Top 5 Netflix Alternatives to Try in 2025 for Better Streaming Experiences

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In 2025, Netflix is still a dominant player in the streaming world, offering an extensive library of content including movies, TV shows, and original productions.

However, with growing competition and rising subscription prices, many viewers are exploring Netflix alternatives that offer fresh content, better value, or unique features.

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly options, live TV, or something that goes beyond what Netflix offers, there’s a streaming service that fits your needs.

In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the top five Netflix alternatives you should consider in 2025. Each service has something different to offer, from exclusive content to affordability. Let’s explore these services in detail to help you decide which one is best for you.

Our Best Netflix Alternatives at a Glance

  1. Hulu + Live TV – Best overall Netflix alternative.
  2. Sling TV – Best for budget-conscious streamers.
  3. Disney+ – Best for family-friendly content and franchises.
  4. Starz – Best for exclusive movies and premium TV shows.
  5. Paramount+ – Ideal for CBS shows, sports, and classic movies.

These streaming services provide different types of content, pricing plans, and features. To help you choose the right one, we will break down each service, highlight what makes them stand out, and give you a clear picture of how they compare to Netflix.

A Closer Look at the Best Netflix Alternatives in 2024

Streaming services continue to evolve, adding new content, expanding their offerings, and introducing innovative features. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the best Netflix alternatives of 2025, diving into their unique features and benefits. Whether you’re a sports fan, movie lover, or parent looking for kid-friendly content, these services are worth considering.

1. Hulu + Live TV – Best Netflix alternative overall

When it comes to a streaming service that offers both on-demand content and live TV, Hulu + Live TV stands out as one of the best alternatives to Netflix in 2025. It combines Hulu’s extensive library of TV shows and movies with the added benefit of live television channels, providing a robust viewing experience for all types of content.

What Makes Hulu + Live TV a Good Alternative to Netflix?

  • Comprehensive Content Library: Hulu is widely recognized for its diverse selection of on-demand content, ranging from hit TV series like The Handmaid’s Tale to classic films and documentaries. However, it goes beyond Netflix by including live TV channels in its package. With access to channels like ESPN, FOX, ABC, and NBC, you can stream live sports, breaking news, and your favorite cable channels all in one place.
  • Affordable Pricing Options: Hulu offers a variety of subscription plans to suit different budgets. The basic plan with ads starts at just $5.99 per month, while the ad-free plan costs $11.99 per month. The addition of live TV raises the price to $64.99 per month, but that still provides significant savings compared to traditional cable packages.
  • Exclusive Original Programming: Hulu is home to some of the best original series available, such as Only Murders in the Building, The Bear, and Little Fires Everywhere. Hulu’s original content is often critically acclaimed and provides the kind of quality programming that many viewers crave, making it a great option for fans of exclusive content.
  • Live TV: One of the biggest draws of Hulu + Live TV is its inclusion of live broadcasts. While Netflix offers only on-demand content, Hulu provides access to live events, sports games, and news broadcasts, making it ideal for people who want more than just a catalog of movies and shows.

In short, Hulu + Live TV is an excellent all-in-one streaming service that combines the best aspects of Netflix’s on-demand content with the added value of live TV. It’s perfect for people who enjoy variety and want to keep up with live events like sports and news.

2. Sling TV – Best for budget-conscious streamers

If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to Netflix, Sling TV is a great option. While it doesn’t offer the same extensive library of movies and TV shows as Netflix, it excels at providing live TV at a fraction of the cost of traditional cable.

What Makes Sling TV a Good Alternative to Netflix?

  • Affordable and Flexible: Sling TV is one of the most affordable live TV streaming services available. Its basic packages start at just $40 per month, making it a more budget-friendly choice compared to other services that bundle live TV and on-demand content. Additionally, Sling allows you to customize your channel lineup by adding or removing bundles, so you’re only paying for the channels you care about.
  • Live TV Options: While Netflix offers only on-demand content, Sling TV gives you access to a variety of live TV channels, including popular networks like CNN, AMC, HGTV, and ESPN. It’s an ideal choice for people who want to watch sports, news, and other live broadcasts without paying for cable.
  • Cloud DVR: Sling TV provides a cloud DVR feature, allowing you to record live shows and sports events for later viewing. This is a major advantage over Netflix, which doesn’t offer DVR capabilities. With Sling TV’s cloud DVR, you can record and store content for up to 50 hours on the basic plan, which is perfect for viewers who want to watch shows on their schedule.
  • International Channels: Sling TV offers international programming for various regions, including Spanish-language channels through its Sling Latino package. This makes it a great option for non-English speakers or those looking for diverse content that Netflix may not provide.

Sling TV is an excellent alternative to Netflix for budget-conscious consumers who still want to enjoy live TV. If you’re interested in cutting the cable cord and paying less for live content, Sling TV is a great option.

3. Disney+ – Best for family-friendly content and franchises

For families and fans of iconic franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney classics, Disney+ is the streaming service to consider in 2025. While Netflix provides a wide range of content, Disney+ focuses on family-friendly programming and popular entertainment that spans generations.

What Makes Disney+ a Good Alternative to Netflix?

  • Exclusive Content: Disney+ is home to some of the most beloved franchises in entertainment history, including the Star Wars and Marvel universes. Popular shows like The Mandalorian and WandaVision have made Disney+ a must-have service for fans of these massive franchises. Additionally, Disney+ offers access to hundreds of classic Disney movies, Pixar films, and even National Geographic documentaries.
  • Family-Friendly: Unlike Netflix, which offers content for all age groups, Disney+ is tailored specifically for families. The platform is perfect for parents who want their kids to watch safe and fun content, including animated classics like The Lion King and Toy Story. The service also offers educational content from brands like National Geographic, making it ideal for children’s learning.
  • Affordable Pricing: Disney+ offers one of the most affordable pricing plans on the market, with subscriptions starting at just $7.99 per month. Disney also offers bundles that include Hulu and ESPN+, providing even more value for families who want access to a wide range of content.
  • No Ads: One of the major benefits of Disney+ over Netflix is that the service doesn’t feature any ads. This ensures a smooth and uninterrupted viewing experience, which is particularly important when watching movies and TV shows with younger children.

Disney+ is a great choice for families, especially those who enjoy iconic Disney and Pixar films, Marvel movies, and Star Wars series. It’s also ideal for anyone who loves classic animation and family-oriented content.

4. Starz – Best for exclusive movies and premium TV shows

If you’re a fan of premium TV shows and blockbuster movies, Starz is an excellent Netflix alternative to consider. Known for its high-quality original programming and extensive movie catalog, Starz provides an experience similar to HBO but at a more affordable price.

What Makes Starz a Good Alternative to Netflix?

  • Original Programming: Starz has produced some of the most popular and critically acclaimed TV series in recent years, including Outlander, Power, and American Gods. These shows have garnered loyal fanbases and are often praised for their storytelling and production values.
  • Exclusive Movie Library: Starz is known for its extensive collection of movies, including exclusive releases and current blockbusters that aren’t available on other streaming services. Whether you’re into action movies, thrillers, or romantic comedies, Starz offers a broad selection of films.
  • Affordable Subscription: Compared to other premium streaming services like HBO Max, Starz is relatively inexpensive, with subscription prices starting at just $8.99 per month. This makes it an appealing choice for movie lovers who want access to premium films and TV series without paying for a costly cable package.
  • On-Demand Streaming: Like Netflix, Starz offers on-demand streaming of movies and TV shows. However, its exclusive library of films and hit shows is what makes it stand out as a premium alternative to Netflix.

Starz is perfect for movie buffs and fans of premium TV programming who want exclusive content at an affordable price. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a mix of exclusive series and blockbuster films.

5. Paramount+ – Ideal for CBS shows, sports, and classic movies

Paramount+ offers a unique combination of CBS content, live sports, and classic movies, making it a solid alternative to Netflix for viewers who want a diverse streaming experience. If you enjoy CBS programming or live sports, Paramount+ is a great option to consider.

What Makes Paramount+ a Good Alternative to Netflix?

  • CBS Programming: Paramount+ provides access to a vast library of CBS shows, including popular series like NCIS, Survivor, The Good Fight, and Big Brother. Fans of CBS shows will find a treasure trove of content, making it a top pick for those who enjoy these specific programs.
  • Live Sports: Unlike Netflix, which focuses mainly on movies and TV shows, Paramount+ is an excellent choice for sports fans. It provides access to live sports, including NFL games, UEFA Champions League, and PGA Tour events, making it a must-have for anyone who loves to watch sports.
  • Affordable Plans: Paramount+ offers competitive pricing, starting at just $5.99 per month for the ad-supported version. It also provides a commercial-free version for $9.99 per month, which includes more content options and the ability to skip ads.
  • Classic Movies: Paramount+ offers a rich library of classic movies, including iconic films from the Paramount Pictures catalog. This feature makes it a great option for movie lovers who want access to timeless classics, in addition to current TV shows and sports.

Paramount+ is a great choice for fans of CBS programming, live sports, and classic movies. It’s also ideal for those who want a more affordable streaming service that provides a mix of content across different genres.

How I Chose These Netflix Alternatives

When selecting these Netflix alternatives, I focused on several key factors that are important to modern viewers. First and foremost, I considered the content variety offered by each service. The streaming services included in this list provide diverse options for different tastes, from family-friendly content to adult dramas and live sports.

Next, affordability played a significant role in my decision-making process. I looked for services that provide good value for money, offering flexible pricing plans that suit different budgets. The availability of both ad-supported and ad-free options was also an important factor in evaluating affordability.

I also prioritized original programming, as exclusive shows and movies have become a major draw for streaming services. Services like Hulu, Disney+, and Starz stand out for their high-quality original content that can’t be found anywhere else.

Finally, live TV and sports were key considerations. While Netflix is great for on-demand content, the ability to watch live sports or broadcast TV is important for many viewers. Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and Paramount+ shine in this area, offering access to real-time events and live TV channels.

Netflix Alternatives: Switch It Up

While Netflix continues to be a top choice for many viewers, the alternatives available in 2025 provide compelling reasons to consider switching up your streaming routine. Whether you want to watch exclusive content, enjoy live sports, or get access to family-friendly entertainment, these services offer something for everyone.

If you’re ready to explore beyond Netflix, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Disney+, Starz, and Paramount+ all provide exciting options that could better suit your entertainment preferences. Each service offers unique features and benefits, ensuring you can find the perfect match for your viewing habits in 2025.

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