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
- What to watch
BBC iPlayer
- What to watch
Amazon Prime Video
- What to watch
Disney+
- What to watch
Britbox
- What to watch
DAZN
- What to watch
Apple TV+
- What to watch
Mubi
- What to watch
Crunchyroll
- What to watch
Best streaming services comparison

Netflix

(Image: freestocks.org)

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.

Price

4 out of 5

£4.99 per month – Ad-supported membership, one device at a time £7.99 per month – No ads, one device at a time £10.99 per month – Standard subscription, no ads, HD, 2 devices at a time £17.99 per month – Premium subscription, no ads, Ultra HD, 4 devices at a time Netflix doesn’t offer free trials, but you can cancel or change your subscription at any time.

Catalogue

5 out of 5

Over 7,000 movies and shows. Plenty of original content including series, documentaries, movies and more.

Viewer experience

5 out of 5

Viewers can watch simultaneously on up to 4 devices (Premium). Resolution is up to 4K (Premium). Netflix is available on most devices with the app and online. Downloading and watching offline is possible.

Pros

Loads of original content

Some of most popular shows

User-friendly interface

Content for everyone

Cons

Constant rotation of content without much notice

Quite expensive for multiple users

Cheap subscription with ads is irritating

BBC iPlayer

(Image: 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.

Price

5 out of 5

Free with a TV Licence.

Catalogue

4 out of 5

Thousands of your favourite shows and even a few films but most are quite old, so not the best if you want recent releases. There’s some exclusive content on BBC iPlayer that wasn’t broadcast on their channels.

Viewer experience

3.5 out of 5

An account is free to use and saves your watch history. Streaming quality is great with Full HD (1080p) for most of its content. BBC iPlayer is available on most devices using the app and online. Users can download and watch whilst offline, so great for keeping you occupied on a long journey.

Pros

Free

Unique content – some BBC shows aren’t available elsewhere

Perfect for binge-watching

No ads

Cons

Lacks new movies

Only BBC content

Amazon Prime Video

(Image: Wikimedia Commons)

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.

Price

5 out of 5

£8.99 per month so £95 per year for Prime including all other benefits. £5.99 per month for only Prime Video, £2.99 extra for ad-free viewing. You can sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime which gives you access to a Prime Video free trial too.

Catalogue

3.5 out of 5

Not only do Prime have a great selection of over 9,500 shows and movies, but they also have their own original content with Amazon Exclusives. There is also the option to rent or buy, whether it’s a new release such as Dune Part Two (2024) or Godzilla x King: The New Empire (2024) or more niche indie films.

Viewer experience

3.5 out of 5

Prime Video is available on more or less all devices with the app. Users can make up to 6 profiles and it can be watched by up to 3 devices at once. The resolution is generally great, users can choose up to 4K HDR if your device supports this high level of streaming. Downloading and watching offline is also possible.

Pros

Original content

Huge selection of old and new (even home premiers)

4K streaming

Free with an Amazon Prime account

Cons

Some content has to be paid for or rented

Lacks some content that Netflix offers

Annoying adds unless you pay extra

Disney+

(Image: 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.

Price

3 out of 5

£7.99 a month or save 16% when you buy a year’s subscription for £79.90. There’s also now an ad-supported option for £4.99 per month. There are no Disney+ free trials at the moment.

Catalogue

4 out of 5

A huge amount of different content to watch, over 500 films, more than 350 series and over 26 Disney Plus Originals. Not only is there plenty of Disney to watch but also much more. There are all the Disney Princess movies, Star Wars, all the classics from the Disney Channel and more. It’s great if you’re nostalgic for all the Disney classics from your childhood as well as offering plenty of new releases.

Viewer experience

4 out of 5

Viewers can stream in Full HD and downloading is possible only with the Standard subscription. Disney+ allows up to 7 accounts for one subscription and up to 4 devices to watch at the same time.

Pros

Best option for families

Huge kid-friendly content selection

Not only Disney content but also National Geographic, Star, Hulu & more

Cons

Content is mostly family-friendly

Quite expensive

Lacks broad range of content seen on Netflix

Britbox

(Image: Wikipedia)

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

Price

4.5 out of 5

£5.99 a month or £59.99 if you pay all in one for the year. But there is a free trial for 7 days to give it a go before committing.

Catalogue

2 out of 5

Over 100 movies and over 300 shows, BritBox’s content is mainly made in the UK and a lot of which is difficult to find elsewhere without ads.

Viewer experience

4.5 out of 5

BritBox users can watch on pretty much all of the popular devices, up to 4 people can watch at once with one account. The streaming resolution is mostly Full HD but there aren’t many shows available in 4K. Users can download and watch while offline which is particularly great since there are so many shows with plenty of episodes for a long journey.

Pros

Uniquely British content

Plenty of nostalgic shows you can binge watch

Offline streaming possible

Full boxsets available to stream

Cons

Lacks blockbusters

Non-British TV fans may struggle here

Stream quality isn’t always 4K (mostly HD)

DAZN

(Image: Wikimedia Commons)

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.

Price

2 out of 5

DAZN is on Sky if you have Sky+ HD or a Sky Q box simply switch to channel 429. Or you can pay £9.99 a month or £99.99 once to subscribe to DAZN for 12 months. There’s the option to buy a Flexible Pass for £19.99 that lasts 30 days so it’s perfect for watching a big game or match. For top boxing matches and other highly anticipated events, you can pay a one-time fee to stream only that match.

Catalogue

3 out of 5

Over 200 NFL games, over 1000 football matches and fights from around the world such as USA and Italy. There are also up to 16 Matchroom UK fights that are only available on DAZN.

Viewer experience

3 out of 5

Users can connect up to 5 devices and watch on 2 simultaneously. DAZN can be streamed on all common devices except older iPhones and Apple TVs 3rd generation or older, along with a few other older devices.

Pros

Exclusive fights and games

Live sports streaming

Wide range of sports

No ads

Cons

Only sports content

Expensive subscription

Apple TV+

(Image: 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.

Price

3 out of 5

£8.99 a month for UK subscribers. There is a free trial for 3 months of not only Apple TV+ but also Apple Music, Fitness and Arcade when you buy a new Apple product.

Catalogue

2 out of 5

Apple TV+ has a smaller library compared to other streaming platforms, but there is still plenty to watch with around 200 shows and movies ready to stream.

Viewer experience

4.5 out of 5

Users can stream on pretty much any mainstream device, you can have at least 6 people using one account at the same time. Streaming quality is as good as it gets with 4K for most content and if not available then Full HD.

Pros

Huge selection of new and classics

Something for everyone

Extremely high-quality exclusive content

Convenient for Apple users

Quality over quantity

Cons

Library isn’t as big as other streaming services

For the high price you don’t get much choice

Not much kid's choice

Mubi

(Image: 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.

Price

3 out of 5

£11.99 per month for Mubi’s standard account, or save 33% with a yearly subscription for £95.88. £18.99 a month or £167.88 a year for MUBI GO which includes a hand-picked cinema ticket for you every week – a very nice touch.

Catalogue

4 out of 5

30 films featured each week on their Now Showing section with over 100 other films in their main catalogue.

Viewer experience

3.5 out of 5

Viewers can download content to watch whilst offline with both subscriptions. You can watch Mubi on 5 devices and on 2 at the same time. A free 7-day trial comes with both types of subscriptions. Stream quality is HD but there are some films available in 4K too.

Pros

Indie and alternative library

Exclusive content

Recent releases

Offline downloads possible

Cons

Not much mainstream or well-known content

More targetted to film buffs

Not many subtitle options

Crunchyroll

(Image: 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.

Price

4.5 out of 5

£5.99 per month – Mega Fan subscription which lasts just for one month. £4.99 per month – Fan subscription, pay each month. £59.99 a year – Mega Fan subscription for one year, saving you 16% on the monthly plan. All subscriptions come with a 14-day free trial.

Catalogue

2 out of 5

Over 1,000 anime shows with an impressive more than 30,000 episodes ready to stream.

Viewer experience

4.5 out of 5

Crunchyroll is available to stream on most popular devices via their app. Users can have up to 6 accounts and with the standard Fan pay-monthly subscription you can only stream on one device at a time, whereas with the Mega Fan subscriptions, you can stream on up to 4 devices at a time. Offline viewing is only available with the Mega Fan pay-yearly subscription. The streaming resolution is mostly HD but there isn’t 4K unfortunately.

Pros

Amazing selection of animes

Watch as soon as episodes released

Watch offline

Up to 4 simultaneous streams possible

Cons

More or less only anime or other Japanese content

No 4K option

Limited language options

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	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Video streaming services comparison

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