Best On-Demand Streaming Services of 2021

The expansion of Netflix from a DVD rental company to an on-demand streaming service has changed the way many people view movies and shows. Since its introduction in 2007, slang such as "binge-worthy" and "Netflastinate" (procrastinating by watching Netflix) is also reshaping how we talk and think about our viewing process. Fortunately, internet speeds have also made advancements over the last decade, so words like "buffering" are irrelevant to many on-demand consumers.

Fast-forwarding to present day, Netflix is far from the only available video streaming service. It faces serious competition from long-time rivals (Hulu), online giants (Amazon Prime Video), newcomers (Disney+), and other Netflix alternatives. The services that stand out offer platforms that are easy for even a new cord-cutter to use, while more and more streaming companies are also creating award-winning original content to distinguish themselves from the pack.

Picking an on-demand streaming service as your main source of entertainment is one of the least expensive options available. Monthly prices start as low as $5 a month, and some services still offer free content. In comparison, most live TV streaming services can charge around $55 or more, and cable TV service can easily top $200 when you include monthly fees. We evaluated many of the most popular services to come up with our unbiased rating of the Best On-Demand Streaming Services of 2021. Read on to find out how they compare and decide which one is right for you.

Our Best On-Demand Streaming Services Rating

#1 Netflix
#2 Amazon Prime Video
#3 Disney+
#3 HBO
#3 Hulu
#6 Vudu
#7 Crunchyroll
#7 ESPN+
#7 CBS All Access
#10 Apple TV+

The Best On-Demand Streaming Services of 2021

Just a few years ago, consumers could only choose between a few video-on-demand services. Now, numerous services compete for your business, and new options debut all the time. Not all of these services are reputable or reliable, however. We compared 19 streaming services currently available using our unbiased approach to create our rating of the 10 Best On-Demand Streaming Services of 2021.

Netflix: Our No. 1 On-Demand Streaming Service of 2021 is Netflix. It's easy to see why this service currently has more subscribers around the world than its rivals. Netflix revolutionized the on-demand streaming service with its straightforward, easy-to-search platform. It also helped cultivate the binge-watch culture, in part for its large collection of TV shows. A robust section of award-winning original programming also sets it apart, with titles that include "Orange Is the New Black," "Mindhunter," "Stranger Things," and "Marriage Story." It costs a little more than the average on-demand service, especially if you want to be able to watch on more than one device at a time, but many cord-cutters will find Netflix's extensive library and user-friendly apps to be well worth the price.

Learn more in our Netflix review.

Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime's on-demand streaming service places at No. 2 in our ratings. Similar to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video has its own set of must-see, award-winning content. The list includes award-winning comedies "Fleabag" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," as well as indie movies such as "The Farewell" and "The Big Sick." Prime Video also has a backlog of legacy content from other networks, including HBO. One of the distinctions for Prime Video is that it lets you rent TV series and films not included with your subscription. You can also add premium channels such as Starz. Prime Video is a free perk when you have an Amazon Prime membership. However, many users find its interface to be somewhat clunky and confusing.

Learn more in our Amazon Prime Video review or check out the top Amazon Prime Video promo codes.

Disney+: Kids, and those still young at heart, can find their happily ever after with Disney+, which places at No. 3 in our rating. This streaming service has animated classics like "The Little Mermaid'' as well as newer live-action movies such as "Iron Man." In addition to superheroes and "Star Wars," its library has educational content from National Geographic, 30 seasons of "The Simpsons," and lighthearted shorts from Pixar. However, if you're hoping to find something a little more grown-up after the kids have gone to bed, you may be disappointed; Disney+ doesn't offer any TV-MA or R-rated content. Additionally, its library only includes videos from select studios, so if you aren't particularly interested in Marvel movies or "The Mandalorian," you'll probably find that Disney+ is too much of a Mickey Mouse outfit for you.

Learn more in our Disney+ review.

HBO: HBO shares third place with Disney+ and Hulu. Most HBO customers will use the HBO Max platform, which recently launched with an expanded content library that includes more titles and original programs. Cord-cutters with some devices, including Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, will still use the original HBO platform, formerly called HBO Now. Aside from these confusing changes, HBO's streaming service is excellent. Its library has more film titles than Hulu, and it has all your HBO favorites (such as "Game of Thrones"). Be prepared to shell out for this streaming service, as its monthly fee of about $15 is much higher than the base price of every other service in our comparison.

Learn more in our HBO review.

Hulu: Also placing at No. 3 is Hulu. It's one of the older services – recently celebrating 12 years of streaming – giving it lots of time to refine its platform and grow its library. Its catalog of TV shows is still one of the largest and includes lots of highly rated series, even with some shows now migrating away to other services. Original programs include "Little Fires Everywhere" and the award-winning "The Handmaid's Tale." Hulu's list of movies isn't as robust, though its library rotates regularly, and you can quickly see which movies are getting ready to leave. Hulu is also a great value, with one of the lowest monthly fees in our comparison. You must sit through commercials with its $6 a month plan or pay about $12 a month to get mostly ad-free streaming.

Learn more in our Hulu review or check out the top Hulu promo codes.

Vudu: Our No. 6 Best On-Demand Streaming Service, Vudu, is a bit different from the rest because it has no monthly subscription fee. Instead, it offers a selection of videos on demand that you can rent or buy, including a few films that are still playing in movie theaters. Where it especially stands out, though, is with its list of free titles. After signing up for a free account (which doesn't even require a credit card), you can watch a wide selection of movies, including cartoons like "Norm of the North," action movies like "Patriots Day," and rom-com classics like "Bull Durham." Vudu also carries several TV series that you can watch for free, rent, or buy. The catch with all of the free content is that it's ad-supported, which means you'll have to sit through commercials.

Learn more in our Vudu review or check out the top Vudu coupons codes.

Crunchyroll: Crunchyroll places at No. 7 in our ratings. If you like watching anime, then you'll enjoy Crunchyroll. Its library almost exclusively includes this type of cartoon, which is a Japanese animation style, and it boasts far more anime titles than any other rival in our rating. With any plan, you can watch unlimited videos, so binge all you want on your favorite anime and Japanese dramas, and get unlimited access to its collection of manga (graphic novels). Its viewing plans include a free, ad-supported plan and a $7.99 a month subscription that lets you watch commercial free, sometimes with earlier access to new episodes. Crunchyroll's platform isn't very intuitive, and it's difficult to search for shows with dubbed voices versus subtitles or get suggestions on similar titles to watch. There are also no content ratings or parental controls, which may be an issue because some anime is definitely for adults only.

Learn more in our Crunchyroll review.

ESPN+: Sharing the No. 7 spot is ESPN+. Just as the name suggests, it expands on the standard ESPN platform. Its library includes in-depth talk shows and documentaries, all of which are sports-focused and feature top athletes and analysts. You also get access to event replays (including NFL's Greatest Games), lots of articles, select live games (including MLB and NHL games), and coverage of events that can be harder to find (such as curling and rugby). Not every live sporting event is here, though. You won't be able to watch live NFL games or some local events, for example, or any of ESPN's main sports channels. You also won't find a lot to entertain you if you aren't into sports.

Learn more in our ESPN+ review or check out the top ESPN+ promo codes.

CBS All Access: Also placing at No. 7 in our ratings is CBS All Access. This streaming service is one of the most affordable ways to get a mix of on-demand favorites as well as live TV. It boasts several exclusives, including the Star Trek franchise, the current "Picard" and "Star Trek Discovery" series, and a deep library of classic CBS programming. That makes CBS All Access appealing to Trekkies and die-hard fans of CBS, or those who want to dip their toes into live and on-demand streaming. Its live TV offerings include CBS channels streaming sports (including NFL games), 24/7 news, and your local CBS station. The biggest drawback for All Access is that both its on-demand library and its list of live TV channels are smaller than those of many competitors.

Learn more in our CBS All Access review or check out the top CBS All Access promo codes.

Apple TV+: Apple's streaming service takes our No. 10 spot. For a company that says it wants to make everything just work, Apple's naming structure is complicated. There's the Apple TV, a streaming device, and the Apple TV app, where you can watch movies you rent from iTunes or subscribe to a premium channel (such as Starz) using your smart TV, mobile device, or streaming device. Add to this Apple TV+, a streaming service that offers only original programming. Its original shows boast big stars – Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Aniston, and Steven Spielberg, to drop a few names. Its one year of free access when you buy a new Apple product will be tempting for many. However, even though its monthly fees are low, you can scroll through the entire slim library in a matter of minutes, and owners of a Chromecast or an Android mobile device have no way to watch.

Learn more in our Apple TV+ review.

What Is a Streaming Service?

On-demand streaming services let viewers watch content whenever and wherever they want. Also called video-on-demand services, these typically feature extensive and evolving libraries of TV shows and movies that viewers can access as they please. For viewers who want to catch an entire series, prerecording shows is no longer required, which has led to the recent phenomenon of binge-watching numerous episodes of a single series.

On-demand services are also a good option if you enjoy watching your favorite shows on the go, even in areas with limited Wi-Fi. To watch during your commute or a flight, simply download shows onto your mobile device ahead of time.

Watching videos on demand requires the following:

On-demand streaming services typically don't have live TV channels, a cloud DVR, or local channels. For these features, check out our rating of the Best Live TV Streaming Services.

Compare Streaming Services

Picking a good series and movie streaming service goes beyond checking out its library of on-demand titles. Prices change significantly depending on if you want to watch commercials. It's also important to find a platform that makes it easy for you to quickly launch the next episode of a TV show, resume a title you already started, and discover new content to watch. If you have more than two people using the service or kids in the house, you may also want to find a service that offers multiple simultaneous streams, parental controls, and user profiles.

What Is the Cheapest Streaming Service?

Monthly prices for the on-demand streaming services in our comparison average around $8 a month. You can still watch some videos for free with a service like Vudu or Crunchyroll. Both are ad-supported, so you'll have to sit through commercials if you want to enjoy free videos.

About half of the services we compare have commercials. Hulu, Crunchyroll, and CBS All Access let you choose between a less expensive plan with ads and a pricier ad-free subscription. Though Vudu's free videos have ads, it also has ad-free TV shows and movies available for rent or purchase. You can only watch ESPN+ with commercials.

You won't ever have commercials on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, or Apple TV+, though sometimes you'll see the trailer of a suggested title before your selected video starts. These services also often come with a premium price tag of $9 or more a month.

We recommend taking advantage of the free trial period before you make up your mind. Free trials give you time to check out the on-demand library and make sure the app works for you before you pay. That said, none of the streaming services in our comparison requires a contract, so you can easily pay month-to-month and cancel at any time.

Watching Shows and Movies On Demand

Not all parental controls built into a streaming service are the same. With Netflix, for example, you can set up a kid's profile, adjust the content rating, and then set a PIN to keep tech-savvy kids from bypassing the parental controls. Hulu also lets you set up a kid's profile, but because there's no PIN, kids can easily override this to watch mature content.

User profiles can be a blessing if you have a mix of people with different tastes in your household. Disney+ lets you create up to seven profiles – the most in our comparison – so each person can customize their own watchlist. CBS All Access currently has only one profile, mixing everyone's list of recently watched shows and video recommendations in one messy collection.

Learn More

Get tips on cutting the cord and find the best streaming service for you with our ratings and guides:

Other On-Demand Streaming Services to Consider

In addition to the companies in our rating of the Best On-Demand Streaming Services of 2021, here is one other to consider:

Other Guides from 360 Reviews

We're here to help make sure all of your online connections are fast, convenient, and secure. Check out some of our other guides for ratings of the best services and buying tips for each type of service:

Our 360 Methodology for Evaluating Streaming Services

The following describes our 360 approach to researching and analyzing streaming services to guide prospective customers.

1. We researched the brands and products people care most about.

U.S. News analyzed and compared publicly available internet search data to determine which streaming services consumers are most interested in. We looked at streaming services in two different subcategories: Live TV Streaming Services and On-Demand Streaming Services. We found 11 live TV streaming services and 18 on-demand streaming services that stood out in terms of volume of searches among consumers.

We then collected professional reviews from industry sources to narrow down our initial list of live-TV and on-demand streaming services to the services included in our final ratings.

2. We created objective 360 Overall Ratings based on our analysis of third-party reviews.

Our scoring methodology is based on a composite analysis of the ratings and reviews published by credible third-party professional and consumer review sources. The ratings are not based on the personal opinions, tests, or experiences of U.S. News. To calculate the ratings:

(a) We compiled two types of third-party reviews and ratings:

Professional Ratings and Reviews. Many independent industry sources have published their assessments of streaming services online. We consider several of these third-party reviews to be reputable and well-researched. However, professional reviewers often make recommendations that contradict one another. Rather than relying on a single source, U.S. News believes consumers benefit most when these opinions and recommendations are all considered and analyzed with an objective, consensus-based methodology.

Consumer Ratings and Reviews. U.S. News also reviewed published consumer ratings and reviews of streaming services. Sources with a sufficient number of quality consumer reviews ratings were included in our scoring model.

***Please note that not all professional and consumer rating sources met our criteria for objectivity. Therefore, some sources were excluded from our model.

(b) We standardized the inputs to create a common scale.

The third-party review source data was collected in a variety of forms, including ratings, recommendations, and accolades. Before including each third-party data point into our scoring equation, we had to standardize it so that it could be compared on an apples-to-apples basis with data points from other review sources. We used the scoring methodology described below to convert these systems to a comparable scale.

The 360 scoring process first converted each third-party rating into a common 0 to 5 scale. To balance the distribution of scores within each source's scale, we used a standard deviation (or Z-Score) calculation to determine how each streaming service that a source rated was scored in comparison to the source's mean score. We then used the Z-Score to create a standardized U.S. News score using the method outlined below:

(c) We calculated the 360 Overall Score based on a weighted-average model.

We assigned "source weights" to each source used in the consensus scoring model based on our assessment of how much the source is trusted and recognized by consumers and how much its published review process indicates that it is both comprehensive and editorially independent. The source weights are assigned on a 1-5 scale. Any source with an assigned weight less than 2 was excluded from the consensus scoring model.

Finally, we combined the converted third-party data points using a weighted average formula based on source weight. This formula calculated the consensus score for each streaming service, which we call the 360 Overall Rating.

All of the data used in our streaming service ratings were accurate as of April 9, 2020.

Other Guides from 360 Reviews

We're here to help make sure all of your online connections are fast, convenient, and secure. Check out some of our other guides for ratings of the best services and buying tips for each type of service: