Are you tired of paying for streaming apps that you barely use? Each month, money slips away as more subscriptions pile up. You may wonder which ones are worth it and which make your wallet cry. A recent study shows the average U.S. household now spends over $70 monthly on streaming services, yet we often watch only two or three of them regularly. It can be tough to sort through so much entertainment.
This post will help you find the Best Streaming Services to keep in 2026 and point out a few to cancel without regret. Ready to stop wasting cash? Keep reading!
6 Best Streaming Services Worth Keeping in 2026
Not all streaming platforms are created equal, and some shine brighter than others. Curious about which ones deserve your hard-earned cash in 2026?
Netflix: Best for Original Content
Stranger Things, The Witcher, and Squid Game have pulled millions in. Netflix keeps rolling out new hits every year. In 2025 alone, it plans over 100 original shows and movies. You can stream top-notch drama one night, then belly-laugh at a silly sitcom the next. Kids’ cartoons? Yes. Gritty documentaries? Also yes.
Top actors and directors work with Netflix first now; “You get hooked fast,” as my little cousin says about their constant drops of fresh content each week. Big names like Chris Hemsworth and Jennifer Lopez call this service home for many projects. Netflix is perfect if you love stories you can’t find anywhere else. Brands everywhere chase that “Netflix Original” shine, and no wonder people keep their subscriptions active despite price hikes.
In 2026, the value proposition is still strong if you know which plan to pick. The Standard with Ads plan costs just $7.99 per month, making it a budget-friendly way to catch the new season of Wednesday or the final chapter of Stranger Things. If you want the full 4K experience with spatial audio for your home theater, the Premium plan runs $24.99 per month. A hidden perk many subscribers forget is the mobile game library; you get access to hit titles like GTA: San Andreas and Hades right on your phone at no extra cost.
Disney Plus: Best for Families and Franchise Fans
Disney Plus brings together favorite films and shows from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Kids can stream classics like The Lion King or new hits like Frozen 2 for hours on end. Parents find value here, too; the whole family gets safe options and childhood favorites in one place. Every month sees fresh episodes of popular originals like The Mandalorian or Loki that keep viewers coming back for more.
The service offers group watch features, profiles for each user, and easy parental controls to help manage younger kids’ screen time. Fans dig deep into huge movie libraries without flipping between services or worrying about missing a blockbuster release.
Big franchise events drop only here first; just imagine skipping theater crowds by streaming at home as soon as possible! Disney Plus gives strong subscription value with entertainment choices that fit most budgets and ages in 2026.
The smartest move for 2026 is the “Disney Bundle”. You can now get Disney+, Hulu, and Max (HBO) together for around $19.99 per month with ads. This saves you over 35% compared to buying them separately. Another great feature is the IMAX Enhanced mode, which fills your entire TV screen for Marvel movies just like in the theater, a detail many users overlook.
Max: Best for Premium Content and Blockbusters
Big movies drop here fast. You can watch brand-new blockbusters like “Barbie” and DC hits right after theaters, which keeps fans excited. Kids find plenty to enjoy, too; there is Cartoon Network and Looney Tunes for laughter all day.
HBO shows set the bar high. Series like “The Last of Us,” “Succession,” and classic favorites draw millions each week. Max also packs a punch with loads of older films, so movie lovers never run out of options. With fewer ads and tons to stream, this platform feels worth your monthly subscription in 2026.
Since rebranding from HBO Max, the service has added a massive library of reality TV from Discovery, including 90 Day Fiancé and Fixer Upper. For the best quality, the Ultimate Ad-Free tier at $24.99 per month is the only way to stream hits like House of the Dragon in stunning 4K UHD. If you don’t need 4K, the Ad-Free tier at $17.99 is a solid middle ground that keeps the interruptions away.
Hulu: Best for Network TV Shows and Variety
Hulu keeps your screen busy with network TV shows, fast. Watch new episodes from NBC, ABC, and FOX just one day after they air. Hulu drops loads of old favorites too; think “The Simpsons,” “Family Guy,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Sports fans can catch live games if they bump up to Hulu + Live TV.
Comedy lovers? You get originals like “Only Murders in the Building” that tickle your funny bone.
With Hulu, last night’s drama becomes today’s binge.
You also find a wide mix of movies and hidden gems you won’t spot everywhere else. Variety stays fresh as networks shuffle line-ups each year. Prime Video has lots for members next.
A major upgrade in 2026 is the “Hulu on Disney+” integration. If you bundle the services, you can watch hit FX shows like The Bear directly inside the Disney+ app, which is often smoother and higher quality than the standalone Hulu app. Just remember that the base Hulu plan (with ads) has increased to roughly $9.99 per month, so bundling is almost always the better financial choice.
Amazon Prime Video: Best for Prime Members and Diverse Content
Amazon Prime Video gives a lot of extra value if you already pay for Amazon Prime shipping. You get free movies, TV shows, and even Thursday Night Football. The service has both popular originals and big Hollywood hits. Kids can find cartoons like Peppa Pig, while adults get everything from drama to comedy.
You only need one subscription for thousands of titles, including classics and new releases each month. Amazon makes it easy to watch on any device at home or while traveling. Some people keep this service just for the wide mix of entertainment options alone; it covers almost every taste in the family. If you enjoy having more choices without paying more money, Prime Video fits right into everyday life.
One warning for 2026: Prime Video now includes ads by default. To remove them, you must pay an extra $2.99 per month “ad-free tax.” However, the content lineup makes it hard to leave, especially with huge exclusives like Fallout Season 2 and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. If you use the “X-Ray” feature, you can instantly see the names of actors and songs in any scene, a tool no other service has mastered.
Apple TV+: Best for Ad-Free Premium Content
No ads break your focus with Apple TV+. Every show and movie plays from start to finish, no interruptions. Since 2019, this platform has offered top-tier new originals like “Ted Lasso,” “Severance,” and “The Morning Show.” Fresh films drop each month. Kids can enjoy safe programs while grownups find thrillers, comedies, or touching dramas. Service only costs a few bucks per month in the U.S., so it’s easy on your wallet.
Apple TV+ also lets you share your subscription with up to five family members. You get sharp video quality and clean sound across most devices. Some series win big awards like Emmys and Oscars, proving their reputation for premium entertainment is well-earned. If you value ad-free streaming with memorable content, this platform stands tall among giant services competing for attention in 2026.
While the price has crept up to $12.99 per month, it remains the only major service that does not force ads on you at the base level. The video bitrate (picture quality) is widely considered the best in the industry, making shows like Silo look incredible on 4K TVs. Plus, if you buy an Apple device, check your email; you likely have a free 3-month trial waiting for you.
4 Streaming Services to Cancel in 2026
Some streaming platforms just don’t make the cut anymore, burning holes in your wallet for little in return. Curious which ones are ready for cancellation? Keep reading to see if you should hit unsubscribe.
Peacock: Limited Value for Non-Sports Fans
Peacock fills up with live sports, like Premier League soccer and Sunday Night Football. If you like drama or comedies, most big shows are still on other platforms. The movie list feels thin compared to services like Netflix or Max.
Many hit TV options only stream next-day episodes from NBC or Bravo, but older seasons often live elsewhere. For anyone not glued to sports events, Peacock’s entertainment lineup may look bare, and the subscription can start to feel like digital dust gathering in your account.
Paying extra for fewer originals makes it even harder to justify each month. By 2026, family viewers might skip Peacock for bigger libraries at Disney Plus or Hulu instead; blockbuster seekers also find more value on Prime Video and Max.
With price hikes over recent years and limited exclusive content outside of games, many non-sports fans question whether this service is worth keeping alongside others competing for attention and dollars.
The service raised prices again in July 2025, pushing the Premium Plus plan to $16.99 per month. Unless you are a die-hard fan of the NFL or Premier League, the math just doesn’t add up. Most of the “must-watch” NBC shows, like The Office, are often available to purchase digitally for a one-time fee that costs less than a year of subscribing.
Paramount Plus: Niche Content with Limited Appeal
Paramount Plus tries to pull in viewers with shows from CBS, the Star Trek series, and old Nickelodeon content. Yet, most people only watch for one or two titles, then lose interest. The library leans on nostalgia but lacks fresh originals that spark buzz like Netflix or Disney Plus.
Sports fans might stick around for NFL games or the Champions League, but others see little reason to stay subscribed each month. Costs add up fast with so many streaming subscriptions fighting for your dollars and time. Unless you love a specific Paramount franchise, this service often feels easy to cancel without missing much entertainment value.
Following the merger with Skydance in late 2025, the platform is in a transition period. While they have the Yellowstone universe, the app interface remains one of the glitchiest on the market, often freezing during playback. If you only watch Star Trek, it is smarter to subscribe for one month, binge the new season, and then cancel immediately.
Sling TV: Outdated Interface and Limited Offerings
Sling TV feels stuck in the past. The interface looks old and clunky, making it hard to find your favorite content fast. Scrolling for channels or entertainment options can get annoying, especially with slow menus and confusing layouts. Many users cancel because they want something smoother.
The service also falls short on movie choices and fresh originals. Sling often lacks big-name blockbusters and top shows found on other streaming platforms in 2026. Major networks drop out from time to time, shrinking channel bundles even more.
Fans looking for value or exclusive subscription perks might find better options elsewhere, especially families wanting a full menu of content for everyone at home.
The data backs this up; Sling TV lost nearly 300,000 subscribers in Q2 2025 alone as users fled to YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV. Those competitors offer unlimited DVR and far superior user interfaces. Sling’s price advantage has eroded, making the frustration of its buggy menus hard to justify.
Discovery+: Overlap with Other Platforms
Moving from Sling TV’s limited choices, many subscribers also notice that Discovery+ feels redundant in their lineup. Much of its content appears on Max or Hulu by 2026, so paying extra for it seems wasteful. Shows like “Fixer Upper” and “MythBusters” are now sprinkled across bigger entertainment services you might already pay for each month.
People with a Max subscription get most Discovery+ favorites rolled right into that package, thanks to Warner Bros. Discovery merging its libraries. Families searching for fresh streaming value may realize they’re double-paying for the same shows on different platforms. At this point, dropping Discovery+ frees up money while keeping all your favorite series within reach elsewhere.
This is the easiest cancellation on the list. Since Max (formerly HBO Max) now includes nearly the entire Discovery catalog, paying $8.99 for the ad-free Discovery+ app is literally throwing money away. You get the same HGTV and Food Network shows inside Max, plus all the HBO prestige dramas, for a single price.
How to Decide Which Streaming Services to Keep
Picking your must-have platforms can feel tricky, but a quick look at what you enjoy most helps. We’ll guide you through this process, so your subscription list matches your habits and wallet.
Content preferences
Content choice can make or break your streaming experience. Some people want blockbusters, like Max’s movie deals. Kids love Disney Plus for its family shows and movies. Netflix hooks folks with their Originals, such as Stranger Things and The Crown.
Amazon Prime Video mixes it up with old favorites and new hits for all ages. Apple TV+ is ad-free, great if you hate interruptions during a binge night. Hulu works well for anyone who follows network TV or likes to watch recent episodes fast.
Knowing what grabs your interest helps match the right streaming subscription to your taste and budget needs; let’s now see how monthly costs compare against the value offered by each service.
To make this easier, use a free tool like JustWatch or Reelgood. You can type in your favorite 10 movies and shows, and these apps will tell you exactly which services currently have them. You might be surprised to find that 80% of your watchlist is on just one platform.
Monthly costs versus value
After thinking about your content preferences, take a long look at your monthly costs. Many streaming subscriptions now cost more than $15 each month. Some families pay over $100 every 30 days for just four or five services. Ask yourself if you really use each service enough to make the price worth it.
You might watch Netflix originals daily, but only open Discovery+ twice a year. Big hits like Stranger Things or The Mandalorian often bring real value by boosting family entertainment or sparking weekend fun nights.
Services that mostly gather digital dust are easy places to save money with quick cancellations. Compare what you pay and what you actually watch. If one bill feels heavier than it’s worth in movies, drama, sports, and shows, it might be time to hit cancel and try something new next month instead.
A great rule of thumb from the r/CordCutters community is the “One Dollar Rule.” If you aren’t watching at least one hour of content for every dollar you spend on a service (e.g., 18 hours for an $18 subscription), cancel it. This simple math clarifies which apps are actually pulling their weight.
Availability of exclusive content and features
Some platforms only show special movies or series that you cannot find anywhere else. For example, Netflix keeps its popular shows like Stranger Things and The Witcher behind a paywall. Disney Plus streams all Marvel and Star Wars movies before anyone else gets them. These kinds of content keep people coming back.
Other features sweeten the deal, too. Amazon Prime Video offers bonus scenes for some shows, while Apple TV+ stays ad-free with every episode and movie. Hulu drops new episodes from big networks just hours after they air on TV.
If exclusive perks matter most to you or your family, those little extras can tip the balance in favor of keeping a subscription active longer than others.
Tips for Managing Streaming Subscriptions
Streaming costs can grow fast, but a smart plan keeps your wallet happy. Quick changes here and there add up to big savings down the road.
Rotate Your Services
Many people pay for streaming subscriptions every month, but they only use one or two at a time. Try rotating services instead of keeping all active at once. For example, keep Netflix in January for new originals, then switch to Disney Plus in February when your kids want family movies.
This simple move can save you hundreds per year. Enjoy top entertainment and fresh content without feeling stuck paying for shows you no longer watch. Watch what matters most right now, then pause or cancel the rest till next season rolls around.
Your wallet will thank you, and so will your watchlist! A 2025 survey found that “churning”, canceling and resubscribing, is now a standard habit for 25% of U.S. households. It is the smartest way to beat price hikes.
Use Free Trials Wisely
Free trials help you explore a streaming service before paying. Services like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+ often offer seven days or even one month free. Check the subscription details on each platform for any special offers. Set a reminder so you do not forget to cancel if it does not fit your needs.
Trying platforms with free trials can reveal which entertainment options suit your family or solo evenings best. You might find hidden gems in Amazon Prime Video’s catalog or spot premium blockbusters on Max without risking your hard-earned cash. Take note of what content makes you want to return after the trial ends, then make smart decisions about keeping that service long-term.
Be sure to use a virtual privacy card (like from Privacy.com) when signing up for trials. These cards let you set a spending limit of $0, so if you forget to cancel, the service can’t charge you. It is the ultimate safety net for testing new apps.
The Bottom Line: Stop Paying for “Digital Dust”
Money spent on unused streaming subscriptions is like paying rent for an empty house. Many people forget about active accounts, letting fees stack up month after month, while “digital dust” collects in the background. In 2026, studies show that over half of US households pay for at least one service they barely use. Cancel what sits idle and keep only the services you watch often or find true value in.
Streamlined media habits save cash and clear space for real entertainment. Look at your monthly costs with a sharp eye; don’t let platforms drain your wallet just because you forgot cancellation was even an option.
Focus on content that brings joy or serves the family well, ditch anything else without blinking twice. The world has enough clutter already; digital clutter should not cost you extra each year.
