Netflix is one of the most recognizable names in the streaming world. The on-demand streaming service lets you browse the entire collection and start any of the shows or movies at any time. You can watch them from start to finish or pause them and come back later. It's a popular option for its wide variety of movies and TV shows. You can binge watch every season of your favorite TV show or discover a new series. Netflix also has several original shows and movies you can only watch on the service.
Seniors might appreciate Netflix because of the variety. It's easy to find something you enjoy for nights when you're bored, and just as easy to find a family-friendly option you can enjoy with your grandkids when they visit. Plus, Netflix is relatively easy to navigate, even if you're not a technology whiz.
Hulu is a good choice if you love watching TV shows, but it also offers plenty of movies if you like longer programs. You can find shows from several major TV networks all in one spot. Hulu offers different plan options, including one with ads that's cheaper than the ad-free version. You can also add on live TV to get an option that's similar to traditional cable TV in addition to the on-demand content. This helps seniors find streaming that works for their budget and preferences.
If you currently have cable but want to get rid of it, options like Sling TV offer an alternative. This TV streaming service comes with a monthly fee, but it's usually cheaper than cable or dish. Other similar options include YouTube TV and Fubo TV. You get several channels that come with your subscription, which allow you to watch live TV much like you do with cable. This is different from many of the other options that are on-demand streaming services, meaning you can choose what to watch and when.
You can often watch local channels, news programs and sporting events on live TV streaming services as well. When comparing live TV streaming services, look at the available channels to make sure they fit what you enjoy. You might also have the option of adding on extra channels to customize your package.
The Amazon Prime service makes your life more convenient. You can get almost anything you need delivered to your door in a few days. Another perk to having the membership is getting access to Amazon Prime Video, the company's streaming service. Like other streaming platforms, Amazon Prime Video offers a mix of original content and popular shows and movies. While you can find plenty of free content with your membership, you have to rent some of the movies for an additional fee. If you're a senior on a limited budget, you might be able to get your Amazon Prime membership for half price. That deal is available if you qualify for certain government assistance programs like Medicaid and SNAP.
If you're a big fan of movies and shows that fall under the Disney umbrella, a membership to Disney+ could be the ideal streaming option for you. It can also earn you points with your grandchildren if they come to visit often. There are plenty of animated Disney options on this streaming service, but you can also find options such as Star Wars and National Geographic. You might be surprised by how much variety you can get — it's not all princesses and talking animals.
Start by considering what type of content you enjoy watching and how you want to consume it. If you want a more traditional TV experience, look for options like Sling TV, YouTube TV and Hulu with live TV so you can browse the available channels and jump in on a show while it's live. If you like more flexibility, an on-demand streaming service like Netflix or Disney+ might be more your speed.
It's also helpful to think about what type of content is available on different services. You can't get every single movie or TV show on a single streaming service. What's more, movies and shows sometimes move to different streaming services. That's why many people subscribe to multiple streaming services at once. It gives you more variety and increases the likelihood you'll be able to find a particular show or movie. It's common to subscribe to one live TV streaming service along with the on-demand streaming services that offer the shows and movies you enjoy watching.
Your budget is another factor. On-demand streaming services like Netflix and Hulu typically cost less per month than live TV streaming services like Sling TV. Many streaming services also have different plan options that can give you some wiggle room to fit them into your budget.
