Netflix stands out as one of the giants of TV streaming services, offering a comprehensive library of popular and exclusive content, including "Arcane" and "Stranger Things."
But if you or your loved ones have been locked out of your Netflix account due to the password sharing crackdown, or you're just looking for a different variety of shows, maybe it's time to switch things up. So, I created a list of Netflix alternatives that provide various add-ons, features, and diverse catalogs to help you find your next binge.
Our Best Netflix Alternatives at a Glance:
Hulu + Live TV - Best Netflix alternative overall
Sling TV - Best for customizable, local, and foreign live TV
Disney+ - Best for similar exclusive content and prices like Netflix
Starz - Best for convention-breaking shows and movies
Paramount+ - Best for affordable streaming plans
» Want more options? Check out our top picks for the best movie streaming services.
A Closer Look at the Best Netflix Alternatives in 2024
1. Hulu + Live TV - Best Netflix alternative overall
Bridging the gap between on-demand streaming and real-time entertainment
Best for - An all-in-one TV streaming service
Starting price - From $76.99/month
Free trial period - 30 days only on the basic plans without live TV
Hulu + Live TV is my best Netflix alternative because it truly diversifies my content viewing options. The base package bundles with Disney+ and ESPN+, so I get the benefit of live programming, ABC and CBS sports, and quality on-demand streaming. I can even add networks like Starz ($9.99/month) and Max ($15.99) to my subscription.
Unlike Netflix, Hulu includes multiple live TV channels—like CNN, Bravo, and Freeform—where I keep up with the latest news and entertainment. And I never have to worry about missing my favorite shows—I can watch them up to three days after they air.
What Makes Hulu + Live TV a Good Alternative to Netflix?
Although Netflix has a large catalog of thousands of shows and movies, Hulu + Live TV is an ideal Netflix alternative because of how much additional content is part of my subscription. I can access live TV, other streaming services, and original Hulu content, so I rarely feel like I ever need to switch services.
Pros
- Customizable add-ons
- No long-term contract
- It's bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+
Cons
- Bundle not available to T-Mobile customers
- Expensive
2. Sling TV
Best Netflix alternative for local and international live TV in multiple languages
Best for - Streaming live and on-demand content from abroad like a local
Starting price - From $0/month for "Freestream" plan
Free trial period - No trial
I prefer flexibility with my entertainment choices, and Sling TV provides that. I can customize my channel lineup to include entertainment, news, ESPN sports, and even international programming in over 20 languages. And with Sling TV's DVR cloud feature, I can save and watch up to 50 hours of live TV—and fast-forward through ads.
There's also an ad-supported "Freestream" plan, where I can instantly start watching live TV and on-demand content—without paying or signing up. So, if you're new to streaming and want to try out live TV before committing, then Sling TV may be the ideal place to start.
What Makes Sling TV a Good Alternative to Netflix?
While Netflix does have international movies and shows, their availability is restricted based on your location. So, Sling TV may be the perfect Netflix alternative if you want to watch live and on-demand TV from countries in Europe, South America, and Asia. It even offers a Latino-only package where you can catch up on local Mexican programming in Spanish.
Pros
- International TV channels
- Free, ad-supported plan available
- Many add-ons to choose from
Cons
- "Orange" plan doesn't allow simultaneous streams
- The interface isn't user-friendly
3. Disney+
Best Netflix alternative with high-quality, exclusive, and original content
Best for - A straight-forward alternative to Netflix with similar pricing
Starting price - From $7.99/month
Free trial period - No trial
Disney+ is ideal if you want one platform with something for everyone to watch. Its extensive library of exclusives rivals Netflix's, including famous franchises like "Marvel" and "Star Wars." It's also home to plenty of kid-friendly content like the delightful hit, "Bluey."
One of Disney+'s best selling points for me is that I can stream its latest blockbusters only a few months after they premiere in theatres. And with the "GroupWatch" feature, I can even share a stream with up to six people and easily host a successful watch party.
What Makes Disney+ a Good Alternative to Netflix?
As of 2022, Disney owns over a quarter of all US and Canadian box office revenue, and all its hits go exclusively to its streaming platform. And unlike Netflix, Disney+ supports IMAX-enhanced movies like "Avengers: Endgame" for a truly immersive viewing experience.
Pros
- Vast library of family-friendly movies and shows
- Quality recommendation engine
- Plenty of exclusive and original content
Cons
- Some users report poor customer service
- No live TV
» Check out the best shows for adults to watch on Disney+.
4. Starz
Best Netflix Alternative with Diverse movies and unique storytelling
Best for - Genre-fiction content
Starting price - From $9/month
Free trial period - Seven days
Starz has an extensive collection of classic movies and critically acclaimed shows like "Power" and "Outlander." Starz heavily invests in original content to ensure you always have something new to watch.
The more content you watch on Starz, the more refined the algorithm's recommendations become. I find the "Because You Watched," "Recommended for You," and "More Like This" extremely useful for picking my next show or movie to watch.
What Makes Starz a Good Alternative to Netflix?
Although Netflix has a wider range of content across various genres, I like that the bulk of Starz comprises crime dramas, historical fiction, and fantasy shows. This niche focus helps its creators produce higher-quality content within these genres.
Pros
- Genre-bending original movies
- Personalized recommendations
- Offline viewing
Cons
- App can be glitchy
- You can only stream on two devices simultaneously
5. Paramount+
Best Netflix Alternative with Entertainment and live TV at affordable rates
Best for - Streamers who prefer high picture quality
Starting price - From $5.99/month
Free trial period - Seven days
Paramount+ is a rebranded version of CBS All Access and is a well-rounded option for sports and news enthusiasts.
With its premium "Paramount+ with SHOWTIME" plan, you can stream your favorite movies in 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10 formats for detailed and smooth picture quality. This plan also includes CBS, where you can watch live NFL games and CBSN's breaking headlines.
What Makes Paramount+ a Good Alternative to Netflix?
Paramount+ is a far cheaper alternative to Netflix if you want to stream in 4K, which is only available on each platform's premium plan. Paramount+ charges only $11.99, whereas Netflix charges $19.99.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Streams live sports events
- You can watch certain shows without signing up
Cons
- Limited amount of original shows and movies
- Some users have reported issues with the user interface
How I Chose These Netflix Alternatives
In my search for the best Netflix alternatives, I focused on four key aspects to bring you a selection that's not just diverse, but also top-notch in quality and user experience. Here's my approach:
A Rich Mix of Content: It was important for me to select services with a wide variety of quality content. Whether it's binge-worthy series, blockbuster movies, or engaging live TV.
Ease of Use: A great streaming experience should be effortless. I chose platforms with user-friendly interfaces, that make it easy to find and enjoy your next show.
Flexible Subscriptions: Value for money is key. I looked for services that offer different subscription models, including free trials and no-strings-attached options, giving you the freedom to choose without pressure.
Unique Features: I also paid attention to unique selling points like original content, the ability to stream in 4K, offline viewing capabilities, and additional features such as live sports and news coverage.
Netflix Alternatives: Switch It Up
Competition in the online streaming industry will likely intensify as platforms drive innovation by creating unique content, better experiences, and improved features—which is ideal news for you as a user.
While Netflix remains a dominant force, my selection of alternatives can help you find the ideal streaming service. If you want something of everything, try Hulu + Live TV. If you just want to try a platform similar to Netflix but with different content, go for Disney+.
» Get more bang for your buck by bundling your TV streaming services.
