Top Five Streaming Television Options in 2018

Nowadays, there’s a lot of different streaming options out there that offer a handful of different features and facilities. If you have scanned through many of them, you might get confused at some point, and you may wonder which is the best option for you.

That’s why unlike many other guides, we decide to lay out all the options you need when it comes to choosing a streaming service. Streaming services send the video, whether it be a movie, television show, or music video, from their server to your home. Here’s our top 5 streaming options for TV.

Protect Yourself

Before we start it is important to ensure a safe internet connection. Installing a virtual private network, or VPN, on platforms like Kodi, Hulu, and Youtube enables you to get the most out of your streaming service without sacrificing security and privacy. Virtual private networks are used by companies and corporations to protect their vital information and the information of their customers. If top companies are concerned about your personal data, you should be as well.

What Should I Consider?

Every streaming service is a world unto itself . This means that not only is the content different because of original programming and licensing deals, but the features and device compatibility might be different as well. Make sure you take the following factors into consideration before dumping your cable cord:

Device capability:

This refers to the number of devices the service allows you to have connected to their service at the same time.

Device compatibility:

Not all streaming services are compatible with all devices; even if you have a smart TV, some of them might require you to buy an extra streaming box in order to gain access to the platform.

Price:

There are considerable price differences depending on the type of service and the streaming company being licensed. Luckily, that price fluctuation gives you options no matter your budget, and having a tight income is not really an issue. There are some very inexpensive options available, and even some free open platform services.

Top Five Options

As mentioned above, there are quite a few platforms out there that stream directly into your TV. Just like video game consoles, each one is different with their own content and features. Not every streaming service is suitable for everyone, there is something out there for all to enjoy. If you subscribe to them all, you will find your monthly disposable income shrinking. Try them all out but stick to the ones that will give you the most value for your money; the most entertainment for your buck.

YouTube TV:

Youtube remains one of the leading streaming video platforms. The company can broadcast dozens of your local channels into your TV, possibly allowing you to get rid of your cable service (or at the least go down to just Internet service). You can record your favorite shows and have them stored in the cloud.

Essentially, with YouTube TV you would be receiving a DVR (digital video recorder) with unlimited storage. The only limit it has is that the service is not available for residents outside of the United States. However, it is still one of the most preferred formats for video consumers all over the world.

Hulu:

Though still in beta testing, Hulu has been able to find its way into the market. The design and platform are far from beta-looking however, and is a viable option worth trying as reviews overall have been quite positive.

Like YouTube, Hulu also provides local channels, original television and movie content, as well as has deals with several of the larger studios (Hulu is owned by Disney, AT&T, Fox, and Comcast). This gives the platform access to much of the libraries of these companies.

Kodi:

This is one of the best free open source streaming platforms on the market. Initially created for the first Xbox console, Kodi underwent several changes throughout the years. The intent was to make room for the most complete entertainment system in an already crammed console.

Kodi is capable of displaying any kind of content on any kind of streaming device. Not only can you stream TV shows from one source to another, you can also stream any media you have in one device, such as a movie or music playlist, to any other in the house.

Sony Playstation Vue:

This streaming service is only available through your Playstation 4 or PS3 (you can only have one PS4 streaming the service at a time, if you own more than one). Though certainly not the cheapest option, the $45.00 monthly price is definitely justified, with major channels like ESPN, AMC, Syfy, USA, and many more.

You can also receive cable news channels and On Demand channels. Local channels are provided but, depending on the area you live in, some of these may not be available to you. Check with the service first before signing up. If Playstation Vue does include your viewing area, then this streaming service could give you excellent value for the cost.

Sling TV:

This dish streaming option remains one of the cheapest ones to get you started in streaming TV. Despite many negative reviews claiming this not being an a la carte service, it is still an excellent option to consider.

The ability to customize your viewing options with Sling TV are more insync with cable TV plans from ten years ago, but the channels available through the service are national channels and local stations. You can add theme options to your plan, giving you access to additional channels. This gives it some of the customization consumers prefer. The most appealing reason to purchase this service for many will be because it is the cheapest way of having access to ESPN.

So if it is entertainment you are looking for to stream to your TV, you have a number of choices. Some services may require you to use an additional piece of hardware, but to watch your favorite TV shows and movies on a bigger screen would be worth the additional expense. Check out each of their websites and choose which one is right for your viewing pleasure.