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Streaming services have completely revolutionised how we consume film and TV. Netflix is one of the most subscribed to streaming platforms worldwide, boasting over 220 million subscribers. But even for the likes of Netflix, competition is rife, with more and more new streamers entering the market. Disney+ for example, which launched in November 2019 in the US, and reached the UK in March 2020, has already amassed almost 130 million subscribers around the globe.<\/p>\n
The term \u2018streaming wars\u2019 has been coined to acknowledge this fierce competition between platforms. And with so much choice, but the likelihood that our favourite shows and films are spread across multiple services which each coming with its own cost, how do we begin to choose?<\/p>\n
After years of expertise rating and reviewing the latest films and TV shows, RadioTimes.com<\/a> knows a thing or two about streaming. In this guide, you\u2019ll find everything you need to know when choosing the best streaming service for you. We break down all the platforms available in the UK and compare their prices, features, content and more, so you can confidently decide which to sign up to.<\/p>\n Jump to:<\/strong><\/p>\n Currently, the list of major UK streaming services includes:<\/p>\n There\u2019s no easy answer to what is the best streaming service because it really depends on what your taste is in film and TV, what features are most important to you, and of course, how much you\u2019re willing to pay.<\/p>\n If you were to really boil it down, and again, it\u2019s rarely that simple, we\u2019d note:<\/p>\n In terms of sheer content, it\u2019s hard to compete with Netflix which outputs an incredible amount of original film and TV each month, on top of a decreasing but still impressive back catalogue. It\u2019s fair to say that with this much content the quality can be a bit of a mixed bag, but every now and then a huge word-of-mouth hit such as Stranger Things or The Crown will land on the service, while a few of their films have become legitimate contenders at the Oscars.<\/p>\n However, with Netflix losing much of their licensed back catalogue, franchise fans may well be better off heading to Disney Plus<\/a>. The streaming service includes the very best of Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel, and will be the only place to see many of the spin-off shows from each of those universes. The addition of Star also means there\u2019s plenty more mature content also, including hit new US imports and classic films from Disney-owned studios such as 20th Century Fox.<\/p>\n For those who prefer more of a range, however, it\u2019s hard to deny NOW\u2019s catalogue. It may be one of the more expensive options, but you do get a premium service \u2013 it\u2019s the first platform you\u2019ll find most films after their cinema release, and it\u2019s the only place to find prestige HBO shows and Sky Originals without a TV contract. The option of Hayu<\/a> and Sport is an added bonus, and you can sign up for either TV shows or films without having to pay for the other.<\/p>\n However if budget is very much an issue, Amazon Prime Video<\/a> is by far one of the best value streaming services out there. It\u2019s up there with Netflix with a steady stream of hit original films and shows, but also allows you to buy or rent content that is not included in the service. If you opt for the full Prime package rather than just the standalone streaming service, you also get free next day delivery, and access to Amazon Music, Prime Reading, Amazon Photos, exclusive deals and gaming benefits. Phew!<\/p>\n Apple TV+ is another great budget option, and as the cheapest streamer out there may well make an excellent choice for a second service. Apple TV+ had some teething problems with a star-studded but sparse library at first, but their catalogue is steadily growing and Ted Lasso is their first bonafide sensation \u2013 and with several Hollywood A-listers partnered with the service it is likely there will be many more.<\/p>\n And, it\u2019s also worth mentioning again that these aren\u2019t the only streaming services on offer. For those after sport, you\u2019ve also got DAZN<\/a>. When it comes to classic boxsets, there is BritBox and Hayu<\/a> has mountains of reality TV shows on offer.<\/p>\n Read on for much more detail on each streaming provider. Or, if you\u2019re ready to commit, here\u2019s where to sign up:<\/p>\n While all five are streaming services requiring paid subscriptions, each platform can vary considerably \u2013 so we\u2019ve made this comparison table for an overview of key features such as price and free trials. Streaming services will only allow you to stream on a certain number of devices at once \u2013 so families, in particular, will want to take note of the maximum number of screens the service will support simultaneously.<\/p>\n Below, you\u2019ll find more information on each key streaming service.<\/p>\nWhich streaming services are available in the UK?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What is the best streaming service in the UK?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Best UK streaming service comparison<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\ufeffStreaming Platform<\/th> Monthly starting price<\/th> Annual starting price<\/th> Free trial<\/th> Simultaneous streams<\/th> Maximum Resolution<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Netflix<\/td> \u00a36.99<\/td> \u00a383.88<\/td> No<\/td> Up to 4 (with Premium)<\/td> 4K+HDR (with Premium)<\/td> <\/tr> NOW<\/td> \u00a39.99<\/td> \u00a3119.88<\/td> Yes<\/td> Up to 3 (with NOW Boost)<\/td> Full HD (with NOW Boost)<\/td> <\/tr> Amazon Prime<\/td> \u00a35.99<\/td> \u00a371.88<\/td> Yes<\/td> 3<\/td> 4K<\/td> <\/tr> Apple TV+<\/td> \u00a34.99<\/td> \u00a359.88<\/td> Yes<\/td> 6<\/td> 4K<\/td> <\/tr> Disney+<\/td> \u00a37.99<\/td> \u00a379.90<\/td> No<\/td> 4<\/td> 4K<\/td> <\/tr> Hayu<\/td> \u00a34.99<\/td> \u00a343.99<\/td> Yes<\/td> 1<\/td> HD<\/td> <\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>