In the last couple of years, streaming services have grown rapidly throughout the entertainment industry. Users prefer the cheaper price and easier device access compared to a restrictive, expensive cable plan. With new streaming services popping up everyday, it can be difficult to find the right one for what you’re looking for. With that, here is my guide to the best streaming services to fit your needs:

Clearinghouse/content options: HBO Max

Streaming began with the concept of “clearinghouse” or taking existing content from other networks on one website. It “clears” network television of its B-C level content to make room for more A-level content. However, these lower level shows and movies provided Netflix with a foundation to launch their now 100 billion dollar company with. Nowadays, with extensive streaming options all clearinghouse, finding your favorite shows and movies feels impossible to navigate. For me, HBO Max has the best selection of new and old movies and shows for any age to enjoy. It has classic shows like “The Big Bang Theory,” “Rick and Morty,” “Pretty Little Liars” and “Friends” and blockbuster movies such as “Elvis,” “The Batman,” “Lord of the Rings” and “The Nightmare on Elm Street.” I always seem to find my favorite shows and movies on HBO Max (If you haven’t seen “Big Little Lies,” you are missing out).

If you’re looking for lots of outside content, look no further than HBO Max. 

Originals: Netflix

Netflix’s introduction of original series and movies was a driving factor in the streaming services’ explosion in popularity, so it only makes sense that the founder of streaming service originals has the best ones out there. Not only does Netflix have the largest library of originals, they are consistently of high quality, with content for all ages and interests. Some of Netflix’s biggest hits include “Stranger Things,” “Bridgerton,” “Marriage Story,” “Murder Mystery” and more. Some of my personal favorites are “The Crown” and “Kodachrome.” 

If you want new and exciting originals, Netflix is the best in the business.

Value: Hulu

Another attractive aspect of streaming services is their low cost. Compared to cable, streaming services are significantly cheaper and provide a more user friendly experience with minimal ads and the ability to watch from anywhere. Despite being the cheaper option, services can still be costly, so finding one that offers you the most bang for your buck is important. For me, it’s Hulu. People complain about Hulu’s ad vs ad-free plans, but even Hulu’s ad plan provides users with a much better experience than cable, in which ads can total to be about 20 minutes long by the end of a half-hour TV show. Hulu is $7.99 with ads and $14.99 without, and I believe it provides you with the most amount of content for the lowest price. 

Need a quality, cheap option? Hulu’s got you covered.

Aside from general user experience criteria, I wanted to throw out a couple of honorable mentions for the streaming services that I personally enjoy for more specific reasons:

Underrated Favorite: Amazon Prime 

Amazon Prime has a  surprisingly large content library with many popular movies and TV shows as well as quality originals. I find myself watching Amazon Prime more frequently than other streaming services. Though I feel its recognition gets buried under the powerhouses of Netflix and Hulu, along with Amazon’s slew of other benefits, Amazon Prime is still a great streaming option for those looking for a little bit of everything.

Comedy: Peacock 

Although I think NBC creating a streaming service was frankly unnecessary, nobody can deny that NBC is home to some of the best comedy shows. From “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “The Office” to “Saturday Night Live” and “Will and Grace,” Peacock is my go-to service for all things comedy.

Drama: Apple TV+ 

Another controversial streaming creation was the all-original Apple TV+. Despite a smaller content library, Apple Tv+’s drama selection is jam-packed with exciting, high quality series and excellent actors. “The Morning Show” featuring Resse Witherspoon, “Defending Jacob” featuring Michelle Dockery and Chris Evans and “Truth be Told” featuring Octavia Spencer are just a few of the outstanding titles to choose from. If you’re a drama fan and looking for some new content, Apple TV+ is my number one pick

Best Overall: HBO Max

HBO Max is my personal streaming favorite. Their large content library mixed with strong originals and popular movies and shows makes it a go-to service for me. Additionally, its $14.99/month ad-free price makes it relatively affordable compared to other platforms. If you’re only looking for one service to satisfy your entertainment needs, HBO Max is the best option. 

As more streaming services are available by the day, I hope this guide helps you in your quest to find the best streaming service for all your TV and film needs.