Recently, more and more Americans are choosing to cut the cord on cable and switch to online streaming services for entertainment.
With the influx of viewers switching to streaming, a plethora of services are popping up and adding features like original shows and movies to be more competitive with one another.
And we here at Off the Wire are giving you a breakdown of our choices for the best streaming services in 2019.
Netflix
Netflix certainly has been at the top of the streaming service game for nearly a decade. With more and more content added almost every day, including award-winning original shows and movies, this streaming giant is the most popular choice.
The company spends around $15 Billion on original content a year and it certainly shows. Netflix’s catalog of movies is also the best around with a wider range of selection available more than any other platform.
While Netflix doesn’t stream current seasons of cable programs, you can stream on up to four screens on individual devices, and there are never commercials to wait through. They also offer 4K streaming and download options.
What to Watch: Netflix offers a variety of movies and shows and has certainly made a name for themselves with their original content. For history lovers, check out “The Crown,” a series detailing the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. If you’re in the mood for a more thrilling series, check out “Stranger Things,” the hit Netflix series focused on the nostalgia of the 1980’s.
Hulu
For those of us who aren’t quite ready to let go of cable television programs, Hulu is a great option.
Hulu has a decent library of movies and shows but is lacking in decent original programming. Hulu’s strength is its live TV option, with over 60 channels including Sports, news, and entertainment.
Hulu also offers an ad-free version or a cheaper subscription with ads enabled.
What to Watch: While Netflix’s strength lies in its original programming, Hulu’s strength is its option to stream live tv, with Sports, News, and Entertainment channels. Try “The Act”, the dramatization of Dee Dee and Gypsy Blanchard, or the ever-popular “Handmaid’s Tale.”
Disney+
Disney+ is the newest addition to online streaming services.
At its launch in November, the streaming platform will include all of Disney’s classic movies and TV shows, as well as the entire Marvel and Star Wars catalog – including their rollout of episodic comment of the aforementioned.
Disney+ will also be boasting new original content including several Marvel Cinematic Universe spin-offs with the original stars, and new Star Wars shows.
What to watch: While the streaming platform has not launched in the US yet, there will be plenty of shows to watch upon launch. For Star Wars fans, Jon Favreau’s much-anticipated “The Mandalorian” will be released. Fans also have the Obi-Wan Kenobi series to look forward to, with Ewan McGregor returning to his role as the Jedi Master.
For Marvel fans, many of the loved characters from The Avengers are getting their own live-action series, including Loki, Hawkeye, and Scarlet Witch & Vision.
Amazon Prime Video
Prime Video has risen up to become one of the most viewed streaming platforms. The Amazon service boasts award-winning content on par with that of Netflix but lacks as much of an extended video library.
What Prime Video excels in is offering content from premium channels like HBO, Showtime, and STARZ.
Prime Video supports 4K and UHD streaming; download options, and streams on almost any mobile device.
You can also purchase a Kindle Firestick from Amazon, for more viewing options besides Prime.
What to Watch: While Prime may not have as many original programs as Netflix, what it does have makes up for that in quality. For Neil Gaiman fans, “Good Omens” was recently released staring Micheal Sheen and David Tennant. For those seeking more action, check out the Prime original “Jack Ryan,” starring John Krasinski.
Other streaming platforms have been popping up, and it seems like every cable channel now has their own streaming service. Others are more specialized and focus on sports, news, etc.
While there are many new streaming platforms popping up, these provide the most for your money. With options like newly released movies, 4K and UHD streaming options, and downloadable content, these four services rise above the rest.
Which streaming service do you prefer, and why? Do you prefer it for the features or for the cost? Let us know in the comments below, and check us out on Facebook and YouTube.