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Best video streaming services in 2025, including Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+
A quick quiz question. What were the first original hits for streaming giants Netflix and Amazon? On Netflix, it was the Kevin Spacey-starring political drama House of Cards in 2013. On Amazon, it was police procedural Bosch, which premiered the following year.
That’s a measure of how far on-demand TV has come in such a short time. It took our traditional terrestrial broadcasters half a century to reach critical mass and become production powerhouses. The streamers have managed it in little more than a decade.
Never before has so much small screen entertainment been so easily available. But in a crowded and confusing market, how do you find the right streaming service, or services, for you? To help you decide, we’ve provided a guide to all the platforms available in the UK, comparing their cost, content and more, so you can confidently decide which is worth your money. Let the streaming wars begin…
The best video streaming services: At a glance
- Best Buy video streaming service: Netflix
- Best Value video streaming service: Amazon Prime Video
- Best video streaming service for families: Disney+
- Best video streaming service for quality over quantity: Apple TV
- Best video streaming service for sports: Now
How to choose the best video streaming service
Naturally, the most important factor for choosing a video streaming service is the quality of the content. There’s an element of subjectivity here, depending on your personal tastes and the age ranges you’re catering to, but the big hitters tend to have a broader range of programming to appeal to more viewers.
If one show is especially important to you, it’s worth doing your research before subscribing. Visit the Just Watch website, type in the show you want to watch, and you’ll see a summary of where it can be streamed.
Beyond that, price is also important. While streaming platforms tend to be competitive, subscribing to multiple providers can quickly see costs spiral. Typically, subscription costs range from £3.99 per month all the way up to £34.99 per month if you care about live sports, but cheaper tiers sometimes compromise on image quality and other features, or may be ad-supported.
Finally, consider how easy each platform is to actually watch. Big players like Amazon, Netflix and Disney+ don’t just have smartphone apps, but easy-to-use software for smart TVs and games consoles. Smaller rivals may force you to use a web browser for a bumpier experience.
