When Netflix kicked off the streaming service craze and essentially ended cable TV, everything was fine.
It was only costing a few dollars a month for unlimited access to all the shows and movies you could think of, and all on one platform. You can cancel your cable subscription, say goodbye to commercials, and say hello to the power of choice. It was great to have a platform for all of your needs.
But now there are a million streaming services available that all have different specialties, and it feels like we’ve taken a step back in the world of cable TV. It’s a bit counterintuitive, if you want my opinion.
Still, every streaming service has something unique to offer. But with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to find the ones that are truly worth your money.
Depending on what you’re looking for in your ideal streaming service, check out this list of each platform based on their highs and lows:
Best Original Content – Netflix
Until recently, Netflix was the sole contender for the best streaming service. They’re probably still the top pick overall, but there are some things that have turned viewers off lately, like stopping beloved shows and the speed at which viewer favorites come in and out of the platform. .
Where Netflix really stands out is in its original content. Netflix Originals brings iconic shows like “Squid Game” and “You” to subscribers, great movies like “I Care a Lot” and interesting documentaries like “Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened”. Original Netflix content is quickly going viral and is still a major contributor to pop culture trends.
If you want to subscribe to Netflix to stay on top of entertainment trends and original content, it offers basic, standard, and premium plans for $ 8.99, $ 13.99, and $ 17.99 per month, respectively.
In my opinion, Netflix is definitely worth it and is one of the most valuable streaming services to have either in your rotation or even as your sole provider.
Best Movies – Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video, in my opinion, is seriously underrated. I used to sleep on this service as well, until recently I found out that it has some of the best movie deals across the board.
Students get access to Amazon Prime for $ 6.49 per month with free access to Prime Video, or, if you want to skip purchases and just stream, Prime Video costs $ 8.99 per month. Yes, you are putting more money in Jeff Bezos’ pockets, but if you can overcome this moral dilemma, I really recommend it.
Prime Video gives you access to over 24,000 movies with an incredible variety of options, old and new. Its show list doesn’t beat that of other services, but if you’re a movie buff you should definitely consider giving it a try.
Best Shows and Convenience – Hulu
If you have a Spotify Premium for Students account, you already have access to Hulu for free (if you didn’t already know, you’re welcome).
This offer comes with ads, but it’s free, so who cares? If you don’t have Spotify, Hulu with Ads costs $ 6.99 per month or $ 69.99 per year, and Hulu without Ads costs $ 12.99 per month. It also offers other subscription options like Hulu + Live TV which gives you access to a bunch of cable TV channels. That way you can lower your bills and have cable and streaming all in one place, which is pretty cool.
Although it has ads for the cheapest subscription, Hulu does stand out when it comes to its show offerings. It offers an incredible variety of old shows, like “Drake & Josh”, “One Tree Hill” and “Dance Moms”.
Another plus is that it offers shows that are currently on TV in their seasons, and you can watch each episode on Hulu right after it premieres on TV. For example, if you’re a “Grey’s Anatomy” fan, you can follow the new season weekly instead of waiting months for it to land on Netflix. If you are a serial TV binger, Hulu might be the best option for you.
Ideal for families and nostalgia – Disney +
I think it goes without saying that Disney + is a must see for anyone of college age. For $ 7.99 per month or $ 79.99 per year, you have unlimited access to all the Disney content you know and love, like Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.
It’s a great streaming service for your family movie nights, a nostalgic night out with your friends, or for finally watching all the Marvel movies in order (which I know you’ve procrastinated). Disney + exclusive content like “Loki” and “The Mandalorian” is amazing and is worth this membership on its own.
Also, due to the power of Disney, it has pulled all of its movies from other services, like Netflix. So if you are looking to watch “High School Musical 2” you have no choice but to subscribe.
Best Variety – HBO Max
Despite a confusing interface that makes you think the creators of HBO Max don’t really want you to use the platform, this streaming service has the best variety of content overall.
Starting at $ 9.99 per month, subscribers get access to HBO’s catalog of old and new content, including all of their sub-platforms, including Adult Swim, Crunchyroll, Cartoon Network, DC and more.
Some of HBO’s original shows, like “Succession,” have taken the world by storm, and HBO has managed to poach older content from other streaming services and networks, such as the classic NBC “Friends” , which has been pulled from Netflix in the works. for the launch of HBO Max in 2020.
In my opinion, having access to a wide range of both popular and niche content makes this subscription worth the extra minute you might have to spend looking for your favorite show on the site.
Best Niche – Thrill
If you love horror movies, subscribe to Shudder now. Packages start at just $ 4.75 per month and you get access to a handpicked, highly rated library of the best horror movies you can stream.
What’s great about Shudder is that it’s organized by subgenres, so it’s easier to browse its catalog and find the exact type of horror movie you’re looking for. It also offers a wide variety of international films.
Shudder is definitely a must-have subscription if you’re a horror movie connoisseur.
Honorable mention (but average) – Apple TV +
Apple TV + is free with the Apple Music student plan, $ 4.99 per month for a subscription, or free for 3 months with the purchase of another Apple product.
The content and variety of options are quite average, but its original content is rated quite well and its price cannot be beat. Unless you’re already paying for Apple Music, it’s not worth it and you’d better subscribe somewhere else.
Whatever type of content you are looking for, there is a streaming service for you. You might have to go through all the free trials before picking your top pick (or picks), but with a college budget that means you can stream for free for a few days while you browse their offerings … so you might as well try them out. all.