Streaming Service Comparison: July 2026
No service is best for every household. Compare direct U.S. plans, ad options, 4K access, and the catalog each subscription is built around.
How we compared the plans
Prices below cover standalone monthly subscriptions purchased directly from each provider. Bundles, annual discounts, promotions, taxes, live-TV packages, and mobile carrier offers are excluded. “Best fit” is editorial guidance based on catalog focus, not a universal ranking.
| Feature | Netflix | Disney+ | HBO Max | Hulu | Prime Video |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ad-Free Price (Monthly) | $19.99 | $18.99 | $18.49 | $18.99 | $11.98 |
| Ad-Supported Price | $8.99 | $11.99 | $10.99 | $11.99 | $8.99 |
| Catalog Focus | Broad mix of originals and licensed titles | Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars | HBO, Warner Bros., DC, Discovery | Current TV, FX, next-day episodes | Prime catalog, rentals, and add-on channels |
| 4K Support | Premium only ($26.99) | Included on supported titles | Premium plan only | Included on supported titles | Included on supported titles |
| Likely Best Fit | Households wanting the widest genre mix | Families and franchise fans | HBO and Warner Bros. viewers | Current-season TV and FX viewers | Prime members who also rent or buy titles |
Prices checked July 12, 2026 for direct U.S. subscriptions. Playback quality depends on the title, device, internet connection, and plan. Confirm the final price and features on the provider's site before subscribing.
N Netflix
Where it stands out: Netflix offers the broadest mix here: original series and films, documentaries, reality TV, stand-up, animation, and licensed titles. It is the easiest default when a household has varied tastes.
Trade-off: 4K requires the Premium tier, and the Standard ad-free plan costs more than several competitors. Check the current catalog before joining for one specific title because licensed films rotate.
D Disney+
Where it stands out: Disney+ concentrates Disney Animation, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic in one catalog. Supported titles can play in 4K without moving to a separate premium-resolution tier.
Trade-off: Its value depends heavily on whether your household watches those brands. Viewers seeking a broad mix of independent films, current network TV, or adult drama may need a second service.
M HBO Max
Where it stands out: HBO Max is the direct home for HBO series and a large Warner Bros. catalog, alongside DC and Discovery programming. That makes its identity clearer than services trying to cover every genre equally.
Trade-off: 4K playback is reserved for the Premium plan, and titles can still leave when licensing windows change. The best choice here is driven by the catalog, not by price alone.
H Hulu
Where it stands out: Hulu is strongest for current U.S. television, FX series, and episodes that arrive after broadcast. Both standalone plans support up to 4K on compatible titles and devices.
Trade-off: Hulu is U.S.-only, and the cheaper plan includes ads. Bundle pricing can be better than standalone pricing, but bundles are outside this table because their included services and ad rules differ.
P Prime Video
Where it stands out: Prime Video combines a subscription catalog with rentals, purchases, and optional channel subscriptions. X-Ray can identify cast members and music while supported titles play.
Trade-off: Subscription, rental, purchase, and channel listings can appear together, so check the label before pressing play. The price shown above is for standalone Prime Video, not a full Amazon Prime membership.
Choose from what you watch
Start with the catalog you would use this month, not the brand with the loudest launch.
- Mixed household tastes: Start with Netflix, then check whether its current catalog justifies the higher ad-free price.
- Disney, Pixar, Marvel, or Star Wars: Disney+ is the focused choice; compare its bundles if Hulu or ESPN is also on your list.
- HBO and Warner Bros.: Pick HBO Max. For current U.S. TV, pick Hulu; for rentals and add-on channels, compare Prime Video.
Official pricing sources, checked July 12, 2026
Netflix · Disney+ · HBO Max · Hulu · Prime Video