurations
4K Streaming Requires Premium Plan Ads Anime Audio Descriptions Concurrent Streams 2 or 4 Offline Downloads on Mobile On-Demand Movies and TV Shows Original Programming Parental Control Tools Profile-based or Kids Mode Rentals and Purchases DVD.com (Separate Plan) Sports Coverage None Starting Price $8.99 per month Supported Platforms Media Streaming Devices (Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku), Microsoft Store, Mobile (Android and iOS), Game Consoles (PlayStation and Xbox), Smart TVs, and Web Top Original Movies Beasts of No Nation, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, Extraction, I Care A Lot, Roma, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, The Irishman, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and The Two Popes Top Original Shows Black Mirror, Bojack Horseman, Dead to Me, Locke and Key, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Never Have I Ever, Orange Is the New Black, Ozark, Russian Doll, Stranger Things, The Crown, The Queen's Gambit, The Stranger, The Umbrella Academy, and The Witcher Learn More Netflix Review -
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![Hulu]()
Best for Live and On-Demand ContentHulu
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Given its diverse streaming options, with high-quality on-demand originals as well as expansive live TV options, Hulu is one of the best all-in-one options for cord-cutters ($11.99 per month for the ad-supported version or $18.99 per month for the ad-free version). However, it also offers the Hulu + Live TV plan ($89.99 per month), which combines Hulu's live TV service with the ad-supported streaming plan. In addition, all subscribers enjoy unlimited cloud DVR.
Who It's For
Viewers who want live TV and on-demand streaming: Hulu is great for anyone seeking the convenience of streaming without abandoning traditional live TV. Besides its extensive library of classic shows and a strong movie selection, Hulu offers more than 70 live news, sports, and entertainment channels. Hulu also has plenty of high-quality original shows, such as The Bear and The Handmaid's Tale.
Disney fans: Hulu subscribers who bundle the service with Disney+ can enjoy Hulu's programming through the Disney+ interface. So, when you need a break from Marvel and Star Wars, you can watch something a little more adult in the same app.
Specs & Configurations
Ads Anime Concurrent Streams 2 or Unlimited (at home) and 3 (mobile devices) DVR Storage & Retention Unlimited; 9 Months Live TV MLB Playoffs Coverage FOX, FS1, and TBS Monday Night Football ESPN NBA Finals ABC Offline Downloads on Mobile On-Demand Movies and TV Shows Original Programming Regular Season National NBA Coverage ABC, ESPN, and TNT Regular Season National NHL Coverage ABC, ESPN, TBS, and TNT RSN Coverage NBC Sports Sports Coverage International*, National, & Regional Starting Price $11.99 per month; $88.99 per month Sunday Football CBS and FOX; NFL RedZone (via Add-On) Sunday Night Football NBC Thursday Night Football FOX and NFL Network World Series Coverage FOX Learn More Hulu Review -
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![Peacock]()
Best for Affordable TV Shows and MoviesPeacock
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Who doesn't appreciate affordable quality content? NBC's Peacock Premium tier offers 80,000 hours of content, live sports, and clip-based channels. Meanwhile, its Premium Plus option builds upon Premium by removing ads when you stream on-demand titles. Although you can't stream some of NBC's biggest hits on demand (Friends, Seinfeld), you can watch other popular past and current entries from NBC, such as 30 Rock, Cheers, Chicago Fire, Friday Night Lights, The Office, Parks and Recreation, Saturday Night Live, Will and Grace, Law & Order: SVU, Superstore, and This is Us.
Who It's For
Live sports fans: Peacock is expanding its live sports content and now lets paid users watch Sunday Night Football. Other sports programming on Peacock includes Premier League soccer and IndyCar coverage. Peacock is also the streaming home of the Olympic Games.
Bravo die-hards: The Bravo universe of reality shows could support a streaming service unto itself, with hits like Below Deck, The Real Housewives franchise, and Vanderpump Rules. So, if you know who Andy Cohen is, Peacock is for you.
Specs & Configurations
Ads Concurrent Streams 3 DVR Storage & Retention None Live TV MLB Playoffs Coverage None Monday Night Football None Offline Downloads on Mobile On-Demand Movies and TV Shows Original Programming RSN Coverage None Sports Coverage International & National Starting Price $7.99 per month Sunday Football None Sunday Night Football NBC Thursday Night Football None World Series Coverage None Learn More Peacock Review -
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Credit: Tubi
![Tubi]()
Best for Free Movies and TVTubi
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Tubi is a free video streaming service that includes popular films such as A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Black Hawk Down, Donnie Darko, Legally Blonde, Memento, Minority Report, Rain Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and We Need to Talk About Kevin. Its TV library is less impressive, but some notable entries include 3rd Rock From the Sun (seasons 1-5), Degrassi: The Next Generation (seasons 1-14); Hell's Kitchen (seasons 1-14), Jojo's Bizarre Adventures (seasons 1-4), Naruto (seasons 1-4), and V (seasons 1-2).
Who It's For
People who want a free service that doesn't feel cheap: As a free, ad-supported service, Tubi obviously has drawbacks (like its 720p max resolution). However, it has the high-quality feel of a premium rival. Tubi's web interface and mobile apps have clean designs and organize everything neatly into descriptive categories. Plus, it keeps track of the content you've watched and lets you manage a watchlist. The parental control tools are a bit limited, but at least they're an option.
Viewers who want to expand their tastes: Tubi offers a surprising amount of high-profile content, from beloved older shows to the Super Bowl. However, free streaming services shine as a way to secure affordable licenses for obscure and forgotten shows and movies that most viewers may never have encountered. So, when you're ready to take a break from the latest hits, fire up a schlocky horror movie or vintage sitcom.
Specs & Configurations
Ads Anime Concurrent Streams Unlimited Live TV On-Demand Movies and TV Shows Original Programming Starting Price Free Learn More Tubi Review -
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Credit: YouTube
![YouTube TV]()
Best for Replacing CableYouTube TV
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
YouTube TV offers an excellent selection of news channels, live sports (including exclusive Sunday NFL games), and many popular entertainment options. Some top networks available include ABC, AMC, CBS, CNN, ESPN, Fox, FX, and NBC. In addition, it features channels from Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Skydance, as well as local PBS channels. This channel variety doesn't come cheap; steady price hikes have brought YouTube TV to $82.99 per month.
Who It's For
Cord-cutters: Thanks to its array of live channels, YouTube TV is your best option for replacing cable. If YouTube TV's library still doesn't meet your needs, you can add other packages to your subscription, such as Acorn TV, Curiosity Stream, and NBA League Pass. The Entertainment Plus package bundles HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz for $30 per month. YouTube TV's 4K Plus add-on ($9.99 per month) unlocks 4K streaming, support for unlimited simultaneous streams, and offline viewing of DVR content.
Live TV viewers who want flexibility: YouTube TV gives you more options to watch live TV the way you want. And if you miss a live program, the unlimited cloud DVR storage lets you catch a show or film later (and keeps your recordings for nine months). One YouTube TV membership supports up to six accounts, so you can share live streaming TV with family or roommates, though you can only simultaneously stream from three accounts.
Specs & Configurations
4K Live Streams Ads Concurrent Streams 3 or Unlimited (at home) DVR Storage & Retention Unlimited; 9 Months Live TV MLB Playoffs Coverage FOX, FS1, and TBS Monday Night Football ESPN NBA Finals ABC On-Demand Movies and TV Shows Regular Season National NBA Coverage ABC, ESPN, NBA TV, and TNT Regular Season National NHL Coverage ABC, ESPN, TBS, and TNT RSN Coverage NBC Sports Sports Coverage National & Regional Starting Price $82.99 per month Sunday Football CBS and FOX; NFL RedZone (via Add-On) Sunday Night Football NBC Thursday Night Football FOX and NFL Network World Series Coverage FOX Learn More YouTube TV Review -
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![Amazon Prime Video]()
Best for On-Demand Shows and MoviesAmazon Prime Video
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Amazon's video library includes many popular and classic movies available for streaming, such as Bosch, The Boys, Catastrophe, Fallout, Fleabag, Hanna, Hunters, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Patriot, Tales From The Loop, Undone, and Upload. It also broadcasts Thursday Night Football games, select MLB matchups, and NBA games. Prime Video is notable for supporting 4K and HDR streaming, as well as downloads for offline viewing.
Who It's For
Amazon Prime subscribers: Amazon offers two ways to get Prime Video: a standalone subscription ($8.99 per month with ads, $11.99 per month ad-free) or an Amazon Prime subscription ($14.99 per month or $139 per year) that includes shipping and shopping perks. So, if you're already a Prime subscriber, you essentially get a high-quality streaming service as a bonus.
People who want to buy and rent specific titles: Although it has a subscription option, Prime Video is also for viewers who want to buy or rent shows or movies a la carte. Many movies and shows can only be purchased this way as they haven't been licensed for streaming. Although those rentals and purchases can add up, the option opens the door to a larger streaming library.
Specs & Configurations
4K Streaming Yes Ads Anime Audio Descriptions Concurrent Streams 5 DVR Storage & Retention None Live TV Monday Night Football No Offline Downloads on Mobile On-Demand Movies and TV Shows Original Programming Parental Control Tools Device-based or Kids Mode Rentals and Purchases Built-in options Sports Coverage Thursday Night Football, plus National sports (via Channel add-ons) Starting Price $8.99 per month Sunday Football None Sunday Night Football No Supported Platforms Media Streaming Devices (Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku), Microsoft Store, Mobile (Android and iOS), Game Consoles (PlayStation and Xbox), Smart TVs, and Web Thursday Night Football Prime Video Top Original Movies Blow the Man Down, Honey Boy, Manchester by the Sea, My Spy, Troop Zero, The Aeronauts, The Big Sick, The Sound of Metal, and The Report Top Original Shows Bosch, Catastrophe, Electric Dreams, Fleabag, Good Omens, Hanna, Homecoming, Hunters, Jack Ryan, Tales From The Loop, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Patriot, The Boys, Undone, Upload, and Utopia Learn More Amazon Prime Video Review -
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![Disney+]()
Best for Family-Friendly ContentDisney+
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Disney+ packages a wide range of Disney's media properties, including content from Marvel, National Geographic, Pixar, and Star Wars, into a comprehensive streaming service. In addition to classic Disney content, you can also watch originals such as Andor, Daredevil: Born Again, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and X-Men 97. The service supports features such as 4K streaming and offline downloads on mobile devices. Our article on Disney+ tips and tricks helps you make the most of the service.
Who It's For
Disney families: If you have even a passing interest in just one of the many beloved properties under the Disney corporate umbrella, Disney+ is for you. Aside from the existing Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars movies on the service, Disney continues to debut its latest films there. The service's support for four simultaneous streams and seven customizable profiles makes it a compelling option for families, though its parental controls need greater flexibility.
People who want to cut streaming costs: Disney bundles its streaming services for added convenience. So, you can save money and get Disney+, ESPN Select, and Hulu together for a lower cost than buying them individually.
Specs & Configurations
Ads Concurrent Streams 4 Offline Downloads on Mobile On-Demand Movies and TV Shows Original Programming Starting Price $11.99 per month Learn More Disney+ Review -
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![HBO Max]()
Best for HBO Shows and Popular MoviesHBO Max
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
HBO is arguably the biggest name in quality TV, and you can only stream it with HBO Max. If HBO Max's $18.49-per-month plan is too expensive for you, a cheaper, ad-supported version is available for $10.99 per month. This tier does not let you stream in 4K or download titles for offline viewing. Check out our HBO Max tips to get the most from your subscription.
Who It's For
HBO enthusiasts: HBO Max's greatest strength is its catalog of prestige original shows, including Barry, Big Little Lies, Chernobyl, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Sex and the City, Silicon Valley, Six Feet Under, Succession, The Sopranos, The Wire, and Westworld. HBO has stood for top-tier TV forever, and that tradition continues on HBO Max.
Warner Bros. fans: Besides its original programs, HBO Max includes select content from other sources within the greater Warner Discovery universe, including CNN, Crunchyroll, DC Comics, and Looney Tunes. Likewise, HBO Max bundles an impressive collection of popular movies from other Warner properties, including One Battle After Another and Weapons. Plus, you get all the wonderful reality trash of the Discovery universe, from cooking shows like Chopped to dating nightmares like 90 Day Fiancé.
Specs & Configurations
4K Live Streams Ads Anime Concurrent Streams 4 DVR Storage & Retention None NBA Finals TNT Offline Downloads on Mobile On-Demand Movies and TV Shows Original Programming Regular Season National NBA Coverage TNT RSN Coverage None Sports Coverage NBA, NHL, US Soccer, MLB, NCAA Starting Price $10.99 per month Learn More HBO Max Review -
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![Crunchyroll]()
Best for AnimeCrunchyroll
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Crunchyroll is one of the most complete anime streaming services, with more than 1,300 titles in its library. Popular shows on the service include Attack on Titan, Death Note, FLCL, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Hunter X Hunter, One-Punch Man, several Naruto series, and Yuri!!! on Ice. Crunchyroll also has original series, such as A Place Further Than the Universe, In/Spectre, and The Rising of the Shield Hero.
Who It's For
Anime lovers: Crunchyroll offers a convenient (and legal) way to watch shows that years ago would never have come to the West, including nearly 40 stateside simulcasts. The service supports HD streams and lets you purchase relevant manga, plushies, and other goodies from its online store.
Fans of subs or dubs: Originally, most of Crunchyroll's content supported subtitles. So you would hear the original Japanese voices and read English subs. However, after absorbing rival platforms Funimation and VRV, Crunchyroll's dubbed library with full English voice acting is much stronger.
Specs & Configurations
Ads Anime Concurrent Streams 6 Offline Downloads on Mobile On-Demand Movies and TV Shows Original Programming Starting Price $9.99 per month Web Store Learn More Crunchyroll Review -
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Credit: Curiosity Stream
![Curiosity Stream]()
Best for HD & 4K Documentaries: CuriosityStreamCuriosity Stream
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Curiosity Stream offers a massive collection of informative and entertaining documentaries across numerous categories, including History, Kids, Lifestyle, Nature, Science, Society, and Technology. David Attenborough and Sigourney Weaver are among the hosts of the top-notch titles on Curiosity Stream. The service offers two pricing tiers that offer the same documentaries. The only difference is that the more expensive plan ($9.99 per month) unlocks 4K streaming. In a nice touch, Curiosity Stream supports offline downloads on mobile and doesn't display ads.
Who It's For
Viewers who want to learn: Many streaming services offer the mindless comfort of watching reruns of your favorite shows. That gets tiring, eventually. Curiosity Stream is for people who want to learn about a topic, whether on the couch or on the go.
Curious kids: Curiosity Stream can help kids keep learning even when school is out, and libraries are closed. There’s a kid-friendly section on the platform featuring thought-provoking documentaries that the whole family can enjoy.
Specs & Configurations
Concurrent Streams Unlimited Offline Downloads on Mobile On-Demand Movies and TV Shows Original Programming Starting Price $4.99 per month Learn More Curiosity Stream Review -
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Best For | Best for Original Shows | Best for Live and On-Demand Content | Best for Affordable TV Shows and Movies | Best for Free Movies and TV | Best for Replacing Cable | Best for On-Demand Shows and Movies | Best for Family-Friendly Content | Best for HBO Shows and Popular Movies | Best for Anime | Best for HD & 4K Documentaries: CuriosityStream | Best for Original Shows | Best for Live and On-Demand Content | Best for Affordable TV Shows and Movies |
Starting Price | $8.99 per month | $11.99 per month; $88.99 per month | $7.99 per month | Free | $82.99 per month | $8.99 per month | $11.99 per month | $10.99 per month | $9.99 per month | $4.99 per month | $8.99 per month | $11.99 per month; $88.99 per month | $7.99 per month |
Concurrent Streams | 2 or 4 | 2 or Unlimited (at home) and 3 (mobile devices) | 3 | Unlimited | 3 or Unlimited (at home) | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | Unlimited | 2 or 4 | 2 or Unlimited (at home) and 3 (mobile devices) | 3 |
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Buying Guide: The Best Video Streaming Services for 2026
New Streaming Channels and Consolidation
The competition between video streaming services has never been tougher, so some media companies are banding together. For instance, CBS and Viacom merged (again) to launch Paramount+ bundled with Showtime. Warner Bros. merged with Discovery to bolster HBO Max, the streaming giant, with Discovery+ content that leads the charge in streaming's new trash-TV golden age. And now Warner Bros. is caught in a high-profile bidding war between Paramount and Netflix. Amazon also acquired MGM for $9 billion, which significantly expanded Prime Video's library. Crunchyroll became the definitive anime streaming service by gobbling up rivals Funimation and VRV. Disney bundles Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select to cover all entertainment bases. Even AMC+ offers a bundle that packages AMC Premiere, Shudder, Sundance Now, IFC Films Unlimited, and BBC America.
The increasingly competitive streaming market has its consequences. Consumers who may have initially been attracted to the flexibility streaming services offer over cable now must navigate a crowded, constantly shifting nightmare of streaming rights and new services, many of which continue to rise in cost. Live TV streaming services are also struggling to adjust to the rising costs of broadcast rights from cable channel owners. The price of almost every one of these services has increased significantly over time.
The Catalog Is Everything
As mentioned, a video streaming service's success largely depends on its library. That's why so many services are investing heavily in developing high-quality original content. Consider, for example, Netflix's Stranger Things, Amazon's The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale, all Emmy-winning shows. Without these hooks, standalone video streaming services would likely be unable to compete with existing entertainment behemoths. Several platforms have also saved popular shows from the grave in an effort to build a compelling library. For instance, Roku brought back all the originals from the ill-fated Quibi, even if many of those shows have since been removed.
Apart from on-demand video streaming services, complete cable-replacement services are now just as mainstream. Some of the best live TV services, for example, such as Hulu and YouTube TV, offer robust lineups of local, news, sports, and lifestyle channels. Others have specialties. For instance, DirecTV is the best option for regional sports networks (RSNs), and Philo is custom-built for lifestyle and entertainment fans.
Can You Stream Live Sports Online?
Sports fans may worry that they won't be able to watch live sports when they ditch cable. However, that's simply not the case. Many of the video streaming options we reviewed are also among the best sports streaming services. Whether you want to watch regional, national, or international sports, there is a service that meets your needs. Although blackouts and cancellations may still apply, these streaming options offer distinct advantages over cable, including full-featured apps across many platforms and simultaneous streaming. Check out our roundup of the best NFL streaming services, best MLB streaming services, best NBA streaming services, and best NHL streaming services for specific recommendations.
Other Video Streaming Options
Smaller and sometimes less expensive options also exist, with a more specific focus. For example, Crunchyroll, Hidive, and RetroCrush represent anime streaming services. Check out our roundup of the best free video streaming services if you want to reduce the amount you spend on streaming subscriptions each month. Explore our article about the best video streaming services for celebrating Black art, too.
Horror fans need not fear ditching cable, either, with the best horror streaming services. Even Troma has a streaming app now, so low-budget schlock aficionados have options.
Cinephiles should read our coverage of the best movie streaming services. If you're looking for something more educational, our roundup of the best documentary streaming services is a great place to start. Plex is yet another option for streaming your local media content.
Although it is not typically what comes to mind, Vimeo also offers a small selection of indie films and video projects through its On Demand section. Twitch is your best bet if you want to watch people play games. You should also consider streaming Netflix and other top video services to your game consoles.
You should use a virtual private network (VPN) for all your internet-related tasks. VPNs are particularly useful for streaming services, as they can sometimes grant access to region-locked content. For example, if you connect to a VPN server in the UK from a device in the US, you may be able to watch free content from BBC TV. That said, streaming services are cracking down on VPN usage, so we recommend signing up for a trial to test your network setup before fully committing to a service. Make sure to check out our explainer on how to unblock Netflix with a VPN, as well as our guide on the best VPNs for video streaming.
If you want to cut the cord, here's our rundown of what you can expect from the most popular services. You shouldn't fall into the trap of paying more for video streaming services than you did for cable, so make sure to only sign up for those that offer the content you actually want to watch and pick services that fit your budget. If you need more help, check out these streaming video guides to find content.