We've gotten to the point where there are so many classic TV shows and movies, that it can be hard to know what to watch — or how to afford it! Luckily I'm here to help you solve both problems thanks to the Black Friday sales.

The Amazon Black Friday sales are currently underway, until Tuesday, December 2, and of the many deals across the site there are many on DVDs and Blu-rays.

Remember discs? The things you used to watch movies and shows from before streaming services? They're a great way to make sure the movie you love or the show you're binging is easily accessible to watch, for if (or when) it gets pulled from streaming.

So to find you something to watch, I've compiled a list of all the Black Friday DVD and Blu-ray sales I've found on films or series that have over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. This is an aggregate of every movie or season in the box set, which rules a surprising amount of stuff out!

If you don't like what you see here, you can find Amazon's Black Friday DVD listings here, for all those picks which only hit 89% (or under).

More Black Friday options:

• Netflix Black Friday deals
• Apple TV Plus Black Friday deals
• Disney Plus Black Friday deals
• Paramount Plus Black Friday deals
• Prime Video & Channels Black Friday deals
• Max Black Friday deals
• Peacock Black Friday deals
• Hulu Black Friday deals
• ESPN Plus Black Friday deals
• Sling TV Black Friday deals
• Fubo Black Friday deals
• DAZN Black Friday deals

You don't need to wait until Black Friday to find sales; in fact, if you've been anywhere or online or on the high street, you've probably been tripping over adverts for different sales and promotions. Nowhere is that more clear than Amazon, which began its Black Friday deals on Thursday, November 21, and they include a huge range of gadgets... including Fire TV Sticks.

I'd tell you that Fire TV Sticks are dongles which you plug into your TV to make it a Smart TV, but you probably already know that. You're probably already here because you know you want to buy one of these devices in the sale (don't know which? I've got a guide on the best Fire TV Stick you should buy here)

The Amazon Black Friday sale has brought the price of Fire TV Sticks (and other streaming devices from the company) down to a really low price, but not all deals are equal (and there aren't any Prime Video Black Friday deals yet!). To to help you find which discount is best, I've ranked them all.

This isn't a simple list of which is discounted most — I've combined factors like size of reduction, new price, rarity of discount and my own judgements on the device, in order to give you a more bespoke list. Oh, and the list is the same in the US and UK (with one major exception) so you can see both here.

Most of these deals end on Monday, December 2 or earlier

Ranking the Fire TV Stick deals

1. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

• US: was $49.99 now $21.99 | UK: was £59.99 now £34.99

The biggest percentage discount of any Amazon streaming stick in both the US and UK is the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, which is 56% and 42% off respectively, but that's not the only reason why this is the best deal of the bunch.

With 4K TVs becoming more and more commonplace, this is arguably the streaming stick that most people should consider buying. It's the most affordable from the company that supports 4K video streaming, with this deal making it cheaper than any of the sticks normally are.

The Fire TV Stick 4K is the most popular Amazon streaming dongle, judging by the number of reviews on Amazon's website, and so it's normally the option we recommend most anyway. This discount just makes it an even more urgent buy.

2. Amazon Fire TV Stick HD

• US: was $34.99 now $17.99 | UK: was £39.99 now £27.99

The Fire TV Stick HD doesn't have the biggest percentage price cut of all the devices (49% in the US, 30% in the UK), nor is it the cheapest (in the UK, at least). But it has something the other sticks don't: recency.

You see the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD only just came out, and so we weren't necessarily expecting a deal on the device. The fact we do boosts the HD up to second spot on this list.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is the only option on this list which doesn't support 4K streaming, as its video output goes up to 1080p. This makes it great for people who don't have a 4K TV, and it's also Amazon's current 'budget' option, although in the sales it's also selling its outgoing Lite option.

If you simply want the cheapest Fire TV Stick available, this deal is made for you.

3. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

• US: was $59.99 now $32.99 | UK: was £69.99 now £44.99

Next up, with a 45% saving in the US and a 36% saving in the UK, we've got the Amazon Fire TV Stick Max.

This streaming stick is a version of the Fire TV Stick 4K but with some extra boosts. It has more storage space for apps, a more advanced remote with more options, and an ambient experience for when your TV isn't actively in use.

Due to its higher price, the Fire TV Stick 4K isn't for everyone, and it's best suited for people who have other Alexa devices and let their TV be the center point of their home.

Saying that, the extra storage space is really useful for people who own loads of streaming services, so if that's you it may be a worthy buy.

Otherwise, it's at the third point on this list purely because its features aren't strictly necessary.

4. Amazon Fire TV Cube

• US: was $139.99 now $99.99 | UK: was £139.99 now £109.99

The Amazon Fire TV Cube often comes up last in lists like this. That's not because it's a bad streaming stick, but because it's such a feature-packed and expensive one that it's too much for most people.

Even with this reduction, of 29% in the US and 21% in the UK, there's no getting around the fact that the Cube is expensive.

The device justifies itself because it's not just a streaming stick but an Alexa home device rolled into one, turning your TV into an Echo Show-style device (that's the home hub that connects all your Alexa smart home gadgets).

So if you have a home full of Alexa devices and want one hub to control them all with, it's a great option for you, especially if you also need a powerful 4K video streaming device. But if not, then look at the cheaper options.

Honorable mention: Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite

• US: no deal | UK: was £34.99 now £21.99

This device is only getting an honorable mention since there's no Black Friday deal on it in the US; otherwise, I was considering putting it at #2!

The Fire TV Stick Lite used to be Amazon's cheapest streaming stick, until it was discontinued several months ago. It has most of the same features as the Stick HD but with a few missing, and it'll work just as great as Amazon's other streaming sticks.

At just £22 in the UK, this is the cheapest Fire TV Stick available in the sales.

Other Amazon Fire TV Black Friday deals

Already got a Fire TV Stick? There are two more deals that I think you should consider:

Improve your audio: Amazon Fire TV Soundbar

• US: was $119.99 now $89.99 | UK: was £119.99 now £99.99

A soundbar is an external speaker for your TV that gives you greatly improved sound, and the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is one that's fairly affordable and makes your movies sound better.

It may be fiddly to set up but it's a low-cost way of giving yourself more immersive sound, so it could be a good way to put off buying a whole new TV for a few more years.

The discount (25% in the US, 17% in the UK) isn't huge but it's a much better deal than buying a whole new TV. Plus, not all soundbars have similar Black Friday deals.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar was released a year ago and a Plus version was unveiled several weeks ago, but it's not on offer.

Back-up remote: Alexa Voice Remote Pro

• US: was $34.99 now $24.99 | UK: was £34.99 now £22.99

The various Fire TV Sticks come with different remotes, but the best one is the Alexa Voice Remote Pro. This gives you voice control over your streaming, but also ways to control your TV itself, making it an all-in one remote.

If you're wanting to upgrade your TV stick remote or have misplaced your current one, this deal could be a handy way to save money. It's 29% off in the US and 34% off in the UK.

More Black Friday options:

• Netflix Black Friday deals
• Apple TV Plus Black Friday deals
• Disney Plus Black Friday deals
• Paramount Plus Black Friday deals
• Prime Video & Channels Black Friday deals
• Max Black Friday deals
• Peacock Black Friday deals
• Hulu Black Friday deals
• ESPN Plus Black Friday deals
• Sling TV Black Friday deals
• Fubo Black Friday deals
• DAZN Black Friday deals

If you're a sports fan and you haven't heard of ESPN Plus - widely considered one of the best streaming services for sports - it's worth double checking that you're actually as much of a sports fan as you think you are!

ESPN Plus - operated by the now Disney-owned sports network ESPN - is many things to many sports viewers. It's where you can go to get your fix of streaming live sports such as NFL, MLB, college football, college basketball and PGA Tour to name just a few. And that's just the tip of the ice berg, you've also got its documentary section and a variety of talk shows that go into details about its stars and strategies if you still want more about your favourite sport.

• Find out more info on an ESPN Plus subscription on the ESPN site

Once the only sports streaming service of note, its now got some competitors nipping at its heels in the form of DAZN, Fite TV and Apple TV Plus. This is without mentioning MLS which has become increasingly more popular alongside major streamers which have also dipped their toes into this world led by Peacock and Prime Video. Both of these big streamers have been making advances in sports content and - as a response - ESPN partially operated Venu Sports will be wading in too.

This recent competition might be reflected in the price increase ESPN Plus has inflicted on its subscribers who will have noticed an extra bump in monthly bills. It's always worth checking in on the ESPN Plus Black Friday deal to save you some money, worth bearing in mind for the next time this rolls around. Alongside this, the new pricing information below and other features, we update this article regularly to reflect this streamer's changes.

Final thing to reflect on before getting stuck into the nitty gritty of this article: ESPN Plus is more affordable if you get it as part of the Disney Bundle. More on that below but with this in mind and even despite the lack of an ESPN Plus free trial, ESPN Plus is an incredible get for sports fans.

• Will there be an ESPN Plus deal over Black Friday?

What is the ESPN Plus price?

ESPN Plus currently goes for $11.99 a month, or $119.99 a year if you pay annually instead of monthly. That's $1 and $10 (respectively) higher than it used to be after a price rise on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

You can cancel whenever you want, so, if your favorite sport isn't in season, just cancel and come back when you're ready.

And even better, you could also consider bundling the ESPN Plus subscription cost with a couple of other streaming services — Hulu and Disney Plus — known as the Disney Bundle for $16.99 per month. So it's not just good value in and of itself.

Another way to get access is via the live TV streaming service Hulu with Live TV, as on certain tiers you get Disney Plus and ESPN Plus included in the package. The prices for these plans begin at $82.99 monthly.

We sometimes see other streaming deals on the service too, if you can't wait to see the games.

What's included in ESPN Plus?

The biggest draw is the live streaming of thousands of sports, games and tournaments at any time — day or night. As well as live sports ESPN Plus also offers up original programming from sports talk studio shows, sports documentaries like Man in the Arena with Tom Brady and Dana White's Contender Series, exclusive articles from ESPN's sports writers and, is the exclusive home of UFC.

• LIVE SPORTS:
  Here are the list of live sports offered on ESPN Plus: UFC, Top Rank boxing, MLB, NHL, MLS, PGA Tour, Bundesliga, Premiere Lacrosse League, Emirates FA Cup, LaLiga, Cope del Rey, Carabao Cup, EFL Championship, US Open Cup, PFL, college football, college basketball, college lacrosse, college baseball, college hockey, college wrestling, Little League World Series, Australian Open, Wimbledon, US Open tennis, WTT, The Masters, PGA Championship, cricket, rugby, G-League basketball, National Lacrosse League
• UFC:
  You can also justify the ESPN Plus subscription due to the fact that it's the exclusive home of UFC pay-per-view events. You can't watch UFC in the US without also having ESPN Plus.
• ORGINAL PROGRAMMING:
  ESPN Plus is also home to all sorts of original content. Peyton's Places is the main attraction. It's nice to see Peyton Manning do something other than commercials but you'll also find the excellent 30 For 30 documentaries, Stephen A's World, and SportsNation. Other popular ESPN shows like The Jump and NFL Primetime are available on ESPN Plus too.

How can I stream ESPN Plus?

ESPN Plus is available on a whole host of connected devices. Start basic on your laptop and expand to everything from Apple iOS, Android, Amazon Fire sticks and Fire TVs, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, ESPN Plus on Chromecast, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X and for the niche techies, the Oculus Go.

More ESPN Plus

• Is there an ESPN Plus free trial?
• Use Chromecast to send ESPN Plus content to your TV.
• How to watch ESPN Plus on your TV
• How to watch ESPN Plus on a Vizio TV
• Use AirPlay on Apple TV to send ESPN Plus content to your TV.

Save on ESPN Plus — consider the Disney Bundle

If there's any chance at all that you might also subscribe to Disney Plus or Hulu, then you absolutely must check out the bundle that gets you both of those services along with ESPN Plus for a single price.

It's called the Disney Bundle, and it gets you Disney Plus, the basic Hulu subscription and ESPN Plus all for a single price of just $16.99 a month.

That gets you all the incredible content on Disney Plus, including films and shows from the world of Star Wars — The Book of Boba Fett and The Mandalorian — the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, which includes the excellent WandaVision and Loki. There's also Pixar, Nat Geo and of course the rest of the Disney universe. You get all that, plus Hulu and ESPN Plus.

And it gets even better.

If you're looking for a new way to stream live TV, you can add Hulu With Live TV to your bundle and make the ESPN+ cost make even more sense. That bundle costs $82.99 a month. So now you have ESPN Plus, Disney Plus, and the basic Hulu on-demand service, plus Hulu With Live TV, which gets you dozens of live streaming channels. That's just about the most cost-effective ESPN Plus deal there is.

When we're giving advice on how people can save money on streaming services, the first pick we always recommend is the Disney Bundle, because it's simply one of the best entertainment deals right now.

The Disney Bundle gets you access to Disney Plus and Hulu, and optionally ESPN Plus as well, for a far smaller price than you'd usually pay if you signed up individually.

• Sign up to the Disney Bundle here

The Disney Bundle has tiers which let you opt for ad-enabled or ad-free streaming, as well sa ESPN Plus which isn't on the cheapest tier.

Disney Plus lets you keep on top of the House of Mouse's content like Star Wars, Marvel movies and shows and Pixar, while Hulu has plenty of cable uploads and must-watch new shows.

ESPN Plus is one of the best streaming services in the US for sports fans, and so if you want to watch live sports or factual shows on your favorite game, it's worth signing up for.

Want to know more about the Disney Bundle? Here's everything you need to know, to decide on whether you should sign up.

Disney bundle price and tiers

There are currently four tiers of Disney Bundle for you to pick from:

The two Duo tiers provide something that the original Disney Bundle didn't: an option for people who don't want sports. It's an affordable plan that means you're not paying for a subscription to a service you won't use.

Trio plans are like the original Disney Bundle options, giving all three streaming services, but at a great discount compared to their individual costs. As with duo, you can choose between the ads or ad-free options, though ESPN Plus always has ads.

A few legacy plans also exist, which are previous versions of the Disney Bundle. You can no longer sign up to these but existing subscribers can remain on them.

For a little bit of context Disney Plus and Hulu both cost $9.99 for their ad-enabled plan and $15.99 and $18.99 respectively for ad-free, while ESPN Plus is $11.99 (all monthly). So you're saving money on whichever plan you pick — that's why the Disney Bundle is such a popular means of subscribing to platforms.

When was the Disney Bundle first introduced?

The Disney Bundle has been available in the US since Disney Plus was launched. Speaking about the combined streaming package at its launch, Disney CEO Bob Iger said: "The positive response to our direct-to-consumer strategy has been gratifying, and the integration of the businesses we acquired from 21st Century Fox only increases our confidence in our ability to leverage decades of iconic storytelling and the powerful creative engines across the entire company to deliver an extraordinary value proposition to consumers."

The Disney Bundle has seen some changes, with a reshuffle in 2023 changing the tiers. You used to have to sign up to ESPN Plus too, but the change added the tier without the sports streamer. Other prices were changed too, to reflect new ad-supported tiers in various streamers.

There are technically two 'Hulu' streaming services: the video-on-demand platform that lets you stream movies and TV shows, and the live TV streaming service named 'Hulu with Live TV'.

Both of these streaming services are amongst the many Disney-owned web video platforms that have seen a recent price hike in October 2024, which may explain why the costs are higher than you remember. If you're interested in saving money, we've got a guide on whether Hulu could see a Black Friday deal.

Many people look to Hulu with Live TV because in a competitive world of live TV streaming services, its single plan and single price make it a lot less confusing than some complex rivals like Fubo, DirecTV or Sling TV.

Hulu with Live TV is a lot more than that, though; sure, it lets you stream a wide range of cable channels over the web, but a subscription also lets you watch from Disney Plus, ESPN Plus and Hulu with their libraries or live streamed events. Hulu's live TV offering really is a one-stop shop for entertainment fans.

So you can use Hulu with Live TV to jump between cable channels like ESPN, USA and CNN, then stream a movie on Disney Plus or a new show on Hulu, and finish the day by streaming a live match on ESPN Plus. For one price, you get countless hours of watching.

Hulu with Live TV isn't for everyone, as some may find that its single price point and particular channel line-up doesn't fit with what they're looking for in a cord-cutting service. So let's dig into it, so you can decide whether it's what you're looking for.

• Will there be a Hulu deal over Black Friday?

What's the difference between Hulu and Hulu Live TV?

You have to think about Hulu as two separate things with mostly the same name. Hulu proper is the on-demand streaming service that has all kinds of movies and TV shows from a number of different places. Sometimes they're exclusive to Hulu — say, The Handmaid's Tale — and sometimes they pull from multiple studios.

Hulu also offers FX shows after the air on traditional TV, as well as where you'll find some truly excellent streaming exclusives like A Teacher, Devs and Mrs. America.

Hulu with Live TV is exactly what it sounds like — it's live TV, available through Hulu.

Does Hulu with Live TV have a free trial?

Currently there's no Hulu with Live TV free trial, although the service has offered a month-long one in the past.

You can get a one-week trial of Hulu itself if you want (the video-on-demand service, not the live TV option), but if you want to try out the cord-cutting services, you'll need to pay for it at full price.

How much does Hulu with Live TV cost?

There are four tiers of Hulu with Live TV, at different prices. All get you the same cable channels and Hulu itself.

The basic tier of Hulu with Live TV costs $81.99 per month. This gets you ad-enabled streaming and nothing else.

The next tier costs you just $1 extra per month: $82.99 will get you live TV and Hulu but also Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, both with commercials.

Jumping up, the $87.99 plan is the same as the previous one, but Disney Plus won't have ads.

The priciest plan will set you back $95.99. It gets you all of the streaming services and Hulu and Disney Plus will both be commercial-free.

• Hulu With Live TV: $81.99 a month
• Hulu With Live TV and no VOD ads: $95.99 a month

How to sign up for Hulu or Hulu with Live TV

1. In your favorite web browser, visit Hulu.com/live-tv.
2. Choose whether you want Hulu without ads, or Hulu with ads or Hulu with Live TV.
3. Enter email address, choose a strong password and feed Hulu your name and birthdate and gender.
4. Click Continue, then enter your payment information. You can use a credit or debit card, or choose "Express Options" for PayPal or AMEX Express Checkout.
5. Now choose any premium add-ons like HBO, Showtime, Cinemax or STARZ. (If you've chosen Hulu with Live TV, you also can choose from the live add-on options.)

And that's that. You can now start watching anything and everything on Hulu.

The Disney Bundle

With Disney owning Hulu, it is offering US consumers what is known as the Disney Bundle, which combines Disney Plus, ESPN Plus and Hulu (all ad-enabled) for $16.99 per month.

There's another tier that excludes ESPN Plus, but only costs $10.99. A few other tiers let you get ad-free streaming too, but both cost more.

The live channels you get with Hulu Live

Hulu with Live TV currently has more than 80 channels. It's possible that what you get where you live may vary slightly (local and regional rules still apply here, especially when it comes to local broadcast channels), but the broad strokes should remain the same.

Here are the Hulu with Live TV channels:

• A&E
• ABC (select markets)
• ABC News Live
• ACC Network
• Adult Swim
• Animal Planet
• BET
• Big Ten Network
• Bloomberg Television
• Boomerang
• Bravo
• Cartoon Network
• CBS (select markets)
• CBS Sports Network
• CBS News
• Cheddar News
• CMT
• CNBC
• CNN
• CNN International
• Comedy Central
• COZI TV
• Crime + Investigation
• The CW
• Dabl
• Discovery Channel
• Disney Channel
• Disney Junior
• Disney XD
• E!
• ESPN
• ESPN College Extra
• ESPNU
• ESPN2
• ESPN News
• Food Network
• Fox (select markets)
• Fox Business
• Fox News Channel
• Freeform
• FS1
• FS2
• FX
• FXM
• FXX
• FYI
• Golf Channel
• HGTV
• History
• HLN
• Investigation Discovery
• Lifetime
• Lifetime Movies
• Localish
• Military History
• MotorTrend
• MSNBC
• MTV
• NASA
• National Geographic
• National Geographic Wild
• NBC (select markets)
• NBC LX
• NBC News Now
• NewsNation
• NFL Network
• Nickelodeon
• Nick Jr.
• Olympic Channel (until September 30)
• Oxygen
• OWN
• Paramount Network
• POP
• QVC
• SEC Network
• Smithsonian Channel
• Start TV
• SYFY
• TBS
• TCM
• Telemundo
• TLC
• TNT
• Travel Channel
• TruTV
• TV Land
• Universal Kids
• USA
• Vice
• VH1

If you want to see what movies and TV shows are now streaming on Hulu with Live TV, check out our breakdown of what's new on Hulu in September.

What add-ons are available with Hulu with Live TV?

Live channels aren't the only thing you can get with Hulu With Live TV. So long as you don't mind paying for them, there are a number of extras that can be had. Here's how they break down:

• HBO Max: $14.99. a month
• Showtime: $10.99. a month with a free one-week trial
• Cinemax: $9.99 a month with a free one-week trial
• STARZ: $8.99 a month with a free one-week trial
• Entertainment add-on: $7.99 a month, adds American Heroes Channel, BET Her, CNBC World, Cooking Channel, Crime & Investigation, Destination America, Discovery Family, Discovery Life, Magnolia Network, Great American Country, Military History Channel, MTV2, MTV Classic, Nick Toons, Science Channel and Teen Nick.
• Español Add-On: $4.99 a month, adds CNN en Español, Discovery en Español, Discovery Familia, ESPN Deportes, Fox Deportes, NBC Universo, and History en Español.
• Sports Add-On: $9.99 a month, adds NFL RedZone, TVG, TVG2, Sportsman Channel, Outdoor Channel and MAV TV.
• Unlimited screens: $9.99 a month with a free one-month trial, includes ability to work with three screens on the go

DVR space for Hulu with Live TV has been upgraded. After previously providing up to 50 hours of DVR space as standard for all accounts, with the option for an add-on feature that allowed for 200 hours on DVR, Hulu with Live TV now offers unlimited DVR space no additional cost. Anyone who was paying for the DVR space add-ons will see their monthly bill reduced by those amounts. In addition, the unlimited DVR feature allows subscribers to fast forward through commercials at no extra cost

One thing to note, though the DVR space is unlimited, Hulu says that the content will only be available in the DVR for nine months.

What devices support Hulu with Live TV?

If you can watch Hulu, you can watch Hulu With Live TV. They're built into the same app. And that means that you can watch Hulu With Live TV on just about every modern piece of streaming hardware.

That includes on a web browser on a Mac or PC. That means you're good to go on an iPhone or Android Phone, or and iPad or Android tablet. You can watch Hulu With Live TV on Roku and Amazon Fire TV or on Apple TV and Android TV. Chromecast and AirPlay work, too, as do Xbox, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 and 5.

Certain smart TVs are supported, too, including select models from Samsung, LG and Vizio.

Does Hulu With Live TV have live sports?

Perhaps you've seen the commercials? Yes, Hulu has live sports. That includes broadcast events like you'll find on ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC, plus live sports on networks like ESPN and FS1.

There also are games on ACC Network, SEC Network and the Big Ten network.

The only caveat here is that local and regional channels can vary depending on where you live, so you'll want to plug in your ZIP code with Hulu first to double check.

Can you record live TV on Hulu?

Yes. Hulu with Live TV comes with 50 hours of cloud DVR storage out of the box, so you can record up to that much before having to make some tough choices about which Real Housewives series has to go.

VPN is a commonly heard term these days, talked about in articles, videos, sponsor segments and more. But perhaps you’re  a relative newcomer to the internet and you don’t really know what a VPN is, which one is the right choice for you, or even why you might want one at all..

VPN is short for a Virtual Private Network. It’s a security tool that protects your internet usage from anyone who might want to try and snoop on it or intercept it to steal information from you. A VPN can also be used to unblock region-locked streaming content and websites all over around the world. If you’re looking for more details you can check out this what is a VPN article on our sister site, TechRadar, for more details.

With so many different providers out there, it can be hard to know which one to pick if streaming is what's most important to you. We're here to help you cut through all the marketing blurb and let you know which ones we think are the best streaming VPNs.

The three best streaming VPNs in 2026

How to pick a streaming VPN

When looking to choose a streaming VPN there's a few things to take into account. As well as the cost of the subscription, you need to look at the connection speeds that are offered and make sure that any service you pick is going to be fast enough to let you stream in full HD and 4K.  You need to look at the server locations and the number of servers as well, and ensure that they have plenty of servers in those countries to make sure you can easily access the content you're interested in.

This is why we do not recommend free VPNs for streaming. Few free VPNs support streaming, and they tend to offer very limited numbers of locations and come with bandwidth limits that seriously restrict how much you can watch without paying.

The best streaming VPN

One of the most frustrating things about streaming services is the simple fact that not all content is available in every part of the world and if you want to access something that isn't available in your location, you're going to need a VPN. With a VPN you can connect to a server in the location you need and you'll be able to access all of that region's content without worrying about geo-blocking or licensing restrictions.

NordVPN makes finding the right server a breeze with its in-app map layout supported with a handy list of countries allowing you to easily find where you need to connect to. It doesn't even matter which country your account is registered in, bit it the USA, UK, Australia, or Japan. NordVPN unblocks libraries from around the world without fail. Our testing confirms it reliably works with Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more.

▶ Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee

NordVPN offers apps for just about every device available today, including PC, mobile, and tablet. It even works with game consoles. In addition to being able to stream to your heart's content you get ad-blocking tools and malware protection for all of your devices. You can even upgrade your subscription level to get access to NordVPN's password manager and cloud storage services. It's also the only VPN provider to offer scam insurance should the worst happen.

While it might not be the absolute fastest VPN out there, NordVPN is no slouch in the speed department. Using its WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol it easily placed among the fastest VPNs during our testing. This means you'll be able to enjoy streaming in HD (high definition) and 4K with no buffering and no worries about your connection dropping out right when the action kicks off.

There are a few hiccups we've encountered while using NordVPN, though. For starters, its mobile apps aren't the easiest to figure out. There are inconsistencies between them and what tools are available on the desktop versions. Overall, there just isn't the same detail and navigation ease with the apps as there is with the computer apps.

Another point to be aware of is though NordVPN comes with ad blocking and malware protection, these aren't as effective as antivirus software. These programs are dedicated to malware blocking and overall threat protection, and so do a much better job than what you get with NordVPN. Still, for the price of this service, having a little bit of extra security isn't a bad thing.

The best streaming VPN for beginners

Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN has been around for a long time and they’re one of the best known VPN providers out there. But how does it measure up when it comes to unblocking streaming services?

When you sign up for ExpressVPN you’re not just signing up for a great streaming VPN that can reliable and consistently unblock streaming sites both big and small, including all the most common ones like Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and Netflix.  You’re also getting a suite of other features to make your online life easier, including a built in password manager called ExpressVPN Keys which is built into the mobile apps, but is a separate download for those on Windows/MacOS. There’s also an ad blocker, and ExpressVPN’s Threat Manager that blocks malicious sites and website trackers.

ExpressVPN supports a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, Linux and mobile devices including iOS and Android. It can also run natively on both your router and your smart TV, so you can stream content no matter where you are or what device you’re using. Along with a wide range of device support, ExpressVPN boasts a wide range of server locations, over 105 at last count, ensuring that you should be able to find a fast connection close to you as well as one in any country you might need to access content in.

▶ Try ExpressVPN for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee

ExpressVPN isn’t as fast as NordVPN, but it’s anything but slow, especially when you connect using its proprietary Lightway protocol. You will see a bigger hit to your connection speeds when using ExpressVPN, during testing speeds on our gigabit line hovered right down around 410Mbps on WireGuard/Lightwave, and dropped to 210Mbps when using OpenVPN. These speeds are more than adequate for streaming in both HD and 4K, which means no annoying buffering and no worries about missing the exciting parts of the movie because your connection has dropped out.

The ExpressVPN app feels a little dated compared to sleek offerings from companies like Surfshark, but it does the job well enough and makes picking locations as simple as could be. On start-up there’s a nice, friendly power button style icon that will automatically connect to the nearest smart location, and the locations are provided in a straight forward list that also stores your recently used locations. The mobile app even has an informative little graph that shows you the amount of time your device has been protected and what your current location and IP address are.

While ExpressVPN’s reputation took a bit of a hit recently with the unfortunate discovery of DNS leaks in its apps, the company moved quickly to resolve the issue and reassure customers. It remains a top-tier VPN that’s powerful, easy to use and works with all the most popular streaming services out there. It is a little on the expensive side compared to its competitors, but it offers a polished and easy to use service that will enable to you access the content you want to watch no matter which streaming library it might be in.

The best cheap streaming VPN

Surfshark is proof that a budget price doesn’t mean you need to compromise on features when it comes to picking a great streaming VPN. Not only do you get a fast VPN with great unblocking capabilities for accessing content worldwide, it includes a comprehensive security suite to keep you safe while you’re doing it.. Surfshark not only comes with built-in ad-blocking, an antivirus solution, tracker-free web browsing, and a data breach notifier, it even has a tool called Alternative ID that generates brand new identities and email addressed for you to use online. This protects you from being inundated with spam any time you need to register for something. 

Even though Surfshark is cheaper than competitors like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, it’s just as capable as them when it comes to unblocking capabilities. Our testing shows it can reliably and consistently unblock multiple Netflix libraries as well as  Disney+, ITV, the BBC iPlayer and more, making it a solid and cost-effective choice for those who want to stream foreign libraries.

▶ Try the fastest VPN for Netflix on unlimited devices

Being able to unblock multiple libraries is a good selling point, but you need fast connections and plenty of servers spread around the world to take advantage of it and Surfshark won’t let you down. Not only does Surfshark have servers in 100 different countries around the world, it’s one of the fastest VPNs in our speed tests. Reaching speeds of over 950Mbps when connected through WireGuard and a chart topping 640Mbps using OpenVPN you’ll be able to stream, torrent or game without ever needing to worry about lag or buffering.

Sufshark’s apps can feel a bit busy and cluttered compared to competitors like ExpressVPN, taking a similar approach to NordVPN with its map-style interface. It does give users a lot of information and options, but could be intimidating to those not used to such things. 

In day to day use the app is solid and usually reliable, however there have been a handful of instances with the Windows app where the killswitch doesn’t work properly, leaving users browsing and torrenting, assuming they were safe when in fact they were unprotected. This is a rare case, though, and normally Surfshark’s apps are rock solid and offer plenty of configuration and customization options for more experienced users to customize it to their specific needs.

With a low monthly cost, fast download speeds for streaming and torrenting and the ability to unblock multiple streaming libraries worldwide, Sufshark remains our top choice for the budget-conscious VPN user. If you’d like to know more, head over and check out our in-depth Surfshark review, and then try it out for yourself, risk free, thanks to Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee.

The best streaming VPN with free version

When you sign up to Proton VPN you’re not just getting a great streaming VPN, you’re getting a suite of security and privacy related tools that benefit not only those interested in streaming, but anyone concerned about their online privacy too. A Proton VPN subscription includes the NetShield Ad-blocker, which blocks not only adverts but trackers and malware too. There’s DNS leak protection that ensures your browsing history never leaks  and a multi-hop solution called Secure Core which routes your traffic through multiple servers for added security.

Proton are a well known company that not only offer a reliable and secure VPN service that’s great for streaming, they offer a free VPN that, while limited in terms of the number of devices you can use (only 1)  and locations you can connect to (only 5), has no monthly bandwidth cap making it one of the best free VPNs on the market today. Though, as you can’t use it for streaming or torrenting, we’re going to focus on the paid version.  Though if you’d like to know more, you can check out this list of the best free VPNs for a deeper dive.

▶ Try ProtonVPN's unlimited free plan

With apps for all major platforms and devices, as well as browser extensions and even a Linux client, Proton VPN has you covered no matter what you’re using. In use the app layout is similar to NordVPN, using a map display alongside a list of countries to choose from, as well as a handy little graph showing your session traffic/downloads and connection speeds.

For those  with a paid subscription, Proton VPN is a solid choice for unblocking content and streaming video. It’s more than fast enough for HD and 4K streaming, with WireGuard speeds that rival Surfshark and NordVPN, and a respectable 400Mbps download speed on OpenVPN. For those on holiday or working away from home, our testing has shown that Proton VPN can easily and reliably unblock streaming sites such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and the BBC iPlayer so you won’t need to go without your favorite shows, no matter where  in the world you are.

While it doesn’t offer unlimited connections like PIA or Surfshark, it’s limit of 10 devices is more than enough for all but the busiest households, allowing the entire family to stream their content of choice at the same time.

With an impressive dedication to user privacy and security, a great free version, fast servers for streaming and gaming,  and impressive unblocking abilities, Proton VPN is a great choice for anyone looking for a streaming VPN. If you want to know more, you can read this Proton VPN review. If you want to try it yourself you can download and try Proton VPN’s free version and, if you want to pay, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee that means you lose nothing by trying it out.

The best VPN for Linux streamers

While most streaming companies focus on Windows, MacOS and mobile device users, Linux users want to stream TV and movies as well and we have a VPN especially suited for those folks. PIA is our top choice for Linux users, especially those who might be new to the platform. With an easy installation process and a full-featured GUI app, PIA makes accessing streaming content on Linux a breeze.

Not only a VPN client, PIA offers a respectable choice of additional features. Especially important for busy households there’s support for an unlimited number of devices so you never need to worry about how many things you’re running the VPN on at once. There’s split-tunneling to allow you to choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t, which can be important for banking apps. There’s also PIA Mace which is an ad/tracker/malware blocking tool to help protect you from a plethora of online annoyances.

▶ Try PIA and stream on unlimited devices today

PIA’s mobile and desktop apps are minimalist and easy to get to grips with for the average user, using a design that’s similar to ExpressVPN’s big, friendly power-button icon to get you connected. The Linux app also has all the same features as either the MacOS and Windows ones so you don’t need to suffer a compromised experience just because you’re on Linux.

Where PIA does struggle a little is in our speed tests, with WireGuard speeds dropping to 330Mbps and OpenVPN down to 270Mpbs. This is still far more than you need for 4K streaming and while we might want better results, PIA is still more than fast enough to cope with anything you might want to watch. This mean you can take advantage of its ability to unblock all the most popular streaming sites including Netflix, Prime Video and  Disney+. 

While its speeds might not be the best of the best, PIA still shines as the best streaming VPN for Linux users. It has an impressive set of tools and features including a GUI client for less experienced users,  coupled with strong unblocking capabilities to give you access to all the content you might want to watch. If you’d like to know more about PIA, why not check out this in-depth Private Internet Access review, and then give it a try yourself. You can use it risk free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

How we test streaming VPNs

We have a rigorous testing regime for any VPN that we recommend which starts on the providers website and looking at the claims that it makes. What features are on offer? What claims are made about speed or unblocking ability or security?

Then we test the client itself, running through everything from downloading and installing to client functionality, testing the different encryption protocols, connecting to different servers to test connection speeds and checking for any leaks that might compromise security.

We test connection speeds at least 120 times across 2 sessions, using both a US connection and a UK one to see how real-world use stacks up to the providers claims, and finally we test with multiple exclusive shoes from different streaming services to see if it is able to reliable unblock them around the world.

Frequently asked questions

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

If you’re really serious about catching the very best online shows and movies, at some point you’re going to need a top quality Netflix VPN. This ensures you’ll not be limited to the entertainment offered by Netflix in your region, and can browse your way around the world to find the best of the best without silly regional restrictions.

Using a VPN or virtual private network gives you superpowers by creating an encrypted tunnel from your Internet connection directly to your target website or service. This means that your privacy is preserved, since no-one can snoop on your traffic, but it also gives you the ability to select a VPN server which is not in your country or region.

So, for example, if you live in London, UK, you can tunnel out to a Netflix server in Berlin, Germany just by pressing a button in your VPN application. This not only helps those of us who enjoy international entertainment which may not be available in our country, but also content such as documentaries which may be restricted due to a government ban or censorship.

So with that said, let’s take a look at the best Netflix VPN products on the market, and why you should consider using one for your late night chillax.

The three best Netflix VPNs in 2026

 The technology behind VPNs has been improving steadily year on year for the past decade. The best ones offer not just improved security and privacy, but also a raft of other benefits which come with their products. Here’s our view of the best of the best:

The five best VPNs for Netflix in 2026

The best Netflix VPN overall

 NordVPN is definitely one of the most popular VPNs on the market. The brand has not only become one of the most well respected VPN products over the past decade, but also delivers on its promise with speed, great features and unrivaled global coverage. Our evaluations show that these advantages manage to edge out rivals like ExpressVPN to claim top spot as the number one Netflix VPN.

Not only does it deliver range, but also depth. NordVPN offers class leading speeds, and in our tests it nearly hit the maximum capacity of our 1Gbps test connection, thanks in no small part to its cutting edge NordLynx protocol. The bottom line is users experience almost native net connection speeds, with almost no delays or buffering en route.

▶ Sign up now for our top-rated Netflix VPN

The product also doesn’t fall short when it comes to privacy. NordVPN features dual kill switches which will sever your internet connection in an instant should the VPN tunnel fail. The VPN also employs world standard encryption tech, and promises a strictly audited no-logs policy to further protect user privacy.

Another key feature is the innovative NordVPN proprietary DNS protocol, which includes a Double VPN feature, to add an extra layer of security to all data routing. It does this by transmitting through two VPN servers, thereby encrypting your data not once, but twice. This offers an additional shield against DNS-based web restrictions while enhancing both privacy and security.

The mobile application is also nicely robust, although the navigation UI may take a bit of getting used to. This is due to the small screen constraints and the fact that the UX is based on a map-centric interface. Despite this, the Android version still manages to deliver a solid user experience, featuring a nicely friendly country list which is accessed alphabetically via a simple swipe of a finger.

When you add in the legendary NordVPN support options like 24/7 live chat, and the massive amount of online tutorials and troubleshooting tools, it’s clear why the brand is so popular. A tip of the hat also to NordVPN for its development focus. The company is constantly expanding server coverage – now over 111 territories – and servers. The number of devices that can simultaneously connect has also been increased from six to ten.

Entertainment junkies looking for a super reliable Netflix VPN that doesn’t compromise on access, functionality, or speed, need look no further than NordVPN. It offers unmatched unblocking capabilities, ultra private DNS, and commits to a zero-logs policy, all whilst ensuring that the streaming experience is smooth and uninterrupted.

The 24 month price of under $5 a month, with three free months and a default 30-day money-back guarantee is further evidence of their confidence in the quality of the product and support services.

The best cheap Netflix VPN

Surfshark is a standout choice for streaming Netflix content. It features excellent throughput speeds of up to 950 Mbps, and a nice selection of geographic servers to unblock material when needed. The product will unlock streams from the usual suspects, including US, UK, Japan, Canada and Australia, so fear not anime fans, they’ve got you covered.

As well as Netflix, Surfshark can also access geo-restricted entertainment from a bunch of other streaming services. This includes the likes of Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and Disney+. Found an obscure arthouse show online? You’re probably good to go with this set of options. Another nice touch is the $2.29 a month two year plan, which is very competitive.

▶ Try this super-speedy Netflix VPN on unlimited devices

The Surfshark network features servers in 100 countries (not the biggest amount on this list—that goes to ExpressVPN), and the use of a VPN tunnel really does improve the viewing experience by reducing or removing annoying pop-ups, ads and spyware hassles. Your privacy and fun buttons will both thank you.

Security is also top notch. As well as security auditing, the VPN comes with a strict no-logs policy, which means that there’s no stored record of any user details. No logs, no tracking or snooping of past habits. Your data, connection details, and online activities stay completely private and unrecorded. Unfortunately our testing did point out a minor issue at times with the kill switch feature on Windows, which showed some vulnerability during testing. But it’s worth noting that the issue is very much an edge case, and is unlikely to occur in most situations.

Surfshark supports a wide array of devices including Roku and Apple TV, and even supports the rather fringe Amazon Fire Stick.

The bottom line is, Surfshark should definitely be on your shortlist as a Netflix VPN. It represents a top grade product with its high speed operation, wide range of device support and large geographic server offering. All this is wrapped up in an extremely competitively priced set of plans along with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can test it out for a month, secure in the knowledge that if it doesn’t fit the bill, you can uninstall and get your cash back in an instant.

Best of the rest

ExpressVPN is a big deal in the VPN world, which makes it an obvious choice for use with Netflix streaming. In tests it has consistently proved its worth in delivering stable, fast connections on demand. The brand has been around for some 15 years, and in 2019 was a founding member of the VPN Trust initiative, an advocacy group for consumer online safety.

The company runs a network of servers in 105 countries, including the UK, Japan, US and Australia. Your data is protected by AES-256 encryption to guarantee privacy and security against snooping. The company is so serious about security that their servers only run in RAM, without hard drives. This added protection means that immediately a computer is shut down, all information on the VPN server disappears and cannot be recovered. This ‘TrustedServer’ setup was an industry first when introduced in 2019.

▶ Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee

In addition to top class security, ExpressVPN also provides a raft of other features which are designed to enhance user privacy. An intuitive kill switch system and the smart DNS MediaStreamer feature, which adds VPN encryption to devices which don’t have it built in, are just part of the product menu. This commitment to innovation is also demonstrated in its recent software updates, including a new app tailored for Apple TV and a revamped interface for Android TV which rolled out several months ago.

There are over 3,200 servers spread in the network, including in the Asia-Pacific region, which is perfect for those who enjoy having the ease of access of anime and K-drama on tap. The network is not the fastest we’ve tested, especially when judged next to some of our other winners, like NordVPN and Surfshark, but it’s definitely more than up to the task of streaming Netflix content in ultra-high definition 4K resolution.

The service also falls short in terms of simultaneous connections when compared to others in our list, with only eight on offer. But there is a choice to install the ExpressVPN service on your home router, which will give full security on any device on the home network. The company also offers a dedicated VPN router for the home, called Aircove, which can be purchased from any reputable retailer.

Overall we have no hesitation in recommending ExpressVPN as a stellar choice for Netflix unblockers. It boasts an audited no-logs policy, proprietary protective technologies like Threat Manager, and a strong focus on user privacy. Although the 12 month discounted price of $6.67 a month is not the cheapest around, these factors, together with its reliable access to geo-restricted content, make it a standout option for users interested in safeguarding their digital activities and enhancing their online showtime entertainment.

ProtonVPN is a top class VPN service and worthy of inclusion on our recommended listing. Movie and show lovers will find a lot to like with the Proton service. For one thing it runs on a large array of devices, including Mac and PC, iOS and Android smartphones and also broadband routers and smart TVs. Performance is maintained across all device types, which is perfect for those who like to consume their entertainment on different devices at different times.

The key factor with any product in this category is whether or not it can deliver entertainment content from more than one region of the world. Here ProtonVPN works flawlessly. It unblocks exclusive content from the United States, U.K., Canada, Australia, and Japan. For those with more wide-ranging tastes, NordVPN can also unlock regional content from services such as BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, ITV, and others. This makes it a top choice for culture vultures the world over.

▶ Try ProtonVPN for free.

The user interface on the desktop can be a little overwhelming for novice users, but if you’re OK with multiple options and not phased out by choices, then you should be fine. This configuration power is perfect for the more expert user though, and in many cases is well worth exploring to get the best out of the product.

We also like the excellent security features like auto-hopping to ensure the best connection, as well as the top quality open source protocols which underpin the VPN functionality. Overall ProtonVPN is a great service, although you will need to pay a little bit extra to take advantage of all the Swiss product and privacy quality. Still, $3.59 a month for the 30 month plan is not too far out of the ballpark.

This US-based VPN company offers top class connectivity and privacy with its VPN service. One of the very cool features of Private Internet Access is the fact that you get unlimited simultaneous connection.

This means you can enjoy your Netflix binge on multiple devices at the same time, and even share VPN tunneling with all your friends and family with no problem. It’s perfect for those who can’t guarantee access to a computer all the time, or those who simply love carrying their movies from the couch to the kitchen on their phone.

▶ Try Netflix on unlimited devices by using PIA.

Unlike many of the VPN services on our list, Private Internet Access is unashamedly USA based. This shows in the fact that it’s the only service on the list which features servers in 50 US states. This is perfect if you’re keen to watch your Netflix with a local flavor. We’re kidding.

More seriously, the massive selection of global does mean you should never be caught out without a high speed location to choose from when streaming. The more servers you can select from, the more chance your movie will be streamed without buffering or the dreaded stutters. We’ve also got to mention the price, which at just over $2 a month on the 24 month plan is outstanding value for money.

The bottom line is that Private Internet Access is a great Netflix VPN service for those who need a low cost, high speed provider with unlimited device connectivity.

How to choose a Netflix VPN

We take great pains to ensure that our VPN testing is thorough, rigorous and safe for our users to trust at all times. We feel very strongly that we have a responsibility to our readers to cover the essentials you need to make the best choice. This is especially important with Netflix VPN selection, where specifications are typically not enough.

We don't simply parrot spec sheets and declare the check-box champions as winners. Our dedicated in-house team rolls up its metaphorical sleeves and goes hands-on, head to head with every provider, and then some.

We continually scour the market for products with new features, policy or technology shifts. And every six months we re-subscribe and install the products on a variety of different devices. We’re especially careful to run Windows apps through a grueling gauntlet – testing leak defenses, kill switch safety and carefully measuring connection speeds.

We also run through our specialist Mac, iPhone and Android VPN app tests, meticulously checking that each setting delivers on its promise. If we find anything which is a bit suspect , we’ll dig deeper in order to root out the true issues, looking at anything from source code (where available) and any other relevant backend tech functionality.

It’s more difficult to evaluate product aesthetics and usability, but we try to provide balanced views on the most important user interface and operational impacts. Finally our stream team takes over, testing and checking that the top services can indeed connect to their claimed server locations around the world.

Netflix compatibility is a key component of any testing, especially since it’s a constantly shifting specification, and the technology is often tricky to pin down. For this reason, we check Netflix access for the leading VPN products on a monthly basis.

Best Netflix VPN FAQs

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

One of the more frustrating things about living in the UK – aside from the weather and people – is the lack of access to HBO Max as a streaming service. Due to a licensing issue, Sky TV have the rights to show most of the shows from the streamer in the near future and this doesn’t look set to change.

This means that the streamer can demand premium costs – some of the more expensive in the whole country – for exclusive access to the HBO Max library alongside a plethora of Hollywood films and other prestige (and lowbrow) content. So, are you eyeing up this UK-based streamer as a potential subscription? Well, hold on for one second...

Before you type in those beautiful three digits on the back of your credit card – which by now you should have memorised but still haven’t – we have some news on the best streaming deals. These include discounts, free trials and bundles around Sky TV which could save you some money in the long term.

Read on to find out more...

Is there a Sky TV deal on right now?

Sky TV is quite good at offering deals and discounts on its various packages and bundles. These usually save you some money on your first month of a subscription.

The issue is that Sky adds or removes these deals seemingly at random, with little way of knowing whether there will be a deal. I'd recommend checking out the platform's deals page to find out if one is on right now:

• Find Sky TV deals here

Generally, these discounts are on your first month of a 24-month contract, so you're still signing yourself up for quite a big financial commitment.

However they're a nice way of justifying a subscription if you're on the fence.

Is there a Sky TV free trial?

There are sometimes Sky TV free trials, but it's not as reliable as some other streaming services.

This is because as part of the aforementioned deals, Sky sometimes reduces the cost of your first month of a subscription to £0.

The status of a Sky TV free trial changes frequently, and if you're interested I'd recommend following the link below to Sky's website to find out for yourself:

• See if there's a Sky TV free trial here

Just a note: signing up could lock you in to a subscription, so check the terms and conditions if you want to sign up just for one month.

Are there Sky TV bundles?

Usually in these deal pages when I get to the bundle section, I talk about packages that combine a streaming service with various other ones for a lower price than signing up individually.

However Sky TV is already a bundle, as every single one of its plans comes with access to two other subscription services: Netflix and Discovery Plus, both at no extra cost.

Since you can't sign up for Sky TV without these add-ons, it's hard to say whether this is saving you money over subscribing individually, but it's still good way to bundle various subscription options and save money.

Here are all the Sky TV plans. The prices are per month.

• Essential TV - from £15 (Sky Stream, Sky Atlantic, Netflix, Discovery Plus)
• Essential TV, Sky Cinema - from £25 (Sky Stream, Sky Atlantic, Netflix, Discovery Plus, Sky Cinema)
• Essential TV, Sky Sports - from £25 (Sky Stream, Sky Atlantic, Netflix, Discovery Plus, Sky Sports)
• Ultimate TV, from £22 (Sky Stream, Ultimate TV, Netflix, Discovery Plus)
• Ultimate TV, Sky Cinema - from £32 (Sky Stream, Ultimate TV, Netflix, Discovery Plus, Sky Cinema)
• Sky Q, Ultimate TV - from £31 (Sky Q, Ultimate TV, Netflix, Discovery Plus)

You can also build your own package.

What you need to know about Sky TV deals

YouTube is synonymous with watching videos online, but you can also cut the cord and watch cable channels – and even HBO Max - via its sibling service. YouTube TV is a huge name in the live TV streaming service market and not just because of its ties to the classic video-sharing site.

While there are many competitive live TV streamers out there, YouTube TV stands apart from rivals like Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, DirecTV and Fubo for one reason: its simplicity. Instead of having various packages or plans with different perks and combinations of channels, it just has one plan for one price.

The base plan includes 100+ live channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN for more live sports, new, shows, and more. It also includes unlimited DVR space, 6 accounts per household, and other benefits.

So if you’re a cord-cutter looking at Your options, YouTube TV is the pick for many and it could be for you too. Here’s everything you need to know about the live TV streaming service...

How much is YouTube TV monthly?

Normally you'd pay $82.99 per month to sign up to YouTube TV but right now, you can pay only $67.99 for 5 months (Normally $82.99 a month). The deal runs from now until June 30th, 2026. New customers only.

YouTube TV doesn't lock you in for a long period, so you’re able to cancel at any time. Plus, new users typically get a free trial, which is a bit of no brainer.

Add-on packs vary in price, and new ones get added over time. HBO Max is available, as is Showtime. There's also a Sports Plus bundle with NFL RedZone, Fox Soccer Plus and more. And it also has most of the major Paramount Network channels, including Comedy Central, MTV and BET.

YouTube TV pricing, benefits and offers overview

• The YouTube TV plan is currently $67.99 a month (deal expires 30th June 2026): this gives you plenty of channels, DVR recording and six accounts you can use with your household (with Netflix cracking down on password sharing it'll be interesting to see how long this stays) and three concurrent streams.
• There's a free trial for new customers.
• If you live in a Spanish-speaking home, you can sign up for the Spanish Plan, which includes Spanish-language channels.

Does YouTube TV have a free trial?

Yes, YouTube TV has a free trial period that lets you test the service before you pay.

The length of the free trial can chop and change depending on how keen YouTube TV is to sign up new customers, but the YouTube TV free trial usually lasts anywhere from 7-21 days, which should be more than enough time to make sure that it's something you want to pay for.

Free trials for add-on networks have separate sign-up and billing. Either way, the cool part is you get all the same channels with YouTube TV free trial period as you would with a paid subscription.

Just note that if you cancel during your free trial, you'll lose access to YouTube TV (and any add-ons) as soon as you cancel.

How to watch YouTube TV from outside the US

If you’re traveling away from the States you can use a VPN to access your usual YouTube TV account from anywhere.

Not all VPNs have the power to do this, but NordVPN does (we tested it rigorously) and our friends at NordVPN have supplied us with an exclusive 74% discount...

What channels are included with YouTube TV?

YouTube TV channels — live TV

YouTube TV live channels are part of the standard plan, so everyone gets the same "core" channels in the Base plan. (There are some regional/local restrictions.)

YouTube TV also doesn't really organize its channels in any particular way, save for your local affiliates appearing up top. Anything new is added to the bottom and from there it's up to you to rearrange things as you see fit.

You do have the option to show your channels either in the "default" order (which is YouTube TV and Google predicting what you're going to be most likely to watch), or you can have a custom view, with channels in whatever order you prefer. For full details see the YouTube TV site.

The YouTube TV channels available in the Base plan (to most subscribers), all of which include local ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC stations:

Lifestyle channels on YouTube TV:
AMC, BET, BET Her, Bravo, CMT, Comedy Central, Comedy TV, Comet TV, Court TV, Cozi, The CW, Dabl, Discovery Channel, E!, FOX SOUL, FXM, FX, FXX, Food Network, G4, Galavision, Get TV, Game Show Newtork, The Great Courses, HGTV, Hallmark Drama, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, HSN, IFC, Investigation Discovery, JusticeCentral.TV, MTV, MTV Classic, MTV 2, MotorTrend, My Network TV, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo, NBC LX, OWN, Oxygen, Paramount Network, PBS, Pop, QVC, Recipe.TV, Smithsonian Channel, SYFY, Start TV, SundanceTV, TBS, Turner Classic Movies, TLC, TNT, TV Land, TeleHit, Tastemade, Travel Channel, Tru TV, Universo, USA, UniMas, VH1, We TV

Sports channels on YouTube TV:
BTN, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ACC Network, ESPNews, SEC Network, ESPNU, Fight Network, FS1, FS2, Golf Channel, Impact Wrestling, MLB Game of the Week, MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network, Olympic Channel, SNY (where available)

Family channels on YouTube TV:
Adult Swim, Animal Planet, Cartoon Network, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Disney Channel, Freeform, Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, PBS Kids, TeenNick, Universal Kids.

News channels on YouTube TV:
ABC News Live, BBC America, BBC World News, CNBC, CNN, Cheddar News, FOX Business, FOX News, Fox Weather, HLN, LiveNOW from FOX, Localish, MSNBC, NBC News NOW, NBC Universo, News Nation, TYT Network, The Weather Channel

YouTube TV channels — premium add-ons

YouTube TV has a number of premium add-on channels available. These are channels that require an extra fee outside of your usual YouTube TV cost. But this is the best way to get uncut and uncensored movies on YouTube TV.

Subscriptions and billing are handled directly within YouTube TV itself, and the channels appear in the main YouTube TV guide. And that's cool because it lets you move things around and put them as high up in the list as you like. Here's how to edit your YouTube TV channels list.

The list of premium add-on channels on YouTube TV includes the following:

• ALLBLK ($5/month)
• AMC+ ($7/month)
• Acorn TV ($6/month)
• Cinemax ($10/month)
• Comedy Dynamics ($5/month)
• CONtv ($5/month)
• CuriosityStream ($3/month)
• Docurama ($5/month)
• Dove ($5/month)
• Fandor ($4/month)
• Fox Nation ($6/month)
• Hallmark Movies Now ($6/month)
• HBO ($15/month)
• HBO Max ($15)
• IFC Films Unlimited ($6/month)
• Law & Crime ($2/month)
• MLB.TV ($27/month or $130/year)
• NBA League Pass ($40/month)
• Outside TV Features
• Pantaya ($6/month)
• Screambox ($5/month)
• Screenpix
• STARZ ($9/month)
• Showtime ($11/month)
• Shudder ($6/month)
• Sundance Now ($7/month)
• Tastemade Plus
• UPFaith & Family ($6/month)
• VSiN

YouTube TV subscribers can also add NFL Sunday Ticket to their subscription, though it's not cheap. The 2025-26 regular season if over so YouTube is offering cheaper ways for latecomers to stream the NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl LX on 8th February 2026. YouTube TV says the NFL Sunday Ticket will " will be back soon" for the 2026-27 football season.

YouTube TV channels — Spanish Plus add-on

YouTube TV also offers access to 28 Spanish-language channels including Cine Sony, tl novelas, Discovery en Español and Tastemade en Español for $14.99 per month as an add-on package. It is a $34.99 monthly cost if you buy the Spanish channels as a stand-alone plan.

YouTube TV channels — Sports Plus add-on

YouTube TV includes channels like ESPN, NFL Network and Fox Sports channels. It also has a Sports Plus premium add-on. This will get you sports channels that put an emphasis on some international sports and things that you normally won't find in the United States.

For $10.99 a month you can also get the following in the Sports Plus package:

• beIN Sports
• Billiards TV
• Fox Soccer Plus
• Gol TV
• MAVTV
• NFL RedZone
• Outside TV
• Players TV
• Poker Go Plus
• Stadium
• TVG
• VSiN

YouTube TV channels — 4K Plus add-on

Launched back in 2021 , the YouTube TV 4K Plus plan gets you content from a number of channels — seven at launch — in 4K resolution. There is also some live programming streamed in 4K resolution. You can use the Live tab to find channels showing 4K programs.

The 4K Plus add-on typically costs $9.99 per month, following a promotional period, adding features like 4K streaming, unlimited home streams, and offline downloads to the $67.99/month base plan, though prices can vary and new packages are rolling out in 2026.

4K channels include:

• Discovery
• ESPN
• Fox Sports
• FX
• Nat Geo
• NBC Sports
• Tastemade

What devices can I watch YouTube TV on?

It's no surprise that the streaming service owned by Google would prioritize device compatibility — making sure that you can watch what you want, where you want and how you want. And you really can. There's a huge list of supported devices but in short, if you've got one of these, you can watch YouTube TV on it:

• YouTube TV on mobile devices: smartphones and tablets running Android L or later and iPhones and iPads running iOS 12 or later (download the YouTube TV app)
• YouTube TV on computers: supported on latest versions of Chrome, Firefox or Safari
• YouTube TV on Smart TVs: Amazon Fire TV devices, Roku TVs and devices, Apple TV/Apple TV 4K, Vizio SmartCast TVs, Samsung and LG smart TVs, Hisense TVs
• YouTube TV on game consoles: Xbox, PS5, PS4
• Stream YouTube TV to your TV: using Chromecast, AirPlay for Apple TV

YouTube TV features

We've covered a number of YouTube TV features already, including the unlimited DVR and the number of concurrent streams subscribers can have, but there's more offered by the live TV streaming servce.

First among them is the YouTube TV mobile app, which allows you to watch YouTube TV on the go through a mobile device. As long as you have bandwidth that can handle it, you can be watching live TV.

A recent report from Protocol also teases a couple of features that are on their way to YouTube TV. This includes the ability to support YouTube Shorts, YouTube's answer to the TikTok craze. The update that'll enable the ability to play YouTube Shorts is expected in the coming months and will have the vertical video displayed in the center of the screen with the title and other key info off to the side.

Protocol also detailed what YouTube TV is calling Mosaic Mode, which is designed to let subscribers watch up to four live feeds at the same time, dividing the TV screen into quadrants. There was no clear indication of when this would be available, but it seems tailor made for sports viewing.

Did you know that Sling TV is consistently one of the most popular live TV streaming services out there? It's also a great option for those wanting to cut out cable and pursue streaming over the internet instead.

Unlike its direct rivals - the likes of Fubo, Hulu with Live TV, DirecTV and YouTube TV - it offers a notably lower cost per month which is part of the reason for its popularity alongside its large offering of channels. So, interested in Sling TV? Keep reading...

• Sign up for a Sling TV subscription

There is - of course - a catch. Sling TV does offer two plans, alongside a third combined plan, and they don't include 100% of the cable options you're looking for. We go over the specific channels which are included and excluded below in full detail.

A few other things to also bear in mind: the Sling TV free trial has now officially stopped so no more try before you buy deals. However, for new customers you can get a reduced first month at $30 compared to the regular $40 bill. There's also a sneaky racking up of the costs on Sling TV's plans which can definitely add up if you're not on top of it so watch out for that!

With all this in mind, here's everything you need to know about Sling TV.

• Will there be a Sling TV deal over Black Friday?

Sling TV price

The Sling TV price is a little complicated as you can pick different plans, with two different ones but also a combined plan if you want as many channels as possible. We've got a breakdown of the various Sling TV packages here, including the prices, channels and perks.

Those two Sling TV plans are Sling Orange and Sling Blue. You'll mostly find different channels in each, though there are a handful of common channels. You'll want to look through each plan to see if one has more channels that you want than the other. For example, If all you care about is ESPN and ESPN2, you can get those in the Sling Orange plan and not have to pay for anything else.

• Sling Orange or Sling Blue: you can pick either the Sling Orange or Sling Blue plan (new customers pay $30 for the first month and $40 a month after that.)
• Sling Orange + Blue Bundle: you can choose to get both plans which cost $55 monthly (new customers get 50% off, so $27.50 for the first month and $55 a month after that.)
• Extras: each track has seven additional "Extras" that give you more channels, at various pricing points.

If you live in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles or the San Francisco Bay area, you'll have to pay an extra $5 on top of the above costs — this is for access to local news channels like ABC and Fox.

• Full list of all the channels in the Sling TV Orange and Blue plans

Sling Orange channels

• There are fewer Sling Orange channels than in the Sling Blue plan. But, if you're focused on sports, this is probably where you'll want to start — Sling Orange is the plan that gets you ESPN.
• With Sling Orange you can only stream on a single device at a time. Like all of the Sling plans, it comes with a free 50-hour DVR.
• Here are all the channels you get with Sling Orange:
  A&E, AMC, AXS TV, BBC America, BET, Bloomberg Television, Cartoon Network, Cheddar, CNN, Comedy Central, Comet, Disney Channel, Epix Drive-In, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, Food Network, Freeform, Fuse, HGTV, History, IFC, Investigation Discovery, Lifetime, Local Now, Motortrend, Newsy, Nick Jr., Stadium, TBS, TNT, Travel Channel, Viceland.

Sling Orange extras

If you've got the Sling Orange plan, you can add on as many (or as few) of these "extras" as you like. All prices are monthly.

• Orange Sports Extra ($11 if you have either Sling Orange or Blue, $15 a month if you have both): ACC Network, ACCNX, beIN sports, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, Longhorn Network, MLB Network, MLB Strike Zone, NBA TV, NHL Network, PAC 12 Network, SEC Network, SEC+, Tennis Channel
• Orange Comedy Extra ($6): CMT, feTV, Game Show Network, Laff, Logo, MTV, MTV2, Paramount Network, Revolt TV, truTV, TV Land
• Orange News Extra ($6): BBC World News, CGTN, Euronews, HLN, News18, Law & Crime, Newsmax, NewsNation, RT America, SCI, Weather Nation,
• Orange Lifestyle Extra ($6): Cooking Channel, DIY Network, FYI, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Drama, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Lifetime Movie Network, VH1, WE TV
• Orange Hollywood Extra ($6): Cinemoi, GRIT, HDNet Movies, H&I, REELZ, Sundance TV, TCM,
• Orange Heartland Extra ($6): American Heroes, Destination America, Great American Country, INSP, Outdoor Channel, PixL, Pursuit, RFD-TV, Ride TV, Sportsman Channel, The Cowboy Channel, World Fishing Network
• AMC+ ($7): AMC+, Shudder, Sundance Now, IFC Films Unlimited

Sling Blue channels

• Sling Blue has around 12 extra channels (give or take) over Sling Orange. It has more news and entertainment options than sports channels
• With Sling Blue you also get to stream on up to three devices at once — useful if everyone in the house wants to watch something different .
• The Sling Blue channels in the base plan:
  A&E, AMC, AXS TV, BBC America, BET, Bloomberg Television, Bravo, Cartoon Network, Cheddar, CNN, Comedy Central, Comet, Discovery, E!, EPIX Drive-In, Food Network, Fox, Fox News, FS1, Fuse, FX, HGTV, History, HLN, IFC, Investigation Discovery, Lifetime, Local Now, MSNBC, National Geographic, NBC, NBCSN, Newsy, NFL Network, Nick Jr., Stadium, SYFY, TBS, TLC, TNT, Travel Channel, TRU TV, USA, Viceland.

Sling Blue extras

These are all of the channels available in the Extras on the Sling Blue track. If you've got the Sling Blue plan, you can add on as many (or as few) of these as you like. All prices are monthly.

• Blue Sports Extra ($11 if you have either Sling Orange or Blue, $15 a month if you have both): beIN Sports, FS2, Golf Channel, MLB Network, MLB Strike Zone, NBA TV, NFL RedZone, NHL Network, Olympic Channel, PAC-12 Network, Tennis Channel, Big Ten Network
• Blue Comedy Extra ($6): CMT, feTV, Game Show Network, Logo, MTV, MTV2, Paramount Network, Revolt TV, TV Land
• Blue Kids Extra ($6): BabyTV, Boomerang, ducktv, NickToons, TeenNick
• Blue News Extra ($6): BBC World News, CGTN, CNBC, Euronews, France 24 (English), Law &Crime, News18, Newsmax, NewsNation, NDTV 24x7, RT America, SCI, Weather Nation
• Blue Lifestyle Extra ($6): Cooking Channel, DIY Network, FYI, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Drama, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Lifetime Movie Network, Oxygen, VH1, WE TV
• Blue Hollywood Extra ($6): Cinemoi, FXX, FXM, GRIT, H&I, HDNet Movies, REELZ, Sundance TV, TCM
• Blue Heartland Extra ($6): American Heroes, Destination America, Great American Country, INSP, Outdoor Channel, PixL, Pursuit, RFD-TV, Ride TV, Sportsman Channel, The Cowboy Channel, World Fishing Network, Nat Geo Wild

Additional extras for both Orange and Blue packages include:

• The Total TV Deal ($21), which provides all extra channels and cloud DVR space
• 4 Extras Deal ($13), offering Kids Extra, News Extra, Lifestyle Extra and Comedy Extra for half the price of all four
• NBA League Pass ($28.99), allows you to watch every out-of-market game
• NBA Team Pass ($17.99), choose 1 out-of-market team to follow
• DVR Plus ($5) gives you up to 200 hours of DVR recording.

Premium channels on Sling TV

Sling also has a couple dozen "premium" channels which you can subscribe to individually. They are:

• AcornTV
• all blk
• CONtv ($5)
• CineFest ($5)
• CineMoi ($3)
• CocinaON
• Comedy Dynamics ($5)
• CONTV
• The Country Network Plus
• CuriosityStream ($3)
• DOGTV ($5)
• DOX ($3)
• Docurama ($5)
• Dove Channel ($5)
• EPIX ($5)
• FlixLatino ($3)
• Grokker ($7)
• Hallmark Movies Now ($6)
• Here TV ($8)
• Hopster ($5)
• Magellan TV
• Magnolia Selects ($5)
• Monsters and Nightmares ($3)
• Outside TV Features ($5)
• Pantaya ($6)
• PlayKids
• STARZ ($9)
• Showtime ($10)
• Shudder
• SonyLIV
• Stingray Karaoke ($7)
• Stingray Qello ($8)
• Sundance Now
• Tastemade+
• The Country Network ($3)
• True Royalty
• Tumblebooks TV
• UP Faith & Family ($5)
• VSiN ($4)
• Warriors and Gangsters ($3)

Spanish-language and International plans on Sling

Sling TV also has a number of international options available.

Spanish-language plans include:

• Best of Spanish TV ($10): UNIVERSO, Discovery en Espanol, History en Español, Estrella TV, Azteca, beIN SPORTS en Español, Discovery Familia, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, Cinelatino, Cine Sony, Pasiones, Vme Kids, PX Sports, NTN24, BabyTV Español, ¡HOLA! TV, Nat Geo Mundo, Tarima TV, Nuestra Vision, France 24 en Español, El Financiero Bloomberg TV
• México ($10): Canal Once, CBTV Michoacán, Multimedios Televisión, AZ Clic, TeleFórmula, Milenio Televisión, AZ Cinema, Teleritmo, Video Rola, AZ Corazón, Cinema Dinamita, Mexicanal
• Caribe ($10): WAPA America, CubaMax, Telemicro, TV Quisqueya, Dominican View, Supercanal Caribe, Teleuniverso, Cinelatino, Pasiones
• Sudamérica ($10): Caracol, Nuestra Tele, NTN24, RCN Novelas, TV Venezuela, EVTV, Ecuavisa Internacional, Telefe Internacional, Todo Noticias, El Trece Internacional, TyC Sports, Bolivia TV, Canal Sur, Estudio 5, A3 Series
• Centroamérica ($10): Centroamerica TV, Multimedios Costa Rica, Tele El Salvador
• España ($10): TV Española Internacional, Antena 3, A3Cine, A3 Series
• Sling Deportes ($5): beIN SPORTS, TyC Sports, Nuestra Tele

Other international TV packages on Sling TV include:

• South Asian: offering Voot, DESI Binge and Sony LIV on-demand services and a cricket channel, as well as packages in Hindi, Urdu, Bangla, Punjabi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu
• Middle Eastern: offering channels in Arabic
• European: offering French, German, Greek, Italian and Polish
• South American: offering Brazilan
• East Asian: offering Cantonese, Mandarin and Taiwanese
• International sports: offering world sports and cricket

About Sling TV DVR

Sling now offers 50 hours of DVR for free, whichever package you have.

If you need more, you can pay $5 a month for the enhanced "DVR Plus." That'll get you 200 hours of recording capability. If you go over that, however, you'll be able to "protect" your recordings so that they won't completely disappear. (Anyone who previously got 10 hours free now has 50, and anyone who previously paid for 50 hours now has 200.)

The majority of channels on Sling TV can now be recorded, with the exception of some digital offerings like ESPN3 or ACC Network Extra.

Does Sling TV stream in 4K?

Nope. Not yet.

Does Sling have free movies and shows?

Sling TV offers 100 live channels and over 40,000 movies and shows for free (you'll get ads with these, obviously). The selection of free titles isn't super exciting (don't expect any recent hits) but if you're stuck for cash then you might find a reality TV show or older comedy to pass the time.

All you need to access the free content is to sign up for a free Sling TV account.

How to subscribe to Sling TV

1. Head on over to sling.com/signup
2. Enter your email address
3. Enter a unique, strong password.
4. Choose whether you want Sling Orange, Sling Blue, or Both. 5. Scroll through the rest of the page for the Extras options, premiums, and international options.
5. Click "Continue."
6. Enter your billing information.
7. Check out.

The cost of watching movies and TVs online can quickly add up, but free streaming services are a valuable way to fill your evenings without draining your bank account.

Free streaming services let you watch from a library of movies or TV shows without paying; like the best streaming services they make you watch ads in your content, but that's instead of you paying a subscription fee, not instead of it.

There are quite a few free streaming services online and they offer different things; some are better for live content, some for movies, others for TV shows. To help you know where to look for something to watch, we've put together this handy guide pointing you to the best sites.

There are no catch - no subscription fees, no license fees and no hidden costs - all you need to pay for is whatever screen you'll use, your internet plan and the range of snacks you indulge in while watching your content of choice.

It's worth noting we haven't included specific country broadcaster sites, and have included strictly legal sites. You 'pay your way' by watching ads before and during the video, as these are 'FAST' or 'Free Ad-Supported Television' plans. We're also focusing exclusively on movies, TV and documentaries so no reference to TikTok, YouTube or Instagram. With this in mind, here's our selection for free fun...

• Streaming deals: Apple TV Plus | Paramount Plus | Disney Plus | Peacock | Hulu | ESPN Plus | Sky TV | Sling TV

Best free streaming services

1. Tubi

• Countries: US & UK | Content: live & on-demand movies and TV shows| Best for: horror movies

Tubi is the biggest free streaming service in the US, and is massive in other regions too. It's made by Fox which means it has a lot of money behind it.

We love Tubi because it's a great place to find modern movies to watch, with the streamer beloved particularly by horror fans for its huge selection (which includes a huge number of original movies).

This isn't just a streaming service for movies though, with a decent selection of TV series available. There are lots of documentaries offered too, with many true crime, celebrity and investigative pieces.

Tubi also creates its own original B-movies too, which you won't be able to watch elsewhere.

Find Tubi here.

2. Pluto TV

• Countries: US & UK | Content: live & on-demand movies, TV shows and reality | Best for: recent and classic TV

Pluto TV, owned by Paramount, is a fantastic free streaming service with a large library and many live TV channels.

That's because, unlike many of the entries lower on this list, its library includes a huge number of modern TV shows and movies, so you can use it to stream videos made since the turn of the century. There are older movies and shows too of course.

Pluto has plenty of live TV channels across a wide variety of genres and also many dedicated to airing specific shows, with non-stop episodes of Judge Judy, various CSI versions, Unsolved Mysteries, Baywatch, Mission Impossible Justified and more.

There's no denying that Pluto is better for TV than for movies, as while there are a few movies on the platform, there are better options in this regard.

Find Pluto TV here.

3. Plex

• Countries: US & UK | Content: live & on-demand movies and TV shows, plus streaming service directory| Best for: movies

If movies are your thing, Plex is a fantastic streamer to check out — as long as you make sure to familiarize yourself with how it works.

You see, Plex is both a library and a directory. If you search for a movie in its library, you'll be able to find it, and if it's not on Plex, the service will let you know how you can watch it. This is useful, but it's easy to mistakenly think something's on Plex when it isn't.

One you've found your way to the free movies & TV part of the website, you'll likely be pleasantly surprised by the number of videos on the site, particularly movies. Plex has lots of options including modern and mid-00s hits, but lots of older classics too, from directors like Sergio Leone, Akira Kurosawa, John Carpenter Oliver Stone and Darren Aronofsky.

There are a fair few TV shows, though not quite as many as on other services, and Plex is definitely better for movies. You can also find some live TV channels, mainly ones dedicated to specific shows like 21 Jump Street, Mythbusters, Deal or No Deal or The Ed Sullivan Show.

Find Plex TV here.

4. The Roku Channel

• Countries: US & UK | Content: movies, TV shows & originals | Best for: original programming

The Roku Channel is a bit different from the other free streaming services on this list, in a way that might call the 'free' part into question a little bit.

That's the fact that you need to own a Roku-enabled streaming device or TV in order to watch The Roku Channel, and not every TV will work with it (in the UK, Sky Q and Now TV also offer it). But if you do have access to TRC, it's one of the best free streaming services out there.

The Roku Channel has a big list of movies, TV shows and documentaries, including older ones and more modern additions. But the real draw is the Roku Originals, which include musical biopic Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, Die Hart 2 and Toast of Tinseltown. Roku is quickly gaining a name for itself with its originals, that can only be watched on The Roku Channel.

5. Classix

• Countries: US & UK | Content: classic movies | Best for: classic movies

Classix does what it says on the tin: it's for classics.

In the Classix library you'll find plenty of classic movies, and we're talking about 'classics' from yesteryear, so expect plenty of black-and-white and much older pictures. It's great for people looking to catch up on their movie history.

There are a few stipulations though. Firstly, Classix isn't available on most devices, as it's only on Apple TV, iPhones or iPads, severely reducing the number of people who can access it.

Secondly, while Classix is completely free, there is a paid tier. This costs $7.99 or equivalent, and it's a one-off payment instead of a subscription. After this you get access to a much wider library of movies, and also some TV shows and live TV channels. Plus, you have to pay if you want to download to watch on the go.

So Classix isn't for everyone, hence its placement this low on our list, but if you tick all the boxes then Classix could be great.

Find Classix here.

6. Rakuten TV

• Countries: UK | Content: loads of movies, as well as live TV and some TV shows | Best for: recent movies

Rakuten TV is one of the various entertainment offerings from Japanese tech giant Rakuten, and it's a decent alternative to Tubi in the UK.

The streaming service has plenty of movies, with lots of period, war and action films that you can watch for free, including a surprising number of Sly Stallone ones. It also offers select TV box sets, with a good few reality ones in particular.

There are a few live TV channels on Rakuten, mainly themed ones like 'Movies', 'Mystery TV' or 'Tennis Channel'. That's not as many as some of the rival services, but nothing to turn your nose up at.

You can actually use Rakuten TV to rent or buy movies as well, including ones straight out of the cinema, but if you make sure to find the 'Free' category you'll find a huge number of blockbuster movies that don't cost anything.

Find Rakuten TV here.

Alternative free streaming services

We've listed some of the biggest and best free streaming services above, but there are a few other honorable mentions that we should make. Here are some others you might want to check out if the above aren't right for you, or if you have a particular interest:

• Crunchyroll: a dedicated home for countless hours of anime, Crunchyroll is beloved by fans of this animation genre. Its free selection is a little limited though.
• YouTube: in the US, YouTube Movies & TV is an official account that lets you watch movies. Most are paid but there are a select few ad-supported ones that you can hunt around for.
• Runtime TV: Another free ad-supported service, Runtime is full of what we'll affectionally dub 'b-movies'. Expect lots of low-budget horror, action and comedy from around the world, with few big titles but potential undiscovered gems.
• Crackle: This long-standing streamer has a changeable but reliable selection of movies and TV shows, as well as a few exclusives.
• Popcornflix: This pick has a few big movies on it and lots of smaller ones too, so it's a fine back-up plan if you can't find something to watch.
• 9Now: A massive Aussie broadcaster which has plenty of new shows and movies, but if you're not a resident you'll need to use a VPN to stream.
• TVNZ+: As above but for New Zealand, with plenty of shows you'll need to pay to watch elsewhere. Again, you'll need to use a VPN to stream.

HBO Max is a streamer that features the back catalogue of HBO and Warner Bros but has been on quite the journey recently for its title alone, as well document and ridiculed everywhere.

Originally launching as HBO Max in 2020 it changed its name to simply Max in 2023 before reverting to its original HBO Max this summer. It's a move the equivalent of ordering a 16 oz ribeye steak on the menu, sending it back to the kitchen in favour of a side salad, and then changing your mind again and asking the waiter to fish out the original steak from the bin and serve it to you instead.

• Sign up for Max here

But aside from the own goals scored by this much discussed title change, HBO Max has a lot to offer. From DC superhero content, Game of Thrones, Discovery documentaries, TNT sports and everything in between. And from next year it will have the much-anticipated Harry Potter TV series to offer too which is a sure-fire way to draw up even more interest.

However, for all it has to offer this streamer is one of the most expensive ones on the market. How much is it and is it worth your time? Well, we shine a light on this to help you make your mind up below...

• Will there be a Max deal over Black Friday?

HBO Max price — how much does it cost?

HBO Max has three subscription plans:

• HBO Max ad-free: the ad-free plan costs $16.99 per month (the same as a legacy HBO account); you can sign up for a full year for $169.99. This plan gives you access to any and all content available on Max without ads, as well as all the bells and whistles of the service, including 4K resolution.
• HBO Max with ads: HBO Max's ad-supported plan is cheaper at $9.99 per month plan ($99.99 for a full year), but there are some key differences to the service. You get the same access to library titles and HBO Max originals but, not only do you have to sit through the commercials, there's also no 4K resolution and no ability to download content to watch offline.
• HBO Max Ultimate ad-free: an upgraded version of the previous tier at $20.99 per month or $209.99 per year which offers 4K video streaming on lots of titles, 100 offline downloads, streaming on four screens at once, and Dolby Atmos sound on supported titles.

You can also sign up for HBO Max through other streaming platforms as an add-on channel. This includes YouTube TV and Hulu/Hulu with Live TV.

What's the difference between HBO, HBO Max and Max?

HBO, the legendary cable channel that we know and love is still there, the same as it ever was, offering incredible original content paired alongside the best of Hollywood.

For a while, HBO Max was the streaming service, and then it was Max...and then back to HBO Max again. The difference between the two is that HBO Max gets the top subscription tier and Discovery Plus content, neither of which are on HBO Max.

HBO Max has everything that's on HBO, plus movies and shows from many of Warner Media Discovery's other brands, such as TBS, TNT, CNN, Adult Swim, classic movies from Turner Classic Movies and even the best kids programming — courtesy of Sesame Street, Cartoon Network, Cartoonito and Looney Tunes.

HBO Max also has its own original series that stream exclusively on the streaming service, dubbed as Max Originals.

Can I get Max for free?

Define free. Consumers can no longer try out HBO Max, as there is no free trial currently available for the streaming service, unless there is a special promotional offer. But there are a handful of ways that consumers can get access to HBO Max without technically paying extra for the service, but that's not really getting HBO Max for free. Here's what you need to know.

Most notably, if you have a cable subscription that includes HBO, then you automatically have access to HBO Max via that deal, signing into the streaming service with your cable package login information.

Though AT&T has stopped offering HBO Max for free now that it is no longer its parent company, AT&T customers that previously received HBO Max for free as part of their plan still have access to it at no additional charge as long as they keep their plan. Meanwhile, AT&T still plans to offer versions of HBO Max as part of select wireless plans. This includes the ad-supported version of HBO Max with the $60 per month plan of AT&T's Cricket Wireless.

Is HBO Max available in the UK?

Although HBO Max is gradually rolling out across the world, sadly the answer is no — HBO Max is not available in the UK, yet.

Most of the must-see shows that you'll find on HBO Max — from House of the Dragon to Euphoria, Winning Time to Succession — are currently available on Sky TV, which has a licensing deal to air HBO's shows. This likely means that HBO Max won’t launch in the UK (or Germany and Italy) until the Sky deal ends in 2025.

What shows are on HBO Max?

As we said, HBO Max is HBO... and then some. There are new movies and shows every month. We have a monthly guide to what's new on HBO Max, to help you keep track of everything that the streaming service has to offer.

The streaming service has many of the HBO originals you've come to know and love, like Last Week Tonight, as well as classic shows, like Friends.

There is also a full slate of HBO Max originals. Here's a sampling of these original series available on the streaming service:

• And Just Like That...
• The Flight Attendant
• Hacks
• Julia
• Minx
• Our Flag Means Death
• The Staircase
• Tokyo Vice

What movies are on HBO Max?

HBO Max gets the benefit of the Warner Bros. library, which means a vast array of cinematic goodness is available to stream from the comfort of your own home. After a short pandemic-induced period of releasing movies straight to streaming, Warner has reimposed its theatrical window, meaning new 2022 movies are going to be released exclusively in movie theatres and it will be at least 45 days before they head to VOD or streaming.

That said, 45 days isn't long to wait and WarnerMedia Discovery also announced they are producing some movies exclusively for Max. In 2022 already that has included Kimi, Moonshot and The Father of the Bride.

Current movies on Max:

• Dune
• The Batman
• The Bob's Burgers Movie
• Death on the Nile
• The Last Duel
• Last Night in Soho
• Fast & Furious 9
• The French Dispatch
• West Side Story
• Shazam!: Fury of the Gods
• Black Adam

Classic movies on Max:

• Citizen Kane
• Gone With the Wind
• Mad Max: Fury Road
• The Maltese Falcon
• Sleepless in Seattle
• Warrior
• The Wizard of Oz

How can I watch HBO Max?

HBO Max is available on a variety of devices that allows subscribers to watch on their TV, phone, tablet or computer. Here's a full rundown of what devices support HBO Max:

• iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch with iOS 12.2 or newer
• Android phones and tablets with Android 5 or newer
• Amazon Fire tablets (fourth generation or newer)
• PC running Windows 7 or newer
• Mac with macOS 10.10 (Yosemite) or newer
• Google Chromebooks with Chrome browser version 95 or newer
• A web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari)
• Amazon Fire TV with Fire OS 5.1 or newer
• Android TV with Android OS 5 or newer
• Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD with latest tvOS software
• Cox Contour 2 and Contour Stream Player
• LG Smart TV
• PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5
• Samsung Smart TVs (2016 models or newer)
• Spectrum WorldBox (in select areas)
• Vizio Smart TVs (2018 models or newer)
• Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
• XClass TV
• Xfinity X1 & Flex
• Chromecast
• AirPlay
• Roku

If you're an entertainment fan in the UK, then Sky TV is the way to go. This premium streaming service gives subscribers a wide range of live channels and on-demand videos and movies, with a subscription to Netflix and Discovery Plus bundled on top.

It's not cheap, though. The default Sky TV package is much more expensive than most standard streaming services like Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus or Prime Video due to its wide range of content. That's before you pick add-ons like sports, cinema or kids' bundles.

• Find all the Sky TV deals on the Sky.com website

Plus, some new subscribers might get confused by all the various packages and bundles, especially with Sky often tweaking pricing and adding deals on the fly.

To give you a helping hand, we've taken a look at all the big Sky TV packages to help answer some of your burning questions about the service and to make it easier to find the perfect bundle to suit your needs.

What is the Sky TV price?

The cheapest price you can pay for access to Sky TV is £15 per month, which is for Sky Essential TV.

This is a new tier created at the end of 2024, which gives you access to Netflix and Discovery Plus as well as the Sky Atlantic library. This latter feature is likely what lots of people are signing up for in the first place.

There are more tiers though, which cost you more. Here's what you're looking at:

• Essential TV - from £15 (Sky Stream, Sky Atlantic, Netflix, Discovery Plus)
• Essential TV, Sky Cinema - from £25 (Sky Stream, Sky Atlantic, Netflix, Discovery Plus, Sky Cinema)
• Essential TV, Sky Sports - from £35 (Sky Stream, Sky Atlantic, Netflix, Discovery Plus, Sky Sports)
• Ultimate TV, from £22 (Sky Stream, Ultimate TV, Netflix, Discovery Plus)
• Ultimate TV, Sky Cinema - from £32 (Sky Stream, Ultimate TV, Netflix, Discovery Plus, Sky Cinema)
• Sky Q, Ultimate TV - from £31 (Sky Q, Ultimate TV, Netflix, Discovery Plus)

So what do you get from all those different tiers? Let's dig in.

What are the key Sky TV plans?

What is Sky Essential TV?

If you're purely interested for the basic Sky TV offering, you’ll want Sky Essential TV.

This includes subscriptions to Netflix and Discovery Plus, as well as a Sky Stream streaming dongle and access to Sky Atlantic.

Sky Atlantic is a video-on-demand library which largely consists of big-budget TV shows from the US and UK. The headline-grabbers are HBO shows like Game of Thrones, The Last of Us and The Penguin but there are more like The Day of the Jackal and Sweetpea.

The Sky Essential TV plan doesn't include live channels. For that, you'll need plans that have...

What is Sky Ultimate TV?

Ultimate TV is offered in Sky's pricier plans, in lieu of Sky Atlantic, although if you're on Ultimate TV you can see all of Sky Atlantic's offerings.

The bonus with Ultimate TV is a slew of live TV channels, both Sky-made and third-party.

The Sky channels include Sky Witness, Sky Max, Sky Comedy and Sky Documentaries.

On top of that you get popular channels like Comedy Central, National Geographic and MTV. In total there are over 140 channels, 12 of which are Sky's ones.

What are the extra Sky TV packages?

Sky Sports

The main package is Sky Sports, which lets you access 11 different channels with 24/7 sports coverage. They are:

• Sky Sports main event
• Sky Sports Premier League
• Sky Sports football
• Sky Sports cricket
• Sky Sports golf
• Sky Sports racing
• Sky Sports F1
• Sky Sports action
• Sky Sports arena
• Sky Sports news
• Sky Sports mix

Most of these titles are self explanatory: 'Premier League' is for Premier League football while 'football' is for other football games, 'cricket' is for cricket, 'golf' is for golf, 'F1' is for Formula 1.

Main Event is for the biggest games while racing is for non-motorsport racing, action is for combat sports, arena is for assorted arena sports (mainly American ones like NBA and NFL), news is for news shows and Mix is for things that don't fit elsewhere.

Sky Cinema

If you’re less into sports but love a good movie, the Sky Cinema package is perfect for you. It’s priced at £11 a month and gives you the benefit of over 1000 HD movies on demand, plus its where you'll find all Sky Original movies.

Sky Cinema offers cutting-edge options, including the latest cinema blockbusters and winners from major ceremonies such as the BAFTAs and Oscars, and now comes with everything on Paramount Plus at no additional cost to you, making it even greater value than before.

The Sky Cinema package comes with a number of channels:

• Sky Cinema Action
• Sky Cinema Animation
• Sky Cinema Comedy
• Sky Cinema Drama
• Sky Cinema Family
• Sky Cinema Greats
• Sky Cinema Hits
• Sky Cinema Premiere
• Sky Cinema Premiere +1
• Sky Cinema Sci-Fi and Horror
• Sky Cinema Select
• Sky Cinema Thriller
• Paramount Plus

Temporary channels also crop up from time to time, both for holiday periods (such as Sky Christmas) or themed around specific genres or themes like Sky Disney.

There's also one final benefit to being a Sky Cinema customer: Sky Cinema customers get 20% off Sky Store rentals.

Sky Kids

The Sky Q, Sky TV, Netflix & Kids package is ideal for those who want the basic option plus extra channels to help entertain the whole family. The three basic branches of this package are Sky TV (Sky Ultimate), the Ultimate TV Add-On (Netflix) and Sky Kids.

This bundle costs £32 a month plus set-up and nets you the whole gamut of Sky Kids content. With the Kids package,you get 8 Kids channels, 10,000 on-demand episodes of Kids shows and hours of educational content to boot.

Plus, you get access to the dedicated Sky Kids App, which allows your little ones to stream shows and play games on the go. You can also create individual profiles for each child on the app, and keep them from accessing inappropriate content with Kids Safe Mode.

The 8 Kids Channels are

• BabyTV
• Boomerang
• Cartoonito
• Cartoon Network
• Nickelodeon
• Nick Jr.
• Nick Jr. Too
• Nicktoons

BT Sport

While BT Sport is soon to be folded into TNT Sports, for now you can still subscribe. It offers separate channels to Sky Sports:

• BT Sport 1
• BT Sport 2
• BT Sport 3
• BT Sport 4
• BT Sport Ultimate

Each has an assorted mix of whatever sport BT Sport has licensing rights to, including some international football, cricket and US college basketball.

BT Sport Ultimate is for high-resolutino and high-quality-audio streaming of live sports.

Netflix Upgrade

The Netflix Upgrade package is simple. While the base package has Netflix included, it's for the Basic tier.

You can upgrade to Standard for £4, which gets you 1080p streaming and extra screens to stream on, or Premium for £8, which offers 4K streaming and even more screens.

UHD & Dolby Atmos upgrade

For £6 per month on top of your package, you unlike the ability to stream in UHD and with Dolby Atmos.

UHD is a video resolution which equates to 4K, so if you have a 4K TV or screen this option will let you make the most of it. Dolby Atmos is for high-quality audio that'll let your new soundbar shine.

Ad skipping

Finally, for £5 per month you can buy the ability to skip ads, so you don't have to watch through them when you'd much rather be watching TV or a movie.

FAQs

Is there a free trial?

Although there is not a Sky TV free trial, you will be making savings on your monthly entertainment subscriptions by combining Netflix with on-demand Sky Originals and box sets. There aren’t many providers out there which provide such a diverse range of content in mix-and-match bundles.

Can you get Sky without a dish?

If you order a Sky TV package with the Sky Q set-top box (the newer version of the older Sky TV box), you will be prompted to book an installation when you check out. On the day of your installation, the engineer will bring along the Sky Q box, the satellite dish, remote, cables, and so on.

However, if you don’t want to get Sky with a dish, you have some alternative options. One is going for a Sky Glass TV package — the Sky Glass is a special TV that has Sky included, so all you need is a WiFi connection.

Another choice is NOW, Sky’s subscription-based internet TV streaming service. You can buy access using passes — for example, the Entertainment pass is £9.99 a month and provides both live and on-demand TV.

With NOW, you can stream content from your smartphone, tablet or laptop — or cast it to your smart TV. If you really don't want (or can't) have a Sky dish on your building then alternatives to consider are BT or Virgin Media.

Do I need a Sky box if I have a smart TV?

The only smart TV which will connect to Sky without the Sky Q box is the Sky Glass, which has been specifically designed to stream Sky content. Any other smart TV will require both the Sky Q box and a satellite dish in order to get your package up and running.

Why should I become a Sky TV customer?

Sky is a top choice for consumers across the UK, and for good reason. It provides a convenient and all-encompassing range of packages to suit every taste, whether you prefer the latest cinema releases or in-depth live sports coverage. You can adjust your package based on how much or little you want at your disposal, and the brand has decades of experience and trust behind it.

Are Sky TV deals available to existing customers?

If you want to upgrade your package, you may be able to do so with the same savings a new customer would get. For example, if you want to get an offer that provides two months of Sky Kids, HD, or similar for free, you can click on the deal on the Sky website, then log into your account.

From there, you will see if the deal can be applied to your account. When it comes to promotions such as Black Friday deals, you could be eligible but with some contracts, a fee may apply.

What happened to Sky One?

Those of you who have grown up with Sky One will most likely be wondering where it’s gone. As of September 2021, the channel was replaced with two new Sky-branded ones called Sky Showcase and Sky Max. These are available to watch with the Sky Go app or as part of your Sky TV package.

How to subscribe

Navigate to sky.com/deals.

Choose your package and click on Get Started.

Select any add-ons, then click on Continue.

Click on Continue with just TV if you don’t want to add broadband.

Fill out your details - Title, First name, Last name, Date of birth, Phone number and Email address.

Enter your postcode and click on Find Address.

Select your address from the drop-down menu. Specify if there are any parking or access restrictions using the subsequent drop-down menus.

Book an appointment for an engineer to come and install your equipment. You will be presented with a calendar so you can choose a time and date which works for you.

Download the Sky Go app so you can begin watching while you wait for the appointment.

Download the My Sky App in case you need to change your appointment.

Enter your payment card details for the one-off payment to cover set-up costs.

Type in your Direct Debit details to set up monthly payments, or opt to use the same card you just entered the details for.

Confirm that you are authorized to make payments from the bank account.

Confirm you have agreed to Sky’s Terms and Conditions.

Click on Confirm Order. You’re now ready to start watching!

All the latest Sky TV packages and deals

We live in an age where it's impossible to keep up with the incredible array of live TV streaming services. While this can be a lot to keep track of, we've decided to focus on one particular service: the humble Fubo. A simple service that started life as a streamer of live sports, Fubo has expanded with multiple channels to become the phenomenon it is today.

Formerly named FuboTV until 2023, this mighty streamer now brushes shoulders with competitors such as DirecTV, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV and YouTube TV. With regards to DirecTV, this is in many ways a direct rival with both offering different packages with varying combinations of channels on their streaming platform. Check out more in the full Fubo packages list which allows you to customise in more depth.

• Check out the Fubo channels here

Unlike some of the main streamers, Fubo actually offers its members a free trial so you can actually try before you buy which is a huge advantage. Everyone loves a more personalised experience, and Fubo also offers a chance to tailor your streamer to make it more personal such as a Latino package with Spanish language-only channels. Muchas gracias.

Any jocks out there? Fubo has an incredible variety of sports in even more incredible 4K, this quality of resolution beginning from the final rounds of FIFA Men's World Cup 2018. This 4k resolution has been continuously utilised in all streamed games and events including the recent UEFA Euro 2024 tournament.

However, this does not mean it's a perfect platform as there are some cons that come with this streamer. The array of channels does noticeably lack Turner and Warner Bros offerings and - as of recently - also omits Discovery ones like Food Network and HGTV. Worth bearing in mind if considering this streamer.

So, with all this in mind here is what you need to know when considering Fubo as a viable option.

Fubo plans

Fubo has four plans to choose from when you sign up for a subscription. All of these plans also come with a one-week Fubo free trial, allowing you to try before you buy and there's no contract so you can cancel at any time.

For a full run-through of what's on offer, we've got a guide to the Fubo packages you can select, but we'll give you a whistle-stop tour below for the highlights.

• Fubo Pro plan: $74.99 per month for over 130 channels, 1,000 hours of cloud-based DVR and up to 3 screens at once (on the go), 10 screens at once (at home).
• Fubo Elite plan: $84.99 per month for over 190 channels, Fubo Extra channels, News Plus channels, 1,000 hours of cloud-based DVR and up to 3 screens at once (on the go), 10 screens at once (at home).
• Fubo Ultimate plan: $94.99 per month for over 230 channels, Fubo Extra channels, News Plus channels, SHOWTIME, Sports Plus with NFL Redzone, 1,000 hours of cloud-based DVR and up to 3 screens at once (on the go), 10 screens at once (at home).
• Fubo Latino plan: $74.97 per quarter for 43 Spanish-language channels, 250 hours of cloud DVR and two screens at once (on the go and at home).

Fubo channels

Fubo basic channels

The three English-language Fubo plans carry most of the major channels that you'd be looking for — the exception being the Turner/WarnerMedia channels like TCM and HBO Max. You do, however, get everything from The Disney Channel to SyFy, MSNBC, AMC, MTV, ABC and BBC America. So plenty to choose from.

The Fubo website has a full list of the 124 basic channels that you get with each English-language plan.

Fubo premium channel add-ons

In keeping with Fubo's mix and match offering, there are a number of premium channels that you can add to whichever plan you have. These are:

• AMC Premiere, $4.99 a month.
  You'll get extended episodes, new episodes ad-free and select full seasons, bonus content, uncut movies and more.
• EPIX, $5.99 a month
  Includes the top live channels, plus thousands of movies and shows.
• Pantaya, $5.99 a month
  Spanish-language movie channel (from classics to current)
• Showtime, $10.99 a month
  You get all of Showtime's live channels plus the entire SHOWTIME library
• Showtime, EPIX and STARZ bundle, $19.99 per month
  You can also bundle SHOWTIME, EPIX and STARZ into one package.
• Starz, $8.99 a month
  Includes the whole family of Starz channels, plus on-demand access.

Fubo channel add-ons

FuboTV has a number of add-on packages available so, depending on your interest area you can create a package that suits you without paying for channels you don't need.

Sports Plus with NFL RedZone add-on, $10.99 a month

• NFL RedZone
• NBA TV
• NHL Network
• MLB Network
• MLB Strikezone
• Stadium
• Tennis Channel
• Zona Futbol
• ESPN-U
• PAC-12 Network
• VSiN
• ACCN ESPN
• Game+
• Fight Network
• TVG2
• Stadium 1
• Stadium 2
• Stadium 3
• SEC Network
• ESPN News
• PAC-12 Arizona
• PAC-12 Bay Area
• PAC-12 Los Angeles
• PAC-12 Mountain
• PAC-12 Oregon
• PAC-12 Washington
• Fuel TV

Fubo Extra add-on, $7.99 a month
There are 41 channels in this add-on, with a variety of programming from cooking to sports. Some of the channels include:

• Cooking Channel
• Game Show Network
• BBC World News
• NBA TV
• NHL Network
• MLB TV
• Sony
• People TV
• Zona Futbol
• INSP
• Revolt
• CNBC
• Tennis Channel
• Fuse
• Teen Nick
• Nick Toons
• Nick Music
• BET Jams
• Nat Geo Wild

International Sports Plus add-on ($6.99 a month):
This add-on gives you live coverage of world-class sporting tournaments, perfect for international sports fans.

• Fubo Latina Network
• Fox Deportes
• Zona Futbol
• ESPN HD Deportes
• GolTV English
• GolTV Spanish
• TyC Sports
• Fox Soccer Plus
• Tigo Sports
• NXT LVL Sports
• Real Madrid TV

Adventure Plus add-on, $4.99 a month
For the extreme sports fan, the adventure add-on gets you:

• Outdoor Channel
• Sportsman Channel
• World Fishing Network
• Outside TV
• MAV TV
• Insight TV

Sports Lite add-on, $9.99 a month:
For only a dollar a month less than the full Sports Plus add-on, this small bundle of sports channels doesn't feel like the best value. But it's an option...

• NBA TV
• MLB Network
• NHL Network
• Tennis Channel
• SEC Network
• ACC Network
• ESPN-U
• ESPN News

Latino Plus add-on, $19.99 a month:
The Latino Plus add-on includes a mix of sports, movies and entertainment channels:

• Fox Deportes
• Zona Futbol
• ESPN HD Deportes
• GolTV Spanish
• TyC Sports
• Sony Cine Television
• Nat Geo Mundo
• Más Chic
• Nuestra Tele
• Telefe
• Tr3s
• Baby TV Español
• Passiones
• The Weather Channel en Espanol
• Estrella News
• Wapa America
• CATV
• Television Dominicana
• Hogar
• Cine Latino

Portuguese Plus add-on, $14.99 a month

• Benfica TV
• Gol TV Spanish
• RTP International
• RTP 3
• RTP Acores

TV5MONDE add-on, $9.99 a month
The French language TV network offers live coverage and highlights of sports, films, and news with English subtitles.

RAI Italia add-on, $8.99 a month
Rai Italia gets you Italian coverage of Seria A and Coppa Italia soccer, along with news, shows, and movies.

Fubo upgrades

Fubo allows you to pay to add or boost features if they aren't included in your plan.

• DVR storage: there are two options to add more storage space
  Cloud DVR 250, which increases your DVR space by 250 hours, for $9.99 per month Cloud DVR 1000, which increases DVR space by 1,000 hours, for $16.99 per month.
• The Family Share upgrade costs $5.99 per month and lets up to three people stream at the same time.
• Unlimited Screens is an upgrade that allows users to watch Fubo on up to 10 devices at once at home, plus two on the go. Family Share can be added for an extra screen on the go.

How to subscribe to Fubo

1. In your favorite web browser, hit up www.fubo.tv
2. Click the "Start Free Trial" button.
3. Enter your email address and create a strong, unique password. (Or use the single-sign-on option.)
4. Pick your package of choice and click "Start Free Trial."
5. Choose your add-ons and any extra packages.
6. Click the "Continue to Last Step" button.
7. Enter your payment information.
8. Click "Start Watching FuboTV."

Does Fubo stream in 4K?

Yes, sometimes... And not just sports. Fubo is one of the few ways you can watch live sports in 4K resolution in the United States. We're not going to nitpick too much about the fact that you're almost certainly watching an upscaled feed (they're at the mercy of the content provider). The simple fact is that a 4K stream looks better than a stream that is not 4K and basically, it's going to ruin you for anything else.

The bad news is that you're only looking at a handful of games that stream in 4K. Fubo also has some premium movie programming available in 4K resolution if you have the EPIX add-on.

It's the best time of year to buy physical media and that's because the Black Friday DVD deals and Blu-Ray deals are here, so you can pick up a new disc or a classic box set for much cheaper than usual.

Technically speaking, Black Friday is on Friday, November 24, but online and high street retailers trip over themselves to begin their discounts sooner and sooner this year. So DVD sales have already begun all over the web.

Here at What to Watch we love DVDs and Blu-Rays, as they let you watch your favorite movies or TV shows whenever you want (not just when streaming services permit it) and also come with loads of bonus features. So we've scoured through all the Black Friday deals to find some of the best DVD and Blu-Ray box set deals.

The following will be great whether you're looking to buy something for yourself or a birthday or holiday gift, and with Christmas around the corner, the latter is doubly important! We'll be updating this page for all the new deals too, with daily checks to make sure no new deals are missed.

So if you're looking to buy a single DVD or a big box set, make sure to bookmark this page as we'll constantly be updating it to help you find gift picks and savings galore.

DVD gift guide quick links

If you're looking for your own DVD picks, here are some of the retailers you should be looking at:

• Amazon US and Amazon UK: Huge selection of DVDs including frequent discounts
• Walmart: US retailer has loads of modern movies and TV shows, as well as collectors' sets
• HMV: UK store offers 2 for £10 on DVDs and 2 for £15 for Blu-Rays
• Best Buy: range of deals on 4K UHD Blu-Rays, steelbooks and collections
• Zavvi: UK shop outlet site has discounts on loads of DVDs as well as collectibles
• Barnes and Noble: US bookstore offers $9.99 (or less) on DVDs 
• Target: US retail giant has massive DVD movies sale

• As a DVD collector, the Criterion Collection sale is always a can't miss opportunity

Black Friday DVD deals in the US

Black Friday DVD deals in the UK

Wondering why we've got far fewer UK deals? Well, that's because not all retailers have begun their reductions yet, but keep checking back (and using the quick-links at the top of this page) to see when they do.

DVD gift guide ideas

Don't mind picking up a DVD or Blu-Ray that isn't on sale? Here are some picks that you might want to consider, firstly of recent movies and shows, and then of classics.

DVD gift guide top tips

Whether you're buying a DVD or Blu-Ray for yourself or as a gift, there are a few things to bear in mind when you're making a purchase.

Here are some things you should know, if you need some advice.

• Amazon Prime Day: Tuesday, October 10 - Wednesday, October 11
• Black Friday: Friday, November 24
• Cyber Monday: Monday, November 27
• Christmas sales: Through December
• Boxing Day sales (some countries): Tuesday, December 26

Also consider that some movies from the year, notably Oppenheimer, aren't available on DVD yet at the time of writing, so if you want this you will have to wait.

Well, the Harry Potter Black Friday deals have begun, because we're starting to see big discounts on popular magical items like clothes, Lego sets, DVDs, books and a lot more. 

While Black Friday technically falls on Friday, November 24 this year, everyone and their mothers starts pushing deals through February, and that's equally the case for Harry Potter sales. 

We've rounded up some of the best Black Friday Harry Potter-related deals below for you to peruse, whether you're looking for a reward for yourself, a present for a loved one or are stocking up in preparation for the holiday period. As we get closer to Black Friday, we'll likely see even more deals, but the ones we have are a good place to start.

Since the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 1997, the Harry Potter franchise has grown massive, with the 11-part Wizarding World movie franchise one of the biggest in history, and there are plenty of games and toys too; earlier in 2023 HBO announced that it was set to make a TV adaptation of all of the books that'll come out in a few years.

So let's dive into our Harry Potter Black Friday deal guide:

Harry Potter Black Friday quick links

Want to search for your own deals instead of looking through our carefully-curated list? Here are some sites you should check out for some good ideas:

• Amazon US and Amazon UK: official and unofficial Harry Potter merch including books, DVDs, clothes and even watches!
• Harry Potter Shop: The official Merch store for Harry Potter has plenty of gifts including wands, themed confectionary and clothing
• Lego: Lego has a dedicated Harry Potter theme with collectible models, huge Hogwarts recreations, Advent Callendars and sets inspired by scenes from the movies
• Funko: popular collectible model maker Funko has over 50 different HP-inspired models, from affordable mini-models to art covers, multi-pack sets and its distinctive character models
• Etsy: home-made store Etsy has lots of magical options for fans of the show including cards, candles and wax melts
• Walmart, Target, Best Buy: US retails giants have Harry Potter gifts
• Zavvi, HMV: UK entertainment stores also have Harry Potter items

Harry Potter Black Friday deals in the US

Harry Potter Black Friday deals in the UK

Harry Potter gift ideas

Can't find a deal you're interested int? Let's instead dive into all the different Harry Potter gift ideas from around the world (especially including ones we'd buy if we could!).

Harry Potter gift guide top tips

Got some questions or reservations before you jump into the magical world of Harry Potter gifts? We'll answer some of your queries.

• Black Friday: Friday, November 24
• Cyber Monday: Monday, November 27
• Christmas sales: Through December
• Boxing Day sales (some countries): Tuesday, December 26

If you wait until these times, you could find deals to help you save cash. We'll be updating this article with great deals worth buying when they crop up.

Even though it's only mid-November, early Black Friday Star Wars deals are giving sales hounds many of options for buying gifts inspired by George Lucas' classic sci-fi series. 

If you're looking to buy a gift for a Star Wars fan, or for yourself, we've scoured the sales to find some great discounts and gift ideas and you can find them all below. 

As Black Friday draws near (on Friday, November 24), these will only get better. However sometimes it's better to act quick to grab a deal before it sells out, especially on must-buy Star Wars gifts. Lego discounts are always popular (and prolific), and deals on toys and clothes themed around Grogu or The Child often sell like hotcakes too.

To help you with some handy gift guide ideas this holiday season, the greatest minds at What to Watch have put their heads together to decide on a useful guide for Star Wars gifts. This includes presents of all price ranges and for fans of all ages and interests, so there should be something for everyone.

When Black Friday gets near in November, we'll also include lots of deals and sale items on this list, so you can find a bargain while you hunt. 

But for now, let's dive into this Star Wars gift guide.

Star Wars gift guide quick links

Want to root around for Star Wars gifts yourself, without checking out our carefully curated list? Suit yourself — here are some places you might want to check out.

• Disney Store: Star Wars gifts galore
• Amazon: global store has plenty of Star Wars gifts; filter by price, type and more
• Lego: Star Wars theme has gifts big and small, including some festive holiday sets
• Funko: collectible and affordable Star Wars decorative models
• Etsy: hand-made store has loads of custom Star Wars items
• Walmart, Target, Best Buy: US retails giants have Star Wars gifts
• Zavvi, HMV: UK entertainment stores also have Star Wars items

Star Wars Black Friday deals in the US

Star Wars Black Friday deals in the UK

Star Wars gift ideas

Not found any deals you like? Here are some other options that mostly aren't discounted, but might still be good picks for a gift:

Star Wars Black Friday deals top tips

Have some worries or questions before you search for gifts or Black Friday deals? Here are some tips we've got when looking for a Star Wars present.

• Black Friday: Friday, November 24
• Cyber Monday: Monday, November 27
• Christmas sales: Through December
• Boxing Day sales (some countries): Tuesday, December 26

Black Friday and Cyber Monday will bring a wide variety of reasonable discounts, while Christmas and Boxing Day sales often see fewer products on sale, but at larger reductions.

If you're not already preparing birthday or holiday gift ideas for Disney fans, then it might be time to get into gear, as Black Friday is on the way and it'll be the perfect opportunity to pick up presents.

Black Friday falls on Friday, November 24 this year, but that's not the only time to look for Disney deals; retailers often kick off their sales a week or more before the day itself, and they'll continue through Cyber Monday on Monday, November 27.

Over the sales season, you'll find all kinds of Black Friday Disney deals; toys, clothes, books and DVDs, games, accessories and more will all be reduced. This makes it the perfect time to hunt for holiday gifts, so you can save money before Christmas or any birthdays (or just pick up an end-of-year treat for yourself!).

To create this holiday gift guide we've picked a selection of items across different franchises and at different price points, to give you some inspiration. We'll also include links out to the best stores to check out if you want to search for yourself.

Disney gift guide quick links

Do you have a gift in mind that you want to find? Here are the stores you should check out to start your hunt:

• shopDisney: Disney's official store has hundreds of products across all of its franchises and lines, including some exclusives not available elsewhere, as well as discounts and deals.
• Amazon's Disney Store: Disney's Amazon page offers some great discounts on books, clothing, toys and more. Check back for new deals all the time.
• Funko: big-headed collectible toys across loads of Disney brands with classic characters and modern heroes galore.
• Lego Shop: there are bricky versions of loads of Disney franchises, and also collectible and decorative options that celebrate the brand and its classic characters.
• Etsy: home-made products store includes loads of Disney-themed items
• Walmart, Target, Best Buy: US retail giants have Disney gifts
• Zavvi, HMV: UK entertainment stores also have Disney items and DVDs

Disney gift guide ideas

While the Black Friday deals haven't properly started yet, we've collected some gift ideas if you need something straight away.

Disney gift guide top tips

Other gift guides to check out

• Netflix gift guide: presents inspired by the popular streamer and its various franchises
• DVD gift guide: box sets for beloved TV shows and movies, with Blu-Ray and 4K options too

One of the biggest new shows right now is Virgin River season 6, with the returning Netflix romance show delivering even more romance and heartbreak in the lives of the occupants of Virgin River, and it's time to find other ways to enjoy the characters.

Not everyone knows this, but Virgin River is based on a series of books by an author called Robyn Carr. Fans of the show can get excited about the fact that there are a whopping 23 books in the series, so it goes quite a bit further than the show!

While Virgin River's accuracy to the novels varies quite a bit, reading these books is still a great way to bide time until future seasons of the show, or pace yourself if you're trying not to binge the whole season in one.

So, for fans of Virgin River or romance novels in general, here's the order the Virgin River books were released in, with links to Amazon so you can buy them.

How to read the Virgin River books in order of release

1. Virgin River
2. Shelter Mountain
3. Whispering Rock
4. A Virgin River Christmas
5. Second Chance Pass
6. Temptation Ridge
7. Paradise Valley
8. Under the Christmas Tree
9. Forbidden Falls
10. Angel's Peak
11. Moonlight Road
12. Sheltering Hearts
13. Midnight Confessions
14. Promise Canyon
15. Wild Man Creek
16. Harvest Moon
17. Bring Me Home for Christmas
18. Hidden Summit
19. Redwood Bend
20. Sunrise Point
21. My Kind of Christmas
22. Return to Virgin River
23. Holidays in Virgin River

Do you need to read the Virgin River books in order?

You don't actually need to read the Virgin River books in any particular order, because each one focuses on a different character. This is unlike the show, which introduces many characters at once and follows them over multiple seasons.

Even though some main characters come back in background roles, and there will be familiar locations between the stories, you'll easily be able to intuit any important information without having to read the previous books.

Saying that, there's not much need to read in a peculiar order unless you really want to!

Just note that, while most of the Virgin River stories are novels, some aren't. Sheltering Hearts is a novella while Under the Christmas Tree and Midnight Confessions are shorter stories that were originally published in anthologies. Holidays in Virgin River is an anthology itself, with some non-fiction content like recipes.

Virgin River collections

If you don't want to order upwards of 23 books online or on audiobook, there are thankfully collection sets that get you all the books in one go.

The exact collections offered vary by region, but you can find Virgin River collections on Amazon here. There are many four-book bundles available but some collect 10 or even 20 of them in one big super-set.

Live TV is having somewhat of a resurgence lately, and that's just on Netflix alone. From the John Mulaney's (very appropriately named) comedy special series Everybody's Live to Netflix's live WWE series Raw, this desire to stream live content is seemingly everywhere.

So, you've had a reminder of what live TV is like - what about finding the best live TV streaming service for you? Alongside joining the live TV revolution, a move away from cable which requires the faff of installation and is a strain on the monthly expenses is another bonus.

This option may be affordable - although a tad pricier than your streamers such as Netflix, Disney Plus and Apple TV Plus - but in a seemingly never ending world of options, how do you choose the right service for you? Don't worry, we've got your back!

We've got our finger on the pulse of live TV, streamers and everything screen related, so we've gone through the troubles of finding the perfect fit for you. With that in mind, take a glance at the following ranking list of best streaming deals to help you monitor any ongoing discounts across other platforms and keep reading to find the best live TV streaming services in general for you...

The best live TV streaming services

We recommend Sling TV as the best live TV streaming service simply because of how adaptable it is — instead of paying a huge lump cost for a huge package of channels, the service costs a little less and lets you customize your subscription.

There are two Sling TV plans: Orange and Blue, with the former focused more on sports channels (though there's lots of overlap, and you can use our guide to the Sling TV packages for more information). Then, there are loads of add-on packages to get you certain channels if there's one or two you particularly like.

All this might admittedly confuse some users, who just want to click "sign up" and get all the channels they want, and if that's you we'd recommend looking at the other options on this list.

And there are some glaring holes in Sling TV's line-up, with FXX, PBS, Golf Channel, ABC News Live and some other important channels absent.

However for people who want to cut costs as well as cables, and don't need every single channel out there, Sling's lower price than its competitors (especially when you factor in the commonplace sign-up deals) makes it the best live TV streaming service.

*in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay area, the cost is $5 higher, as you also get local networks ABC, CBS and Fox. In Houston, Raleigh and Fresno, you get these channels but without the higher price.

The name Hulu with Live TV is very literal — Disney's live TV streaming service lets you watch over 100 channels (depending on your area), but it has an extra perk that lets it easily justify its place as the second-ranked service on this list.

Hulu with Live TV has a slightly higher price than some rivals, but it includes three top streaming services: Hulu, Disney Plus and ESPN Plus (a trio collectively known as the Disney Bundle), so you're actually getting plenty of content besides the TV streaming itself.

Unlike some other streaming services, Hulu's channel list has been slowly increasing over time, so there's less of a chance of your favorite channel being pulled just before the next episode of your favorite show.

While most of the main important channels are covered in Hulu with Live TV's library, the service is best recommended for entertainment fans, thanks to Hulu being packaged in and lots of other services being offered for extra fees too.

So while Hulu's service isn't as cheap as Sling and doesn't have quite as many channels as YouTube TV, it's still a worthy pick.

Google-owned YouTube has its own live TV streaming service, and this service, YouTube TV, is the best streaming service for people with a higher budget.

With all the important channels, including a huge selection of sports, entertainment and news networks, YouTube TV can easily become your one-stop shop for streaming entertainment, with plenty of extra channels and services you can add to the bundle.

While YouTube TV isn't the cheapest live TV streaming service out there, it's definitely not the most expensive either, with a lower price than some of the other big names.

It's easy to confuse YouTube TV with the many other similarly-named YouTube platforms, including the main video site, YouTube Premium, YouTube Shorts, YouTube PrimeTime Channels (the ability to subscribe to other streaming services within YouTube, which can be bundled into YouTube TV if you want); the list goes on. This combined with the many add-on packages (including other streaming services like HBO Max or premium cable channels) might confuse people who want a simple sign-up process.

We also should point out that YouTube is rumored to be testing a FAST service — that stands for Free Ad-Supported TV — so YouTube TV could change a lot very soon. But for now, YouTube TV is a solid and relatively inexpensive service which we'd recommend.

Fubo began life as an affordable streaming service for sport fans, but it quickly grew into something much bigger. Now it's one of the most channel-packed live TV services, though it's also quite a pricey one.

There are two main reasons why you should consider FuboTV: firstly, it has plenty of channels, offering 130 on its lowest tier and 230 more if you don't mind paying extra. Secondly, it has a lot more DVR space than most of the other services on this list.

Admittedly those extra channels come at a cost, with FuboTV being a little pricier than YouTube and Hulu's live TV services — and that's even without the mandatory Regional Sports Network fees, which mean you'll be paying even more..

However for people who want those smaller channels, which might not be offered by the other live TV streaming services (especially sports ones, with plenty of niche ones available on Fubo), this TV platform is worth considering.

One point of confusion could be the many different price points you can sign up at, but we've got a guide to the various Fubo packages to help you get your head around them.

If you've seen the price of Philo TV above and are already half-way through signing up, we'd recommend you hold your horses: this super-affordable live TV service has a few rough edges that you need to consider before you spend.

Philo TV's selling point is its price, but it's this cheap because many major news, entertainment and sports channels are missing. There's no ESPN, no Fox, no CNN, the list goes on. These are often more expensive for a cable provider to offer, so Philo TV strips them out to give you a more affordable package.

You're left with an odd smattering of some of the affordable channels, but there's a lot still to like with the Cooking Channel, BBC World News, Sundance TV, A&E and so on — we'd recommend checking out the full channel lineup here. Plus, you get ad-enabled AMC Plus thrown in too.

A few cheap extra packages let you expand with more channels, but still, Philo TV isn't really the service for you if you want the entire spectrum of TV channels at your fingertips.

But if you're looking to save money and don't mind the particular channel selection, Philo TV could be a worthwhile pick.

The cheapest option on this list is Frndly TV, which is so far removed from the options higher on this list that it's quite a different proposition altogether.

Frndly TV does away with the channels which keep live TV plans costs high like news, sports and prestige drama channels. Instead its line-up is full of options for specific interests like History Channel, Crime + Investigation, Lifetime and the Game Show Network.

It's best suited, therefore, for people who just want to be able to watch these entertainment channels, and don't need to stream big sporting events or blockbuster TV shows (or blockbuster movies, for that matter).

The cheapest plan only offers video in SD or Standard Definition, so you may want to pay more for higher-resolution cable channel streaming and longer access to the DVR recordings, but even Premium isn't expensive.

Due to a lack of mainstream channels, many cord-cutters won't be wanting what Frndly TV is offering, which is why it's lower on the list. But it's great that it exists as an option for people who only want a few channels.

The reason DirecTV is so low on our list is because of its price — we wouldn't blame you for seeing that $154.99 price mentioned above and feeling your eyes glaze over. And it's true that DirecTV is more expensive than its rivals, but it may well be worth it.

There are four tiers of DirecTV : Entertainment costs $74.99 monthly and gets you 75 channels, primarily the core entertainment ones. Choice, for $99.99 per month, brings 30 extra sports channels, like NBA and MLB ones. Ultimate, at $109.99, has even more channels at 140, as well as the sports channels, and the $154.99 monthly Premier tier bundles in loads of extra streaming services, including Showtime and HBO Max.

For a more in-depth breakdown of those tiers, we've got an article on the DirecTV packages and plans.

Even at its cheapest DirecTV costs more than some others on this list, but with unlimited DVR (for recordings up to nine months old), a five-day free trial, the ability to stream on as many extra devices as you want, deals on extra streaming services and an absolutely massive channel list for its pricier tiers, it could well be worth considering.

You can buy DirecTV Stream as part of your package. This streaming device costs an extra $10 per month (or $120 upfront). It's a streaming device that'll be handy if you don't have a smart TV, letting you access all your apps and channels at the press of a button (or via voice commands).

Again, it's one extra expense, but if you have money to spare, or enough people to share the cost between, DirecTV is one to consider.

Spanish-language live TV streaming services

As well as the above live TV streaming services, there are a few more Spanish-language ones that focus on channels that provide Spanish coverage.

Free live TV streaming services

If you don't want to pay for your live TV streaming service, you could use something known as a FAST. We've got a guide to the best free streaming services, but here are the highlights.

FAST stands for Free Ad-Supported Television — these services don't make you pay, but sprinkle ads throughout your content (and often don't have as long channel list as the main platforms).

Here are a few of the biggest FAST services:

• Tubi has plenty of live TV channels as well as a library of movies and TV shows
• FreeVee is primarily a video-on-demand service but it has certain live channels too
• Pluto TV has hundreds of channels over a broad selection of categories
• The Roku Channel lets Roku customers see loads of free movies and TV, with some live channels too
• Sling Free is a no-cost alternative to Sling TV with on-demand and live television

Live TV streaming services: frequently asked questions

We've all done it: misplaced the remote and one week later admitted defeat when it doesn't reappear under the sofa. However, what do you do if its your Amazon Fire TV remote? To access your Amazon Fire Stick, you do need one but how about buying an improved version instead...

Hold up though! It's nearly Prime Day - usually falling around mid July based on previous years - which is when you can buy your Amazon gadgets on the cheap so keep your eyes peeled on those Fire TV remotes.

• Find Amazon Fire TV remotes on Amazon here

So, where do you start when it comes to buying your Amazon Fire TV remote? With this handy list, of course! We'll walk you through Amazon's own options, cheaper alternatives and give you the lowdown on price, features and for those with an eye on design too.

For those who want a hand replacing their Amazon Fire TV remote we also have a handy separate guide for that which is useful once you've bought your new gadget. It's never been easier from purchase to set up - thanks to us - to have a stress-free experience with your Amazon Fire TV remote.

So, here are the three remotes that our team have agreed are worth your investment...

Alexa Voice Remote

The best remote control for your Amazon Fire TV almost certainly is the remote control that comes with it. That's whether we're talking about the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K — which remains the Fire TV device we recommend for everyone — or the more voice-centric Fire TV Cube.

And Amazon has refreshed the Alexa voice remote for 2021 with shortcut buttons to popular services, a direct button for a live guide, and a new Alexa voice button that definitely stands out in blue.

This new remote is available on its own for the more modern Fire TV devices — if you just can't stand having last year's model. It'll ship initially with the third-generation Fire TV Stick, starting in late April 2021.

In addition to the new changes, the Alexa Voice remote still has dedicated volume buttons as well as a power button, all of which work with your television via CEC commands, so you won't have to go reaching for another remote control to adjust the volume or just turn the whole thing off. It's the best of all worlds, and it's what we'd recommend if you're looking to replace your Fire TV remote in the easiest and most economical fashion possible.

Logitech Harmony Companion

If you're looking for something a little more universal, the Logitech Harmony Companion is where we'd turn. It's our pick for the best universal remote control, and it works great with Amazon Fire TV.

Why use this remote control? First, it's the most beautiful remote control we've ever used. It's got curves and lines that you'd expect to find on a high-end sports car instead of on a remote control — but that just means that this thing feels great when you're holding it. It's got all the buttons you'd want to manage your Fire TV experience (more than enough, really), and it's got extras for controlling things like smart lights and outlets.

The only drawbacks are that there's a little setup involved, but Logitech has done a really nice job with the app that handles that part. It's also not backlit, but the buttons are very recognizable by feel.

Maybe the biggest miss — and this one is a little subjective — is that it doesn't have any sort of voice controls. So if you absolutely must talk to your Fire TV to get it to do things, this remote won't work for you. Or, you could just stick an Echo Dot in the corner somewhere and call it a day.

The bad news, though? Logitech is shutting down its Harmony line. The remotes should still work for the foreseeable future. But once they've sold 'em all, they're gone.

Logitech Harmony Elite: the upgrade

If you absolutely must spend more money on a bigger and better remote, the Logitech Harmony Elite is the one to get. You'll trade the number buttons (which hardly get used anymore anyway) for a touchscreen — which makes things easier for the visually inclined — as well as opening up all sorts of other features.

The Harmony Elite keeps the dedicated smart things buttons and everything is backlit, making it easier to use in the dark. It's also rechargeable and has a dock that's easy to use and means there's less of a chance it'll go missing.

Like the Harmony Companion, you set it up using a simple app. Also, like the Harmony Companion, it lacks Alexa voice control. 

Want to enjoy your favorite movies outdoors, stream the latest sports game in the garden or catch up with TV shows while basking in the heat? The best outdoor projects let you watch videos in the rain or shine, offering a rather different package to the overall best projector.

Gadgets like outdoor projectors often get discounted in sales seasons, and Tuesday, July 11 brings the next one, which is Amazon Prime Day. You can expect rare discounts on pricey devices like this if you're a Prime subscriber.

• Find outdoor projectors on Amazon here

We've listed some of the best picks for you, so you know which outdoor projector is worth buying.

This ranking doesn't just include the best projectors overall, because your outdoor kit needs to be able to contend with the elements. The following are generally more durable, and brighter to fight past all the extra light you might have since you're not locked up in a dark room. They also need to be easily portable so you can cart them around.

Every projector listed below runs on built-in batteries too, so you don't need to rely on nearby plug sockets (or chains of extension leads) to use them.

The best outdoor projectors

Depending on what you plan to watch with your outdoor projector, battery life becomes very important when you are away from a power source for any period of time. After all, when you’ve settled down to watch a film, the last thing you want is to be interrupted by a flashing battery light mid-way through.

The Philips PicoPix Max One PPX520 Mini Projector will last for a massive five hours, so there will be little danger of it dying just as you get to the good part. It’s also extremely easy to set up and use, with focus and keystone correction all done automatically without your needing to touch the settings. The Full HD 1080p resolution is the best on this list, and rare for an outdoor projector. Of course, you’re paying for the great visuals.

There’s a 4W speaker built-in, and you can connect a wide range of devices via HDMI, USB-C, AirPlay, microSD, and MiraCast. And, with a maximum projection size of 120”, you’ll be able to enjoy it all on a massive scale.

One of the benefits of using an outdoor projector over a traditional TV is the size of the screen. Whereas the TV in your living room can’t really go above 85-inches (if it will fit!), the average projector can accomplish a cinema-worthy screen size of more than 100-inches. The Nebula Mars II Pro is a good example of this, as it is able to project up to 150-inches from just over 3 meters away.

Of course, you will need a good outdoor projector screen, but once you’re set up the Mars II Pro is a great HD projector with in-built smarts that mean you can watch content from Netflix, YouTube and more via Android 7.1. Brightness could be better, though, so you will get the best results viewing at night.

Sound quality has been given a boost by Soundcore Audio technology, with a pair of speakers meaning you don’t need to worry about connecting external devices. The Mars II Pro also has a convenient carry handle for extra portability and three hours of battery life.

While most people focus on brightness when looking at the features of a good outdoor projector, we believe that contrast ratio can be almost as important. Generally speaking, the bigger the number, the better, as a low rating will lead to washed-out images that will make the viewing experience far less enjoyable.

The LG CineBeam PH510P Mini Projector has a contrast ratio of 100,000:1, which is the maximum you can expect from an outdoor projector — especially at such a reasonable price. You can enjoy the results on the big screen, too, as the CineBeam PH510P can beam images up to 100-inches.

The brightness isn’t anything to get excited about, so you want to use the projector in a dark room or at night, but the 720p HD resolution coupled with the contrast will mean that your movies look great in the right conditions. It’s also super-quiet, running at just 24dB, so you won’t be struggling to hear the action over a noisy fan.

Designed primarily for business use, the ASUS P3E WXGA Smart Mini Projector is also a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable long-life portable option. It is the brightness example on our list, for example, with 800 lumens meaning you will be able to use it in slightly lighter conditions.

You also get an HD resolution and a screen size of up to 134-inches. It’s slightly noisier than some other examples, but not at a level that will negatively impact your viewing experience too much. The contrast ratio is also excellent, and it’s small and lightweight enough to carry around or pop in a bag for travel.

With features like built-in 2GB flash memory and a foldable stand, it would be a shame to limit the P3E WXGA’s use to business meetings.

Even though they’re cheaper than TVs, the best outdoor projectors can still get quite pricey. This Philips PicoPix Nano PPX120 Smart Mini Projector is a great budget option, however, offering lots without compromising too much on specs and features. We would recommend it for kids' dens or for camping trips.

As said, this isn’t as high-tech as some others on this list, with standard definition resolution and 500:1 contrast ratio along with a brightness of 100 lumens. However, for occasional use, this is ideal, as you don’t want to pay for features that you aren’t getting to get much use from. Battery life is still decent at 80 minutes — perfect for a couple of TV episodes.

How to choose the best outdoor projector

Outdoor projectors are the perfect solution for garden watch parties for a reasonable price, but there are a few things you need to consider in order to make the right choice.

How bright does an outdoor projector need to be?

Because the best outdoor projectors are battery-powered, they generally put out slightly dimmer images than your average to conserve energy. That doesn’t mean, however, that they aren’t capable of delivering great visuals.

The examples on our list range between 100-800 lumens, with the higher number meaning the resulting image will be easier to see in the daylight. So, if you want something that can be used during an afternoon barbeque, always opt for the brighter projector.

How much should I spend on an outdoor projector?

Right now it would be difficult to find a good outdoor projector for less than £150, with the best ones costing as much as £900. This is, of course, still significantly cheaper than purchasing a cinema-sized flat-screen TV, and also comes up less than a high-spec indoor projector. Our advice would be to make sure you’re getting what you pay for, with the more expensive examples sporting higher resolution and brightness.

Want to create your own home theater without breaking the bank? The best soundbar on a budget lets you enjoy top-notch sound with your movies or TV shows, while also letting you save some money for your TV or projector.

With Amazon's Prime Day coming up on Tuesday, 11 July, you can easily save money on the best soundbars, with products on the online retailer often being reduced. There's little doubt that the best cheap soundbars will be included in the discounts.

• Find cheap soundbars on Amazon here

The best value soundbars offer a combination of incredible audio quality, good connectivity options, and attractive designs, all at a price that won’t put a huge dent in your bank balance. 

Finding the right soundbar on a budget can be tricky, though. There are lots of different models and brands to choose from — and a huge glut of budget soundbars available on retailers like Amazon at just too-good-to-be-true prices means you may be wondering if cheap soundbars are not worth the trouble. 

While some of these budget soundbars won’t offer the specs or performance you need, there are plenty out there that do — and many of the big, well-known brands also offer cheaper versions of their flagship soundbars. 

To help you make the right decision, we’ve rounded up the very best budget soundbars you can buy today — all currently available for less than $250 / £200. While these cheap soundbars won’t deliver state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos immersive audio or super-premium builds, we’ve taken a deep dive into the specs to ensure that you’re getting the right mix of performance and value for money.

The best budget soundbar you can find today is the Sony HT-MT300, which offers a compact and well-priced way to upgrade your home cinema setup. 

It has a very simple setup — all you have to do is plug it into your TV’s optical port — and its small size means the HT-M300 is ideal for smaller spaces. It’s a shame there’s no HDMI ARC connectivity, which would allow you to use your TV’s remote to control it, but the supplied remote control is really responsive and easy to use. 

The soundbar also comes with Bluetooth connectivity, so you can use it to stream your music. And, if you have a compatible Android phone, NFC support means you can simply place your phone on top of the soundbar to pair. 

The audio performance is much more accomplished than the HT-MT300’s low price might suggest, with a powerful soundstage that will do your favorite movies justice. The bass is powerful thanks to an included subwoofer, and though the soundstage is narrower than Sony’s higher-end soundbars, the HT-MT300 should offer a big improvement compared to your TV’s speakers. 

Sadly it's no longer widely available but it is such good value do your best to hunt one down...

If your living room is on the smaller side, the Creative Stage V2 is an excellent budget soundbar that provides crisp dialogue from a compact frame. 

Coming with a subwoofer, the Stage V2 can even double as a desktop PC speaker (provided your desk is big enough to hold it), thanks to a USB-C port. Your other connectivity options include optical in, HDMI, and a 3.5mm audio port, so you shouldn’t have any trouble hooking the bar up to your TV. There’s also Bluetooth support, should you want to use the soundbar for listening to music. 

While the soundbar isn’t big or powerful enough to fill a large room, the Stage V2 does a great job at making mumbling actors sound intelligible, thanks to a Clear Dialogue feature. We wouldn’t recommend using this bar as your main music speaker as the audio performance isn’t that strong — but when it's needed for making TV shows and movies sound clearer, the Stage V2 is a winner. 

Need something really tiny? Look no further than the Roku Streambar, which can easily squeeze into even the smallest of spaces. 

Its space-saving credentials are bolstered even further by the fact that the Streambar combines a soundbar and a 4K streaming box into one handy device, giving you access to free and paid channels and streaming services via Roku devices’ easy-to-navigate interface. 

While the audio performance isn’t perfect due to weak bass frequencies, it projects an impressively powerful sound, and you can boost the sound of the Streambar by adding Roku’s wireless subwoofer and rear speaker kits, making this soundbar one you can upgrade gradually. 

The soundbar can connect to your TV via HDMI ARC or an optical input, and there’s support for Bluetooth as well as a USB port so you can access music files saved onto a USB drive.

For the price, it’s hard to find a soundbar that can do more for your home cinema setup than the Roku Streambar. 

The JBL Bar Studio is an easy-to-use soundbar that can either be placed underneath your TV or mounted on a wall. 

The smallest of three JBL soundbars launched in 2019, this compact bar comes with HDMI and optical connections, as well as Bluetooth support for music streaming. 

While it’s not the most impressive-sounding bar you can buy today, it offers a punchy audio performance that will easily beat your TV’s built-in speakers — it’s also pretty bassy, so the fact that it doesn’t come with a subwoofer isn’t the worst thing in the world. 

Support for Dolby Digital and JBL’s Surround Sound technology means this soundbar should be able to reproduce convincing movie soundtracks with a powerful delivery that belies its small size.

This soundbar from Samsung is well-reviewed at Amazon and though we haven’t tested it for ourselves, the specs are very promising.

It comes with a wireless subwoofer, and you have the option to add a couple of wireless rear speakers if you want to boost the sound even further. You can adapt the audio performance to your tastes thanks to a number of different presets, including Bass Boost and Game Mode, which should give your game soundtracks a sense of direction. 

You can connect this soundbar to your TV via Bluetooth, though you’ll probably find it best to hook the HW-A450 to your TV via its optical port if you want to avoid latency issues. 

It looks good too — unlike many budget soundbars, which are made from cheap-looking plastic, the HW-A450’s fabric grille looks chic and subtle. Beneath this grille is an LED display, which lights up when you interact with the soundbar. 

If you need a slim soundbar that can slot underneath your TV without blocking its IR receiver, the Polk Audio Signa S2 is well worth checking out. 

Inside this sleek, two-inch high bar are five full-range drivers, which should deliver a powerful sound when combined with the included wireless subwoofer.

You can combine the soundbar with pretty much any audio source, thanks to HDMI, optical, and AUX inputs, while Bluetooth support means you can play music from your favorite streaming services. 

According to the brand, its Polk Adjust technology means that you can customize voice levels for clear dialogue, while support for Dolby Digital decoding should provide a room-filling sound.

How to choose the best budget soundbar for you

If you're on the hunt for a cheap soundbar, there are a few things you should be looking out for. 

The first thing to consider is size. Do you want to place your new soundbar beneath your TV on a stand? If so, you'll want to make sure your prospective bar isn't so tall that it blocks your TV's IR receiver and stops your remote control from working.

Looking for something to suit a small space? Double-check the dimensions, or look into desktop soundbars that are designed to be connected to your PC. And don't forget — most soundbars can be wall-mounted to save precious space. 

You should also look into the connectivity options that come with your new soundbar. If you want to use your TV's remote to control it, you'll need a soundbar with an HDMI ARC or eARC port. Some TVs don't have HDMI ports (though this is rare nowadays), in which case you'll need a soundbar with an optical input. 

Bluetooth connectivity is also important if you want your soundbar to double up as a wireless speaker to play music from your smartphone. 

Buying a budget soundbar doesn't mean you have to put up with bad sound. Most soundbars will sound better than your TV's built-in speakers in any case, but be sure to look for models with support for codecs like Dolby Digital or DTS for extra fidelity. 

While most of the soundbars in this guide are 2.1-channel, you'll get a more powerful sound from models with more drivers inside. Most cheap soundbars won't have more than two drivers built-in, so look for soundbars that come with wireless subwoofers to boost the bass frequencies or models and you can add rear speakers for true surround sound. 

A popular gadget for transforming your plain old TV into a new-fangled smart TV is an Amazon Fire Stick, as simply plugging one of these into your set will let you stream from different apps and platforms with ease.

Coming up on Tuesday, 11 July is Amazon Prime Day and this is always a great opportunity to find discounts on the company's various devices like Kindles, Fire tabs and Echos. Of course, Amazon Fire Sticks are among the most frequently discounted such devices.

• Find Prime Day Amazon Fire Stick deals here

An Amazon Fire Stick gives you easy access to the best streaming services or live TV streaming services, with Prime Video, Netflix, iPlayer, Disney Plus and more all easy to stream with no hassle. Best of all, you plug them into a non-smart TV to turn it smart, letting you avoid the high cost of a smart TV or keeping your beloved set.

Something that not everyone knows, is that there isn't just one Amazon Fire TV Stick on the market. No, the company offers a few different options, which offer different feature sets and resolutions and come at different prices.

Black Friday is coming at the end of November, and alongside streaming deals, we'll likely see lots of Fire Stick deals too. That's because Amazon is quick to discount its own products every time there's an opportunity for a sale — it sometimes even starts its own deals early. You can check out to see if there are any live Fire Stick deals here.

While these Fire Sticks come with a remote, we've also got a guide on the best Amazon Fire TV remotes if you want something more feature-packed. We'll run through the different offerings, to help you understand which Fire TV Stick is the best one for you.

This is the sweet spot in the Fire Stick range: cheaper models lack the 4K resolution, Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support this Fire TV stick offers, and the features it lacks — Wi-Fi 6 and live Picture in Picture view — aren’t deal-breakers for most people.

The Fire TV Stick 4K has the same processor as its non-4K siblings, but it’s only slightly slower than the 4K Max Ultra HD and in normal circumstances, we doubt you’ll notice any difference. It’s noticeably faster than the previous generation. Like all current Fire TV sticks, it has Alexa built-in, although the Stick models don’t have hands-free listening — you activate Alexa from the included remote. This is the version we’ve bought with our own money — it covers all the streaming essentials extremely well.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max Ultra HD is the most powerful of all the Fire sticks: there’s a quad-core 1.8GHz processor, Dolby Atmos, 4K Ultra HD resolution and support for all the key formats: Dolby Vision, HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG and more. But the main draw here isn’t the marginally faster processor: it’s the Wi-Fi. 

This is the only model in the current Fire TV range that supports Wi-Fi 6, which delivers smoother, more stable streaming than previous Wi-Fi standards. It’s backward compatible with previous Wi-Fi versions so you can use it now even if you haven’t got Wi-Fi 6 yet. If you already have a Wi-Fi 6 router or are likely to get one in the foreseeable future, this is the Fire TV stick to get.

How much is 4K worth? At Amazon, it seems the answer is not much. There's a very small difference in price between this, the full HD Fire TV Stick, and the 4K model. They’re otherwise almost identical — although this one has half a gigabyte less RAM, so may feel slightly slower than its 4K sibling. No 4K means no Dolby Vision, but there’s still Dolby Atmos for immersive sound.

This is the Fire TV stick to get if you have an HD TV and no plans to upgrade it in the foreseeable future: spending a tiny bit more on the 4K version would future-proof it — but then your next TV may well have all the apps you need pre-installed, with no need for a Fire TV stick at all.

If you want a Fire TV Stick for the lowest possible price, this is the stick you’re looking for. To achieve this ultra-low price Amazon has had to remove some of the features: in this case, it’s taken out the 4K, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support. 

So clearly this isn’t a stick you’ll want for your state-of-the-art home cinema system or your OLED 4K TV but if you think of it as a cheap and cheerful way to make most standard definition TVs or HD TVs "smart" — for a tiny amount of money — then it makes a lot of sense.

Amazon’s most powerful Fire TV is too powerful to fit in a stick. Although its feature set is largely the same as the Fire TV Stick 4K Max it has twice the storage (16GB) and a much more powerful processor and GPU — a Hexa-core 2.2Ghz CPU and 800MHz GPU compared to the Fire TV Max’s 1.8GHz and 750MHz. There’s no Wi-Fi 6 but you do get MIMO for strong connections, live picture-in-picture and hands-free Alexa control that you can use to command other smart devices even when your TV is switched off.

This is the one for serious TV streamers, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR, HRD10+ and Dolby Atmos and the most processing power of any Fire TV.

The best way to find something to watch on TV is to sign up for one of the best streaming services, and in 2025 that's the only way of keeping up with current topics. But which streaming srevices are worth your money? Well, thankfully we've put one together for you to wrap up the options.

With our team of armchair experts , we've put in the hours of watching the countless hours of content on your behalf (you're so welcome) and have come up with the definitive list of what we believe are the best value for money. With every streaming service having their ups and downs dependent on the year, this is the most up to date version of how to navigate your way around the streamers.

For those looking for the best streaming deals, look no further than this article which details in exhaustive detail our thoughts on these specific deals. Looking for a way to stream cable channels online? We've also got another guide for that we'd recommend: our best live TV streaming services.

A little disclaimer here: this is all obviously subjective and all streaming services have their pros and cons and one person's idea of good content is not universal. We've tried to take all this into account, including shining a light on some of the more niche streamers, so without further ado here is our guide to the best streaming services of 2025...

Best streaming services

The best point-of-call for all streaming fans is Prime Video, the streaming service created and owned by Amazon. And the best part is that you might already have access thanks to it being a part of Amazon Prime, which many people use for next-day shopping, free audio or ebooks, free video games, music streaming or anything else.

Prime Video has a huge library of movies and TV shows from various producers, be them modern indie titles, older classics, comedy box-sets or new original productions. While the streamer isn't as prolific as some others for making its own series, it makes up for that in big-budget shows like Reacher, The Rings of Power and Citadel, and it's not as reliant on constant new releases.

But there's more to like. Since Amazon owns MGM, Prime Video is the streaming home of most MGM movies and shows. The streaming has a unique X-Ray feature which tells you who's on screen when you pause (and other details like what music's playing and any relevant behind-the-scenes features for the scene. And the streamer offers Prime Video Channels, which are bonus streaming services (that generally cost the same as the standalone subscription) that add more videos to your library. Several streamers listed below are available as Prime Video Channels.

Recently, Prime Video has gotten into the sports arena, as the exclusive home for the NFL's Thursday Night Football games in the US and offering certain Premier League games and tennis matches in the US.

While we've rated Prime Video as our best streaming service, it's not perfect, as on PC its interface is very confusing. Since it's baked into Amazon's website on computers, it can be incredibly hard to search for videos or channels or get your head around the service itself. Get your head around the layout though, and you'll find a streaming service that's fantastic.

Here's all you need to know about Prime Video.

It's the biggest name in the streaming game, but not necessarily the best: Netflix is, for better or worse, what most people think of when they think of streaming services.

And that's not without reason, as Netflix has an absolutely huge library. It has plenty of third-party older films and the odd indie, but what fills up its shelves is an enormous amount of Netflix Originals. And that is its blessing and its curse.

Netflix sometimes puts out big-hitting must-watch originals like Adolescence, American Primeval and Gold & Greed, but those only make up a small portion of its release output, and a lot of what it releases each week is... not so worth watching, let's put it like that. I'm often stumped trying to find something good to watch on the streamer.

However it does mean that Netflix has slowly amassed enough popular originals to watch: Stranger Things, Squid Game, Bridgerton, The Witcher, The Crown, Sex Education, the list goes on. Netflix is also great for documentaries, particularly true crime ones. You can't have missed the talk around Tiger King, but it's not alone with Tinder Swindler, Fyre, Wild Wild Country, My Octopus Teacher and more all gripping fans. It seems like every other week that there's another Netflix doc doing the rounds.

Netflix has been hit or miss with film buffs. For every The Irishman, Roma or Glass Onion, numerous Netflix originals fail to make a dent as often as the shows. The selection of other movies is still solid, but with many studios making their own streaming services, gone are the days when Netflix has the best selection of films of all the platforms.

Netflix is one of the more affordable streaming services, but that's for the basic plan with ads, 480p video streaming and only a single stream at once. The Ad-free Standard, plan costs a little more, the Standard tier is even pricier and offers two screens and 1080p playback, and you'll have to buy the Premium tier for 4K HDR video and four screens of playing at once.

Here's all you need to know about Netflix

If you like Disney, Marvel or Star Wars movies and TV... well, you probably already have a Disney Plus subscription. But if not, it probably should be your go-to streaming service.

Disney Plus is great for everything Disney — does the name give that away? — with the entire catalog of Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and other Disney content, both originals and older shows. There's also the content from Disney's sub-brands, including Fox (all of The Simpsons), National Geographic and Searchlight Pictures.

If you're not a fan of Disney stuff though, you might find this streaming service's offerings a little bland. There's not too many shows or movies outside of Disney's core beats, and most of the originals are Star Wars or Marvel ones.

Lots of those exclusives can be a little divisive though. While the first few (The Mandalorian or Wandavision) were well-received, more recent ones like The Book of Boba Fett or She-Hulk are struggling to receive the same accolades.

Don't take our word for it though — whether or not you think it's for you, Disney is pretty good at offering discounts for its streaming service. There are frequent price cuts, including on Black Friday and Disney Plus day, but it's also easy to get bundles for the service with other services, phone plans, TV purchases and more.

One last note, if you're in the UK, Disney Plus also is the home for many Hulu originals/exclusive series, like Only Murders in the Building and The Old Man. That means it's actually better in the UK, since you don't need a separate service to see those.

Here's all you need to buy about Disney Plus

We don't need to give you buying advice here; there are so many Apple TV Plus free trials that it's very easy for you to check out Apple's homemade and Original-only streaming service on your own.

While Apple TV Plus has perhaps the shallowest library of any streaming service, what it does have is great: Ted Lasso is its standout hit but Foundation, The Morning Show, Severance, For All Mankind, Slow Horses, Prehistoric Planet and more such shows have dedicated fans. There are a few popular movies too, like Oscar-winners CODA and Wolfwalkers, though Apple TV Plus just isn't as great for feature films.

The service is having a great 2023 too, hence it climbing the rankings on this list, with near-weekly new releases. And later in the year Martin Scorsese's upcoming Killers of the Flower Moon and Ridley Scott's Napoleon will certainly make the service a must-buy.

It's hard to discuss Apple TV Plus without mentioning the company's other products. That's because purchasing Apple devices frequently lands you membership to TV Plus, so iFans can easily trial the service for free. In fact, that's the best audience, because on some other platforms (like PCs or PlayStations), the Apple TV Plus app is surprisingly buggy.

Here's all you need to know about Apple TV Plus

Max — formerly HBO Max, now a little more confusing to Google — has seen a transformation recently. In May 2023 it had a little makeover which changed the name, added in Discovery Plus' library and rolled out a premium 4K streaming tier, giving fans more value for money. However this followed several months of HBO exclusives dropping like flies from the service, notably Westworld and Raised by Wolves.

Generally, though, Max has most of Warner Bros. Discovery's catalog, including shows and movies for adults and kids made by HBO, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. That includes many new movie releases and hit TV shows.

There are plenty of big-profile Max originals coming from those various channels. The Last of Us is a big one, but it's in good company, with House of the Dragon, Hacks, Our Flag Means Death and countless Scooby-Doo and DC Comics shows impressing various audiences. Max is also one of the better US streaming services for movies, so you likely won't be disappointed by the collection available.

Sadly, Max is only available in limited regions, though the company says it's working to expand that. In unsupported regions, you can find some of its originals and shows on other streaming services (on Sky TV in the UK, for example).

There are three tiers of Max: one is more affordable, but it comes with ads and doesn't let you download shows or movies to view offline. You'll have to pay more for that privilege and to avoid advertising, and even more for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, four screens of simultaneous streaming and 4K on select titles.

Here's all you need to know about Max.

Hulu is currently ranked lower on our list due to recent price increases, which added $1 and $2 to the price of ad-enabled and ad-free monthly prices respectively and $10 to the cost of the annual subscription. It used to be one of the cheapest streaming services and while it still costs less than some rivals, it's no longer the bargain it was.

Hulu is a great streaming service for TV shows — its library includes classics like Community, Schitt's Creek and Lost, as well as hit originals like The Handmaid's Tale, Under the Banner of Heaven, Only Murders in the Building and Normal People.

There's also an option for streaming live TV, which bumps up the price but replaces the need for a cable subscription.

Sure, Hulu isn't as great for movies, with a selection that's a little patchy, but a few popular originals in this area like Prey suggest that the streaming service could be bringing a bigger emphasis to this area soon.

Hulu has the same issue as HBO Max regarding its two tiers — the more affordable one means you still have ads in your shows and you also can't download anything to watch online. You'll be paying $14.99 per month for that feature and to avoid ads.

Here's all you need to know about Hulu and Hulu with Live TV

If you live in the UK, the best streaming service for you is ITVX, the service owned by broadcaster ITV, which replaced the ITV Hub in late 2022.

While 'standard' ITVX is useful, offering live TV and a decent library, it's ITVX Premium we're talking about. This is a £5.99-per-month expanded tier which is definitely worth the money, and not just for the fact it drops the ads from ITVX free.

ITVX doesn't just have a huge library of ITV-produced and international shows and movies, but it also includes every video from services Britbox and StudioCanal Presents, meaning you've got plenty of British and European content to enjoy too.

Sure, ITVX won't scratch your itch if you love Hollywood movies, or new international shows, with Prime Video and Netflix your best bets for that kind of content. It's great for British fare, with StudioCanal offering a little bit of Euro video too.

And sure, the interface isn't exactly fantastic, but you're not having to deal with NOW levels of inconvenience to stream shows.

Here's all you need to know about ITVX

As one of the newer streaming services, Paramount Plus enjoyed some glitz and glamor for a while, but it's struggled to find a huge audience. Several recent changes compound this issue: not only has it seen a price rise in the US (as long as a merger with Showtime) but it lost a few original shows, including one, Queen of the Universe, that debuted less than two weeks prior!

Still, there's a lot to like in Paramount Plus. If you like the Star Trek franchise, Mission Impossible (and its countless sequels) or South Park, you'll find that Paramount Plus has hours of content for you. There are also a select few originals like Halo, The Good Fight and The Offer. It also has offshots of Yellowstone, including 1883, 1923 and Tulsa King, all of which are part of the Taylor Sheridan universe.

But Paramount Plus' library is certainly smaller than its rivals, so it's probably not the kind of service you'll subscribe to for more than a couple of months at a time — at least not yet.

Balancing this out is the fact it's pretty cheap. It's one of the most affordable streaming services you can subscribe to right now, especially with many of its competitors bumping up their prices.

The low price gets you an ad-enabled experience though, wit the ad-free experience much pricier, something that'll may put you off from upgrading.

As a fledgling streaming service, Paramount Plus is one we're hoping to hear a lot more from in the future, especially with Paramount's own library of classics. So going forward, you may see it at a higher spot in this list.

Here's all you need to know about Paramount Plus

In theory Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming service for its own content, is a great buy.

It's not too expensive, especially if you opt for the free tier (which is ad-enabled and has a limited library, but doesn't cost you). It's got a wide selection of new movies, with the Fast and Furious franchise, The Northman and Jurassic World: Dominion included. It also offers a nice big library of live sports, including English Premiere League soccer and Sunday Night Football.

However, there's not much about it that makes it the best choice for people. It doesn't have any must-watch originals, like Disney Plus or Netflix do, and while its price is low, it's also not significantly cheaper than its rivals, especially if you opt for the $9.99-per-month Premium Plus version that drops the ads.

So if you've tested lots of the streaming services ranked higher and want something new, it's definitely worth checking out. But it's not going to become your one-stop shop for entertainment.

In the UK, Peacock is a tricky one — it's only available to Sky TV subscribers and while it's free, it doesn't have quite the same library as in the US. So it's basically just a perk of another service, rather than one in itself.

Here's everything you need to know about Peacock

If you like British shows, then Britbox is your one-stop shop for most of them worth talking about — at least if you live in the US. In the UK, you can no longer sign up to Britbox, with the website pointing you to ITVX Premium instead (as that includes the entire Britbox library).

From heritage costume dramas to police procedurals and zany comedies, Britbox has a huge selection of shows and movies from the British Isles. Well, it does in the US, but with ITV and BBC having their own services in the UK, not as many shows are on Britbox there.

For history buffs, this is a great streaming service, as not only does it have shows and movies about history, but it has quite a few historical and classic ones too. And, Britbox is slowly growing its collection of originals.

Compared to something like Netflix, Britbox could be considered quite a niche option, and that's why it's lower on this list, but it still does have a diverse enough collection of videos to appeal to lots of people.

Here's all you need to know about Britbox

Best sports streaming services

Alternative streaming services

As well as the big streaming services above, there are some alternative streaming services that might interest you.

These are more niche ones, offering specific content only, which is why we haven't listed them with the "big dogs" above — it wouldn't be fair to compare a generalist service to a bespoke one.

But if you're looking for something particular, these are all worth considering.

Best streaming service FAQs

Finding the best smart TV can supercharge your TV or movie viewing, whether it's by enjoying the best TV shows streaming each week or binging through the library of the best streaming services.

A smart TV isn't just a screen — it's an entertainment hub, letting you access broadcast TV as well as streaming services and other functions too. Nowadays, almost every TV sold is a smart TV, with 'dumb' TVs being a thing of the past.

However, because of that, it can be hard to work out exactly which is the best smart TV for you. With so many different shapes, sizes and prices for sets on the market, and with the wide range of tech jargon words used to describe them, you can easily find yourself confused.

We're here to help you cut through the waffle and find the best smart TV for you. In this guide to the best smart TVs, we’ve picked the best screens in a number of categories. 

Want a particular streaming platform inbuilt – or maybe you're just looking to level up your viewing options rather than buying a whole new set? We also have a guide to the best Roku TVs and devices, if that's more your thing. 

However, if you’re looking for a budget model with as big a screen as possible or luxury, money-no-object OLED, we’ve got you covered. Read on! 

The best smart TVs 2022: our recommendations

The Samsung AU7100 is one of the most generously feature-rich budget TVs on the market today. It comes in an almost intimidating range of sizes so you’ll find the right model for you at a surprisingly low price, the build quality is excellent with an almost bezel-free design, and (the bit that really counts) the 4K imagery is thoroughly impressive for the price point. 

There’s no Dolby Vision support here but HDR10+ is on board so you can enjoy even richer colors on Amazon Prime Video content. The Tizen operating system is intuitive and features all of the big-name streaming services and you’ll get an even richer experience if you have a Samsung Galaxy smartphone. All you have to do is gently tap your phone to your TV to share content and continue watching on the big screen.

If you want to level up even more, the AU8000 has slightly more functions than the AU7100, such as the Ambient Mode, plus Samsung's luxurious One Remote Control support – but we think the value of the AU7100 makes it a top buy. 

As you can tell by some of the prices in this guide, it would be very easy to blow the budget on one of the best smart TVs. Thankfully, the TCL RP620K means you don’t need to overextend yourself just to mainline Netflix content in crisp Dolby Vision.

The Roku TV platform is excellent, with a strong focus on making it as easy as possible to access all of your favorite streaming services, plus it means there's no need to buy an external streaming stick. Especially generous is the presence of AirPlay for streaming content from your Apple devices. It’s not quite as bright as the competition — in a literal, not smart sense — but it more than makes up for it in functionality, especially if you’re looking for the biggest screen possible.   

The roof access required for physical Sky satellite dish installation in the UK has often meant insurmountable hurdles for those looking for Sky TV. 

Sky Glass changes all that and throws a high-quality television into the mix too. For a subscription price starting from £11 a month + £25 a month for Sky TV & Netflix — or an impressively low outright payment — you get access to Sky content and a QLED screen in a choice of colors. All you need is a broadband connection. Sky Glass, itself, is a TV from TP Vision and, while the image quality is good with bright colours, it’s the experience that shines —with ultra-fast loading and intuitive controls. Everything feels accessible with just a couple of clicks — unlike so many other smart devices. Just remember that the subscription costs will add up.  

Stepping up to OLED picture quality is a true game-changer for your home entertainment, especially when you combo it up with Philips’ absolutely worth it Ambilight tech. LED lights on the back of the slim set perfectly extend what’s on-screen, making every movie and TV episode suddenly take over the room. And that’s not all you get for the price. If you’ve managed to get a PS5 or Xbox Series X (yes we know, one is much easier to get than the other), two of the four HDMI ports on the Philips OLED806 are of the HDMI 2.1 standard. This means variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM) as well as 4K gaming at 120fps, all of which means superior new-gen console performance. Add in excellent image fidelity and this is a strong OLED performer that doesn’t require a re-mortgage.

As a 2021-released TV, you'll probably see a few discounts too – which makes it an even more tempting proposition… 

The April 2022-release LG C2 OLED is simply one of the best TVs released this year. That's due to a number of improvements LG has made to this year's model compared to the LG C1 OLED (listed below). 

You now get the new Alpha a9 Gen 5 processor plus ‘virtual surround sound’, which boasts the ability to upscale stereo content into 7.1.2-channel sound – aka excellent performance for a flatscreen TV, and you even get different sound modes to find an audio profile that suits your taste. 

The C2 OLED also carries over something we very much enjoyed in the C1 OLED, namely the four separate HDMI 2.1 ports, meaning it's the perfect partner for your games console(s). 

LG doesn't support the IMAX Enhanced or HDR10+ formats, and because you can now buy higher resolution flatscreen TVs (see the 8K Samsung QN900B, or the new upgraded LG G2 OLED which boasts slightly higher peak brightness) it's no longer the most cutting edge TV you can buy today, but for this money, you'll be hard-pushed to buy a better TV in 2022… 

LG is famous for its OLED TVs for very good reason (see above). While they are still expensive, the OLED range offers vibrant colors, great picture quality and upscaling, and the LG C1’s four HDMI 2.1 ports mean that it’s hungry to make the most of new-gen consoles. Plus, a new Game Optimiser mode with LG’s 2021 processor technology means that PS5 and Xbox Series X owners have less lag than ever before. 

The C1 is also a great all-rounder – and it's just slightly older now, which means you might find a few deals. Even if you don’t have a console, Blu-Rays and TV shows shine on the OLED panel with sharp fidelity. Motion handling is especially deft here too, meaning that visuals feel more natural and realistic. It’s an expensive smart TV but absolutely worth the investment.

If you’re willing to spend well into the thousands for one of the best smart TVs, the Sony A90J ticks nearly every box. There are a few missing TV apps, but that seems like a small quibble when the OLED visuals look so perfect, the upscaling of HD content is miles better than the competition and there are two HDMI 2.1 ports for full support of the new-gen console experience. Even better is the fact that there’s no need for an accompanying soundbar as the A90J uses what Sony calls Acoustic Surface Audio+ which means that the entire screen is a forward-facing speaker. There’s also full voice functionality with Google Assistant and Alexa, as well as AirPlay 2 and even a built-in Chromecast so you can always just stream channels from any of your devices. 

The best Smart TVs: FAQ

• OLED is a much more expensive screen technology with richer colours and crisper, inkier blacks than LED. 
• Quantum Dot OLED (QD-OLED for short) is newer than OLED and is billed as being able to combine the merits of OLED and LED technology to deliver an even better picture quality – and early signs are good, although the technology is still in its infancy
• VRR and ALLM mean ‘variable refresh rate’ and ‘auto low latency mode’ and are really only for people with new generation consoles
• The difference between HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1 (which stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is all about refresh rate and is important for gamers.
• eARC (aka Enhanced Audio Return Channel) is the next generation of ARC, which comes via your TV's HDMI input. It’s a feature that arrived with the most recent HDMI 2.1 specification. The main benefit of eARC is a big boost in bandwidth and speed – which means you'll be able to send higher-quality audio from your TV to your soundbar or AV receiver.

How to choose the best smart TV for you

When it comes to choosing the best smart TV for you, there are a few key elements to think about. The biggest element (literally) is the size of screen you’re looking for. If this is going to be your main living room TV, think about where it’s going to go and the screen size you’re comfortable with. Whereas ten years ago we were happily watching 32-inch TVs, now we’ve got desktop PC monitors that size and the majority of smart TVs start at 43-inches. 

Once you’ve decided on the space that’s going to be taken up by your new TV, it's time to think about your budget — as the best smart TVs range massively in price. A cheap TV will give you more screen for less, while one of the bigger manufacturers might be more expensive but also more feature-rich — with tech like Dolby Vision and HDR10+. Choosing the best smart TV is all about balance. 

And then there’s the tech that makes it smart. When you’re choosing the best smart TV, you want to make sure it has all of the streaming services and functionality you want. Whether Disney+ is a must or you want to stream content from your iPad or iPhone with AirPlay, you need to check the small print to make sure your chosen TV has everything you need. There are always streaming sticks out there to upgrade the smart experience but if you don’t want to have to buy anything else, it’s important to make a checklist of what you need. 

One final add-on is choosing to get one of the best soundbars. These days TV design means that audio is often neglected in favor of design. This means that while you don’t have to buy a soundbar on day one, you might want to invest in the future to create your ultimate home entertainment set-up.  

There are many reasons to look for the best Roku TV or device: these dongles or displays let you enjoy all the perks of smart TV living without the huge expense of a pricey new set.

A Roku TV is a TV that is running the Roku smart TV operating system, while a Roku device is a dongle that you can plug into any TV to access this system, both of which let you use apps like Netflix, Disney Plus and Prime Video on your TV.

Roku isn't just a hardware manufacturer but the creator of a streaming platform too, which comes installed on Roku devices; it promises to be the simplest way to stream anything, and its range of channels includes its own selection of shows and movies, as well as all the big names you want to watch: Netflix, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video and the usual catch-up suspects. 

There’s lots of free content as well as access to the best streaming services and best live TV services and there’s also a good selection of music channels to choose from. 

You can get Roku TV in two ways. You can buy one of the best smart TVs with an integrated Roku app from TCL, Hisense, Philips, Insignia, Sharp, RCA or Hitachi, or you can add Roku to an existing TV with Roku’s own streaming devices — which are the product of some clever thinking. 

Luckily, both fall under the best streaming deals from time to time, with reductions to services and hardware that you need. So without further ado, let’s discover which Roku is right for you.

The best Roku TVs and devices: our top picks

TCL makes some of the best Roku TVs around, and this 55-inch model offers impressive performance and picture quality for the price. It has HDR 10 and HLG, works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, and can mirror from AirPlay 2, Android and Windows. And, of course, it has the Roku app built-in to access There are 4 HDMI 20.b ports including one eARC, a USB 2.0 connection and an optical audio output. If 55” is too big for your space there’s also a 43-inch model. If you want bigger, there’s a 65-inch for your viewing pleasure.

This Hisense Roku TV boasts HDR 10, DTS sound — albeit with just two 8 watt speakers — Freeview Play and the all-important Roku app. This 50-inch version is the middle of the range: there are also 43-inch, 44-inch and 65-inch versions, with the biggest coming in at a relatively low price (under $500/£500). It comes with three HDMI 2.0 ports, a USB 2.0 socket and ARC for your soundbar. The direct-lit LED display is bright and clear if a little lacking in nuance, and while there’s a little judder it’s nothing too dramatic. 

Like the TCL, the Hisense is surprisingly good given its price tag. If you like Roku’s way of doing things, you should definitely have this one on your shortlist.

Here's an interesting one: a Roku device embedded in a soundbar, so it upgrades the sound coming from your TV as well as its streaming smart capabilities. It’s an inspired idea — often non-smart TVs don’t pay a lot of attention to the audio, so the Streambar is going to make a dramatic difference to the way your shows sound, without the need to invest in one of the best soundbars going. There are forward and side-firing drivers to create a surprisingly spacious sound from something so small.

The Streambar streams in HD, 4K UHD and HDR (provided your TV can display those resolutions and formats) and, as it’s a Roku, it comes with the usual selection of free and paid channels for you to enjoy. Just make sure your TV supports HDMI Arc or has an optical input: the Streambar can’t work if you don’t have one of those two connections.

If you’re quite happy with your TV but want to add some Roku smart streaming sparkle, this is the streamer to get. Like Amazon’s Fire TV Sticks the Roku Streaming Stick+ slots into one of your TV’s HDMI ports and has its own remote to navigate the features and channels. This model has a much better wireless range than last year’s model, and you can use your voice with the remote control for effortless playback. Depending on your TV’s capabilities the Roku can stream in up to 4K UHD. We wouldn’t recommend paying the full RRP, though: Roku’s streaming sticks are often discounted during large sales events, so it's worth hunting around.

The Roku Express 4K isn’t the cheapest Roku streamer — there’s an HD version that’s ultra-cheap — but this is the most affordable of its 4K HDR range. It supports HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG (but not Dolby Vision) and the Wi-Fi has been improved from 802.11n to dual-band 802.11ac for better streaming quality — something that’s essential when you’re watching in 4K. Unlike the Streaming Stick+, this Roku doesn’t have a voice remote — it has an old-school infra-red one instead.

It feels a bit ungrateful griping about the lack of Dolby Vision in a TV streamer that’s such a good price — you’re getting tons of TV tech for your money and unless you’re really hardcore about your HDR, it really isn’t a deal-breaker.

The best Roku TVs and devices: FAQ

How to choose the best Roku TV or device for you

This is a case of narrowing down your priorities. Looking to level up your TV this year without having to remortgage your property? A Roku-enabled TV is a very good idea – but if your current TV's size and resolution doesn't bother you in the slightest but you want an enhanced smart experience (something that shows you Disney+ right away, say) an inexpensive streaming stick is a great shout.

Want to give someone the gift of sound and streaming? The Roku Streambar is the one – it's a likeable thing and setup is a breeze (just make sure your TV supports HDMI ARC or has an optical input; it can't work without those). We liked it so much we added it to our best soundbars roundup, and remember, most soundbars don't come with an entire streaming platform inbuilt. 

Of course, other smart platforms are available, and if you're not 100% sold on Roku (although we love the Voice Remote and we're not afraid to say it) you should consult our best smart TVs buying guide for options including the likes of Tizen, WebOS, Android and Vidaa. 

The best Bluetooth speaker varies depending on what exactly you want from your music box, but we'll help you spend less time trawling through the internet and more time enjoying your pick.

For this guide to the best Bluetooth speakers we've looked through a range of devices depending on budget, design, features, waterproofing, durability and more, so that whatever you're looking for, we'll have you covered.

The thing that strings every Bluetooth speaker in this list together (metaphorically of course, for these are all Bluetooth options) is that they sound superb for the price. You’ll never listen to music on your phone without headphones again — and for those, we humbly encourage you to head to our dedicated best headphones for listening to Tidal guide. 

If you're looking to level up the sound from your TV's built-in drivers without remortgaging the house, you'll find our best soundbars or best soundbars on a budget pages most enlightening. Yes, even the best 4K TVs can use a sonic boost in the shape of a standalone 'bar. 

But we digress — although it's only because we care. What follows is our judiciously curated list of the best Bluetooth speakers on the market today.

Best Bluetooth speakers: the definitive list

Get ready, for this is no small statement: the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 is the best-sounding and most fully-featured mini Bluetooth speaker we've heard to date. OK, it's not the most powerful or the loudest Bluetooth speaker on the market, but at this size and price-point we challenge any audio outfit to do better.  

The Micro 2 is an excellent pocketable portable speaker (think stack of drinks coasters or small jewellery pillow) that's also a great option if you're looking for a stereo pair in a small room or a set of wireless desktop speakers, perhaps: you can easily pick up two of these for what you'd pay for just one of its better known rivals and have money to spare.

The bass response, which is where small speakers usually fall down, is potent and full-bodied too: Tribit is relatively cagey about the Micro 2's innards, but whatever's going on it delivers the goods through the low end. And battery life is superb, at a beach day-friendly 12 hours before it needs charging – oh, and it'll charge your devices too! 

Its handy stretchy band means if you want to clip it to a bike or tent pole, it'll also oblige. Don't be put off by the relatively unknown name: this is a stone cold Bluetooth belter.

First, the bad news. This 2019 issue speaker is a tad basic by today’s standards. There’s no wi-fi, so you can’t connect it to your music streaming service of choice. There’s no smart assistant for you to bark your commands at. And there’s no microphone, so it can’t double as a speaker for hands-free calls.

So why is it still sitting pretty in the second slot of this buying guide? Because it does the basics extremely well. It sounds very, very good. Also, it’s water-, sand- and dust-proof, so will survive no matter where you take it. (It even floats, so you won’t lose it in the drink.) It also comes in several colorful finishes, all of them very affordable – oh, and there is a useful outdoor boost button on the underneath. 

If you want a top Bluetooth speaker and nothing more (and you can deal with the fact it charges via micro-USB – don't worry, they've included the cable in case you can only find USB-Cs at home), this one is for you.

On the face of it, this is a good-looking portable Bluetooth speaker (photos don't do it justice), but it also has designs on your home cinema set-up. It comes with a standard UK plug adaptor so it can be powered by the mains, and also EU and US adaptor plugs, which will come in handy on your travels. 

It’s easy to carry thanks to the stylish handle, which is retractable, so it doesn’t spoil its looks in situ. And the battery lasts 30 hours before needing a recharge, which is long enough to last a mammoth road trip.

Turn it on, get it paired and there’s no going back. The audio is clear and zealous, with plenty of bass and a soundstage that goes easily loud enough to fill a mid-size room — be it your lounge or a hotel room in some far-flung locale.

Of course, you don’t have to spend a lot on a Bluetooth speaker. What if you just want something to throw in your bag and take to a party? Something that can withstand a few knocks and basically live in your backpack? Say hello to the JBL Go 3. It looks like a soap on a rope, doesn't it? And you could chuck it in the bath or pool if you wanted thanks to its IP67 rating, although we prefer to play music on it… 

It’s one of the most affordable models around (from a trusted and celebrated brand, anyway), and it sounds very good for the money. It’s not going to worry your home cinema set-up, but it’s certainly a lively little number. 

The only downside is the battery life, which at five hours could see it conk out mid pool party. But at this price, you can afford to buy a portable charger too. Problem solved.

Over the last 20 years, Sonos has built a reputation as the king of multi-room audio (back then, multi-room audio was only just becoming a thing) meaning speakers that can 'talk' to each other wirelessly around the home, to play the same song over the entire house or different tunes in each room — all controlled from your smartphone. But this is the company's first portable speaker, and what a speaker it is.

As well as being a waterproof, solid-sounding device you can take out with you, it can slip seamlessly into your multi-room setup when you get home. Its size makes it perfect for the kitchen. And even if you don’t have a Sonos system at home, we assure you it’s still a great Bluetooth speaker in its own right.

Yes, another JBL option; we don't make the rules, we just tell it like it is. This one is built like a tank though. And it doesn’t only look the part, it’s rugged as anything too, being water- and dust-proof, so it'll certainly survive a knock or two.

Because of its hardbody looks, you might think it’s all nodding bass and not much else, but you’d be wrong. While bold, the bass never overpowers the sound, and it picks out plenty of detail in tracks.

At nearly 2kg, it’s certainly hefty, but the handy carry strap should help with that. This one eats lesser Bluetooth speakers for breakfast — it’s just a shame it lacks more advanced features such as a microphone for hands-free calls.

How to choose the best Bluetooth speaker for you

It might seem largely a question of priorities or aesthetic (a chic coffee table option is very different to a long-haul backpack warrior, isn't it?), but there are several key things you really must to consider when choosing the best Bluetooth speaker for you.

Let's take this in steps. Step one: what do you need it for? Every speaker in this list can be used in the great outdoors, but some boast more rugged, drop-proof casings plus dust- and waterproofing than others. If you're going camping (where, let's face it, it's going to get wet) an IP67 rating is something to prioritise. 

Step two: consider the extras. Some Bluetooth speakers come with handy additional features baked in, such as smarts from Amazon Alexa. This means could simply ask it to play your music so you don't need to get up and grab your device. Don't like talking to your tech? This won't bother you. But how about multi-room audio? JBL has a PartyBoost feature for daisy-chaining multiple JBL speakers, while Sonos allows you to group speakers in certain rooms, and switch audio between them via the excellent app. 

All of this can add to the cost a little, and as a result most of the devices in this guide don't boast voice assistance smarts: they are simply designed to play your music. However, the ones that do feature mutable microphones, because nobody wants a speaker tuning in to your private conversations. 

Step three: sound per pound, aka value. How much do you want to pay? We'll take it for granted that you want great sound. When considering the best Bluetooth speakers on the market today we look at three areas in particular: sound quality and features, of course, but also design (aka dimensions and weight): are they loud, but too heavy to take on public transport? Will they break if you drop them on an escalator? 

In addition, we also consider how easy the speaker is to set up and use, how reliable the Bluetooth connection is and how long it'll last thanks to its onboard juice pack. That's why we're supremely confident that there's a Bluetooth speaker in this list you'll be happy with for years to come. 

Bluetooth speaker: FAQs

If you want great audio for your home theater, you'll want to find the best soundbar on the market, because these enhance the sound of your movies, TV shows or sports while fitting in around your set-up.

Mid-sized audio gadgets that you can easily plug into your TV, soundbars are an savvy audiophile's best friend as they offer better audio than built-in TV speakers would provide, but are cheaper and more space-efficient than involved, multi-product speaker systems. Even the best budget soundbars can be a great way of improving on your TV's speakers.

You don't have to be a physicist to see that a standalone 'bar will be a significant step up in terms of clarity, bass and volume than something that fits into the razor-thin bezels and screen of even the best smart TVs. 

And unlike a room-filling surround sound system — with snaking cables doubling as tripwires — the best soundbars do their jobs by sitting demurely underneath your TV, with wizardry such as up-firing drivers adding directional, immersive sound.

They don't have to be expensive either. While you can pay thousands for a top-tier Dolby Atmos soundbar with automatic room calibration and the like, more modest models actually start at around $/£100, and there are some competitively featured options at the more wallet-friendly end of the market.

One thing to note: soundbars don’t immerse you quite like a true surround sound system, which involves placing speakers behind you. But most models offer virtual surround sound which does a very good estimation of the same thing. And if you’re anything like us, the space saved will be more than worth it.

What follows is our pick of the best soundbars around.

The best soundbars 2022: our top picks

The Devialet Dione is probably the ultimate single-unit soundbar. No rear speakers behind the sofa, no subwoofer, just plug it in and enjoy. Why is it so good? Because Devialet has packed in no fewer than eight(!) woofers to create a low-end as full and deep as most subwoofers can go, and it's a triumph. 

It's got a great-looking spherical centre speaker enclosure too. This driver can actually rotate so that it always faces you whether you have it mounted on a wall or  flat on the TV table. 

The Dione produces a huge and detailed soundstage, too. Yes, it's a shame that you can't add any rear speakers for genuine surround sound even if you wanted to, and it's a little frustrating to see something so high-end that does not offer HDMI passthrough. 

But on sound quality alone we have to hand it to Devialet: this is as aspirational as it gets.

Let's get a bit more affordable, shall we? It's a few years old now, but that doesn't mean the Bar Studio can't compete with the best of them – and thanks to a few recent price cuts, the Bar Studio is now situated very much at the lower end of the price scale.

And it delivers a surprising amount for such little outlay: connections are modern, as is the design, and the sound is full and round with plenty of bass – ideal if you’re watching action movies or live sport.

The JBL Bar Studio is pretty small, measuring just 60cm long and 6cm tall, which means it will fit under even the most low-slung lounge TVs. Thanks to some clever processing, it does a good job of mimicking ‘true’ surround sound too, recreating the atmosphere of a cinema. You’ll just have to bring your own popcorn.

If you can afford it, this is one of the ultimate soundbars on the market – and Sennheiser recently renamed it the 'Max' to prove it. 

It has pretty much every bell and whistle going, including Dolby Atmos sound processing, auto-calibration, and four HDMI ports, so you can hook up all your AV gear at once. But it’s not for everyone – if the price doesn’t turn you off, its humongous size might. You’ll also need to position it correctly to really get the most out of it – it has upwards-firing speakers, so shouldn’t have anything placed on top of it.

But if you can, it’ll give you the best virtual surround sound from any soundbar going. Worth the effort, not to mention the considerable cost.

The Streambar is actually two devices in one – as well as being a soundbar, it’s a Roku video streamer. That means it will turn almost any TV into a smart one, with all the usual apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer. All you need is an HDMI port on your TV and a wi-fi connection – plus membership to whichever streaming platform you're trying to access, of course.

The thing is, it’s also a pretty decent soundbar, especially considering the wallet-friendly price. It’s not as cinematic as a bigger, pricier model, but we wouldn’t expect it to be. The audio is direct, clear, and has plenty of detail. It also goes surprisingly loud for such a small device.

Anyone with a smart TV will find the video streaming skills superfluous. But at this price, we’re not complaining. 

Within this list, you'll find big, expensive Dolby Atmos soundbars and inexpensive, smaller soundbars for a quick upgrade on your TV's audio. And the Denon Home Sound Bar 550 is here because it sits somewhere in the middle, bringing you Dolby Atmos-style immersive and overhead thrills in a smaller footprint.

Its looks are demure, but its sound is anything but. You're also getting a whole suite of connectivity options with HEOS inbuilt, including hi-res audio ability and some processing wizardry to deliver a sense of spatial audio and it displays genuine talent as a music speaker.

Any flies in the ointment? One: this isn't a 'bar that you should crank up too loud. Send it up to near its maximum volume and things become somewhat cluttered, harsh, and a tad aggressive. Keep it at sensible volumes though and it shines, sonically speaking. 

Sony makes phones, laptops, TVs, cameras and more, but it’s anything but a jack of all trades, master of none. Its soundbars are very good indeed, as this model proves.

Its many built-in speakers provide a broad soundstage that sounds brilliant from every seat in the room. And the built-in subwoofer adds plenty of low-end kick.

It supports pretty much every format going too, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, LPCM, hi-res wireless audio and Sony 360 Reality Audio. Don’t worry if that means nothing to you – basically it will make almost anything sound good. And its wireless smarts are unparalleled, supporting Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast and Spotify Connect. If your budget can stretch to it, you won’t be disappointed.

Priced as a mid-market product, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers some top-end features, including Dolby Atmos, which is essentially virtual (and overhead) surround sound. And it does a great job of delivering truly immersive audio, whatever you’re watching.

Sonos is known for its home multi-room systems, and the Beam Gen 2 slots right into that ecosystem. So when you’re not using it for watching TV, it can act as a music speaker, streaming from a host of online music services or your home network. It can play the same as in other rooms, or you can control it independently.

Even if you don’t use that feature, this compact and impactful device is one of the best soundbars money can buy.

The best soundbars: FAQ

How to buy the best soundbar for you

There are a fair few things to consider when you’re looking for the best soundbar.

The first is the size. As set out in the Q&As above, you’ll want to make sure that your soundbar fits happily under (or next to, depending on your set-up) your TV's screen. If you're heading into a showroom, for example, knowing the size of your current TV and the size of the space you have to fit it will be a huge help – and will let the sales assistant know you're taking this whole thing seriously. 

You’ll also want to decide whether you're looking to invest in Dolby Atmos or not. Dolby Atmos is directional surround sound technology, placing sounds and voices all around you so that (when it's done well) cars screech past, bullets fly over your shoulder and voices appear from behind you. Our advice? It can be excellent. But (and it's a big "but") Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbars are usually more expensive. You’ll need to weigh up whether Dolby Atmos sound is worth it for you – and remember, there are lots of cheaper options that'll still give you oodles of great-quality audio. 

Another thing to watch for is the type of connection you need. Most modern soundbars have HDMI connectivity, but optical is another solution. What's the difference? Aside from the shape of the ports around the back of the 'bar, these are the two main ways that audio is passed from your TV to your soundbar, but HDMI is able to pass high-resolution audio, including Dolby Atmos. 

Want a premium, immersive listening experience? You’ll want to be sure you have an HDMI connection on your soundbar and an HDMI ARC (that's audio return channel) port on your TV for to connect it to.

Of course we could go on (driver count, design, extra features, voice smarts), but these all come second to getting the size, audio features and connectivity set out in your mind early on. Happy hunting! 

Now that nearly every TV on the market has a 4K resolution, you'd think that buying the best 4K TV would be a breeze, but it's harder than ever — there's so much competition between different brands, not to mention the different prices, screen sizes and smart TV operating systems to choose from.

Most of the best streaming services offer 4K movies and TV shows, and video game consoles let you play 4K games, so a 4K TV (which shows a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, more than the 1920 x 1080 of a Full HD set) is a useful buy.

But how do you find the 'best' 4K TV? Thankfully, there are several contenders depending on what you specifically want to use them for. There are of course the best money-no-object options — and we’ve got one below — but largely, you’re going to want to balance functionality with price and size. For the past few years, we’ve just had to choose between LED and OLED TVs, but the new Mini-LED technology arrived in 2021, promising better brightness than OLED — and Samsung's new "best of both worlds" QD-OLED technology is even more recent… 

Yes, new acronyms abound, but those two are definitely at the more expensive end of the spectrum. Don't worry though, you don't have to spend the earth to get crisp, clear colors and inky blacks. In fact, if you've got a TV screen you're happy with, perhaps a new Roku device could smarten it up a little… 

Considering which smart platform to opt for with your next TV purchase? Our best smart TVs roundup can help. Want to level up your TV's sound rather than the visuals? Select one of the best soundbars on the market right now. And once you've set up your perfect home cinema, our list of the best streaming deals and best streaming services will help you make the most if it.

Otherwise, here's our guide to the best 4K TVs for all budgets. 

The best 4K TVs on the market: our recommendations

If you’re looking for an affordable OLED TV in the UK, the best 4K TV crown definitely belongs to the Philips OLED806. Not only does this feature-rich screen come with Philips’ innovative colorful Ambilight technology on all four sides, but it also has both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision to make the most of 4K content on as many streaming services as possible. There are also two HDMI 2.1 ports for new-gen console owners, one of which is an eARC port ideal for a soundbar.

The only downside is that in order to get the best out of the picture you’ll have to tweak some settings — but this brilliant OLED TV is more than worth spending a few minutes in menu settings...

Sadly the Philips OLED806 isn’t available in the USA but if you’re looking for the most affordable comparison, the LG A1 is LG’s entry-level OLED. The big difference is the lack of HDMI 2.1 ports for gamers but, if you’re looking for the rich colors and great contrast of an OLED screen, the LG A1 consistently delivers. It also has Dolby Vision to enjoy the 4K content on offer on Netflix and LG’s WebOS is a slick operating system to access your favorite streaming services. Dolby Vision IQ which changes the brightness according to the light in your room is a nice touch and Google Assistant and Alexa support is welcome too. There’s also AirPlay to send your Apple TV content to the screen.   

The Samsung AU7100 sits in the perfect sweet spot of features and affordability —meaning you can get a great TV in a vast range of sizes that won’t bankrupt you. Yes, you’ll need one of the best soundbars but you really won’t mind when you see the great contrast and detailed 4K imagery on offer here. The upscaling isn’t bad either but the AU7100 especially shines with Blu-Rays and other 4K content with nuanced visuals. Add in Samsung’s Tizen interface and there’s no need to have to consider a streaming stick as you’ll find everything you need. Prime Video is especially strong given the presence of HDR10+ which is Prime Video’s choice of high dynamic range tech.     

Sony’s flagship LED TV from 2020 is still going strong and delivers a brilliant 4K experience. This isn’t the cheapest LED TV on the market and that’s thanks to Sony’s full array direct lighting system to improve contrast. Sony’s processor means brilliant motion handling and upscaling, and there’s an ambient lighting system that adjusts according to the brightness in your room. The sound is excellent too thanks to what Sony calls Acoustic Multi Audio which delivers positional sound and, while there’s no HDR10+, there is Dolby Vision to bring your 4K Netflix shows to life. As further proof of its success, the XH95 has even been certified by IMAX.   

The April 2022-release LG C2 OLED is simply one of the best 4K TVs released this year. That's due to a number of improvements LG has made to this year's model compared to the LG C1 OLED (listed below). 

You now get the new Alpha a9 Gen 5 processor plus ‘virtual surround sound’, which boasts the ability to upscale stereo content into 7.1.2-channel sound – aka excellent performance for a flatscreen TV, and you even get different sound modes to find an audio profile that suits your taste. 

The C2 OLED also carries over something we very much enjoyed in the C1 OLED, namely the four separate HDMI 2.1 ports, meaning it's the perfect partner for your games console(s). 

LG doesn't support the IMAX Enhanced or HDR10+ formats, and because you can now buy higher resolution flatscreen TVs (see the 8K Samsung QN900B, or the new upgraded LG G2 OLED which boasts slightly higher peak brightness) it's no longer the most cutting edge TV you can buy today, but for this money, you'll be hard-pushed to buy a better TV in 2022… 

If you’ve just bought a PS5 or Xbox Series X and are looking for the best 4K TV, the LG C1 is well worth the investment. All four HDMI ports are all 2.1 standard which means support for 4K gaming at 120hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and support for both NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync (saves screen tearing and maximizes frame rates.) LG has also added what it calls a Game Optimiser menu so we can constantly alter settings on the fly. But the C1 isn’t just good for gaming, LG’s latest processor means that the 4K OLED imagery here is second to none with brilliant motion handling and exceptional picture quality. 

Mini-LED is TV tech’s latest innovation and what Samsung is calling (just to confuse things) "Neo QLED" instead of regular QLED panels. It adds a fair bit to the price tag but the QN85A is Samsung’s most affordable entry point for this screen tech that delivers superior brightness over OLED and impressive colors and blacks. The audio isn’t anything to write home about so you’ll want a soundbar but visually this delivers in spades. There’s also Samsung’s excellent Tizen operating system for all your streaming needs and a bonus HDMI 2.1 port for new-gen console use. It seems a little stingy if you have both the PS5 and Xbox Series X but this is still an exceptional TV.   

If only the very best will do, then Sony’s OLED A90J is absolutely one of the best 4K TVs that money can buy. Exceptional visual fidelity and upscaling come from Sony’s XR processor and the OLED panel delivers rich, vibrant colors. And while the outlay is bigger than most TVs, there’s no need for an additional soundbar thanks to Sony’s innovative Acoustic Surface Audio+ functionality which makes the screen a speaker. This forward-facing tech has brilliant positional audio with no need for a surround sound setup. An excellent UI is the icing on the televisual cake and while there’s currently no BBC iPlayer, there is a built-in Chromecast and AirPlay 2 for streaming from both Android and Apple devices.  

The best 4K TVs: FAQs

How to choose the best 4K TV for you

Choosing the best 4K TV can be intimidating as retailers list endless sizes and acronyms, but there are a few key factors to think about when you’re shopping around. It’s definitely best to think about the price you want to pay and what you want to use it for before online stores bamboozle you with all manner of technical specifications. 

Thinking about size is key. If you’re used to an older 32-inch model, the step up to a 55-inch screen (for example) can feel intimidating but, as long as you’ve got the space to spare, you’ll quickly get used to the new size in your room. Thankfully OLED panels are now available in an attractive 48-inch size, so you don’t need to block an entire wall if you want to opt for the deep inky blacks and rich colors that OLED excels in. The price difference between LED and OLED is still huge so it’s important to balance out what you actually need as there are still LED screens with the capacity for beautiful 4K imagery.

And those who own a new-gen console will also want to keep an eye out for HDMI 2.1 functionality. This version of HDMI means 4K gaming at 120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), all of which are desirable for a low lag experience on PS5 and Xbox Series X.   

While a TV used to be a staple of every home, nowadays many people are choosing to pick up the best projector instead due to the many benefits over a television they provide.

Projectors are more space-conscious and affordable, and they can provide you with huge display areas compared to TVs. With newer projectors also offering 4K resolutions and HDR, you don't need to lose out on quality when you're enjoying movies and TV shows too.

In this guide, we’ve picked our favorite projectors for all kinds of uses: portable ones and short throw ones, ones with smart TV features and ones that you can proudly display in your living area without anyone thinking you’ve nicked it from the local school’s AV trolley. 

From the affordable and portable to the absolutely immense, these projectors are all great buys.

Many projectors have clearly been designed for use in boardrooms, not front rooms, but the Optoma is a projector made primarily for home cinema. It’s a good-looking thing and because it’s an ultra-short throw model it can sit at the base of a wall rather than halfway across the room. Think of it as a real alternative to a large TV, but with a bigger display area.

The single-chip DLP has a laser light engine and produces gorgeous HDR images at 3,000 ANSI lumens, although as with other projectors there’s a visible difference between projector HDR and OLED TV HDR: the latter’s blacks are much blacker. And it’s worth noting that the stated HLG support only applies to playback via USB. Nevertheless, this is a really strong projector that produces excellent images and surprisingly good sound too. 

This BenQ projector has been designed specifically for gamers and delivers 4K at up to 60Hz with a relatively low 16ms input lag. Input lag is the delay between something being sent to the projector and it being projected and 16ms is low for a projector — the Optoma at number one in this list has a dedicated gaming mode but that still has 50ms lag. But it’s not close to the performance of a dedicated gaming monitor, which typically comes with input lag that’s lower than 3ms. It’s not going to be an issue for most kinds of games, but if you absolutely need to have the lowest lag possible then you’d be better off with a gaming monitor.

The rest of the package here is very impressive, with Android TV built-in, an impressive 4K UHD HDR picture and presets that make a big difference to games that were made dark on the understanding they’d be played on monitors, not projected on walls. The BenQ does a good job of boosting contrast so you can actually see what’s going on in even the dankest dungeon. 

This is an excellent all-rounder with true 4K, HDR and 3000 lumens brightness. It supports HDR Pro and HLG, it has a dedicated sports mode to enhance the on-screen action – this projector is actively marketed towards sports fans — and it comes with stacks of Best Buy awards from the likes of our sister site Techradar. It lacks some of the features you’d find on a similarly priced TV — there aren’t any streaming apps on board and while there’s HDR, like other projectors there’s no HDR10+ or Dolby Vision. It’s also short throw rather than ultra-short throw, so you can’t tuck it away at the base of a wall when you’re using it, but that 3,000 lumens power does bring a lot of light. 

The ViewSonic M2 is a very portable and very powerful full HD projector and comes with Harman Kardon audio and a very nice-looking metalling bronze case. You can run it off a power bank via USB-C (it needs to be 45W or more) for completely plug-free operation, and it’s compatible with computers, consoles and Bluetooth streaming. While it isn’t 4K the HDR and colour reproduction is extremely impressive, and it can throw a 100-inch image onto the wall from just 2.7 metres away. And you don’t have to sit it exactly in the centre of your room: the M2 has H/V keystone and corner settings to compensate for placing it at an angle.

This is a really good projector, and while it’s marketed as a portable solution it’s a pretty good option to keep in one place too. If you don’t need 4K and can live with the relative lack of brightness it’s definitely worth considering before you look at more expensive options.

If you’re looking for a stunning 4K movie projector, this BenQ could be just the job: the W5700 and its silvery sibling the WS5700S another HDR Pro / HDR 10 model and it offers 100% DCI-P3/Rec.709 giving the most faithful color reproduction. It’s fitted with a very high-quality 11-element lens array for pin-sharp 4K, and there is built-in ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) ccc calibration to customize the image settings for any room conditions. You can also set presets for day and nighttime viewing. It’s not the most attractive-looking unit we’ve ever seen but then again, you don’t buy a projector to stare at its case — and if you want to see your movies just as their cinematographers intended, this BenQ can help you do just that.

With 4K, HDR 10 dynamic tone mapping and a screen size of up to 140 inches, this projector offers impressive image quality — although at 1,500 lumens it isn’t as bright as some of the other projectors here. Colors are strong, vivid and don’t suffer from the discoloration that can sometimes affect projected images. Additionally, the LED here is four channels rather than the usual three to better adjust contrast and color tone. There’s also built-in webOS 4.5 so you can use your LG projector just like an LG smart TV.

The Cinebeam’s price is often significantly lower than its RRP so it’s a very good idea to shop around for the best deals on this one.

Buying the best headphone for Tidal lets you appreciate the high-quality audio of this music streaming service, perfect for audiophiles to best appreciate their favorite songs.

The key selling point of Tidal is that it provides lossless CD-quality audio quality, which other music services don't, but you need the best headphones to really make the most of them.

So this list will offer you some of the best headphones to use with Tidal, so you can properly enjoy the audio quality.

Topping our list is the Beyerdynamic Amiron Home for the precise, high-resolution audio across varied music genres. We've picked some other equally good options across various price points and listening needs.

There is no going back once you hear the first few notes using Beyerdynamic's Amiron Home headphones. As the name suggests, Amiron is the musical companion that makes your home sound like a real concert. Beyerdynamic built Amiron Home to handle different genres of music by digging out low frequencies, keeping a steady grip on high frequencies, and maintaining transparent mids.

These Hi-Res Audio Certified headphones retain and play all musical details of high-resolution audio files with remarkable transparency, just like the artist recorded and intended the song to sound. The open-back design produces a spacious, three-dimensional sound, allowing you to enjoy natural airy sounds.

Amiron Home achieves velvety soft headbands and earcups with balanced contact pressure by using Alcantara microfibers and Microvelour, making them incredibly comfortable for listening hours on end. The major downside of open-back cans is that sound from your music leaks out and ambient noise could leak in.

If you want to hear sound as natural as possible and authentic in every detail, then the reference Sennheiser HD 800 S was built for you. Apart from the hefty price tag; they could be our best pick. This near-perfect headphone (because sound quality is subjective) is an improved version of the HD 800, which was plagued by some shortcomings. 

The cans have luxurious hand-made ear cushions, ergonomic ear cups, and a damped headband have a premium feel and exert minimal to no pressure, perfect for extended use. Although the headphones look relatively big, they are super light with a very comfortable overhead fit and zero creeks even under pressure. 

Aesthetics aside, the HD 800 S does sound unique. They are fitted with a sizeable 56mm ring radiator, which ensures that the middle of the transducer does not move.

Compared to regular headphones that blast sound directly into the ear, the HD 800 S transducer transmits sound waves at an angle, creating a naturally spatial listening experience. If the price is a non-issue, any audiophile will love these cans.

Available in two color choices, the Sony WH1000XM3 is the industry's favorite noise-canceling headphone offering you plush comfort and incredible high-res sound. The headphones are fitted with an HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1, which blocks out daily noise destructions without interfering with music reproduction.

Besides giving you wireless freedom, Sony uses LDAC technology to transmit data over Bluetooth, which is up to three times faster than conventional Bluetooth wireless audio transmission. Since LDAC is as good as a dedicated wired connection, you don't have to fret about subpar audio quality.

Enhanced with Smart Listening, these cans detect your activity and auto-adjust the ambient sound so you can have the right noise cancellation level. To have a quick conversation, simply cover the right ear cup to turn down the volume. The earcups have an ergonomic design for all-day comfort, and the foldable swivel structure ensures they pack up into a compact carry case for easy portability.

Even on a budget, you can still get a pair of decent headphones and enjoy Tidal's magic. The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 headphones are great for anyone trying to try this audiophile thing. Anker is a reputable phone accessories manufacturer, and Soundcore is its audio brand and does produce very affordable and reliable audio accessories.

Fitted with 40 mm dynamic drivers, these high-res certified headphones do reproduce crystal clear audio with Bossup Technology as a bonus. To pump up the bass output of low-frequency songs, all you have to do is double press the play button. Also, the cans do cancel out 90% of low to mid-frequency ambient noise so you can enjoy a fully immersive listening experience.

For added comfort, the earcups are made from memory foam cushions with a soft protein leather cover. For universal and maximum comfort, the joint between the headband and earcups does rotate depending on the wearer's head shape.

While in-ear headphones burrow uncomfortably into the ear, and over-ear can feel quite chunky, on-ear cans do offer the perfect middle ground. The Jabra Move headphone series is popular with audiophiles on the move and an excellent choice for beginners. Available in Gold Beige, Navy, and Titanium Black, the Style Edition offers crisp digital audio thanks to Jabra's signature Digital Signal Pro-cessing (DSP), which gives sound better depth and real transparency.

Combining an ultra-light adjustable headband and soft angled earcups ensures you get to enjoy absolute comfort and optimal immersive sound all day long. With a single charge, the battery can last you up to 14 hours. The cans come with a handy 3.5mm cable for a wired connection in case you run out of battery or are unable to establish a wireless connection.

Adding a pair of in-ears to your collection means you can always incorporate Tidal magic into an active lifestyle. First off, the meticulous build quality & design is astounding, and the hi-res sound reproduction is unmatched. Second, these in-ear headphones have four drivers, which is equivalent to having four speakers in each ear and are angled at 45° to match your ear canal for a naturally secure fit—resulting in excellent sound isolation and an intimate sound stage.

Fitted with a Diamond-like Carbon Driver, the 1MORE Quad Driver in-ear earphones transfer midrange and bass sound frequencies with minimal distortion. At the same time, three balanced armatures immaculately handle high and ultra-high frequencies. Even better, the earphones come with a built-in chip that auto-detects your device or OS allowing you a better control experience.

Headphones are personal

As diverse as music is, so are our listening needs, tastes, and preferences. Whether over-ear or in-ear, wireless earbuds or cans, pairing Tidal with well-crafted headphones creates a well-balanced and ultra-realistic soundstage.

While the chase for high-resolution audio can be an expensive hobby and requires you to change gears from time to time, we think the Beyerdynamic Amiron Home offers the perfect balance between price and value. Hand-crafted in Germany, the Amiron Home sound as incredible as they feel. The circumaural design and Optimised Tesla Technology reproduces authentic and high-res audio for an incredible listening experience across all music genres. The headband and earcups are optimized for comfort and all-day listening.

All other options on the list offer an immersive and enjoyable listening experience. Even on a tight budget, you can pick up some good cans and listen to your favorite tunes all over again.

It's the age old question: how much money are you willing to part with when picking a streaming service tier? Do you go for the cheapest one and put up with ads and lower quality picture or do you splash out and get the aforementioned perks?

So, let's take a look at NBCUniversal's platform Peacock and their tiers of streaming service. With two different options for you to choose from: Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus, you've got a choice to make when you sign up to the platform.

But aside from price what is the difference between Peacock Premium, costing $7.99 monthly, and Premium Plus, going for $13.99 per month? Keep reading to find out in this handy guide...

1. Peacock Premium

A cheaper price does not there's mean little to pick from on Peacock Premium. The streamer boasts there's 80,000-plus hours of TV shows, movies and live sports (including the weekly NFL Sunday Night Football game) for subscribers to enjoy. This includes Peacock originals like Based on a True Story, Poker Face, Bel-Air, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist and more. You can also catch up with the latest NBC shows the day after they air on live TV.

This tier will set you back $7.99 per month, or $79.99 for a whole year, which basically amounts to two months' free.

To sign up to Peacock Premium, head to the Peacock website here.

2. Peacock Premium Plus

There are two main differences between Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus. The first is ads. Even though you pay for Peacock Premium, what that gets you is access to Peacock's library of shows and movies. You still get the commercials intermittently throughout on-demand content.

If you want to avoid ads altogether, you'll need to pay an extra $6 a month and pick Peacock Premium Plus. It's ad-free and has all of the same features as Peacock Premium, plus the ability to download certain movies and shows to watch them offline on mobile devices.

A word of caution: you'll still have to deal with ads in a few select titles and also in live sports programming (due to streaming rights.)

The other big difference is that Peacock Premium Plus allows its subscribers to watch their local NBC channel live, so you won't have to wait until the next day to watch Law & Order: SVU or other shows; you can stream them at the same time they air on TV.

Peacock is available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Apple TV devices, as well as through games consoles, including PlayStation, and personal computers.

This tier costs $13.99 per month, or $139.99 for a whole year.

To sign up to Peacock Premium Plus, head to the Peacock website here.

More Peacock

• Sign up for a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus subscription
• Best Peacock Originals
• What sports are on Peacock?
• WWE on Peacock
• Is there a Peacock free trial?