Streaming Services: What You Need to Know for 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As streaming services continue to proliferate, consumers face a growing array of options and potential costs. This revised guide by AARP provides insights into the best platforms for 2025, helping viewers navigate their entertainment choices.

Streaming giants like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video have evolved since the first wave of services began in the late 2000s. Today, with countless offerings, users must weigh their viewing habits against subscription fees. Free trials incentivize users, though automatic billing can catch the unwary.

Unlike traditional cable, most streaming services avoid hidden fees, allowing subscribers to join and leave more flexibly. For instance, many platforms offer bundling options that provide access to multiple services at a discounted rate, making it easier for budget-conscious consumers to explore new content.

Public interest in streaming has spurred various platforms committed to niche markets. For example, BET+ focuses on programming that showcases Black culture, while PBS offers educational content popular among families.

Market leaders include Netflix, which aims to maintain its lead with original programming. Recent successes such as ‘The Bear’ and ‘Stranger Things’ have attracted viewers. Amazon Prime and Hulu continue to compete robustly with original content, including the award-winning series ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and films that are exclusive to their platforms.

However, newer services like Peacock and Paramount+ are capturing segments of the audience with a mix of classic and current shows. Paramount+ notably merges CBS programming with original content, creating a diverse viewing schedule.

To maintain audience attention, many services are investing in ad-supported tiers that lower monthly fees. Roku’s new ‘Howdy’ service, priced at $2.99 a month, caters to those seeking nostalgic content without the full commitment of other services.

The current landscape of streaming highlights the diverse options available, with each platform targeting specific demographics. As subscription prices fluctuate, viewers are encouraged to assess their preferences carefully.

“The key is finding what entertains you without overspending,” says media analyst Josh Jackson from UC Berkeley. With so many choices available, viewers are tasked with ensuring they select services that provide both quality content and value.