Cutting the Cord in 2024: Looking at Tom's Guide to the Best Streaming Services

Ready to ditch expensive cable and embrace the freedom of streaming? You're not alone! With a plethora of options available, finding the perfect streaming service can be overwhelming. Luckily, Tom's Guide recently released their "best of" list for 2024, and I'm here to break it down, adding my own insights from years of cord-cutting experience.

1. Max: The Best Overall

Tom's Guide dubs Max the "home box office," and it's hard to argue with that assessment. Boasting a vast library of Warner Bros. films, HBO originals like "House of the Dragon," and classic TV shows, Max truly offers something for everyone.

While Max is a strong contender for the top spot, especially for movie buffs and fans of prestige TV, the recent price increase and removal of some content might give you pause. My choice would be a toss-up between Paramount Plus and Max.

2. Peacock: The Best Value

Peacock's fantastic free tier with limited content is perfect for casual viewers. If you crave more, their Premium plan is still budget-friendly.

Personally, I find Peacock to be a decent, though not spectacular, service. While their original shows are gaining traction, I wish their live sports offerings included more than just Premier League soccer. I'm a big college football fan, so that's a dealbreaker for me.

3. Sling TV: The Best for Live TV

For cord-cutters craving the live TV experience, Sling TV is a great option. Their customizable packages let you choose your channels, so you only pay for what you watch.

Sling is a solid choice, but be prepared to navigate a somewhat clunky interface. While they've made improvements, it's still not as user-friendly as YouTube TV (though YouTube TV is significantly pricier at $73 compared to Sling's $40).

4. Hulu: The Best for New TV Shows

Hulu excels at next-day streaming for popular network shows, making it ideal for those who like to stay current.

For TV enthusiasts, Hulu is a must-have. Their original series are top-notch ("The Handmaid's Tale," anyone?), and the option to bundle with Disney Plus and ESPN Plus is a tempting offer. As someone who's been streaming since 2011, Hulu was my go-to "cable replacement" for years.

5. Netflix: The Best for a Ton of Content

Despite increased competition, Netflix remains a solid choice for most, thanks to its massive library of movies and TV shows, including a growing selection of international content.

Just be aware that their crackdown on password sharing might affect your viewing habits.

6. Disney Plus: The Best for Families

Disney Plus is the undisputed champion for families, with a treasure trove of Disney classics, Pixar films, Marvel movies, and Star Wars content.

While the classic content is fantastic, some of Disney Plus's newer offerings leave a lot to be desired. Many are criticizing Disney Plus for their entry into political agenda. I criticize them for the quality of the shows.

7. Apple TV Plus: The Best for Quality Originals

Apple TV Plus prioritizes quality over quantity. Their originals have earned critical acclaim and awards, particularly in the drama and comedy genres. With its reasonable price, Apple TV Plus is a great choice for many viewers, not just Apple Fanboys.

8. Fubo: The Best Sports Streaming Service

Fubo offers a comprehensive sports package, including NFL, NBA, MLB, and international soccer.

If you're a die-hard sports fan, Fubo is worth considering, but it's one of the pricier options on this list.

9. Prime Video: The Best Add-on

If you're already an Amazon Prime member, you have access to Prime Video, which offers a decent selection of movies and TV shows.

Prime Video is a nice perk of Prime membership, but it wouldn't be my first choice as a standalone streaming service. Or second choice.

Some Final Thoughts:

Ultimately, the best streaming service for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, viewing habits, and favorite genres when making your decision. And don't be afraid to try out a few different services before committing to one (or rotate several!). My Streaming Life has inlcuded them all over the years. As a seasoned cord-cutter, I can tell you that each has its strengths and weaknesses.

What are your favorite streaming services? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!