Best Streaming Services for Families USA
There’s nothing quite like settling down for a family movie night or binge-watching a series together. With the advent of streaming services, this has become easier than ever, as we now have virtually endless entertainment options right at our fingertips. But with so many streaming platforms out there, it can be tough to figure out which one is the best for your family’s unique needs and preferences. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at some of the best streaming services for families in the USA, discussing their features, content offerings, pricing, and more.
Netflix
When it comes to streaming services, Netflix is often the first name that comes to mind. This is no surprise considering it’s one of the pioneers in the industry and has consistently remained a top choice for families. Offering a wide range of TV shows, movies, documentaries, and original content, Netflix has something for everyone. Whether your family enjoys animated children’s shows, action-packed dramas, or educational documentaries, you’re sure to find it on Netflix.
One of the standout features of Netflix is its user-friendly interface. It’s easy to navigate, with categories and recommendations to help you find what you’re looking for. Plus, you can create up to five individual profiles on a single account, so each family member can have their own personalized recommendations and watchlist. This can be particularly handy for families with diverse tastes in entertainment.
Netflix also takes child safety seriously. The platform offers a dedicated kids profile setting that filters out inappropriate content and provides only kid-friendly shows and movies. Parents can also set up parental controls to further ensure their children are only viewing suitable content.
As for the pricing, Netflix offers three plans: Basic, Standard, and Premium. The Basic plan, priced at $8.99 per month, allows you to watch on one screen at a time in standard definition. The Standard plan, priced at $13.99 per month, allows you to watch on two screens at a time in high definition. Finally, the Premium plan, priced at $17.99 per month, allows you to watch on four screens at a time in high definition or ultra high definition. So, depending on your family size and viewing preferences, you can choose the plan that best fits your needs.
Disney+
If you have children in your family, chances are Disney+ will be a big hit. This streaming service, launched by the world-renowned Walt Disney Company, offers an extensive library of Disney films and TV shows, including classics like ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Cinderella’, as well as newer hits like ‘Frozen’ and ‘Moana’. But that’s not all. Disney+ also hosts content from Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, making it a diverse entertainment platform.
Disney+ is also known for its original content, such as ‘The Mandalorian’, ‘WandaVision’, and the recent ‘Luca’. These shows and movies can’t be found anywhere else, adding to the service’s unique appeal. And like Netflix, Disney+ provides user profiles and robust parental controls, ensuring a safe viewing environment for children.
Disney+ is priced at $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year, which is a relatively affordable option compared to some other streaming services. There is also the option of the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for $13.99 per month. This bundle can offer more varied content, making it a great choice for families with different entertainment preferences.
However, it’s worth noting that while Disney+ offers a vast array of family-friendly content, it might not be the best choice for families looking for more adult-oriented shows and movies. Nevertheless, its extensive library of beloved classics and exciting new content makes it one of the best streaming services for families with children.
Hulu
Hulu is another excellent choice for families. This streaming service offers a vast selection of TV shows, movies, and original content. Unlike Netflix and Disney+, Hulu also includes live TV in some of its plans, making it a more comprehensive entertainment platform. From popular TV series to blockbuster movies, from kids’ shows to live sports, Hulu has got it all covered.
One of Hulu’s unique features is its commitment to releasing new episodes of TV shows the day after they air. This means you and your family can stay up-to-date with your favorite shows without having to wait for the entire season to be released. Plus, with the Live TV plan, you can even watch shows as they air.
As for child safety, Hulu offers a Kids Mode where only child-friendly content is accessible. Parents can also set up a pin to prevent kids from exiting this mode and accessing adult content. Additionally, Hulu supports multiple profiles, so each family member can have their own personal Hulu experience.
In terms of pricing, Hulu’s base plan starts at $5.99 per month with ads or $11.99 per month without ads. If you’re interested in live TV, the Hulu + Live TV plan costs $64.99 per month, which includes over 65 channels of live and on-demand TV, along with the entire Hulu streaming library. Given its diverse content and features, Hulu can be a great fit for families wanting both on-demand and live TV options.
So far, we have discussed three of the best streaming services for families in the USA, namely Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. Each of these platforms offers a diverse range of content and family-friendly features that can cater to different family needs and preferences. However, there are still a number of other notable streaming services that are worth considering for families, which we will explore in the next section of this article.
Hulu
Next up on our list of the best streaming services for families is Hulu. Hulu is an on-demand video service that allows users to stream popular TV shows in the U.S. and Japan. It is co-owned by The Walt Disney Company and Comcast. Hulu focuses primarily on streaming newer TV shows and its own original content over movies or documentaries and offers monthly subscription tiers to customize your viewing experience.
The platform differentiates itself from other providers by offering up-to-date episodes of current season shows. This means, you don’t have to wait until the season is over to start watching. Moreover, Hulu’s partnership with major entertainment providers results in a wide array of family-friendly content, from animated series like “Adventure Time” and “Steven Universe” to popular sitcoms like “The Middle” and “Fresh Off The Boat”.
For families, Hulu offers a Kids section that filters out adult content, making it easy for your kids to browse through age-appropriate shows and movies. Additionally, Hulu has parental controls that you can use to restrict the content that your kids can access, and you can add up to six user profiles so that everyone in the family can have their own personalized Hulu experience.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is an online streaming service from e-commerce giant Amazon. With your Amazon Prime subscription, you get access to thousands of popular movies and TV shows. This includes Amazon original programming, a selection of HBO shows and a wide variety of films. You also get the ability to rent or buy movies and TV episodes, plus access to additional content via Amazon Channels.
One of the main reasons Amazon Prime Video is great for families is its extensive library of kid-friendly content. Prime Video offers a wide array of children’s programming, including original animated series, superhero adventures, and educational shows. From the adventurous “Kung Fu Panda” series to the educational “Tumble Leaf”, there’s something for kids of all ages.
Amazon Prime Video also offers robust parental controls, allowing parents to set content restrictions and even set viewing limits. Plus, with the ability to create individual viewer profiles, each member of the family can have their own personalized recommendations and watch lists.
Disney+
Disney+ is a relatively new entrant to the streaming service scene, but it has already made a big splash, thanks to its extensive library of Disney movies and TV shows. This includes content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, making it a fantastic option for families with kids.
With Disney+, you can watch all the classic Disney movies that you grew up with, as well as new releases like “Moana” and “Frozen II”. You can also catch up on your favorite Disney Channel TV shows or explore the vast universe of Marvel movies. And with the entire library of Pixar films available, you’ll never run out of family-friendly content to watch.
Disney+ also offers strong parental controls, allowing you to restrict content based on age ratings. You can also create separate profiles for each member of your family, complete with customized avatars featuring your favorite Disney characters.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is Apple’s own streaming service that hosts a number of original shows and movies. While it doesn’t have the extensive library that other services offer, it has a focus on quality over quantity, with many of its shows being nominated for and winning awards.
Apple TV+ is a great choice for families, as many of its original shows are suitable for all ages. Shows like “Helpsters”, “Ghostwriter”, and “Snoopy in Space” are specifically designed for kids, while series like “The Morning Show” and “Ted Lasso” can be enjoyed by older teens and adults.
Apple TV+ also offers family sharing, allowing you to share your subscription with up to five other people. This means that everyone in the family can enjoy their own shows on their own devices. Plus, with the Kids section, you can easily find a selection of shows and movies that are perfect for young viewers.
While choosing a streaming service for your family, it’s important to consider the type of content available, the cost of the subscription, and the platform’s features, such as parental controls and the ability to create multiple profiles. Each of these streaming services has its own strengths, so consider which features are most important to your family to make the right choice.
Disney+
For families that are into Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, Disney+ is undeniably the best streaming service to subscribe to. This service has a vast library of content that includes classic Disney movies, the entire Pixar catalogue, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Star Wars saga, and a plethora of National Geographic documentaries.
Disney+ also offers a number of original series that are exclusive to the platform, including “The Mandalorian,” “WandaVision,” and the upcoming “Loki” series. The service is also ad-free, making it an excellent choice for families who want uninterrupted viewing experience.
Disney+ allows streaming on up to four devices simultaneously, and the ability to download content for offline viewing on up to ten devices. It also includes comprehensive parental controls so parents can ensure their children are watching age-appropriate content. The service costs $7.99 per month, or $79.99 per year, making it one of the more affordable options for families.
HBO Max
For families that enjoy a mix of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and exclusive content, HBO Max is a great option. This streaming service offers content from Warner Bros., New Line Cinema, DC, CNN, TNT, TBS, truTV, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Crunchyroll, Rooster Teeth, Looney Tunes, and more.
HBO Max is the exclusive streaming home for a number of popular shows, including “Friends,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “Game of Thrones.” It also includes a large selection of movies, from classic films to recent blockbusters. The service also debuts new movies on the same day they are released in theaters, which is a significant bonus for movie lovers.
HBO Max also includes parental controls, the ability to create multiple profiles, and the option to download content for offline viewing. The service costs $14.99 per month, making it one of the more expensive options, but the vast library of content and exclusive features make it worth the cost for many families.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is a good choice for families that are fans of Apple’s original programming. The service offers a number of critically acclaimed shows and movies, including “Ted Lasso,” “The Morning Show,” “Dickinson,” and “Greyhound.”
While Apple TV+ doesn’t have the extensive content library of some of the other services, it does offer high-quality, original programming. The service is also ad-free and allows for content to be downloaded for offline viewing.
Apple TV+ allows streaming on up to six devices simultaneously, and includes comprehensive parental controls. The service costs $4.99 per month, making it one of the more affordable options. Additionally, Apple offers a year of free Apple TV+ with the purchase of an Apple device, making it an excellent value for families who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is a great streaming service for families, offering a vast library of movies, TV shows, and exclusive content. This includes popular shows like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Fleabag,” and “The Boys,” as well as a large selection of children’s programming.
One of the major benefits of Amazon Prime Video is that it comes included with an Amazon Prime membership, which also provides free two-day shipping on Amazon purchases, access to Prime Music, Kindle e-books, and more. This makes it an excellent value for families.
Amazon Prime Video allows for streaming on up to three devices simultaneously, and includes parental controls and the ability to download content for offline viewing. The service costs $12.99 per month or $119 per year as part of an Amazon Prime membership.
In conclusion, the best streaming service for families in the USA really depends on the family’s interests and budget. Whether it’s Disney’s vast library of family-friendly content, HBO Max’s exclusive shows and movies, Apple TV+’s original programming, or Amazon Prime Video’s extensive offerings and added benefits, there’s a streaming service out there to suit every family’s needs.
Disney+
When it comes to family-friendly content, Disney+ is a top contender. The streaming service launched in November 2019 and has since amassed over 100 million subscribers. Disney+ offers a vast library of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. It also provides a variety of original series and movies exclusive to the platform.
Disney+ is a fantastic option for families with younger kids, as it offers many classic Disney movies and shows that are suitable for all ages. The service also includes parental controls, allowing parents to monitor and control what their kids are watching. The subscription cost is $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year, making it a cost-effective choice for families.
HBO Max
HBO Max is another excellent streaming service for families in the USA. It provides a wide variety of content, including iconic HBO series, Warner Bros. movies, and exclusive Max Originals. Additionally, HBO Max offers a robust selection of family-friendly content, such as Looney Tunes, Sesame Street, and Cartoon Network shows.
One of the standout features of HBO Max for families is the ability to create kid profiles. These profiles allow parents to restrict access to mature content, ensuring a safe viewing experience for children. The service also includes multiple user profiles, so each family member can have their own personalized viewing recommendations. HBO Max is priced at $14.99 per month, making it one of the more expensive options, but the vast content library may justify the cost for many families.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is another popular streaming service for families. In addition to providing access to a wide variety of movies and TV shows, Amazon Prime Video also includes a significant number of kid-friendly options. From beloved classics like SpongeBob SquarePants and Peppa Pig to Amazon Originals like Tumble Leaf and Just Add Magic, there’s plenty for children of all ages to enjoy.
One of the standout features of Amazon Prime Video for families is the ability to download content for offline viewing. This can be especially handy for long car trips or flights when internet access may not be available. Amazon Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $12.99 per month or $119 per year and also provides benefits like free two-day shipping on Amazon purchases, making it a great value for families.
Peacock
Peacock, the streaming service from NBCUniversal, is a relatively new player in the streaming market, but it’s quickly making a name for itself as a family-friendly option. Peacock offers a mix of classic shows and movies, new original series, and kid-friendly content from popular networks like Nickelodeon and Universal Kids.
Peacock offers three subscription tiers, including a free tier with limited content and ads, a premium tier for $4.99 per month with more content and ads, and a premium plus tier for $9.99 per month with no ads. The ability to access some content for free makes Peacock a budget-friendly option for families. Parents can also set up kids profiles on Peacock, which restrict access to mature content.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is another streaming service that families should consider. While it doesn’t have as extensive a library as some of the other services on this list, Apple TV+ does offer a selection of high-quality original series and movies. Many of these are suitable for family viewing, such as the educational series Helpsters from the makers of Sesame Street, and the Peanuts specials featuring Charlie Brown and friends.
Apple TV+ costs $4.99 per month, making it one of the most affordable options. Additionally, Apple often offers a year of free Apple TV+ with the purchase of an Apple device, which can be a significant cost-saving for families who are already planning to buy an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
In conclusion, the best streaming service for your family will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. The services listed above all offer a variety of family-friendly content and features, making them excellent options to consider. Remember to take advantage of free trials when available to find the service that’s the best fit for your family.