When you ask yourself what is the highest rated TV streaming service, the answer isn’t as simple as picking the biggest name. Ratings shift with new releases, price changes, and how well a platform supports the devices you use every day. Below is a practical guide that cuts through the hype, shows you how the scores are calculated, and helps you choose the service that truly earns the top marks for your viewing habits.
How streaming ratings are calculated
TV streaming service is evaluated by aggregating critic scores, user satisfaction surveys, content variety, and technical performance metrics. In 2025 the most respected sources are:
- Rotten Tomatoes - blends critic reviews and audience scores into a "Tomatometer".
- Metacritic - computes a weighted average (the Metascore) from professional critics.
- JustWatch - measures popularity and availability across regions, which indirectly reflects user demand.
- Consumer Reports - surveys subscribers about reliability, price fairness, and customer service.
Each source assigns a numerical value (usually 0‑100). To get a single "rating" for a platform, analysts normalize the scores, apply a small weight for price‑to‑value ratio, and average the results. The final figure is what you’ll see in the comparison table.
Top‑rated services in 2025
Here’s a quick snapshot of the platforms that consistently score above 85 on the composite index.
Netflix is a subscription‑based streaming platform that offers a mix of original series, movies and licensed content
Netflix still leads the pack with an 89‑point rating. The strength lies in its massive library (over 5,000 titles) and a relentless rollout of high‑budget originals that dominate award circuits. Price: €15.99/month for the standard plan.
Disney+ provides the full catalog of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic content
Disney+ scores 87 points, thanks to its family‑friendly focus and exclusive releases from Marvel and Star Wars. The library is smaller (around 2,500 titles) but the brand power translates into higher user satisfaction. Price: €8.99/month.
Amazon Prime Video is bundled with Amazon Prime and offers a mix of original series, movies, and pay‑per‑view titles
At 86 points, Prime Video benefits from its integration with the broader Prime ecosystem (free shipping, music). The catalog exceeds 6,000 titles, but the UI is still a bit clunky for some viewers. Price: €9.99/month (or €99/year with Prime membership).
Hulu offers a blend of current‑season network TV episodes, originals, and a live TV add‑on
Hulu earns 84 points, largely because of its next‑day access to broadcast shows and a solid original slate (e.g., "The Handmaid's Tale"). The live TV bundle adds extra cost but boosts overall value. Price: €7.99/month for on‑demand, €12.99/month with live TV.
HBO Max streams HBO’s premium drama and comedy lineup plus WarnerMedia film library
HBO Max lands at 83 points. Its strength is premium content ("Succession", "Game of Thrones" pre‑quels) and a robust film collection. The downside is a higher price tag (€14.99/month) and occasional geographic restrictions.
Apple TV+ focuses on original programming produced by Apple Studios
Apple TV+ scores 82 points. The catalog is modest (around 200 titles) but every title is a high‑budget original, and the service integrates tightly with Apple devices. Price: €6.99/month.
Paramount+ combines CBS broadcast shows, Paramount movies, and original series
Paramount+ reaches 81 points. It’s a good pick for fans of classic sitcoms and live sports, but the overall library feels narrower compared to the giants.
Peacock offers NBCUniversal content, a free ad‑supported tier, and premium originals
Peacock scores 79 points, mainly because its free tier gives a taste of the lineup, and the premium tier adds live sports and HBO‑style originals. Price: €4.99/month for premium.
Comparison table - rating, price and key features
| Service | Composite Rating | Monthly Price (EUR) | Library Size | Live TV Option | Device Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | 89 | 15.99 | ~5,000 titles | No | All major devices, smart TVs, game consoles |
| Disney+ | 87 | 8.99 | ~2,500 titles | No | iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, consoles |
| Amazon Prime Video | 86 | 9.99 (or €99/yr) | ~6,000 titles | No | Amazon devices, iOS, Android, smart TVs |
| Hulu | 84 | 7.99 (on‑demand) / 12.99 (live) | ~3,200 titles | Yes (extra) | iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV |
| HBO Max | 83 | 14.99 | ~4,000 titles | No | iOS, Android, Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation |
| Apple TV+ | 82 | 6.99 | ~200 originals | No | Apple ecosystem, web, Roku, Amazon Fire |
| Paramount+ | 81 | 8.49 | ~3,000 titles | Yes (sports) | iOS, Android, smart TVs |
| Peacock | 79 | 4.99 (premium) | ~2,000 titles | Yes (sports) | Web, iOS, Android, Roku |
Which service is best for you?
Even if a platform has the highest overall rating, it might not fit your personal needs. Below is a quick decision guide.
- Best all‑rounder: Netflix - unmatched variety and consistent new releases.
- Family‑friendly & kids: Disney+ - safe profiles and a treasure trove of animated classics.
- Value for shoppers: Amazon Prime Video - you get free shipping, music, and video in one bill.
- Live TV & next‑day shows: Hulu - great for cord‑cutters who still want fresh broadcast episodes.
- Prestige drama lovers: HBO Max - the home of award‑winning series.
- Apple ecosystem users: Apple TV+ - seamless integration, high‑quality originals.
- Sports & classic TV: Paramount+ - live NFL, CBS classics.
- Low‑budget starter: Peacock - free tier plus cheap premium upgrade.
Tips to get the most out of your subscription
- Leverage free trials. Most services offer 7‑30 day trials. Sign up, binge a few shows, then decide.
- Bundle where possible. Disney+ now bundles with Hulu and ESPN+, cutting the total cost by about 30%.
- Share responsibly. Many platforms allow up to 4 simultaneous streams; use family accounts instead of multiple subscriptions.
- Watch in 4K. If you have a 4K TV, choose a plan that supports HDR - it can make a huge visual difference.
- Check regional libraries. Some titles are geo‑locked. A VPN can help you compare catalogs before you commit (just be aware of terms of service).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which streaming service has the highest overall rating in 2025?
According to the composite index that blends Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, JustWatch and consumer‑report surveys, Netflix tops the chart with an 89‑point score.
Do higher ratings always mean a better experience?
Not necessarily. Ratings capture average satisfaction, but personal taste, device compatibility, and price sensitivity can outweigh a platform’s overall score.
Can I mix and match services to cover all my needs?
Absolutely. Many viewers keep a primary service for original hits and add a niche service (like Peacock for sports or Disney+ for kids) to fill gaps.
How often do these ratings change?
Ratings are updated quarterly. Major content releases, price hikes, or new features can shift a platform’s score by several points.
Is there a free way to test the top services?
Most platforms provide a 7‑ to 30‑day free trial. Disney+ and Apple TV+ even offer a limited free tier in some regions, which lets you sample the catalog without a credit card.
Elmer Burgos
October 19, 2025 AT 14:18I think it’s cool how the guide breaks down the numbers and actually shows what you get for each euro. Netflix still seems like the jack‑of‑all‑trades but if you’re watching on a family TV the Disney+ price is hard to beat. Also the tip about sharing accounts is solid – it can cut the cost by half for a household. I’ve tried the free trials on Hulu and Peacock and it helped me decide before committing. Overall the article gives a useful roadmap without the usual hype.
Jason Townsend
October 23, 2025 AT 17:33Don’t be fooled by the glossy numbers the big platforms are selling you they are just a front for data mining. Every click you make on Netflix or Disney+ feeds a massive algorithm that knows more about you than your doctor. The price hikes aren’t about costs they’re a way to squeeze more money while you stay glued to the screen. Stay skeptical and consider using a VPN if you want any privacy.