The best streaming services in 2026

Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products . Engadget / Paramount / Netflix / HBO / Disney The best streaming services in 2026 Out of the dozens available now, these are our favorites. With so many streaming platforms out there, it is easy to feel like you are constantly sorting through menus instead of watching something you enjoy. Every service has its own vibe, whether it is big cinematic releases, long documentary deep dives or shows you put on in the background while you unwind. Some people even swap cable for live TV streaming . Here, we are looking at the on-demand services that deliver the most value for everyday use. Whether you are settling in for a weekend binge, watching with family or catching up on a favorite series during your commute, these are the best streaming services to keep in your rotation. Best streaming services for 2026 Free trial: No | Monthly price: Starts at $8/month (with ads) | Annual cost: Starts at $84/year (with ads) | Live TV: Limited | Local channels: No Compared to other on-demand streaming services, no one offers more high-quality content at a single price than Netflix . Pick any category you can think of and Netflix probably has something that will fit the bill, including original programming. Plus, new content is released every week and as a worldwide service, Netflix is consistently adding movies and TV shows from around the globe that can change the viewing experience in ways you may not have considered (Are you sure you’re not into K-Dramas, Finnish detective thrillers or British home improvement shows?). Netflix is available in almost every country on the planet, and its app or website runs on most of the devices that connect to the internet. Those apps are also some of the most easy-to-use of any service. That doesn’t mean it’s always simple to choose something to watch, but when it comes to swapping profiles or simply picking up where you left off, it doesn’t get better than this. If you’re heading off the grid - or onto a plane - then you can easily download most (but not all) of its content to watch on your iOS or Android device. - Richard Lawler, Former Senior News Editor $8/month at Netflix $25 at Amazon (gift card) Free trial: Yes | Monthly price: Starts at $10/month (with ads) | Annual cost: Starts at $100/year (with ads) | Live TV: Limited | Local channels: No In 2020, HBO decided to take the fight to its streaming competitors with HBO Max . It supplanted the existing HBO channels, as well as streaming via HBO Go or HBO Now by refocusing on original content and rebuilding the service for the modern era. Even before the recent merger, rebranding as simply Max and then reverting back to HBO Max,...

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