As the streaming market continues to boom, consumers are often attracted to the constant flexibility and options available. The increase in services brings increased opportunities, more variety, and higher costs.
But are all streaming services worth their weight? If you’ve cut cable, streaming services can get everything you’re looking for at a fraction of the cost. Unfortunately, as services continue to increase, so do the options, along with your monthly fee.
To help you navigate the murky waters of monthly subscriptions, here are the most popular streaming services in 2022.
Kanopy
Anyone with an active university email address or library card can access this platform completely free.
The service offers extensive collections of high-quality films and documentaries from many different distributors. These include Paramount, PBS, HBO Documentary Films, and more. On top of that, users can head over to the dedicated kids’ section for even more titles for the younger crowd.
The most significant problem with Kanopy is the limitations on viewable titles per month. Additionally, you won’t be able to download content for offline viewing.
You’ll be able to watch content on all mobile platforms, media streaming devices, and directly from the web.
Netflix
As an industry-standard in streaming services, Netflix is arguably the brand that was the original streaming platform. Users will find countless titles, original programming, and tons of content for the kids.
Titles are frequently changed monthly, with older titles being removed. This subscription will cost users $8.99 a month for the lowest subscription package. Unfortunately, Netflix lost several of its top titles to other networks recently, but that hasn’t put a dent in the lineups for each genre.
You’ll be able to watch content online and offline, with downloadable content on virtually any device. Users can use virtually all devices, including PC, tablets, mobile devices, and game consoles.
Plex
Plex is a comprehensive multimedia streamer that allows users to access all media content from one central location. While it’s probably not the first streaming service that comes to mind, Plex has a sizeable on-demand section of streaming content. The selection includes TV shows, movies, and a few films from Warner Bros. and MGM. Users can also access live TV channels, including Tastemade, IFC, and AMC.
Users can watch free movies or listen to podcasts with their basic subscription level, or they can upgrade their membership to $4.99 a month for the Plex Pass.
Hulu
As a comprehensive option for those wanting to cut ties with cable, Hulu brings a diverse set of streaming options to all subscription levels. Unlike other streaming services that focus exclusively on pre-recorded options, Hulu offers more than 70 different sports, entertainment, and news channels.
Service includes live television services along with the ad-supported streaming plan. Currently, monthly fees are $6.99, although users wanting access to the Live TV plan will be paying $64.99.
Amazon Prime Video
Currently, Amazon Video offers video content through two different methods. Individuals can purchase a standalone Amazon Video subscription or an Amazon Prime subscription. The subscription costs $8.99 a month and includes the streaming video library. Recently, Amazon has created multiple different high-quality shows and movies.
Unlike other streaming options, Amazon Prime allows individual channels or packages to be purchased for additional monthly fees. These channels include online content and live TV streaming.
Find the Streaming Program that Matches Your Needs
While there are many different programs currently on the market, it’s essential to choose a streaming service that offers the varieties of programming you’re interested in. Consider the types of television shows and series you typically watch, along with your monthly budget for entertainment. It’s better to have a few good subscriptions that you regularly watch than multiple platforms you barely use.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
