Streaming video services are the future of media consumption. As online video streaming services become more and more accessible, they are becoming a go-to source for most consumers. In fact, streaming video content is now one of the most common ways people consume media. According to a recent study by OATH Media Measurement, one in five millennials prefers streaming their content over cable TV. Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Video have led the way for this new era of digital entertainment, but there are many other options out there. With so many different streaming apps available, how do you know which ones are worth your time? Luckily we’ve done extensive research and put together this list of the top video streaming apps for watching movies online!
What is the top Video Streaming App?
Video streaming apps are apps or platforms that provide access to hundreds of thousands of hours’ worth of video content, usually for a monthly or annual subscription fee. Video streaming apps are most commonly used on smartphones, computers, and smart TVs, but many platforms now have apps available for streaming on other devices, like video game consoles, smart home devices, and even certain models of smart speakers.
Netflix
Netflix is the clear-cut king of streaming services, with tons of content, millions of subscribers, and brand recognition nearly unmatched in the industry. You may have heard rumors of a pending price increase, but, at the time of writing this article, they are still offering a standard plan (one standard HD stream at a time) for just $8.99/month. That’s less than a single movie ticket at many places, and it gives you access to thousands of movies and TV shows. If you’re willing to sacrifice the standard definition stream in exchange for multiple simultaneous streams, the “standard” plan jumps up to $9.99/month. If you want 4K HDR streaming and Dolby Atmos sound, you’ll have to pay $11.99/month.
Amazon Prime Video
If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you’re already familiar with this video-streaming app. An Amazon Prime subscription also gives you access to a ton of video content, including exclusive TV shows and movies, as well as a large selection of free e-books and magazines. You can stream content from Prime Video to your PC, smartphone, smart TV, or Fire TV device. When you use the Prime Video app, you can watch thousands of movies and TV shows, plus stream music, and listen to audiobooks. You can also download videos to watch later when you don’t have an internet connection. A Prime Video subscription costs $12.99 per month or $119 annually.
Upstream
If you like to watch foreign films and TV shows with subtitles, Upstream is a great choice. This service specializes in streaming subtitled content from all over the world, including a variety of films and TV shows from Asia, Europe, and Latin America. You can stream content from this app on your PC or laptop, smartphone, or smart TV. A basic subscription costs $8.99 per month, or $89.99 per year. You can also upgrade to the premium plan for $15.99 per month, which gives you access to an unlimited number of shows. Upstream also has a free plan, which limits you to one episode of a TV show per day. The free plan is great for sampling the service and seeing if it’s right for you.
HBO Now
HBO Now is the video streaming app from the network that brought you Game of Thrones, Westworld, and other must-see programming. This app is only available to people who subscribe to HBO through a cable or satellite TV provider, or people who pay for an HBO Now subscription directly. While this may seem like a big drawback, it actually makes HBO Now one of the cheapest streaming services available. You can stream HBO Now to your PC, smartphone, or smart TV. If you want to watch on a tablet or laptop, you’ll need to be connected to a TV or monitor via an HDMI cable or an Apple TV or Roku device running the HBO Now app. You can subscribe to HBO Now for $14.99 per month, $99 per year, or $9.99 per month if you have an HBO Go account.
Disney Movies Anywhere
Disney Movies Anywhere is a great video streaming app for families. It’s a free video-streaming app that you can use to watch Disney, Pixar, and Marvel content (including Disney classics). You can also use Disney Movies Anywhere to access content from iTunes and Vudu video-streaming services. This app is available for iOS, Android, and Amazon devices, as well as for Apple TV, Roku, and select Smart TVs.
Google Play Movies and TV
Google’s video streaming app lets you stream thousands of movies and TV shows from a wide variety of networks and genres, including originals like Cobra Kai (Cobra Kai is a sequel to The Karate Kid). This is one of the best video streaming apps if you’re a fan of Anime. You can stream content from Google Play Movies and TV on your PC, smartphone, or smart TV. You can also download videos to watch offline on your phone or tablet. If you want to watch on your TV, you can use a Chromecast device. A Google Play Movies and TV subscription costs $9.99 per month.
Bottom Line
There’s a lot of great content to be discovered on video streaming apps. If you’re looking for a way to cut the cord and save money, these apps are a great way to go. You can still enjoy plenty of quality content without paying for a cable or satellite subscription. However, keep in mind that most of these apps require a subscription fee, so you’ll want to make sure you can live without the content available through your cable subscription before making any changes.