Best Streaming Service for Families: Which One Should I Keep?

I am currently subscribed to a wide range of streaming services: Netflix, SkyShowtime, Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, and YouTube Premium. I also have cable TV with a sports package. While these subscriptions offer endless entertainment options, they are becoming a burden on our family budget. It’s time to cut down on the number of services we subscribe to, but deciding which ones to keep is not easy.

Some services are non-negotiable. We can’t get rid of Prime Video because it’s bundled with Amazon Prime, which pays for itself in free shipping alone. Similarly, YouTube Premium is essential because it includes our family’s music streaming service and allows me to enjoy videos without the annoyance of commercials. Given these constraints, I’m willing to keep one more streaming service. The question is, which one should it be? To make the best decision, I’m considering two factors: which service is the best for our family, and which has the best content overall.

Best for Families

When it comes to family-friendly content, Disney+ leads the pack. It offers a wealth of content suitable for all ages, including Disney classics, Pixar films, Marvel movies, Star Wars, and National Geographic documentaries. It’s a safe and engaging platform for kids, with an extensive selection of animated and live-action movies that the whole family can enjoy.

Netflix is another strong contender for families. It has a large variety of content tailored to different age groups, including a dedicated Kids profile. The platform offers a mix of original animated series, educational shows, and family movies. Its robust parental controls add an extra layer of security, making it a great option for households with children.

SkyShowtime is also worth considering. It provides a mix of content from partner studios like Paramount and Universal. There’s a decent range of family-friendly movies and shows, but its library isn’t as vast or diverse as Disney+ or Netflix.

Apple TV+ has been gradually improving its family content with shows like "Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock" and "Helpsters." However, it still doesn’t offer the same variety as some of the other streaming giants.

HBO Max does have some family-friendly and animated content, including Warner Bros. animation and classic films. However, much of its library is geared toward more mature audiences, making it less ideal for younger kids.

Lastly, there’s Cable TV. While it offers various family channels, it lacks the on-demand flexibility and specialized content found on streaming services. Still, it provides access to some family-friendly networks, making it a reasonable option if live TV is important to your family.

Best Content

When it comes to the overall quality and diversity of content, Netflix emerges as the clear winner. Its vast library includes critically acclaimed series like "Stranger Things," "The Crown," and "Black Mirror," along with a broad selection of movies, documentaries, and international content. Whether you’re in the mood for a drama, comedy, or something educational, Netflix offers the most comprehensive range of content.

HBO Max is another strong contender, known for its high-quality content, especially in drama and critically acclaimed series such as "Game of Thrones," "Succession," and "The Last of Us." The platform also features a solid movie library and access to Warner Bros. content, making it a go-to for fans of premium TV.

Apple TV+ might not have the largest library, but it certainly focuses on quality over quantity. Many of its original series and films, such as "Ted Lasso," "The Morning Show," and "Severance," have received critical acclaim, making it a strong choice if you’re looking for premium, well-produced content.

Disney+ delivers high-quality content as well, primarily within its major franchises—Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. While the library is more specialized, it’s perfect for fans of these genres.

SkyShowtime provides content from studios like Paramount, Universal, and DreamWorks, offering some big-name movies and series. However, its library doesn’t have the same depth and breadth as Netflix or HBO Max.

Cable TV offers a broad range of channels, but the content can be inconsistent and is often interrupted by commercials. On-demand options are also lacking compared to streaming services. However, cable TV remains strong in areas like live content, news, and sports, which can be a significant factor for some households.

Final Decision

After weighing the options, Netflix stands out as the service that offers the best balance between family-friendly content and overall quality. By keeping Netflix and canceling the other services, I’ll be doing our family’s budget a huge service without sacrificing the variety and quality of entertainment we enjoy.