The best streaming services in 2026: How to choose between Netflix, Prime and Disney+
We compare Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video and more to help you find your perfect streaming match.
Streaming has never been bigger – or more confusing. In the years since Netflix first revolutionised how we consume film and TV, a whole host of rival platforms have launched to the point that it can now be difficult to know where to begin.
The latest to join the fray for UK viewers is HBO Max. The service – which launched across the Atlantic way back in 2020 – has finally arrived on these shores, bringing with it a wealth of prestige TV including award-winning medical drama The Pitt.
It joins services such as Disney+ – which arrived for UK audiences in March 2020 – and Apple TV, which has amassed a highly impressive catalogue of original films and shows in a relatively short time span, so there really is a wealth of options.
But which is the best of the bunch? To answer that question, we’ve tested and compared the top streaming services available in the UK, breaking down price, the best shows and what kind of TV fan each one’s is suited to.
With the help of our comprehensive guide below, you'll be far better qualified to select the ideal streamer for you and your family's viewing needs.
Which streaming services are available in the UK?
- Acorn TV: Cosy crime and British mysteries
- Amazon Prime Video: Budget-friendly all-rounder
- Apple TV: Big-budget dramas and kids' shows
- BBC iPlayer: All the best shows from the BBC catalogue
- BFI Player: A varied selection of quality independent films
- DAZN: Sports and boxing fans
- Discovery+: Documentaries and factual programming
- Disney+: Families and Marvel and Star Wars lovers
- Hayu: Reality TV fanatics
- HBO Max: The most talked about American dramas
- ITVX: Bingers of British box sets
- Mubi: International and arthouse cinema gems
- Netflix: Binge-watchers, film lovers and fans of original content
- NOW: Prestige TV from Sky and those wanting blockbuster movies
- Paramount+: Genre shows and classic films from the Paramount library
Acorn TV
Best for fans of cosy crime shows
Acorn TV first launched in the UK back in 2020 and since then has housed a wide range of classic British box sets – with a particularly good selection of cosy crime titles.
In addition to a range of original programming – including Agatha Raisin and The Madame Blanc Mysteries (which it made in conjunction with Channel 5) it also hosts some classic series from other channels, including BBC dramas such as Line of Duty.
And it's not just UK shows: there are also dramas from Australia, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand.
- Price: £4.99 per month or £49.99 annually
- Free trial: Yes – there is a 14 day free trial option
- Max resolution: 1080p
- Streams: Up to 4
- Must-watch: The Madame Blanc Mysteries, Agatha Raisin, Dalgliesh, Line of Duty, Foyle's War
Radio Times says: This is a relatively cheap option if you're after some crime series or classic dramas – but its library is perhaps not quite as deep, varied or splashy as many of its competitors.
Amazon Prime Video
Best for those looking for value on a budget
- Price: £8.99 per month or £95 annually (with half-price option available for students)
- Free trial: Yes – there is a 30 day free trial option
- Max resolution: 4k
- Streams: Up to 3
Prime Video is a great option if you're looking for a streamer that's relatively low budget – with the £95 yearly cost also including membership to Amazon Prime, with all the usual perks including next day delivery.
Although it perhaps lags behind some of the other streamers when it comes to the overall quality of its original programming, the platform nonetheless has some major hits – including The Boys and Fallout – and has also kept viewers happy with a range of highly successful young adult fare, including the mega-popular The Summer I Turned Pretty
It's also worth mentioning that it hosts possibly the best library of older films of any of the major platforms, while there is also the option to pay an extra monthly fee to sign up to a number of bonus channels – including Mubi, Shudder and BFI Player.
- Must-watch: The Boys, The Marvellous Mrs Maisel, Fallout, The Girlfriend, Invincible
Radio Times says: Prime Video boasts an excellent and varied selection which – coupled with its comparatively low price and added benefits – makes it the best option for those on a budget.
Apple TV
Best for consistently quality original programming
- Price: £9.99 per month
- Free trial: Yes – there is a 7 day free trial option
- Max resolution: 4k
- Streams: Up to 6
Generally speaking, Apple TV has adopted a mantra of quality over quantity, focusing on star-studded big-budget originals with exceptional production values rather than acquiring a back catalogue of older shows.
Launching with major shows such as The Morning Show and For All Mankind, the library has gone on to add everything from hard-hitting dramas and experimental comedies to intelligent sci-fi and riveting spy thrillers – alongside a growing range of documentaries, almost always with a household name attached either in front of or behind the camera.
Meanwhile, the streamer has also thrown its weight behind some of the world's most prominent filmmakers to fund their latest features, with movies such as Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon, Ridley Scott's Napoleon and Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest all available on the streamer.
- Must-watch: Slow Horses, Severance, Bad Sisters, Silo, The Studio
Radio Times says: Although there have been a few misfires, Apple TV maintains a remarkable consistency when it comes to the quality of its original programming – making it a great pick for fans of prestige TV.
BBC iPlayer
Best for those looking to dip into the BBC archives
- Price: Free
- Free trial: n/a
- Max resolution: 1080p
- Streams: No limit
This streaming service will need no introduction to most TV and film fans in the UK: since it's initial launch all the way back in 2007 – well before streaming was really in the zeitgeist – it has been the home for all the best shows broadcast on the BBC.
Although it was initially only a catch-up service that allowed viewers to watch shows they'd missed for a limited window after their initial broadcast, it has evolved into a streaming platform to rival the likes of Netflix – with a huge range of boxsets from the archives alongside all the latest hit BBC shows, some of which launch on the service before their linear debut.
Meanwhile, another over overlooked aspect of the platform is its film library. In addition to a permanent collection of classics, there's also a great revolving list of movies that have recently aired on TV – comprising both recent hits and all-time greats.
- Must-watch: Industry, Small Prophets, The Night Manager, The Capture, Waiting for the Out, The Traitors
Radio Times says: iPlayer has done a great job of keeping up with the streaming landscape – and offers a truly great selection of film and TV at no cost for licence fee payers.
BFI Player
Best for those looking to discover cinematic masterpieces
- Price: £6.99 per month or £65 annually (also available as a Prime Video add-on channel for £4.99 a month)
- Free trial: Yes – there is a 14 day free trial option
- Max resolution:4k
- Streams: 1
If you're a cinephile then BFI Player is one of the best options out there. Not only does it house many of the finest British independent films of all time, but the library also includes great options from across. the globe – both acclaimed new releases and classics from yesteryear, many of which are ripe for rediscovery.
The selection is also constantly being refreshed, and there's a real feel of curation here: the titles ate hand-picked for the platform in a more deliberate way than is the case for many other streaming platforms.
- Must watch: If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, Memories of Murder, La Haine, Paris Texas, Seven Samurai
Radio Times says: If you're big on films – especially when it comes to discovering acclaimed but often left-field and under-the-radar gems – this platform is basically a dream.
DAZN
Best for those looking to catch must-watch sporting events – especially boxing
- Price: £7.99 a month
- Free trial: Yes – there is a 7 day free trial option
- Max resolution: 1080p HD
- Streams: Up to 2
While the likes of Netflix and Prime Video are known to all, this streamer is less of a household name – and is definitely more of a niche addition to the market.
The platform is devoted entirely to showcasing high quality sporting action both live and on demand, with a huge range of options including everything from American Football to Cycling and everything in between, as well as a host of high profile boxing bouts.
- Must-watch: Live boxing
Radio Times says: This is a specialist option which will only be of interest to sports fans – but if you're big on boxing it's a must.
Discovery+
Best for documentary lovers and factual TV fans
- Price: £3.99 a month (also available as a Prime Video add-on)
- Free trial: No
- Max resolution: 4k
- Streams: Up to 2
Although no longer the streaming home to TNT Sports – which has moved to HBO Max following the latter's launch in the UK – this is still a decent option if you're a fan of factual programming and documentaries.
That includes everything from nature and science documentaries to more reality-orientated fare, in addition to a large stock of true crime and even paranormal shows – although you won't find too much in the way of high-brow content.
- Must-watch: Neighbourhood Watch, American Monster, Evil Lies Here, Gold Rush, 90 Day fiancé
Radio Times says: It's relatively cheap, but for the most part the Discovery collection is fairly lacking in quality when compared to many of its competitors.
Disney+
Best for those with kids and fans of major franchises
- Price: £5.99 for Disney+ Standard with Ads, £9.99 for Disney+ Standard, £14.99 for Disney+ Premium – also available with a Sky TV subscription (as Standard with ads)
- Free trial: No
- Max resolution: 4k for Premium subscribers, 1080p HD for Standard
- Streams: Up to 4 for Premium subscribers, up to 2 for Standard
Of course, it's no secret that Disney+ is a treasure trove for fans of big franchises, housing a huge catalogue of Marvel and Star Wars content in addition to a number of animated gems from Pixar and Disney Classics. It's that combination that makes it arguably the best option for those looking to keep their kids happy.
But it's more than just the franchises. Given streamer's takeover of 20th Century Fox, there are a whole host of excellent films on the platform, while there's also plenty of original programming and some top shows that initially aired on Hulu for US viewers.
- Must-watch: Star Wars and Marvel, The Bear, Only Murders in the Building, Alien: Earth
Radio Times says: If you've got kids and don't mind spending a little extra, this option is hard to resist – and even for older audiences, there is a huge selection to choose from.
Hayu
Best for reality TV obsessives
- Price: £4.99 per month, £23.99 for 6 months or £43.99 for 12 months
- Free trial: Yes – there is a 7 day free trial option
- Max resolution: 1080p
- Streams: One
If you're a lover of reality TV, chances are you're already familiar with Hayu – but if this is your first time hearing of it, it could well be the option for you. Since its UK launch in 2016, it's become the only streamer devoted entirely to reality TV and there really are a wealth of programmes waiting for you if that's your thing.
Most of the shows are acquisitions rather than originals – with the likes of Below Deck and Vanderpump Rules notable examples – but earlier this year, the platform did launch its first ever original commission: The Real Housewives of London. Could that be the first of many?
- Must-watch: The Real Housewives, Vanderpump Rules, Below Deck
Radio Times says: A must-have if you're a reality TV obsessive, but otherwise probably one to avoid.
Sign up to Hayu via Amazon Prime Video
HBO Max
Best for fans of big-budget American TV
- Price: £5.99 for Standard with Ads, £9.99 for Standard, £14.99 for Disney+ Premium – also available with a Sky TV subscription (as Standard with ads)
- Free trial: No
- Max resolution: 4k for Premium subscribers, 1080p HD for Standard
- Streams: Up to 4 for Premium subscribers, up to 2 for Standard
Finally arriving in the UK in March 2026 – almost six years on from its's launch across the Pond – HBO Max is the streaming home for all the US network's biggest shows in addition to a number of original series and a wealth of major movies.
It means that UK viewers can finally catch up on hit US shows such as The Pitt which had previously been unavailable on these shores, while there's lots to look forward to on the platform as well – with much hope being placed by the network in its upcoming Harry Potter TV adaptation.
It also allows subscribers to watch TNT sports – although there is a premium rate for this.
- Must-watch: The Pitt, Rooster, The Comeback, Neighbors
Radio Times says: If you want to see what all the fuss is about regarding big US shows, this is the one for you.
ITVX
Best for lovers of British TV
- Price: £5.99 per month or £59.99 per year
- Free trial: No
- Max resolution: 1080p HD
- Streams: Up to 4
You're probably already familiar with the ad-supported free tier of ITVX, which gives audiences to catch-up with all the latest shows broadcast on ITV and some from the archive – but the streamer also has a premium offering, which is one of the cheaper options on the market.
As well as allowing subscribers to watch all the content on the regular ITVX without suffering the annoyance of ad breaks, there is also a wealth of material not otherwise available including a huge volume of iconic British box sets from BritBox and an interesting and varied selection of films.
- Must-watch: Sanditon, Life on Mars, The Vicar of Dibley, Absolutely Fabulous
Radio Times says: If you like your TV classic and homegrown – and without ads – this is a great option, for a relatively small monthly fee.
Mubi
Best for fans of international cinema
If you're into arthouse film, you'll no doubt have come across Mubi – which has developed an excellent reputation as the go-to place for more left-field picks in the last decade or so.
Originally it operated a "film of the day" system, where one new film would be added every day and stay in the library for 30 days, but it has since moved to a more traditional library system, including several films that it has itself distributed in cinemas.
The library is hugely varied, with several seasons every year centred on particular directors or themes, while the slightly more expensive Mubi Go option gives subscribers the chance to see one hand-picked film in cinemas every week at no extra cost.
- Price: £11.99 per month or £18.99 per month for Mubi Go (which comes with a cinema ticket every week)
- Free trial: Yes – there is a 7 day free trial option
- Max resolution: 4k
- Streams: Up to 2
Radio Times says: If you're a cinephile or getting into international and arthouse film in a big way, this is a tremendous resource – and the Mubi Go option is an especially good option if you're looking at keeping up with acclaimed new releases.
- Must-watch: Sentimental Value, Twin Peaks, No Other Choice, The Apartment, Aftersun
Netflix
Best for binge-watchers and original hits
Best for those looking for value on a budget.
- Price: £5.99 per month for Standard with ads, £12.99 per month for Standard, £18.99 per month for Premium
- Free trial: No
- Max resolution: 4k for Premium subscribers, 1080p HD for Standard
- Streams: Up to 4 for Premium, up to 2 for Standard
The streamer that needs no introduction – and the one that started it all. Netflix produces a wealth of original content – in terms of both films and TV shows – and while perhaps the focus could be said to have shifted towards quantity over quality, there are still some very high highs in the original library.
If you want to join in the latest watercooler conversations, this is still probably the one to gravitate towards, with its popularity still dwarfing that of its rivals in relative terms – even as the monthly cost has soared.
Meanwhile, a significant catalogue of non-original TV shows and films pads out the platform’s library, so you'll never have a lack of options for your next binge-watch or upcoming movie night.
- Must-watch: Stranger Things, Bridgerton, Squid Game, The Crown
Radio Times says: Netflix remains unbeatable for quantity and global hits, though it comes at a premium price.
NOW
Best for Sky original dramas
- Price: £9.99 per month for Entertainment Pass and £9.99 per Cinema Pass
- Free trial: Yes – there is a 7 day free trial option
- Max resolution: 720p HD (Full 1080p HD with NOW Boost for an extra £5 a month)
- Streams: 1 (3 with NOW Boost for an extra £5 a month)
NOW is an excellent place to catch the latest dramas from Sky, while it also broadcasts a number of glossy exclusive shows across a range of genres.
If you’re a film fan keen to watch the latest blockbusters soon after they leave the cinema, this might also be the service for you. The films included with a Sky Cinema pass frequently include some of the biggest recent hits, and there’s a decent selection of classics as well.
One downside is that, unlike most streamers, you have to pay separately for the TV and Movie options – it's not all one package.
- Must-watch: Game of Thrones, Succession, Euphoria, The White Lotus and The Last of Us.
Radio Times says: A more premium offering, but NOW is a great option if you want to enjoy the best of Sky TV and some of the latest blockbuster films.
Paramount+
Best for those looking to keep up with Taylor Sheridan shows
- Price: £4.99 per month for Basic with ads, £6.99 per month for Standard, £10.99 per month for Premium
- Free trial: Yes – there is a 7 day free trial option
- Max resolution: 4k
- Streams: Up to 4 (on Premium)
Since launching in the UK in 2022, Paramount's own streaming service hasn't quite taken off to the same extent as most of its competitors – but it still features a pretty decent catalogue of films from the studio's archive in addition to brand new original content.
Meanwhile it's also the only way for UK fans to keep up to date with Taylor Sheridan's highly popular stable of US dramas, so if you're a fan of Yellowstone and all, this one is a must.
- Must-watch: Yellowstone, Yellowjackets, South Park, Dexter, Landman
Radio Times says: Paramount's current slate is not as deep – or perhaps as prestigious – as some of its competitors, but it's worthwhile if you're a fan of the growing slate of hugely popular US dramas from Taylor Sheridan.
Editor’s Choice
So, what is our overall verdict, then? With various factors taken into consideration, we've come to the below conclusion:
Best overall value: Prime Video
Best originals: Apple TV for TV, Mubi for film
Best for families: Disney+
Best budget pick: Prime Video
Best prestige TV: HBO Max
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Check out our best movies on Netflix, best Netflix comedies and best Netflix horror movies.
Take a look at our best Disney Plus shows guide or best Disney Plus movies.
Here are all the best series on Apple TV and best Apple TV movies.
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Authors
Patrick Cremona is the Senior Film Writer at Radio Times, and looks after all the latest film releases both in cinemas and on streaming. He has been with the website since October 2019, and in that time has interviewed a host of big name stars and reviewed a diverse range of movies.
