When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreNetflix; Disney+; Apple TV; Amazon Prime Video; Disney+; Jenny Chang-Rodriguez/Business InsiderIt might be hard to remember now, but there was once a time when must-have streaming services started and ended with Netflix and Hulu. Now, there's a seemingly endless array of apps to choose from, which can be both a blessing and a curse. We're here to help you find the best streaming services for your needs.For instance, Disney Plus is an ideal service for families and fans of Marvel and "Star Wars," while ESPN is the best option for sports fanatics. Viewers interested in prestige TV and unscripted favorites will want to check out HBO Max, and Apple TV is notable for offering one of the most affordable ad-free plans on the market.There are two core types of stand-alone streaming services: general interest (such as Netflix, Hulu, and increasingly Disney Plus) and programming-specific (think Apple TV, Peacock, and Paramount Plus). And then there are your live TV streaming channel packages, like Sling TV, which function as month-to-month cable alternatives. No one needs every streaming service, and the "right" ones ultimately come down to personal taste and need.Streaming services were once meant to make it easier to watch your favorite things, and we're here to try to help make that true again. To help you decide what to sign up for (and keep you from draining your bank account), we've rounded up the best streaming services of 2026 and explained what makes each unique, keeping different budgets and viewing habits in mind. Our team has spent years evaluating streaming services and ensuring they're worth recommending, so you can rest assured that these editor-tested picks are worth your money.Our top picks for the best streaming servicesBest for families: Disney PlusBest for cord-cutters: Sling TVBest for reality fans: PeacockBest for CBS fans: Paramount PlusBest for ABC and FOX fans: HuluBest for originals: Apple TVBest for critically acclaimed content: HBO MaxBest for sports: ESPNBest for online shoppers: Amazon Prime VideoBest for back catalog: NetflixBest for anime: CrunchyrollBest free option: TubiBest for familiesDisney Plus with ads: $12/monthDisney Plus without ads: $19/month or $190/yearDisney Plus with Hulu and ESPN: starts at $20/monthDisney Plus with Hulu and HBO Max: starts at $20/monthDisney Plus is the subscription streaming home of the studio's many classic animated films and blockbuster franchises. With that in mind, its main draw is its wide catalog of Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and 20th Century Studios content. This makes it one of the best streaming services for families since it's packed with entertainment geared toward younger audiences. There are some new original films, series, and concert specials as well, but the lineup isn't as large as what you'll find on Netflix or Amazon. Still, the service has a healthy pipeline of exclusives for members to enjoy, including a new Star Wars series called "Star Wars: Skeleton Crew." Disney Plus is also the exclusive US streaming destination for new episodes of "Doctor Who." Disney Plus has dedicated sections for each of the studio's biggest brands.Disney PlusAnd even though its catalog is geared toward families, there's still a healthy assortment of PG-13 movies and shows produced for young adults. Disney Plus' selection of R-rated movies and TV-MA shows is vastly limited compared to services like Netflix and Max, although the number is slowly growing. Right now, the only notable programs for mature audiences are a handful of Marvel titles like "Deadpool" and "Agatha All Along."As a result, adults may want to supplement Disney Plus with a second streaming service to fill their palette with more mature shows. If you fall into that boat, we recommend paying a bit more to get the Disney Plus Bundle with Hulu and ESPN or HBO Max. There's also an option to bundle Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited with NFL Plus Premium. Bundle members can now access Hulu and select ESPN content within the Disney Plus interface, so you can unlock all of Hulu's mature offerings without switching apps. Read our Disney Plus guide and Disney Plus review.Best for cord-cuttersSling Select: $20/monthSling Essentials: $20/monthSling Orange: $46/monthSling Blue: $46/monthSling Orange + Blue: $61/monthSeveral of the services in this article offer live streaming for select events or a single channel, especially in the premium subscriptions, but true cord-cutters might need a live TV streaming channel package. You can find a full breakdown of these apps in our heavily tested guide to the best live TV streaming services, but Sling TV is a great entry point.Sling is one of the most affordable live TV streaming services on the market, and we dubbed the service the best for the essentials when it comes to live TV. The streamer offers two base plans, Sling Orange and Sling Blue, which start a
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