Streaming Service Selector 2025
| Service | Price (Monthly) | Originals | Live TV | Offline Downloads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu | $7.99 (Ad-Supported) |
Good | Yes | Up to 30 |
| Netflix | $15.49 (Standard) |
Excellent | No | Up to 5 |
| Amazon Prime Video | $14.99 (Included with Prime) |
Good | No | Up to 100 |
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Your choices will determine the best service for you.
Choosing a streaming service feels a bit like picking a new TV channel lineup, only the options are endless and the price tags keep changing. With Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video all jostling for the top spot, the real question is: which one gives you the most bang for your buck in 2025?
Quick Takeaways
- Netflix still leads in original titles and global reach, but its price hikes make it the priciest option.
- Hulu offers a cheaper plan with live TV add‑on, great for U.S. viewers who still love broadcast channels.
- Amazon Prime Video bundles streaming with free shipping and other perks, making it the best value for frequent Amazon shoppers.
- All three stream in 4K HDR, but device compatibility and simultaneous stream limits differ.
- Pick the service that matches your viewing habits: binge‑watching, live TV, or a mix of shopping and streaming.
Below we break down the most important factors-price, library size, exclusive content, user experience, and device support-so you can decide which platform fits your lifestyle.
Pricing & Plans in 2025
Understanding the cost structure is the first step. Here’s a snapshot of the main plans available in the U.S. (prices may vary by region):
| Service | Base Price (Monthly) | Ad‑Free Option | Live TV Add‑On | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu a U.S. streaming service that mixes on‑demand and live TV | $7.99 | $13.99 (No Ads) | $69.99 (Live TV) | 20% off with annual plan |
| Netflix the global leader in streaming original series and movies | $15.49 (Standard) | $19.99 (Premium 4K) | Not offered | 15% off with yearly commitment |
| Amazon Prime Video the streaming arm of Amazon Prime membership | $14.99 (Prime bundle) | Included in Prime | Not offered | Full Prime benefits (shipping, music, books) |
Netflix’s standard plan now includes HD at $15.49, while Hulu’s ad‑free tier costs $13.99. Amazon Prime Video’s price is bundled with the wider Prime membership, which many shoppers already pay for.
Content Library & Exclusive Originals
When it comes to sheer volume, Amazon Prime Video edges out the competition with an estimated 24,000 titles, followed by Hulu’s 20,000 and Netflix’s 22,000. But raw numbers don’t tell the whole story-the quality and exclusivity of originals matter more for most binge‑watchers.
Netflix offers award‑winning originals like "The Crown," "Stranger Things," and "Ozark," plus a deep catalog of international series. In 2025, Netflix added 30 new originals, keeping its pipeline robust.
Hulu focuses on current‑season TV from major networks and critically acclaimed originals like "The Handmaid's Tale" and "Only Murders in the Building." Hulu’s partnership with Disney lets it stream many new Disney releases after a 30‑day window.
Amazon Prime Video produces hits such as "The Boys," "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," and the sci‑fi saga "The Wheel of Time". Prime also offers a large library of movies at no extra cost, plus a pay‑per‑view option for new releases.
For fans of niche genres, services like Disney+ streams Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic titles and HBO Max houses WarnerMedia’s premium movies and HBO series are worth considering as add‑ons.
User Experience & Feature Set
All three platforms have polished apps, but they differ in navigation, recommendation algorithms, and extra features.
- Netflix: Sophisticated AI suggests content based on viewing history; you can download up to 5 titles per device for offline watching.
- Hulu: Offers a “Watchlist” that pulls together episodes from different networks; live TV add‑on includes a cloud DVR with 50‑hour storage.
- Amazon Prime Video: Integrates with Alexa for voice search; X‑Ray feature shows cast and trivia while you watch.
In terms of simultaneous streams, Hulu allows two devices on the basic plan (four with Live TV), Netflix permits four on the standard plan (up to four on Premium), and Amazon Prime Video also supports three concurrent streams.
Device Compatibility & Streaming Quality
If you own a 4K TV, you’ll want a service that supports HDR and Dolby Vision. As of 2025, all three streaming giants deliver 4K HDR on most major devices:
- Netflix Premium plan (the only plan offering 4K) supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and up to 8Mbps per stream.
- Hulu’s No‑Ads plan provides 4K HDR on Roku, Apple TV 4K, and Fire TV devices.
- Amazon Prime Video includes 4K HDR on Fire TV, Apple TV, and most smart TV platforms.
Device support is broad: smart TVs, gaming consoles (PlayStation5, Xbox SeriesX), streaming sticks (Roku, Amazon Fire TV), mobile phones (iOS, Android), and web browsers. For users who rely on Apple TV+ Apple’s streaming service with a small but high‑quality catalog, note that Netflix and Hulu both have dedicated apps on the platform, while Prime Video works via the Apple TV app.
Which Service Fits Different Viewers?
Here’s a quick match‑up based on common viewing habits:
- Binge‑watchers who love originals: Netflix remains the champion, despite higher costs.
- Fans of current‑season network TV plus some originals: Hulu’s Live TV bundle gives you live sports and news plus on‑demand titles.
- Shoppers who already pay for Prime: Amazon Prime Video adds streaming at no extra charge, and you also get free two‑day shipping, music, and e‑books.
- Families seeking kid‑friendly bundles: Pair Hulu or Prime with Disney+ for a comprehensive family package.
- Budget‑conscious viewers: Hulu’s ad‑supported tier at $7.99 is the cheapest entry point.
Remember that most services offer free trials (usually 30 days). Test each platform before committing to a yearly plan.
Decision Checklist - How to Choose the Right Streamer
- Set a monthly budget. If you can’t exceed $15, Hulu’s ad‑supported plan wins.
- List your must‑watch shows. If you’re chasing "Stranger Things" or "The Crown," Netflix is unavoidable.
- Consider live TV needs. Sports fans should look at Hulu Live TV or separate over‑the‑air antenna setups.
- Factor in existing subscriptions. Prime members get free streaming plus extra perks.
- Check device compatibility. Most modern devices support all three, but older smart TVs may only have Hulu or Prime apps pre‑installed.
- Evaluate download needs. For frequent travel, Netflix’s offline download limits are generous.
By answering these questions, you’ll land on the platform that aligns with your entertainment habits and wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hulu cheaper than Netflix?
Yes. Hulu’s basic ad‑supported plan starts at $7.99 per month, while Netflix’s cheapest plan (Standard) costs $15.49. However, Hulu’s ad‑free tier ($13.99) is still below Netflix’s Premium 4K plan ($19.99).
Can I get live TV with Netflix?
No. Netflix focuses solely on on‑demand streaming. If live sports or news are important, Hulu Live TV or a separate cable subscription is needed.
Does Amazon Prime Video offer 4K content?
Yes. Prime Video streams a large portion of its catalog in 4K HDR, including most Prime Originals and select movies.
Which service has the most family‑friendly shows?
Combining Disney+ with either Hulu or Prime Video gives the widest range of kid‑safe content. Hulu also offers a dedicated kids profile with parental controls.
Do any of these services let me download shows for offline viewing?
All three platforms support offline downloads on mobile devices. Netflix allows up to 5 downloads per device, Hulu up to 30 titles, and Prime Video up to 100 titles per device.
At the end of the day, there’s no one‑size‑fits‑all answer. The best streaming service 2025 depends on what you watch, how much you’re willing to pay, and whether you need live TV. Use the checklist, try the free trials, and you’ll be streaming the right shows in no time.
