Best Streaming Services in 2026: Prices, Bundles, and Which One Is Worth It
Choosing a streaming service in 2026 is less about "what's best" and more about "what do you actually watch." Prices have climbed, content is split across platforms, and most people are paying for overlap without realizing it.
This guide compares the major services by monthly cost, what they're best for, and the bundles that save the most money so you can subscribe intentionally (or rotate services) instead of collecting monthly charges.
Quick picks (if you want the answer fast)
- Best all-around for most households: Netflix (huge breadth, strong originals)
- Best bundle value: Disney+, Hulu, Max bundle (especially if you watch across all three)
- Best "prestige originals" per dollar: Apple TV+
- Best if you want Peacock anyway: Get it "free" via Instacart+ (or choose it via Walmart+)
- Best if you already pay for Prime: Prime Video is effectively included with Prime membership, with an optional ad-free add-on
- Best if you want HBO-level series and big movies: Max
2026 price comparison table
Prices below are U.S. monthly unless noted.
| Service | Lowest monthly plan | Ad-free / premium plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $7.99 (ads) | $17.99 (Standard), $24.99 (Premium) | Biggest library, strong originals |
| Hulu | $11.99 (ads) | $18.99 (No Ads) | Next-day TV, FX originals |
| Disney+ | $11.99 (often bundled) | See bundle options below | Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, families |
| Max | $10.99 (ads) | $18.49 (Standard), $22.99 (Premium) | HBO series, prestige TV, movies |
| Prime Video | Included with Prime ($14.99/mo) | Ad-free add-on +$2.99/mo |
Amazon ecosystem, baseline streamer
Try Prime Video
|
| Apple TV+ | $12.99 | (Ad-free by default) | High-quality originals, smaller catalog |
| Peacock | $10.99 (Premium) | $16.99 (Premium Plus) | NBC/Bravo, sports, rotating movies |
| Paramount+ | $7.99 (Essential)* | $12.99 (Premium)* | CBS, Paramount movies, sports |
*Paramount+ prices reported to increase on Jan 15, 2026 (Essential $8.99, Premium $13.99).
The bundles that actually save money
Bundles are where you can get the most value. People often pay for multiple subscriptions separately when a bundle would cost less.
Disney+ and Hulu bundle
- Disney+, Hulu (With Ads): $12.99/month
- Disney+, Hulu (No Ads): $19.99/month
This is usually the cleanest bundle for households that bounce between "a show night" and "a movie night."
Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle
- With Ads: $19.99/month
- No Ads: $32.99/month
If someone watches HBO-style series plus mainstream Hulu content plus Disney catalog, this is one of the few bundles that feels like it replaces multiple bills.
Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited bundle
- With Ads: $35.99/month
- Premium: $44.99/month
This is aimed at people who want a real sports-heavy setup. ESPN Unlimited is its own thing and priced accordingly.
"Free with membership" options (underrated money-savers)
These are the kinds of details that save real money if you already pay for one of these services.
Walmart+ streaming choice
Walmart+ members can choose either Paramount+ Essential or Peacock Premium (with ads) at no extra cost (one choice at a time).
Instacart+ includes Peacock
Instacart+ includes Peacock Premium at no extra cost, positioned as a $109.99/year value.
Verizon Disney bundle perk
Verizon offers a Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ (With Ads) perk for $10/month on eligible plans, described as a $19.99/month value.
Service-by-service breakdown
Netflix
Netflix is still the default answer for many households because it's broad, easy, and consistently stocked with something "good enough" even when you're not sure what you want. Pricing ranges from $7.99 with ads up to $24.99 for Premium.
Best for: people who want one service that covers a lot of ground.
Not ideal if: you mostly watch current network TV.
Hulu
Hulu shines when you care about current television, next-day episodes, and the Hulu/FX originals pipeline. Hulu lists $11.99 with ads and $18.99 no ads.
Best for: current-season TV watchers and people who want "something on tonight."
Best upgrade path: bundle it with Disney+ (and optionally Max).
Disney+
Disney+ is the most "category-defining" service in the market: if you want Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, it's hard to replace. In 2026, it's also increasingly bought via bundles.
Best for: families and franchise fans.
Best value move: bundle with Hulu, or Hulu + Max if your household watches across all three.
Max
Max is still the "HBO quality" destination. Current plans list $10.99 Basic with Ads, $18.49 Standard, $22.99 Premium.
Best for: prestige series and big cultural releases.
Best value move: use the Disney/Hulu/Max bundle if you already pay for Disney and Hulu.
Prime Video
Prime Video is often not chosen, it's inherited. If you already have Amazon Prime ($14.99/month or $139/year), Prime Video is part of that membership. Amazon also introduced "limited ads" with an optional ad-free add-on for $2.99/month for U.S. Prime members.
Best for: people already deep in Amazon, and for a convenient baseline streamer.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is almost the opposite of Netflix: smaller library, higher average quality. It's $12.99/month after a 7-day trial.
Best for: people who want premium originals without browsing junk.
Not ideal if: you want the deepest catalog.
Peacock
Peacock lists $10.99/month for Premium and $16.99/month for Premium Plus (limited exclusions).
Best for: NBC/Bravo, sports, and a rotating mix of movies.
Best value move: get it via Instacart+ or Walmart+ if you already pay for those.
Paramount+
Paramount+ currently shows $7.99/month for Essential and $12.99/month for Premium on its signup pages. Prices may increase on Jan 15, 2026 (Essential $8.99, Premium $13.99).
Best for: CBS/Paramount franchises and a "second-service" option.
Best value move: free via Walmart+ if that's already in your life.
A simple rule that saves most people money
If your goal is to spend less, the best strategy is usually:
- Keep one anchor subscription you truly use.
- Rotate a second service month-to-month.
- Rent the one-off movies you actually want that night.
This guide makes the "anchor" decision easier, and PickFlix can handle the "what should we watch tonight" part.
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