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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jada Jones

Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Now - which is the best streaming site?

Streaming services have become the go-to for the latest things to watch these days.

Although the cinemas are back open, it's a lot easier to curl up on the couch with a cup of tea (or glass of gin) and watch what everyone's talking about.

Streaming services charge a fee to use them, although the fee may vary depending on how many users there will be on the account, which has some people wondering just which platform they should commit to - if not all of them.

We take a look at the most popular streaming sites so that you don't have to try them all, although you can always go for a free trial to see which one suits you.

Netflix prices, films and TV series

Netflix is hugely popular, with it being home to most of the lockdown binges that stole everyone's attention.

With Netflix originals like Stranger Things, The Umbrella Academy and First Kill getting everyone talking, FOMO (fear of missing out) is a real concern if you don't have an account.

It's not just the new shows that have people hooked, with all 10 seasons of Friends being on the streaming giant.

Netflix offers three UK plans, the basic which allows one person access for £6.99 a month, standard which offers two people access at the same time for £10.99 a month and Premium which allows four people to use the account at any time at £15.99 a month.

It is also an option to download films and shows onto your devices with a Netflix account, which is handy for long journeys or when you know you're going to be without a strong internet connection.

I personally quite like Netflix, it picks out shows based on one's I have liked before and keeps me up to date on all of the must watch shows my friends are talking about.

One thing I'm not thrilled with is that I will love a film on there and then it will be gone.

I've not seen my DVD player in years, although I am sure it's hiding somewhere, so when there's a film I particularly enjoy I have to hope that they will keep it up.

Where to get it: Netflix.com

Disney+ prices, films and TV series

Disney+ may be associated with kids films but its a powerhouse when it comes to the content that you expect to see in the cinema.

Marvel and Star Wars are notable features on the relatively new streaming service.

If you're big on movies, this might be the choice for you. Major hits are available on the platform and films that are currently in the cinema - such as Cruella - are available to subscribers for an additional fee.

While additional fees can be annoying, it still works out cheaper than going to the cinema (and nobody complains when you take your shoes off).

I often forget I have a Disney+ subscription, although with Star joining the ranks I should use it more.

It's the platform that you might forget you have but can always find something to watch with.

The standard subscription is £7.99 a month or £79.99 annually, with up to four devices able to stream at one time.

There is one unique feature that may appeal to those in long distance friendships and relationships - GroupWatch allows up to six subscribers to have a virtual movie night together.

Where to get it: Disney+

Amazon Prime Video prices, films and TV series

Amazon Prime Video offers exclusives and originals just like the streaming giant Netflix, these shows can be quite good and often show a more unique perspective than Netflix.

Amazon Prime's hits include Backstage with Katherine Ryan, the comedy show that takes you behind the scenes, and The Boys which shows the more villainous side of superheroes.

Downloading shows is also an option and movies are being regularly added.

There are three ways to get a subscription to Prime video, the first is the most basic package at £5.99 a month which gives you access to just Prime Video.

For an extra £2 a month, you can have full Prime access - this gives you Prime reading, which lets you read a variety of kindle books at no extra cost, music streaming and premium delivery.

With next day delivery included, it's no surprise why people often go for this option. Amazon also allows you to pay an annual fee of £79, with discounts available to students.

My biggest pet peeve with this platform is that it shows you TV shows and films that aren't included with the subscription.

It's frustrating when you're already paying a fee to be told it will be an extra £3.49 to watch something you're interested in.

They do give the option to just view 'Included with Prime' which prevents disappointment if you're not willing to pay extra.

One advantage of this feature is that you can watch anything. The shows and films you miss that used to be included? Well, it will cost you but you can either rent them for a short time or buy them to watch whenever you want.

Where to get it: Amazon Prime Video

NOW prices, films and TV series

Now has cropped up on my radar more over the last year, and for good reason.

The streamer has all the Sky shows I know and love as well as access to the best sports, cinema and reality TV with Hayu.

The app can be quite difficult to use on a computer, but when streaming on a phone or tablet I've found it to be a breeze.

With the Game of Thrones spin off House of the Dragon, Haley Cuoco's Fight Attendant and sought over shows like And Just Like That included in the line up, it's easy to see why people are rushing to get a subscription.

You can get the Entertainment Membership for £9.99 a month and add on NOW Boost for £5 which lets you stream on up to three devices at once without ads in Full HD.

Where to get it: NOW

Of these streaming sites, I do mostly use Netflix. It has the shows I find myself binge watching and impatiently waiting for the next season of (yes The Bold Type, I am referring to you).

Although I do miss the films it used to have, I've found them over on Amazon Prime Video (for a fee, but when it's your favourite film you don't mind). I initially got Prime for the delivery perks, but I do find myself happy to have it when new films and shows appear exclusively on the platform.

I initially got Disney+ to watch Soul, which was beautiful and made me cry, but it does always have something if you're not sure what you want to watch. I now use it to binge watch classics like New Girl when I'm going to sleep or cooking.

If I had to have just the one it would be Amazon Prime, but with free trials available it's worth seeing which one is your best fit.

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