Navigating the ever-expanding 2024 streaming landscape, this guide explores the best platforms tailored to varied viewing tastes. From big players like Netflix to niche hubs like Crunchyroll, find your ideal streaming match in this comprehensive guide.
Update24/04/2024, 14:40
With the prices of Netflix, Prime Video and more increasing we’ve updated our in-depth comparison of all the top video streaming services in 2024.
The world of streaming services continues to expand and evolve, often leaving you wondering why there has to be so much choice. With platforms ranging from renowned industry titans to emerging niche options, choosing the right one can feel daunting. This guide is your compass to navigate this rapidly growing universe.
Here, we meticulously dissect the best streaming services in the UK in 2024, scrutinizing their unique offerings, analysing content libraries, and assessing overall value for money. Whether it’s a platform specialising in anime, classics, sports, or a mix, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find your perfect streaming match.
- Netflix
- BBC iPlayer
- Amazon Prime Video
- Disney+
- Britbox
- DAZN
- Apple TV+
- Mubi
- Crunchyroll
- Best streaming services comparison
Netflix
No guide on the top streaming platforms would be complete without Netflix. Arguably the most popular site and boasting a cultural-icon status, Netflix obviously has a lot to offer.
But with the recent price increase for Netflix account holders, it’s understandable why people are looking elsewhere to stream. Despite a higher subscription fee, Netflix continues to be a great all-rounder for streaming with options for everyone and every genre.
What to watch
Netflix is known for its constant releases meaning there is a huge selection of shows and movies to watch. So if you’re wondering what to watch on Netflix we’ve put together a few of our top recommendations in 2024:
- Spy Family: A fun anime about a spy who starts a family to solidify his cover, but his new family have secrets of their own.
- Baby Reindeer: Follow the unbelievable true story of a man and his stalker with so many twists and turns you’ll never see them coming.
- Arcane: Discover the origin story of two iconic League of Legends champions amidst the divided city of Piltover.
- Derry Girls: Navigate the highs and lows of teenage life in 1990s Northern Ireland with this fun and feisty gang.
- Beef: Witness the escalation of trivial grudges to outrageous proportions in this dark comedic series.
- Top Boy: Step into the gritty underworld of East London’s drug trade, seen through the eyes of its key players.
BBC iPlayer
BBC iPlayer is the BBC’s free streaming service. Whilst other streaming platforms charge high prices, BBC iPlayer gives you free access to a wealth of content from the UK’s most cherished broadcaster. Offering a diverse selection of TV shows, films, and live events, iPlayer allows you to catch up with favourites or discover new gems.
From riveting dramas and educational documentaries to live sports and breaking news, its broad-ranging programming caters to all tastes. It’s worth bearing in mind that you must have a TV licence to stream.
What to watch
BBC iPlayer has so much to offer, in terms of free streaming they are a top all-rounder. There’s content from their channels varying from the latest drama like Wolf to Match of the Day amongst all other sporting events aired on their channels as well as kid’s shows for all ages and much more.
- Wolf: Prepared to be kept on your toes with this thrilling crime drama about a policeman trying to uncover the truth.
- Doctor Who: Travel through time in this iconic British sci-fi series, featuring alien adventures and changing protagonists.
- Gavin & Stacey: Laugh and love with Gavin and Stacey in the charming and funny cross-country romance.
- The Office UK: Cringe and chuckle through the everyday antics of this quintessential British office led by its hilariously awkward boss.
- Match of the Day: Tune in for comprehensive highlights and analysis of Premier League football.
- Kick-Ass: Immerse yourself in the unconventional superhero exploits of a high school student-turned-vigilante.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is a major player in the streaming industry, offering a rich array of original content, popular films, and TV series.
This is definitely the best option for people who tend to use Amazon for shopping as subscribing to Prime not only gives you benefits like free two-day shipping and music streaming but also access to Prime Video. Subscribers benefit from a diverse library that spans across various genres, including award-winning Prime originals. Also there’s usually always a 30-day free trial on offer to try it out.
What to watch
Here are some of our top picks on Prime Video:
- Fleabag: Laugh and cringe with Fleabag in this forthright and hilarious exploration of modern womanhood.
- Fallout: The hit video game series now has a TV show adaptation, set in the same universe of the Wasteland but with a unique plot.
- A Very English Scandal: Dive into British politics with this darkly comedic exploration of a true scandal.
- Good Omens: Witness an unlikely celestial friendship striving to halt the apocalypse in this quirky supernatural series.
- Daisy Jones & The Six: Get lost in the rise and fall of a ’70s rock band in this nostalgic drama.
- The Wheel of Time: Step into a sprawling epic fantasy series based on Robert Jordan’s acclaimed novels.
Disney+
Disney+ is a nostalgia trip and a fresh adventure rolled into one streaming service. It’s the go-to place for fans who can’t get enough of Disney classics, Marvel superheroes, the Star Wars sagas, and heartwarming Pixar animations. Not stopping at that, it offers a growing catalogue of fresh and exclusive content. It’s safe to say, Disney+ is quite the crowd-pleaser.
What to watch
Deciding what to watch is something we all spend a lot of time doing, scrolling through endless amounts of shows and movies. So here are some of our favourites on Disney+ at the moment:
- Shōgun: Travel back to feudal Japan where a European ship washes ashore then follow the war that unravels.
- Toy Story: Embark on a heartwarming adventure in Pixar’s world where toys come alive.
- The Kardashians: Get a front-row seat to the glitzy and dynamic lives of the Kardashian-Jenner clan.
- Coco: Journey with a young boy into the touching and magical Land of the Dead in this Pixar feature.
- Black Panther: Dive into the vibrant, yet challenging world of Wakanda in Marvel’s groundbreaking superhero tale.
- Big: Relive the challenges and joys of sudden adulthood in this classic Tom Hanks film.
Britbox
BritBox is your passport to the best of British telly. After the service was closed down in April 2024, viewers can now find it on ITVX as part of the service’s Premium option. Serving up an extensive collection of classic and contemporary British series, it brings shows from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, all under one digital roof. Whether you’re in the mood for a Doctor Who classic, or a Downton Abbey binge, BritBox is the true Brit’s streaming companion.
With the free versions of ITVX or All4 you’ll have a ton of ads throughout whatever you watch, subscribing to ITVX Premium to access BritBox is a great solution to this since all your favourite content from the TV is in one place.
What to watch
Here’s a selection of our favourite shows to kick off your BritBox exploration:
- Doctor Who: Get lost in space and time with the sprawling chronicles of this iconic sci-fi series.
- Fawlty Towers: This classic sitcom, bursting with quintessential British humour, never fails to elicit laughter.
- Downton Abbey: Traverse through the captivating world of the upstairs-downstairs society with this award-winning historical drama.
- Broadchurch: Featuring a spellbinding blend of mystery and emotion, this gripping crime drama is a must-watch.
- Spitting Image: A razor-sharp satire that offers a refreshing, comical perspective on political figures.
- Sherlock: Dive into the mind of the world’s greatest detective with this modern interpretation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous sleuth. Riveting mysteries and captivating performan
DAZN
DAZN is one of the top sports streaming services, a dream come true for sports enthusiasts. This platform has quickly become a knockout choice for boxing fans, and it offers much more. With a variety of live and on-demand sports content, spanning from football to darts, DAZN has you covered, turning your living room into a virtual sports arena.
What to watch
DAZN is the prime sports streaming service, spanning everything from the ring to the pitch. Here’s a starter kit of what to tune into on DAZN:
- Boxing: Enjoy live boxing matches and exclusive pre-match interviews.
- Premier League: Keep up with all the big games.
- NFL Game Pass: Perfect for American football fans to catch up with every single game.
- Eurosport channels: Widen your sports horizon with cycling, snooker or even darts.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is Apple’s entry into the streaming arena, and it’s definitely made waves. Hand-picking quality over quantity, it boasts a curated library of original series and films, featuring some of the biggest names in Hollywood. From captivating dramas like The Morning Show to magical tales such as See, Apple TV+ keeps you glued to the screen with its fresh and innovative content.
What to watch
Apple TV+ might be a newer face in the streaming world, but it arrives packing a punch. Here’s a taste of what to stream:
- The Morning Show: Navigate the dramatic world of morning news shows in this star-studded series.
- See: Venture into a post-apocalyptic world where humans have lost their sight, led by Jason Momoa.
- Ted Lasso: Chuckle and cheer with an endearing American football coach tackling English football culture.
- For All Mankind: Dive into an alternate history where the global space race never ended.
- Greyhound: Enjoy this thrilling war film led by Tom Hanks, set amid the naval warfare of World War II.
- Pachinko: Explore the lives of generations of a Korean family in this epic historical drama based on the bestselling book of the same name.
Mubi
Mubi is the indie kid when it comes to streaming, offering arthouse cinema and alternative viewing. This streaming service carefully curates a library of niche movies and esteemed classics, building a haven for film connoisseurs. Whether it’s a ground-breaking international movie, an overlooked indie, or a timeless classic, Mubi invites you on a global cinematic journey right from your living room.
What to watch
Mubi is definitely where you go to watch something a little out of the ordinary and also something that you aren’t likely to be able to find anything else like it elsewhere. Here are a few of our favourites:
- Perfect Days: A slow human story that looks at the life of a public toilet cleaner in Tokyo.
- Aftersun: Follow a family’s comedic and touching journey as they navigate unexpected events during a holiday.
- Little White Lies: A French box-office hit about the tangled web of friendship, secrets, and lies when friends gather in a summer retreat.
- Close: A heartwarming story of adolescence taking place against the backdrop of Belgian flowerfields.
- Everybody Loves Jeanne: Get to know Jeanne in this slice-of-life drama, offering a sincere look into a teenager’s first romantic encounter.
- Once Upon a Time in America: Delve into the gripping underworld with this sprawling saga about Jewish ghetto youths rising to prominence in New York’s world of organized crime.
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is the streaming platform of choice for anime enthusiasts. Offering one of the most extensive libraries of anime shows and films, this platform transports you straight to Japan’s vibrant animation culture. Whether you’re after nostalgia-filled classics, ongoing popular series, or undiscovered gems, Crunchyroll offers a world of colourful narratives and iconic characters – your anime adventure is just a click away. With a 7-day free trial always offered, you can try it out and see if it’s any good before getting a subscription.
What to watch
Crunchyroll is your gateway into the mesmerizing world of Japanese animation. Let’s dive into a selection of standout shows and films you can enjoy:
- Your Name: This enchanting romantic fantasy explores themes of love and fate within the narrative of two teenagers sharing a mysterious body-swapping connection.
- Jujutsu Kaisen: Get ready for a dose of action and suspense as a high-schooler finds himself navigating a menacing supernatural world full of curses.
- Naruto: Join the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young, ambitious ninja aiming to become the Hokage – the strongest and most respected warrior within his village.
- One Piece: Step into an exhilarating pirate adventure filled with distinctive characters, power struggles, and unpredictable story developments.
- Attack on Titan: Experience an intense battle for survival in a world where humans live in fear of terrifyingly enormous beings known as Titans.
- Demon Slayer: Follow Tanjiro, a kindhearted boy turned demon slayer who endeavours to reverse his sister’s demonic curse and avenge his family’s demise.
Best streaming services comparison
Here are all the streaming services mentioned in the guide. We’ve compared their basic details in a handy table so you can quickly see which one is right for you:
| Criteria | Netflix | BBC iPlayer | Amazon Prime Video | Disney+ | Britbox | DAZN | Apple TV | Mubi | Crunchyroll |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (per month) | £4.99 (with ads) £7.99 (1 device) £10.99 (Standard) £17.99 (Premium) | Free | £8.99 (for Amazon Prime) £5.99 (for only Prime Video) £2.99 extra for no ads | £7.99 (Standard) £79.90 (per year) £4.99 (with ads) | £5.99 (Standard) £59.99 (per year) | £9.99 (Standard) £99.99 (per year) £19.99 (30 day Flexible Pass) | £8.99 (Standard) | £11.99 (Standard) £15.99 (MUBI GO) | £5.99 (just one month) £4.99 (Standard) £59.99 (per year) |
| Free Option | No | Yes | No | No | Yes, ITVX | No | No | No | Yes |
| Free Trial | No | N/A | Yes, 30 days | No | Yes, 7 days | No | Yes, 3 months | Yes, 7 days | Yes, 14 days |
| Library Size | 7,000+ movies and shows | 100+ movies and shows | 9,500+ movies and shows | 500+ movies, 350+ shows | 100+ movies, 300+ shows | 200+ NFL games, 100 football matches & more | 200+ movies and shows | 30 new films, 100+ other films | 1,000+ animes, 30,000+ episodes |
| Family Plan | Yes (£17.99) | N/A | Yes (Standard is up to 6 profiles) | Yes (Standard is up to 7 accounts) | Yes (Standard is up to 4 devices at once) | Yes (Standard is up to five devices, 2 at once) | Yes (Standard is up to 6 devices at once) | Yes (Standard is up to 5 devices, 2 at once) | Yes (Standard is up to 6 accounts, 4 at a time) |
| Student Discount | No | N/A | Yes ( £4.49 a month Prime Student) | No | No | No | Yes | Yes, (30-day free trial then £6.99) | No |
| Resolution | Up to 4K | 1080p | Up to 4K | 1080p | Mostly 1080p, some 4K | 1080p | Up to 4K | Mostly 1080p, some 4K | 1080p |
| Offline Possible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Original Content | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
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