Streaming services cost comparison — cheapest plans, best value picks (2026)

Prices checked on Feb 16, 2026. This streaming services cost comparison shows current U.S. plan Pricing, common bundles, and practical tactics to cut your monthly bill. If you want the best streaming value 2026, this guide walks through plan-by-plan math, use-case recommendations (casual viewer, family, sports fan, cord-cutter), a cost calculator example, and a sortable comparison table you can use to compare streaming service prices quickly.

Executive summary — what you need to know now

Streaming prices rose steadily through 2022–2025. By early 2026 most major services offer multiple tiers (ad-supported, ad-free, premium/4K) and new live-TV bundle options. Consumers react with subscription fatigue, stacking fewer paid services, using cheaper ad tiers, and rotating subscriptions across the year.

Key takeaways:

• Use the ad-supported tiers where content quality and ads are acceptable — ad tiers usually cost 40–60% less than ad-free plans.
• Bundles (Disney+/Hulu, Amazon Prime, telco bundles) still deliver the biggest immediate savings for multi-service households.
• Live-TV pricing is fragmenting: YouTube TV is offering genre-based packages, and budget live options (Philo, Sling) remain cheaper than full MVPD replacements.
• Average subscribing households still pay for roughly four paid services; that average monthly SVOD spend rose to About $69/month for four paid services in 2025 data (Deloitte).

This article provides a transparent streaming plan cost comparison, explains hidden fees and add-on costs, and gives step-by-step savings tactics.

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Quick summary: cheapest options by use case (Feb 16, 2026)

• Cheapest live-TV-style replacement (lowest monthly spend for entertainment channel bundles): Philo Core ≈ $33/mo for general entertainment (no live sports, no local channels).
• Cheapest ad-supported mainstream: Netflix ad-supported ≈ $7.99/mo; Prime Video standalone ≈ $8.99/mo.
• Cheapest ad-free mainstream: Apple TV+ ≈ $12.99/mo (annual option $99/yr remains attractive for heavy users).
• Best family value: Disney+ / Hulu bundle (Duo with ads) around $12.99–$13.99/mo for large family libraries and kids’ content.
• Best for sports fans (value): fubo or a YouTube TV sports package depending on channels needed — expect higher spend; look for genre-based bundles to reduce cost.
• Best live-TV budget: Sling (skinny tiers) or Philo for entertainment-only households; YouTube TV for customization if you need local channels and broad sports coverage.

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Pricing snapshot — headline figures (U.S. pricing, checked Feb 16, 2026)

Note: prices listed below reflect public reporting and company pages; verify at checkout because regional taxes, promotions, carrier bundles, and partner billing can change final cost. Prices current as of Feb 16, 2026.

• Netflix (US): ad-supported ≈ $7.99/mo; ad-free standard ≈ $17.99/mo; premium 4K ≈ $24.99/mo. (Netflix plans page)
• Disney+ / Hulu bundles: Duo (Disney+ + Hulu with ads) commonly promoted near $12.99–$13.99/mo; ad-free bundle options near $19.99/mo (bundle pages, early 2026).
• Amazon Prime: Prime membership (includes Prime Video) $14.99/mo or $139/yr; Prime Video standalone ≈ $8.99/mo.
• Max (HBO/Max): entry/ad tier commonly around $9–$11/mo; premium tiers in high teens/20s depending on add-ons.
• Paramount+: Essential/ad tier ≈ $8.99/mo; Premium/ad-free + SHOWTIME ≈ $13.99/mo (price changes effective Jan 2026).
• Peacock: Premium (ad-supported) ≈ $10.99/mo; Premium Plus (largely ad-free) ≈ $16.99/mo.
• Apple TV+: $12.99/mo (price increased Aug 2025; annual $99 option persists).
• YouTube TV / Live-TV: traditional base historically ~$82–83/mo; early 2026 saw genre-based packages introduced (e.g., sports package publicized at $64.99/mo) — expect changing options.
• Sling / Philo / fubo: Philo Core ≈ $33/mo; Sling offers Orange/Blue/combined tiers and lower-cost skinny options; fubo targets sports with higher price points.

(Prices checked Feb 16, 2026; always confirm on provider pages before purchase.)

Sources for prices: Netflix, Disney+/Hulu, Amazon, Max, Paramount+, Peacock, Apple TV+, YouTube TV, Sling, Philo, fubo. See sources list below.

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Comparison table — streaming plan cost comparison (last checked Feb 16, 2026)

| Service | Lowest plan (ads) | Ad-free plan | Premium/4K | Simultaneous streams | Live sports? | Free trial? | Notes |

|---|---:|---:|---:|---:|---:|---:|---|

| Netflix | $7.99 | $17.99 (standard) | $24.99 (premium) | 1–4 depending on plan | Limited | No | Extra-member fees & password-sharing restrictions vary |

| Disney+ / Hulu (Duo) | Duo w/ ads ≈ $12.99–$13.99 | Ad-free bundle ≈ $19.99 | N/A | Varies by service (Hulu/Disney rules) | Select sports (ESPN add-ons) | Sometimes promos | Strong family/kids catalog; promos common |

| Amazon Prime / Prime Video | Prime Video standalone $8.99 | Included with Prime $14.99/mo | Prime supports 4K on many titles | 3 streams (varies) | Some live sports add-ons | Prime trial occasionally | Prime membership bundles shopping, shipping, music |

| Max | ≈ $9–$11 | High teens–$20s | 4K add-on options | 1–3 | Select sports/events | Rare | HBO library + Max originals |

| Paramount+ | $8.99 | $13.99 (with SHOWTIME) | N/A | 2–3 | Some sports (NFL, local) | Occasionally | Includes SHOWTIME at premium tier |

| Peacock | $10.99 | $16.99 | N/A | 3 | Some sports (Peacock streams NBC sports) | Limited | Sports & late-night catalog mixed |

| Apple TV+ | N/A | $12.99 | 4K content included | 6 (Family Sharing) | No | Occasional promos | Small, high-quality exclusive catalog |

| YouTube TV (Live) | Genre packages (e.g., sports $64.99) | N/A | N/A | Depends on package | Yes (strong) | No | New modular packages in 2026; local channels strong |

| Philo | $33 | N/A | N/A | 3 | No | No | Budget entertainment-focused service |

| Sling | Lower-cost skinny options | $~(varies) | N/A | 1–4 | Add-on sports packages | Sometimes | Flexible channel add-ons |

| fubo | Varies (sports focus) | N/A | N/A | Varies | Strong sports | Rare | Higher price for sports-centric viewers |

Prices checked Feb 16, 2026. Regional taxes, promotions, carrier/partner bundles, and in-app billing can change final cost.

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How to compare: what Features change the math

When you compare streaming service prices, the headline monthly fee is only the starting point. These variables commonly change the effective cost:

• Ads vs ad-free: Ad tiers are often 40–60% cheaper. If you watch 5+ hours/week of a service, ads may become painful — factor the time cost.
• Simultaneous streams & household needs: A cheaper tier that only allows one stream can force families to buy higher plans.
• 4K/HDR availability: Premium tiers add $3–10+/mo on many services for 4K; if you own a 4K TV and want premium picture, include this cost.
• Offline downloads: Not always included on the cheapest tiers.
• Live sports, local channels & channel add-ons: Live TV and premium sports add substantial fees (e.g., SHOWTIME, sports networks).
• Device & billing fees: In-app purchases (Apple App Store, Google Play) sometimes add extra charges; Roku/third-party billing can adjust prices.
• Bundles and carrier discounts: Carrier or retail bundles may reduce or eliminate fees (e.g., Amazon Prime with some ISPs or mobile carriers).

Hidden costs to watch for

• Taxes and fees: Many states charge sales tax on digital services.
• Partner billing adjustments: Carrier discounts, telco bundles, or promotions may impose time limits.
• Add-ons: Premium channels (SHOWTIME, Starz, sports networks) significantly raise monthly totals.
• Account sharing restrictions: New paid-sharing policies or extra-member fees (Netflix and others) can add costs to multi-household usage.

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Bundles & promos — when they actually save you money (and when they don’t)

Bundles are powerful but not universally saving: evaluate based on overlap with what you actually watch.

When bundles help:

• You want multiple catalogues: Families who need Disney kids content + general TV/films benefit from Disney+ / Hulu bundles.
• You already have Prime benefits: If you buy Prime for shipping, Prime Video is effectively bundled.
• Carrier bundles: Free or discounted service as part of a mobile or ISP plan reduces marginal cost.

When bundles don’t help:

• You don’t watch one of the services often: Bundles increase sunk cost for services you rarely use.
• Promo periods expire: Introductory pricing can spike after the promo; include renewal prices in your calculation.

Example: A family paying separately for Disney+ ($10.99), Hulu with ads ($7.99), and ESPN+ ($9.99) could pay near $28/mo; a Duo bundle plus ESPN add-on may cut total cost if bundle pricing is promoted.

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Step-by-step cost-savings plan — practical tactics

1. Audit your viewing: List what you watch weekly (to justify each service). Prioritize services you use 2+ hours/week.
2. Choose ad-supported where tolerable: For background viewing or casual shows, ad tiers can drop cost 40–60%.
3. Rotate subscriptions seasonally: Subscribe to Disney+ for a month to binge a library, then cancel and pick up Netflix later.
4. Use family sharing legally: Apple TV+ allows Family Sharing (up to 6 users); check each service for household rules.
5. Check bundles & promos before renewing: Telco and retailer bundles can reduce effective monthly cost.
6. Lean on free trials and promo windows: Use a trial or promo month to watch must-see releases; track trial end dates.
7. Pick a budget live-TV alternative for light sports: Sling/Philo for lighter needs; rotate into YouTube TV or fubo for peak sports seasons.
8. Watch for price increases and plan switches: Services occasionally change tiers and add fees (e.g., extra-member charges); re-evaluate annually.

Concrete example (savings):

• Scenario A (4 premium services kept year-round): Netflix ad-free $17.99 + Disney ad-free bundle share $19.99/2 + Max $17 + Paramount+ $13.99 = ~ $59/month per adult in a two-adult household (split shared access). Annual = $708.
• Scenario B (rotating + ad tiers): Netflix ad $7.99 (active 6 months), Disney Duo w/ ads $12.99 (active 12 months), Philo $33 (3 months), Apple TV+ $12.99 (active 12 months) = weighted average ≈ $34–40/mo depending on rotation — potentially 30–50% savings vs keeping all four year-round.

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Build-your-stack calculator (example + formula)

Below is a simple manual calculator you can use. For an interactive widget on your site, allow checkboxes for each service and compute monthly & annual totals.

Calculator formula:

• Monthly total = sum(monthly price for each selected service)
• Annual total = monthly total * 12 (adjust for seasonal rotation)
• Effective monthly if rotating = (sum of each service monthly cost × months active) / 12

Sample stacks (monthly / annual):

1. Casual Viewer Stack
2. Netflix (ad) $7.99 + Prime Video standalone $8.99 + Peacock Premium $10.99 = $27.97/mo → $335.64/yr
3. Family Stack
4. Disney+ / Hulu Duo w/ ads $12.99 + Netflix standard $17.99 + Apple TV+ $12.99 = $43.97/mo → $527.64/yr
5. Cord-Cutter Live Stack (sports-light)
6. Philo $33 + Paramount+ $8.99 + Peacock $10.99 = $52.98/mo → $635.76/yr
7. Sports Fan Stack
8. YouTube TV sports package $64.99 + Max $17 + Prime Video $8.99 = $90.98/mo → $1,091.76/yr

Use the formula above to plug in your local or promotional prices. The calculator makes clear where you can trim a plan (e.g., swapping Netflix ad tier saves ~$10/mo vs ad-free standard).

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Expert data & context (market trends and consumer behavior)

• Deloitte’s Digital Media Trends survey (2025) shows the average paying household subscribes to roughly four paid streaming services and reported average monthly SVOD spend near $69 for those four services. Many consumers report subscription fatigue and are selective about new sign-ups (Deloitte).
• Industry reports from Parks Associates and other analysts document rising churn as consumers manage a stacking ceiling — households often rotate services rather than maintain large stacks year-round.
• Ad-supported tiers are a major industry shift in 2023–2026. Most large streamers now offer cheaper ad-supported tiers, typically cutting price by 40–60% versus ad-free plans, aiming to retain price-sensitive customers and monetize via ad inventory.
• Live-TV unbundling: In early 2026, YouTube TV announced a move toward genre-based packages to let viewers tailor packages. The company said the goal is to let viewers pick smaller, interest-focused bundles instead of a single all-in plan (company communications and industry coverage).

(See sources listed below for Deloitte and industry reports.)

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Which streaming services cost less — quick verdicts by audience

• Lowest-cost casual entertainment: Netflix ad ($7.99) + Prime Video standalone ($8.99) = low barrier to entry for many viewers.
• Best cheap family value: Disney bundle Duo with ads ≈ $12.99–13.99/mo — strong kids content and mainstream TV.
• Best for bargain cord-cutters: Philo ($33/mo) for entertainment-only households; pair with Netflix ad tier for broad cataloging.
• Best for sports fans (value-per-channel): Evaluate fubo or YouTube TV sports package; sports viewers often pay a premium and should compare channel availability.

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How we compared (methodology)

• We compared publicly listed U.S. consumer plan prices and feature matrices as of Feb 16, 2026.
• We included: ad-supported/entry plans, ad-free mainstream plans, and premium/4K tiers where advertised.
• We excluded: very localized bundles, temporary promos not broadly available, and enterprise/educational offers.
• We noted the price variance from partner billing channels (Apple/Google/Roku) and recommended final verification at checkout.

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Pro Tips — smart moves the pros use to cut streaming costs

• Use ad tiers for background and casual viewing: Saves 40–60% on the monthly fee.
• Rotate rather than hoard: Subscribe to a service for 1–3 months around key releases, then cancel; keep 1–2 baseline services year-round.
• Pool legally with family plans: Use Family Sharing where permitted to avoid extra-member fees.
• Audit yearly: Mark calendar reminders for renewal or price increase dates.
• Check telco & retailer bundles first: A cell or ISP bundle can reduce net price more than chasing a promo.
• Avoid impulse add-ons: Specialty sports channels and premium movie add-ons quickly erode value.
• Use device-native discounts: Some manufacturers (Roku, Amazon Fire) have limited-time offers; verify the fine print.

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Comparison checklist before you buy

1. Confirm the price on the provider’s official page at purchase time (we checked Feb 16, 2026).
2. Check simultaneous stream limits against your household needs.
3. Verify regional taxes and billing partners (Apple/Google/Roku can add fees).
4. Confirm whether offline downloads and 4K are included.
5. Review cancellation, pause, and reactivation policies if you plan to rotate.

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Conversion & CRO recommendations (publisher notes)

• Place a dated price-check CTA next to each plan: “Check current price (last checked Feb 16, 2026).”
• Offer an email capture for price-drop alerts and an annual streaming saver checklist.
• Use an interactive build-your-stack widget and highlight bundle savings where applicable.

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10-question FAQ — streaming services cost comparison

1. Q: What is the cheapest streaming service in 2026?

A: The cheapest widely available cable-replacement for entertainment channels is often Philo (~$33/mo) for non-sports viewers. For general mainstream content, Netflix’s ad tier (~$7.99) or Prime Video standalone (~$8.99) are typically the lowest-cost entry points (prices checked Feb 16, 2026).

1. Q: Are ad-supported tiers worth it?

A: Yes for casual viewers or background watching. Ad tiers save 40–60% over ad-free plans but include commercial breaks. For heavy viewing, factor the time cost of ads.

1. Q: How much do households spend on streaming?

A: Deloitte’s Digital Media Trends survey (2025) showed average households with ~4 paid services spent about $69/month for those services. Your mileage may vary based on bundles and live-TV choices.

1. Q: Do bundles actually save money?

A: Often yes, if you will actively use all included services. Bundles can be a poor deal if you only use one or two components. Check renewal pricing after promos.

1. Q: What hidden fees should I watch for?

A: Sales taxes, partner billing surcharges (App Stores), add-on channels (SHOWTIME, sports packages), and extra-member fees for sharing can add to your bill.

1. Q: Is rotating subscriptions better than keeping them all year?

A: For many households, rotation reduces annual spend while still letting you catch must-see shows. It works best if you track releases and manage trial windows.

1. Q: Which services are best for families with kids?

A: Disney+ (and Disney+ / Hulu bundles) typically deliver the best family value thanks to kids’ libraries, parental controls, and bundled pricing.

1. Q: What live-TV alternatives are cheapest?

A: Sling and Philo provide low-cost channel packages. YouTube TV’s new genre packages can be cost-effective for viewers who need only sports or entertainment bundles.

1. Q: How do password-sharing policies affect cost?

A: Several services have implemented extra-member fees or restrictions; that can push households towards family plans or require paying for additional accounts.

1. Q: How often should I re-evaluate my streaming stack?

A: Re-evaluate at least annually and before major content seasons (e.g., fall premieres, sports seasons) or after known provider price changes.

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Closing recommendation — how to act today

1. Verify the exact price for services you currently pay on their official billing pages (prices change frequently; our data was checked Feb 16, 2026).
2. Identify 1–2 baseline services you’ll keep year-round and rotate the rest.
3. Use ad tiers and bundles to lower your effective monthly cost.
4. Sign up for price-drop alerts and check carrier/ISP bundles before renewing.

If you want a custom, exportable sheet or an embeddable stack-builder widget for your site (to convert readers), consider offering an email-gated interactive calculator that calculates monthly/annual totals and recommends the best bundle.

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Sources

• Deloitte, Digital Media Trends (overview) — https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/technology/digital-media-trends.html (Digital Media Trends survey, 2025)
• Netflix, Plan information — https://help.netflix.com/en/node/270
• Amazon Prime — https://www.amazon.com/amazonprime
• Prime Video — https://www.primevideo.com
• Disney+ / Hulu bundle info — https://www.hulu.com/plusdisneybundle
• Max (HBO/Max) — https://www.max.com
• Paramount+ plans — https://www.paramountplus.com/account/plans/
• Peacock plans — https://www.peacocktv.com/sign-up
• Apple TV+ — https://www.apple.com/apple-tv-plus/
• YouTube TV support/pricing — https://support.google.com/youtubetv/answer/3098513
• Philo — https://www.philo.com
• Sling TV — https://www.sling.com
• fuboTV — https://www.fubo.tv
• Parks Associates (industry reports) — https://www.parksassociates.com

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How we can help: If you want, we can convert this guide into an interactive "Build Your Stack" widget for usesubwise.app with affiliate link placeholders, a dated price check per provider, and an email capture flow for price-drop alerts.