Best Streaming Services in the USA for 2025

By 2025, streaming services in the USA have become more diverse—and often more expensive—than ever before. With rising subscription costs, many people mix and match services or rely on ad-supported tiers and bundle deals to stretch their budgets. Meanwhile, free platforms (FAST) continue to grow, as cost-conscious viewers look for ways to stay entertained without shelling out more money. Below is a list of the top US streaming services in 2025, ranked by content quality, pricing, user experience, exclusives, device support, and the strengths that set each one apart.

15. Pluto TV (Free, Ad-Supported Live Channels)

A completely free service focusing on channel-surfing. It replicates a cable-like experience, offering hundreds of themed live channels (news, sitcoms, movie marathons, sports replays) and on-demand titles. If you miss flipping channels spontaneously, Pluto TV scratches that itch—no subscription needed.

Key Features & Pricing

• Cost: Free with ads; no login required.
• Content: 300+ channels of curated 24/7 programming, from classic TV to dedicated channels (like a James Bond channel, a Baywatch channel). Also has an on-demand library.
• User Experience: You browse a grid-like TV guide, clicking to watch whatever’s currently playing. Ads run at set intervals—like traditional TV.
• Weaknesses: Limited control over timing; it’s not the best if you only watch on-demand. Content skews older or less high-profile.
• Bottom Line: Ideal for casual or background viewing without any cost. If you’re nostalgic for channel-surfing or just want free TV, Pluto is the top pick.

14. Tubi (Free, Ad-Supported On-Demand)

Owned by Fox, Tubi offers a massive on-demand library of older movies, cult classics, B-movies, and some hidden gems—completely free, supported by ads. Its selection includes thousands of titles, often more than any paid service, though quality can be hit-or-miss.

Key Features & Pricing

• Cost: Free with ads.
• Content: Over 275,000 titles (according to Tubi’s claims)—spanning everything from ’80s action flicks to some recent mainstream hits, plus Tubi Originals.
• User Experience: Ads appear roughly every 15–20 minutes. The interface is decent, with content organized by genre or curated collections.
• Weaknesses: Many low-budget or older titles; no big exclusive blockbusters. You get some surprising finds, but also a lot of filler.
• Bottom Line: Zero-cost is the biggest perk. Tubi is an easy recommendation for anyone wanting a free on-demand library. Even if the content is older, you can’t beat the price.

13. BritBox (British TV)

A joint venture of BBC and ITV, BritBox specializes in British television. From beloved detective dramas (Poirot, Vera, Midsomer Murders) to classic comedies (Mr. Bean, Fawlty Towers) and period pieces, it’s the definitive home for Anglophiles and UK TV fans in the U.S.

Key Features & Pricing

• Cost: $8.99/month or $90/year, ad-free.
• Content: Thousands of hours of British shows, from older classics to new releases. Includes exclusive premieres of certain BBC/ITV series.
• User Experience: Straightforward categories (Drama, Comedy, Mystery, etc.). Also available as an add-on channel within Amazon Prime.
• Weaknesses: Only British content, so its appeal is limited if you’re not into UK shows.
• Bottom Line: The go-to streamer for British TV, especially crime/mystery lovers and fans of BBC or ITV classics.

12. Discovery+ (Reality TV & Docs)

The best streaming service for reality, lifestyle, and unscripted programming. You get massive back catalogs from HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Animal Planet, ID, and more. Perfect if you love home-reno shows, cooking competitions, true crime, or nature docs.

Key Features & Pricing

• Cost: $5.99/month with ads, $9.99/month ad-free.
• Content: Over 55,000 episodes from networks like HGTV, TLC, Food Network, Discovery Channel, etc.
• User Experience: Up to 4 streams at once. Content is organized by brand (e.g. “HGTV,” “TLC”).
• Weaknesses: Lacks any scripted drama or big movies. Heavily unscripted content only.
• Bottom Line: A binge-watching paradise for reality and documentary fans at a relatively low price. Doesn’t replace Netflix or Disney+, but for comfort-food TV, it’s unmatched.

11. Crunchyroll (Anime)

The top platform for anime lovers, featuring the largest anime library anywhere. After merging with Funimation, Crunchyroll streams everything from classic series (Naruto, One Piece) to simulcasts of new episodes fresh from Japan.

Key Features & Pricing

• Cost: Free with ads (limited), premium tiers at $7.99–$15.99/month ad-free.
• Content: Thousands of anime episodes, including same-day simulcasts, plus some manga and original anime.
• User Experience: The interface is solid for anime fans. Profiles, watchlists, and simulcast schedules make it easy to keep up.
• Weaknesses: Niche—only anime content. Dubs often arrive weeks after subtitled episodes.
• Bottom Line: Essential for anime enthusiasts wanting full subbed simulcasts and an unmatched library, with new episodes mere hours after they air in Japan.

10. ESPN+ (Sports)

A supplement for sports fans focusing on MLB out-of-market games, NHL, lots of soccer leagues, college sports, and exclusive UFC fights. It also holds certain NFL games and Peyton/Eli “ManningCast” content, along with ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary library.

Key Features & Pricing

• Cost: $11.99–$12/month or $120/year, often bundled with Disney+ and Hulu.
• Content: Wide variety of live sports (non-prime-time NFL, MLB, NHL, international soccer, UFC PPVs at extra cost).
• User Experience: Streams within the ESPN app. Great for niche sports or leagues not airing on main ESPN channels.
• Weaknesses: Not a full replacement for ESPN cable (lacks marquee NBA, MNF).
• Bottom Line: Ideal add-on for sports lovers wanting a cheaper way to catch a broad range of events. Not complete coverage of major leagues but a decent array of exclusive content.

9. YouTube TV (Live TV)

A cable alternative streaming service 100+ live channels (ESPN, ABC, FOX, NBC, TNT, etc.), plus unlimited cloud DVR for storing shows and games. Best overall live TV solution for many cord-cutters, though it’s relatively pricey.

Key Features & Pricing

• Cost: $72.99/month base, with optional 4K add-on.
• Content: Extensive channel lineup, local networks, sports, news, plus add-ons like Showtime or HBO. Unlimited DVR.
• User Experience: Clean interface, easy searching, and solid streaming service stability. Up to 3 streams at once.
• Weaknesses: Expensive, approaching cable pricing. Missing some regional sports networks.
• Bottom Line: Top choice for live TV if you want cable channels in a user-friendly streaming service setup. Great for sports fans who need broad coverage.

8. Peacock

NBCUniversal’s platform featuring classic NBC sitcoms (The Office, Parks and Rec), Universal movies, sports (Premier League, Sunday Night Football), and some original series. If you love NBC shows or comedic comfort viewing, Peacock delivers.

Key Features & Pricing

• Cost: $7.99/month with ads, $13.99 ad-free.
• Content: Big NBC shows, Bravo reality, new Universal film releases, plus WWE content.
• User Experience: Channel-like sections, decent but not extensive 4K library. Up to 3 simultaneous streams.
• Weaknesses: Limited original hits, 4K is minimal, no truly free tier for new users.
• Bottom Line: Affordable next to bigger streamers. If you’re an NBC fan, it’s a no-brainer. The live sports aspect (Premier League, NFL) sweetens the deal.

7. Paramount+

Houses CBS shows, Star Trek exclusives, Nickelodeon, Paramount movies, and now Showtime on the Premium tier. Great for Star Trek lovers, live NFL on CBS, or fans of reality hits.

Key Features & Pricing

• Cost: Essential with ads ($5.99/month), Premium with Showtime ($11.99–$12.99).
• Content: New Star Trek series, CBS hits, kids’ shows, big films (Mission: Impossible, Top Gun) after theaters.
• User Experience: Straightforward, 3 simultaneous streams. Sports includes NFL games on CBS, UEFA soccer, etc.
• Weaknesses: Some big brand shows are overshadowed by heavier hitters like Disney or Netflix.
• Bottom Line: Solid “catch-all” for CBS watchers, sports, and iconic franchises (Star Trek, Yellowstone spinoffs, Paramount classics).

6. Apple TV+

Prestige-focused originals—Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Foundation. Minimal older catalog, so it’s all about new, high-quality content.

Key Features & Pricing

• Cost: About $9.99/month, often included free for device buyers or in promotions. Ad-free with 4K standard.
• Content: Apple Originals only; small but acclaimed library with star-studded casts.
• User Experience: Sleek app, top-notch picture quality, can share with up to 6 family members.
• Weaknesses: Very limited library compared to Netflix or Amazon.
• Bottom Line: High-end, big-budget productions in a curated environment. It’s worth cycling in if you crave a handful of excellent new shows.

5. Hulu

The place to watch next-day network TV episodes (ABC, FOX, FX) plus older shows from many networks. Mix of Hulu Originals (The Handmaid’s Tale, Only Murders in the Building), plus an option to add live TV or premium channels.

Key Features & Pricing

• Cost: $10/month with ads, around $18–$19 ad-free. Often in a Disney bundle.
• Content: Catch-up TV, big library of older series, a few strong originals, some films.
• User Experience: Straightforward, but ad-free is relatively expensive. Good watchlist features.
• Weaknesses: Ad breaks can be frequent on the cheaper plan, original shows fewer than Netflix.
• Bottom Line: Essential for next-day TV if you’re a cord-cutter, and the bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+ is a great deal.

4. Max (formerly HBO Max)

HBO’s prestige library plus Warner Bros. films, DC content, Studio Ghibli, classic Turner movies, and more. If you want top-tier dramatic series, Max is second to none.

Key Features & Pricing

• Cost: $9.99/month with ads, $15.99–$16.99 ad-free, $19.99 for 4K.
• Content: HBO hits (Succession, House of the Dragon, The Last of Us), Warner/DC films, older favorites like Friends.
• User Experience: Improved over time; includes curated hubs for DC, TCM, Cartoon Network, etc.
• Weaknesses: Among the priciest, and some Discovery content is still siloed elsewhere.
• Bottom Line: HBO’s quality plus deep Warner archives. The cost is steep, but many consider it well worth the prestige shows.

3. Disney+

The home of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, NatGeo, and classic Fox titles. Offers a curated family-friendly library plus some big franchise blockbusters.

Key Features & Pricing

• Cost: $7.99/month with ads, $13.99 ad-free (and up), with bundles available (Hulu + ESPN+).
• Content: Everything Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Disney animated classics, and more.
• User Experience: Kid-friendly interface, multiple profiles, 4K on top titles at no extra cost.
• Weaknesses: Limited scope if you aren’t into Disney/Marvel/Star Wars.
• Bottom Line: A must for families or fans of those huge franchises. Cheaper than many for ad-free, especially in a bundle.

2. Amazon Prime Video

Huge content library (movies, shows, originals), plus the ability to add channel subscriptions (HBO, Starz, AMC+). NFL Thursday Night Football and other exclusives sweeten the deal. Best value if you’re already paying for Amazon Prime.

Key Features & Pricing

• Cost: Included with Amazon Prime ($139/year), or $8.99/month standalone. Ads introduced in 2024 unless you pay $2.99 extra to remove them.
• Content: Ranges from big-budget originals (The Boys, The Rings of Power) to obscure gems, old classics, live sports.
• User Experience: Menu can be cluttered (some titles cost extra). X-Ray trivia is a plus.
• Weaknesses: Catalog can feel random at times. The new forced ads might frustrate some.
• Bottom Line: An unbeatable bargain if you factor in all Prime benefits. Its wide, if sometimes inconsistent, selection ensures something for everyone.

1. Netflix

Still king of streaming services with a broad selection of TV shows, films, docs, stand-up specials, and an enormous slate of original hits. Netflix’s recommendation engine remains a gold standard for personalized binge sessions.

Key Features & Pricing

• Cost: $7–$8/month Basic with ads, $15–$18 Standard, $20+ Premium.
• Content: Award-winning originals like Stranger Things, The Crown, Squid Game, blockbuster films, and global series.
• User Experience: Super-polished app, near-universal device support, advanced AI for suggestions.
• Weaknesses: Subscription costs have risen sharply over time, password-sharing crackdowns.
• Bottom Line: The “granddaddy of streaming” remains top-tier for quantity, variety, and hype-worthy exclusives—even if it’s pricier now and lacks certain older classics.

2025 Trends

From Netflix’s all-purpose dominance to niche services like Crunchyroll (anime) or BritBox (British TV), viewers have more ways than ever to customize their streaming experience. Bundles (e.g., Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+) and ad-supported tiers are on the rise as subscription fatigue sets in, with many subscribers rotating in and out of services to catch must-watch shows while controlling costs.

Meanwhile, free, ad-supported services like Tubi (#14) and Pluto TV (#15) are thriving, offering huge libraries or channel-surfing experiences at zero cost. Across the board, original content remains a massive draw—each platform invests in big-budget exclusives to attract new users. Live TV streaming (like YouTube TV, #9) caters to sports and local channel enthusiasts, while ESPN+ (#10) offers specialized leagues and events.

In 2025, the best approach often involves mixing and matching to cover your favorite franchises, genres, or sports without ballooning monthly bills. Whether you go for the free route or invest in top-tier services, the key is to align each subscription with what you genuinely watch. Streaming’s future is all about flexibility—so pick your priorities, take advantage of free tiers or promos, and enjoy the ever-expanding universe of on-demand content.