We recommend streaming services with a CHOICE Expert Rating of 75% or above.

This score is made up of the layout and stability score (40%), what to watch score (35%), sign up and cancel score (15%), and playback control score (10%).

How intuitively the user interface is laid out and if it has any problems with crashes or connectivity.

How easy it is to search for specific content, discover new shows and movies, revisit something you're already watching or save titles to look at later.

How easy it is to sign up to a service and to stop using it with no further payments.

How easy it is to move forward, back, and to a specific time stamp while viewing.

Tiered services provide standard definition content and simultaneous access to a small number of devices at this level. Services with a single monthly fee provide access to all available resolutions and a pre-determined number of devices. For Google Play, YouTube and Apple TV, monthly fees are based on one third of a purchased TV series and one rented movie per month.

Tiered services provide high-definition content and simultaneous access to a handful of devices at this level. Services with a single monthly fee do not have a mid-range option as all content options are accessible at the entry-level price. For Google Play, YouTube and Apple TV, monthly fees are based on purchase of one TV series per month.

Tiered services provide 4K UHD content and simultaneous access to a handful of devices at this level. Services with a single monthly fee do not have a premium option as all content options are accessible at the entry-level price. For Google Play, YouTube and Apple TV, monthly fees are based on purchase of one TV series and two rented movies per month. YouTube Premium price listed is for a family account. This increases the number of allowable users per household. It does not unlock any additional content.

Some streaming services offer discounts if you sign up for a year.

Whether you can install the app on a smart TV. Check the service provider's website prior to subscribing to make sure your TV brand/model is compatible.

Can you cast to a Google Chromecast from a mobile device, PC or laptop?

Can you access the service on an Android device?

Can you access the service on an iPhone or iPad?

Can you download a dedicated Windows app?

Can you download a dedicated Mac app?

Can you log in and stream content from a web browser?

Can you access the service on a PlayStation? Google Play Movies and TV purchases can be accessed in the YouTube app by using the same Google account.

Can you access the service on an Xbox? Google Play Movies and TV purchases can be accessed in the YouTube app by using the same Google account.

Can you access the service on a Nintendo Switch? Google Play Movies and TV purchases can be accessed in the YouTube app by using the same Google account.

Ad supported services are free and insert commercial breaks like broadcast TV. Services in our test don't give you the option to turn them off or pay to remove ads.

Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.

How long the free trial period is for each service, if any exists, as defined by the service provider.

The number of devices that can be associated with a service, though some services do not place a limit on this.

How many video streams can be run simultaneously with "entry-level" price at any one time across multiple devices?

How many video streams can be run simultaneously with "mid-range" price at any one time across multiple devices?

How many video streams can be run simultaneously with "premium" price at any one time across multiple devices?

Profiles that automatically filter out content that isn't child-friendly.

Settings that let you limit the type of content that can be accessed.

4K or UHD (ultra-high definition) resolution is defined as 3840 by 2160 pixels. Most 4K streams also support high dynamic range, either HDR10, HDR10+ and/or Dolby Vision, though there are exceptions. This may require a premium account and will only work on supported devices.

Some services let you download content to watch offline. It typically expires after 48 hours.

Stream broadcast television as it airs.

Some services give you the option to rent/buy movies at the same time as their theatrical release or not long after, long before the general streaming release.