The Ultimate Guide to Streaming Services in 2022
With all of the new streaming services being launched every year, it can be difficult to keep with what is available. From sports to movies to family-friendly, there truly is something for everyone. We’ve put together a quick overview of some of the most popular streaming services so you can decide which ones are a good fit for you.
The Basics
Netflix – starting at $8.99/month
Pros:
- • Vast and always growing selection of original programming, including Stranger Things, The Crown and Dead to Me
- • Every plan is ad-free
Cons:
- • Prices have been steadily increasing over the past several years
- • They have lost some licensed content as new streaming services are being launched
Hulu – starting at $6.99/month
Pros:
- • Large library of content from a variety of networks, making it easy to stay up-to-date on currently airing TV shows
- • Can bundle with ESPN+ and Disney+
Cons:
- • Must upgrade for ad-free option
Prime Video – $12.99/month
Pros:
- • Maintains the biggest content library of any streaming service (over 12,000 movies, compared to 3,500 on Netflix)
- • Includes all benefits of Amazon Prime
Cons:
- • More expensive than other services, as you must be an Amazon Prime subscriber to access Prime Video
Disney+ – $7.99/month
Pros:
- • Includes the epic Disney library, as well as Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic content
- • Can bundle with ESPN+ and Hulu
Cons:
- • New theatrical releases are released on a delay
Peacock – starting at $4.99/month
Pros:
- • Watch all of your favorite NBC shows, including The Office and Parks and Recreation, as well as theatrical releases of NBCUniversal movies 45 days after they hit theaters
- • Offers a free version with no credit card required
Cons:
- • No 4K titles available
- • Must upgrade to Premium for access to full content library
For movie lovers
HBO Max – starting at $9.99/month
Pros:
- • Expansive selection of movies and TV shows, including original HBO content like Sex and the City, The Sopranos and more
- • Watch Warner Bros theatrical releases 45 days after they hit theaters
Cons:
- • Pricey, especially if you want to upgrade to the ad-free version
Paramount+ – starting at $4.99/month
Pros:
- • Large library of classic TV shows from CBS, Nickelodeon and blockbuster movies from Paramount Pictures
- • Can upgrade to watch your local CBS station live
Cons:
- • Lacks 4K content
- • No watchlist option to save shows and movies
Starz – $8.99/month
Pros:
- • Sizeable library of original shows and recent releases
- • Can add-on Starz to your existing Hulu or Amazon Prime subscription
Cons:
- • More expensive than some competitors
Showtime – $10.99/month
Pros:
- • All plans are ad-free
- • Can download episodes and movies for offline viewing
Cons:
- • Costly, considering the number of shows and movies available
- • Mostly original content; lacking blockbuster movies
ESPN+ – $6.99/month
Pros:
- • Stream thousands of live sports events, along with original content such as the 30 for 30 documentary series
- • Can bundle with Disney+ and Hulu
Cons:
- • Does not include live NBA or NFL games
Apple TV+ – $4.99/month
Pros:
- • Inexpensive, compared to competitors and there are lots of ways to get a lengthy free trial
- • Includes several critically acclaimed shows, including Ted Lasso and The Morning Show
Cons:
- • Library is limited, as it only includes original content
Discovery+ – starting at $4.99/month
Pros:
- • Over 55,000 episodes of reality programming from HGTV, Food Network, TLC and more
- • Relatively low-priced
Cons:
- • No option to download shows for offline viewing
- • Cannot watch certain shows on demand (i.e. Chopped and House Hunters)
Frndly – starting at $6.99/month
Pros:
- • Includes 30 live streaming channels and on-demand episodes of your favorite family-friendly and educational channels, including Hallmark, Lifetime, History and A&E
- • Inexpensive, considering the number of channels available
Cons:
- • Limited channel selection
Perfect for live TV
Sling TV – starting at $35/month
Pros:
- • Can choose between two plan options, offering a wide array of channels
- • Relatively low-priced with a lot of features
Cons:
- • Only includes 50 hours of Cloud DVR
- • Must upgrade to higher plan to access all channels
Hulu with Live TV – starting at $69.99/month
Pros:
- • Plan includes the entire Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+ library
- • Can live stream ESPN, NFL Network and regional sports networks
Cons:
- • Must add-on to receive enhanced DVR and unlimited screens
- • Among the pricier live TV options
YouTube TV – starting at $64.99/month
Pros:
- • Boasts more channels than any other live TV streaming service
- • Unlimited DVR storage
Cons:
- • Lack of original programming
FuboTV – starting at $64.99/month
Pros:
- • Strong channel line-up, including regional sports networks and ESPN
- • Every plan includes 250 hours of Cloud DVR
Cons:
- • Cost can add up fast, depending on add-ons and upgrades
Philo – $25/month
Pros:
- • The most inexpensive live TV streaming option
- • 60 channels available, including MTV, Hallmark, and Comedy Central
Cons:
- • Limited channel selection – lacking sports, local channels and news
About unWired Broadband
unWired Broadband is the leading rural Internet provider in California’s Central Valley. Founded in 2003, we currently cover over 14,000 square miles between Stockton and the base of the Grapevine. Our 150 tower sites are strategically located to cover the rural and underserved areas that have been ignored by DSL, cable and fiber carriers. To see if you can get unWired where you live or work, contact us today!
