Are you ready to leave the old times, where you were forced to watch whatever content was provided by your cable operators at a time slot decided by them? Now, you don’t need to wait for your favorite show, or live in fear of losing out on that important match because you have to rush to your office. You can also afford to miss the morning news and that movie, which was supposed to be aired on television today. You can now stream all that you want to watch with the help of video streaming services. With these online streaming sites, you pay for only what you need and manage the content according to your convenience. Here is a list of services worth cutting the cord for.

Netflix

This is not a new name in streaming. It is the most trusted name in business and offers a wide selection of movies and television shows. In addition to these, there are several of its own programs that are aired specifically on Netflix. It is the best in terms of selection, quality and performance consistency. Netflix is more for those who love movies. There is a huge selection of movie titles that you can choose from. The standard Netflix package can be availed for $9.99 per month and it also offers a 1 month free trial service. Within this period, you can assure if it is worth paying for.

For: It is a trustworthy service and offers an excellent selection of television shows. It will run on almost any device that is connected with internet. The user interface of Netflix is optimized and offers a similar experience on almost all the platforms. Multiple people can set up different profiles for each account, which ensures that you can store movies and shows for future use. Also, you can set parental controls. There is a kid section on the home screen with enough content for the kids to enjoy. It offers original programs like Orange is the New Black, Arrested Development, and Bloodline among others.

Against: Most of the content is deleted without any prior notice and it has limited on-demand content. Also, Netflix is better for those who love watching movies. However, if you are a fan of television shows, then you should look for other service providers.

Hulu Plus

Hulu Plus offers a range of shows including entire current seasons and new episodes of globally loved television shows. Most of the episodes are shown a day after they are aired on television. These include the likes of Modern Family, Glee, Grey’s Anatomy, Family Guy and classic shows like I Love Lucy, The Cosby Show, and The Office, etc. Hulu Plus is available for $7.99 per month or an annual package of $95.88.

For: It has got a great selection of television shows and airs the episodes one day after they are aired on television. It is inexpensive and runs on almost all the devices.

Against: The interface is not up to the mark and is cumbersome. The main problem with Hulu Plus is its frequent commercials. Although the ad-free services were offered with $11.99 subscription, there was a backlash from the users for inflated prices. The content provided by Hulu Plus is 720p HD, which also

depends on the device and internet provider. Hulu Plus is primarily known for television shows and you won’t find a good selection of movies here. However, a few special titles like the James Bond franchise are there for streaming.

Amazon Prime Instant Video

Like Netflix, Amazon Prime has got its own original programming series like Transparent, Alpha House and Mozart in the Jungle among others. You will find Amazon Prime Instant Video particularly good for you if you have a subscription to Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick, which are the proprietary set-top boxes of Amazon. Amazon Prime is available for $99 per year.

For: In addition to providing an annual package, there is $10.99 per month package available with Amazon. You can access the Kindle library with the Amazon Prime subscription, and unlike Netflix, where there is no opportunity for offline viewing; Amazon provides an option for offline downloading of its content. Amazon has also launched the Streaming Partners Program, where you can add networks like Showtime and Starz with a discount.

Against: The monthly package is pricier than others in the market and also lacks award winning shows in its list. Brand new videos are not posted regularly and à la carte contents costs extra.

YouTube Movies

It is something that even kids are familiar with. It is a place where you can watch, purchase or rent movies absolutely free.

For: You can watch a number of movies and shows for no charge. However, most of the movies are either old or B-rated. If you are low on cash and want to watch movies, then YouTube is the best place for you. Get some popcorn and you are ready to watch your favorite movie. There are a number of paid films too, and you can also access a Disney on demand channel for more options.

Against: Most of the titles available on YouTube are also available on Google Play movies. In addition, you are paying per film or per episode, which means that you are actually paying more.

Google Play

Google has a digital content store, from where you can rent or buy television shows and movies. If you want to rent a movie, then the prices start at $4.99, and if you want to buy a new movie then it will be from $14.99.

For: It can be used on a variety of Android and iOS devices. Most movies are available in 5.1 surround sound and you can also store the content and watch it offline later.

Against: It has a smaller library of films and short series. There are many films that you can’t even rent and you are paying per watch. This means you end up paying more eventually.