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Ever cringe at your annual spending habits, realizing you’re coughing out hundreds on streaming services that you never use? If so, you’re absolutely not alone. Just last month, I gasped when I saw how much I was draining my wallet by subscribing to services I never even bother with. (I’m looking at you, Hallmark Plus.)
While it’s tempting to subscribe to every streaming service under the sun just so you never miss out on your favorite shows, it’s a massive waste of money, people. All too often, we’re guilty of starting free trials, promising ourselves that we’ll cancel our subscription before week’s end, then it slips our minds. As a result, we overspend on channels we don’t even use.
A great way to declutter this year is to go through your streaming services so you can sort out which ones you actually watch. By doing this, you’ll save a ton of money, and let go of the guilt that comes with buyer’s remorse.
To help you out, I’ve come up with a list of the best — and worst — streaming services. Which ones are worth keeping around? Which should you cancel? Let’s roll up our sleeves and take a deep dive.
Netflix
Netflix is the father of streaming services and many people believe that it’s worth the subscription. Not only is it the oldest streaming service of all time, but it’s also the most popular. With 282.7 million subscribers — as of 2025 — it’s safe to say that the streaming service isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. But is it worth paying for your subscription? Let’s analyze the pros and cons.
Netflix Pro – Diverse Array of Content
When it comes to telling stories from a vast array of global cultures, Netflix rules — without a doubt. Want to check out a Swedish cooking show? In the mood for a Korean rom-com? How about a dance competition set in Uganda? With Netflix, you’ve got it all.
If you’re someone who values exploring diverse cultures through entertainment, you should hang on to your subscription.
Netflix Pro – High-Quality Netflix Originals
The streaming service also has a massive bundle of high-quality original content. Netflix originals like Mindhunter, Stranger Things, and Squid Game — okay, season one of Squid Game — will never go out of style. Plus, there are thousands of licensed movies and shows that are perfectly bingable.
Netflix Pro – No Ads
Another appealing aspect of Netflix is the lack of ads. An ad-free environment is perhaps one of the most important factors for subscribers because no one wants to pay a fortune for what you’d watch on Network TV.
With that in mind, the streaming service isn’t perfect. Here are some of Netflix cons to bear in mind:
Netflix Con – Prices Are Going Up
Sadly, Netflix is raising its prices for subscribers yet again. For an ad-free experience — and let’s be real, we all prefer that — you’re gonna have to cough up $17.99 a month. Although this is the same price as a salad from Sweet Green, it adds up. Annually, this comes down to $215.88 a year.
If you’re okay with ads — teach me your ways of patience! — then it’s only $7.99 a month.
Netflix Con – Quality Of Original Content Is Declining
Back in the day, during Netflix’s reign, the whole world was fan-girling over the service’s original shows. In 2013, you couldn’t open your mailbox without your neighbor raving over the latest season of Orange is the New Black. Same can be said about House of Cards, and Master of None.
But if we’re gonna be honest here, the quality of Netflix shows is not what it used to be — at least circa 2025. While there have been some winners within the past few years, (Baby Reindeer, anyone?), they’re few and far between.
This is especially so when it comes to Netflix original movies. (Have y’all seen Irish Wish? I love me some Lindsay Lohan as much as the next person, but that movie reeks like it was written by ChatGPT.)
With many people agreeing that the quality of original content has gone downhill, some argue that it’s no longer worth keeping around.
Max
Photo Credit: Boliviainteligente for Unsplash
Now that we’ve covered the pros and cons of Netflix, let’s move on to Max. This streaming service is the hub of all things HBO. Plus, it’s got some awesome movies and shows in its library that are excellent for binging.
From a personal perspective, I have to say Max is, hands down, my favorite streaming service of the bunch. Not only is it ad-free, but it also has some of the best shows in the history of television. (I mean, come onnnn. This is HBO we’re talking about, here.) Let’s dive into the Pros and Cons of Max, so you can decide whether it’s worth keeping your subscription.
Max Pro – Top Tier HBO Content
I am a self-professed HBO junkie. All of my favorite series in the history of television are from HBO. Succession, Sex and the City, Girls, White Lotus, and Game of Thrones are my top-tier shows that I can gladly watch on a loop until the day I die. Oh, and Curb Your Enthusiasm is prettyyyy-prettyyy-pretty fine. Plus, award-winning classics like The Sopranos, Oz, and The Wire are stored in Max’s library, so you’ll never run out of brilliant TV.
When it comes to the sheer quality of its library, you really can’t beat HBO.
Max Pro – Ad Free
Let’s be real, no one wants to pay for a service that has ads. The fact that Max is ad-free is a massive plus, especially because so many streaming services out there cost the same amount, yet are clogged up with ads.
Max Con – Can Lag Compared To Other Services
My sister and I have noticed that while watching Max, it tends to have a significant lag compared to other streaming services. While it’s not a consistent problem, it’s happened enough for the two of us to complain. There’s nothing worse than kicking your feet up and getting cozy after a long day of work, only to turn on your pricey streaming service that has a serious loading problem.
As you stare at the spinning buffer sign — going round and around and around — as you impatiently wait, you contemplate deleting the service entirely in protest to your frustration. If you’re stubborn like me — and detest the buffering process — Max might not be right for you.
Hulu
Photo Credit: Tech Daily for Unsplash
Moment of truth time: Hulu is, hands down, my least favorite streaming service. There, I said it. Although that’s a harsh statement, I just don’t think it’s worth the moolah. But then again, it all comes down to personal preference. And even I — as an avid Hulu hater™ — can admit that there are some awesome shows in its content library. So, let’s see if it’s worth keeping your subscription.
Hulu Pro – High-Quality Library
Hulu has some admittedly awesome original shows in its content library, like Handmaid’s Tale, Pen15, and The Bear. Plus, it has iconic network favorites in its library, ranging from Broad City to How I Met Your Mother and Friends — the classics!
Hulu Con – Neverending Ads
Photo Credit: Tech Daily for Unsplash
I’ll admit, I threw the tiiiiniest bit of a tantrum the last time I used Hulu — I couldn’t go ten seconds without an ad popping up. It totally ruined my experience with the service, especially because I’d bought the “No Ads” plan. How frustrating!
In my humble opinion, I just don’t think the service is worth it anymore.
Amazon Prime Video
Now, let’s move on to my other favorite streaming service of all time: Amazon Prime Video. I will never get rid of my Prime subscription. Why do I love it so much? Where does it falter? Let’s analyze the pros and cons.
Amazon Prime Video Pro – Largest Content Library Of Any Streaming Service
Photo Credit: Lexscope, Unsplash
Amazon Prime Video has the widest selection out there. Once you’re subscribed, you’ll have access to millions of films. Seriously, Prime has it all. If you want to watch some obscure silent film from the 1930s, there’s an excellent chance Prime Video will have it. Think of a movie — any movie. If you search it in prime, you should be able to rent it. As a massive movie buff, that makes my subscription well worth it.
Amazon Prime Video Pro – Buy Movies And Shows To Keep Forever
Photo Credit: Joel Muniz for Unsplash
I love that Prime Video lets you keep your favorite films, so you don’t have to worry about them disappearing like on Netflix. I have a collection of movies from Prime Video that I can always turn to long after making my purchase. It’s like having a collection of VHS tapes or DVDs without the worry of it getting scratched or ruined from overuse.
Amazon Prime Video Con – Not Enough Free Or Original Content
If you’re more of a TV fanatic than a film buff, Amazon Prime might not be right for you. Sadly, there aren’t many Amazon originals to choose from. And while I love The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, it’s rare when Prime Originals truly capture my interest.
Plus, many TV shows on Prime Video cost a pretty penny per season if they’re not Amazon Prime Video originals. To rent a movie, you’ll pay around $3.99. While this doesn’t seem like much, it can add up over time — esp. if you’re constantly watching films, like me.
Peacock
I’ll be honest with you guys, I’m not a fan of Peacock. I recently canceled my subscription because I was so frustrated with my experience. But with that being said, the service does come with its “pros.” Shall we see if Peacock is worth it for you?
Peacock Pro – Excellent Content Library, Esp. For Reality TV Fanatics
Photo Credit: Jens Kreuter for Unsplash
Calling all my Bravo stans! If you’re obsessed with shows like Vanderpump Rules, Below Deck, and Project Runway, Peacock really is your best friend. It hosts the most dramatic reality shows across the board, be it Love Island, Real Housewives, and Summerhouse. And although the KUWTK revival series The Kardashians is a snooze-fest compared to the original, it’s a hoot to have on in the background.
And even if you’re not a reality TV person, Peacock stores tons of network darlings from the early 2000s, like The Office and Parks and Recreation.
Peacock Con – Ads-Ads And More Ads, Even With Peacock Plus
Even if you’re paying the full price for Premium Plus — $13.99 a month — you still get bombarded with obnoxious ads. In my opinion, paying that much a month ($167.88 a year) is outrageous.
At the end of the day, I’m only hanging on to the streaming services that are entirely ad-free: Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Max. Who’s with me?
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This article includes affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, with no extra cost to you.
Ever cringe at your annual spending habits, realizing you’re coughing out hundreds on streaming services that you never use? If so, you’re absolutely not alone. Just last month, I gasped when I saw how much I was draining my wallet by subscribing to services I never even bother with. (I’m looking at you, Hallmark Plus.)
While it’s tempting to subscribe to every streaming service under the sun just so you never miss out on your favorite shows, it’s a massive waste of money, people. All too often, we’re guilty of starting free trials, promising ourselves that we’ll cancel our subscription before week’s end, then it slips our minds. As a result, we overspend on channels we don’t even use.
A great way to declutter this year is to go through your streaming services so you can sort out which ones you actually watch. By doing this, you’ll save a ton of money, and let go of the guilt that comes with buyer’s remorse.
To help you out, I’ve come up with a list of the best — and worst — streaming services. Which ones are worth keeping around? Which should you cancel? Let’s roll up our sleeves and take a deep dive.
Netflix
Netflix is the father of streaming services and many people believe that it’s worth the subscription. Not only is it the oldest streaming service of all time, but it’s also the most popular. With 282.7 million subscribers — as of 2025 — it’s safe to say that the streaming service isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. But is it worth paying for your subscription? Let’s analyze the pros and cons.
Netflix Pro - Diverse Array of Content
When it comes to telling stories from a vast array of global cultures, Netflix rules — without a doubt. Want to check out a Swedish cooking show? In the mood for a Korean rom-com? How about a dance competition set in Uganda? With Netflix, you’ve got it all.
If you’re someone who values exploring diverse cultures through entertainment, you should hang on to your subscription.
Netflix Pro - High-Quality Netflix Originals
The streaming service also has a massive bundle of high-quality original content. Netflix originals like Mindhunter, Stranger Things, and Squid Game — okay, season one of Squid Game — will never go out of style. Plus, there are thousands of licensed movies and shows that are perfectly bingable.
Netflix Pro - No Ads
Another appealing aspect of Netflix is the lack of ads. An ad-free environment is perhaps one of the most important factors for subscribers because no one wants to pay a fortune for what you’d watch on Network TV.
With that in mind, the streaming service isn’t perfect. Here are some of Netflix cons to bear in mind:
Netflix Con - Prices Are Going Up
Sadly, Netflix is raising its prices for subscribers yet again. For an ad-free experience — and let’s be real, we all prefer that — you’re gonna have to cough up $17.99 a month. Although this is the same price as a salad from Sweet Green, it adds up. Annually, this comes down to $215.88 a year.
If you’re okay with ads — teach me your ways of patience! — then it’s only $7.99 a month.
Netflix Con - Quality Of Original Content Is Declining
Back in the day, during Netflix’s reign, the whole world was fan-girling over the service’s original shows. In 2013, you couldn’t open your mailbox without your neighbor raving over the latest season of Orange is the New Black. Same can be said about House of Cards, and Master of None.
But if we’re gonna be honest here, the quality of Netflix shows is not what it used to be — at least circa 2025. While there have been some winners within the past few years, (Baby Reindeer, anyone?), they’re few and far between.
This is especially so when it comes to Netflix original movies. (Have y’all seen Irish Wish? I love me some Lindsay Lohan as much as the next person, but that movie reeks like it was written by ChatGPT.)
With many people agreeing that the quality of original content has gone downhill, some argue that it’s no longer worth keeping around.
Max
Photo Credit: Boliviainteligente for Unsplash
Now that we’ve covered the pros and cons of Netflix, let’s move on to Max. This streaming service is the hub of all things HBO. Plus, it’s got some awesome movies and shows in its library that are excellent for binging.
From a personal perspective, I have to say Max is, hands down, my favorite streaming service of the bunch. Not only is it ad-free, but it also has some of the best shows in the history of television. (I mean, come onnnn. This is HBO we’re talking about, here.) Let’s dive into the Pros and Cons of Max, so you can decide whether it’s worth keeping your subscription.
Max Pro - Top Tier HBO Content
I am a self-professed HBO junkie. All of my favorite series in the history of television are from HBO. Succession, Sex and the City, Girls, White Lotus, and Game of Thrones are my top-tier shows that I can gladly watch on a loop until the day I die. Oh, and Curb Your Enthusiasm is prettyyyy-prettyyy-pretty fine. Plus, award-winning classics like The Sopranos, Oz, and The Wire are stored in Max’s library, so you’ll never run out of brilliant TV.
When it comes to the sheer quality of its library, you really can’t beat HBO.
Max Pro - Ad Free
Let’s be real, no one wants to pay for a service that has ads. The fact that Max is ad-free is a massive plus, especially because so many streaming services out there cost the same amount, yet are clogged up with ads.
Max Con - Can Lag Compared To Other Services
My sister and I have noticed that while watching Max, it tends to have a significant lag compared to other streaming services. While it’s not a consistent problem, it’s happened enough for the two of us to complain. There’s nothing worse than kicking your feet up and getting cozy after a long day of work, only to turn on your pricey streaming service that has a serious loading problem.
As you stare at the spinning buffer sign — going round and around and around — as you impatiently wait, you contemplate deleting the service entirely in protest to your frustration. If you’re stubborn like me — and detest the buffering process — Max might not be right for you.
Hulu
Photo Credit: Tech Daily for Unsplash
Moment of truth time: Hulu is, hands down, my least favorite streaming service. There, I said it. Although that’s a harsh statement, I just don’t think it’s worth the moolah. But then again, it all comes down to personal preference. And even I — as an avid Hulu hater™ — can admit that there are some awesome shows in its content library. So, let’s see if it’s worth keeping your subscription.
Hulu Pro - High-Quality Library
Hulu has some admittedly awesome original shows in its content library, like Handmaid’s Tale, Pen15, and The Bear. Plus, it has iconic network favorites in its library, ranging from Broad City to How I Met Your Mother and Friends — the classics!
Hulu Con - Neverending Ads
Photo Credit: Tech Daily for Unsplash
I’ll admit, I threw the tiiiiniest bit of a tantrum the last time I used Hulu — I couldn’t go ten seconds without an ad popping up. It totally ruined my experience with the service, especially because I’d bought the “No Ads” plan. How frustrating!
In my humble opinion, I just don’t think the service is worth it anymore.
Amazon Prime Video
Now, let’s move on to my other favorite streaming service of all time: Amazon Prime Video. I will never get rid of my Prime subscription. Why do I love it so much? Where does it falter? Let’s analyze the pros and cons.
Amazon Prime Video Pro - Largest Content Library Of Any Streaming Service
Photo Credit: Lexscope, Unsplash
Amazon Prime Video has the widest selection out there. Once you’re subscribed, you’ll have access to millions of films. Seriously, Prime has it all. If you want to watch some obscure silent film from the 1930s, there’s an excellent chance Prime Video will have it. Think of a movie — any movie. If you search it in prime, you should be able to rent it. As a massive movie buff, that makes my subscription well worth it.
Amazon Prime Video Pro - Buy Movies And Shows To Keep Forever
Photo Credit: Joel Muniz for Unsplash
I love that Prime Video lets you keep your favorite films, so you don’t have to worry about them disappearing like on Netflix. I have a collection of movies from Prime Video that I can always turn to long after making my purchase. It’s like having a collection of VHS tapes or DVDs without the worry of it getting scratched or ruined from overuse.
Amazon Prime Video Con - Not Enough Free Or Original Content
If you’re more of a TV fanatic than a film buff, Amazon Prime might not be right for you. Sadly, there aren’t many Amazon originals to choose from. And while I love The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, it’s rare when Prime Originals truly capture my interest.
Plus, many TV shows on Prime Video cost a pretty penny per season if they’re not Amazon Prime Video originals. To rent a movie, you’ll pay around $3.99. While this doesn’t seem like much, it can add up over time — esp. if you’re constantly watching films, like me.
Peacock
I’ll be honest with you guys, I’m not a fan of Peacock. I recently canceled my subscription because I was so frustrated with my experience. But with that being said, the service does come with its “pros.” Shall we see if Peacock is worth it for you?
Peacock Pro - Excellent Content Library, Esp. For Reality TV Fanatics
Photo Credit: Jens Kreuter for Unsplash
Calling all my Bravo stans! If you’re obsessed with shows like Vanderpump Rules, Below Deck, and Project Runway, Peacock really is your best friend. It hosts the most dramatic reality shows across the board, be it Love Island, Real Housewives, and Summerhouse. And although the KUWTK revival series The Kardashians is a snooze-fest compared to the original, it’s a hoot to have on in the background.
And even if you’re not a reality TV person, Peacock stores tons of network darlings from the early 2000s, like The Office and Parks and Recreation.
Peacock Con - Ads-Ads And More Ads, Even With Peacock Plus
Even if you’re paying the full price for Premium Plus — $13.99 a month — you still get bombarded with obnoxious ads. In my opinion, paying that much a month ($167.88 a year) is outrageous.
At the end of the day, I’m only hanging on to the streaming services that are entirely ad-free: Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Max. Who’s with me?
via TikTok/@ElysiaBerman + Kasjan Farbisz from Pixabay
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