Quick Summary
This guide breaks down the top streaming services in the UK for 2025, including Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and niche options. Learn subscription prices, compatible devices, recommended speeds, and tips to optimize your streaming experience.
Streaming Services
- Netflix: A popular streaming service that offers a wide range of TV shows and movies. Prices start at £5.99 per month for a basic subscription, £8.99 per month for a standard subscription, and £11.99 per month for a premium subscription.
- Amazon Prime Video: This is included with an Amazon Prime membership, which costs £7.99 per month or £79 per year. It offers a wide range of TV shows, movies, and original content.
- Disney+: This service offers a wide range of content from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and more. Prices start at £5.99 per month or £59.99 per year.
- BBC iPlayer: This service provides live streaming of BBC channels and catch-up content. It’s free, but you need to have a TV license.
- Now TV: This service offers a wide range of TV shows and movies, as well as live sports. Prices start at £8.99 per month for the Entertainment Pass, £11 per month for the Sky Cinema Pass, and £33 per month for the Sports Pass.
- Apple TV+: This service offers a selection of original TV shows and movies. Prices start at £4.99 per month
- Hulu: This service offers a wide range of TV shows and movies, as well as live TV. Prices start at £5.99 per month.
- Hayu: This service focuses on reality TV shows and offers a wide range of popular shows. Prices start at £4.99 per month.
- BritBox: This service offers a wide range of British TV shows and movies. Prices start at £5.99 per month.
- CuriosityStream: This service offers a wide range of documentaries and educational content. Prices start at £2.99 per month
- Mubi: A streaming service that curates a selection of world cinema, cult, classic, and independent films. Prices start at £9.99 per month
In addition to these streaming services, there are also several niche streaming options available in the UK, such as BFI Player, Horror Bites, Nollywood, Kanopy, and Acorn TV, each of them offers a different type of content, it’s worth checking them out as well.
Remember these prices are subject to change! Different plans may be available depending on the service. Additionally, many streaming services offer free trials, so you can test out the platform before committing to a subscription.
| Service | Content Type | Starting Price | Devices Supported | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | TV shows, movies, originals | £5.99/month | Smart TV, mobile, console, PC | Free trials available |
| Amazon Prime Video | TV shows, movies, originals | £7.99/month | Smart TV, mobile, console, PC | Included with Prime membership |
| Disney+ | Disney, Marvel, Star Wars | £5.99/month | Smart TV, mobile, console, PC | Annual plan £59.99 |
| BBC iPlayer | Live TV & catch-up | Free | Smart TV, mobile, console, PC | Requires TV license |
| Now TV | Movies, entertainment, sports | £8.99/month | Smart TV, mobile, console | Passes vary by content type |
| Apple TV+ | Originals | £4.99/month | Smart TV, mobile, console, PC | Free trial available |
| Hulu | TV shows, movies, live TV | £5.99/month | Smart TV, mobile, console, PC | Limited UK availability |
| Hayu | Reality TV shows | £4.99/month | Smart TV, mobile, console, PC | Focus on reality content |
| BritBox | British TV & movies | £5.99/month | Smart TV, mobile, console, PC | Includes classic and modern UK shows |
| CuriosityStream | Documentaries | £2.99/month | Smart TV, mobile, console, PC | Educational focus |
| Mubi | World cinema | £9.99/month | Smart TV, mobile, console, PC | Curated selection of indie & classic films |
Devices that can be used for streaming
Streaming can be done on a variety of devices, not just limited to traditional streaming devices like a Smart TV or streaming media players like the Roku or Amazon Fire TV Stick. You can also stream content on your gaming console, like the Xbox or PlayStation, or even on a high-end Blu-ray player. Streaming can also be done through a web browser on a desktop or laptop computer, or even on a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet. For those who prefer a hands-free experience, streaming services can also be accessed through smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Home. It’s also possible now to stream on your smartwatches like Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch. So, in short, streaming can be done on a wide range of devices, giving you the flexibility to enjoy your favorite content wherever and whenever you want.
Best download speed for streaming
The best download speed for streaming depends on the quality of the video you want to watch and the number of devices that will be connected to your network at the same time.
For standard definition video (SD), a download speed of at least 3 Mbps is recommended. For high-definition video (HD), a download speed of at least 5 Mbps is recommended. For 4K ultra-high definition video, a download speed of at least 25 Mbps is recommended.
It’s also important to note that these are just minimum recommendations, and actual download speeds may vary depending on your location, network provider, and other factors. Additionally, if you’re streaming on multiple devices simultaneously or have other internet-connected devices in use (such as gaming or downloading large files), you may need a higher download speed to ensure a smooth streaming experience.
However, it’s also important to note that streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video adjust the quality of the streaming video according to the available bandwidth, so if your internet connection speed is not sufficient, it will automatically adjust the quality of the video, in order to avoid buffering, interruptions, and other streaming issues.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Question)
Q1: What is the best streaming service in the UK?
A: It depends on your content preference. Netflix and Prime Video offer a wide selection, Disney+ covers family and franchise content, while BBC iPlayer is free for live and catch-up TV.
Q2: Can I watch streaming services on my console?
A: Yes. Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo consoles support most streaming platforms.
Q3: How much internet speed do I need for 4K streaming?
A: At least 25 Mbps per device is recommended for smooth 4K playback.
Q4: Are there niche streaming services in the UK?
A: Yes. Platforms like Hayu, BritBox, CuriosityStream, and Mubi cater to specific content types like reality TV, British shows, documentaries, and world cinema.
Q5: Can I stream on multiple devices simultaneously?
A: Most platforms allow multiple devices, but quality may reduce if your bandwidth is limited.
Q6: Are streaming prices fixed?
A: No. Prices may change, and many platforms offer free trials or annual subscription discounts.
About the Author / Organization
Author:
Matthew Davies is a home entertainment expert with over 20 years of experience in UK TV aerial, satellite, and streaming setups. He advises on the best streaming services, devices, and network optimization for seamless home viewing.
Organization:
EasyTV specializes in aerial installation, satellite setups, and home entertainment solutions across the UK. The company provides expert advice, installation, and support for streaming services, Smart TVs, and network optimization.
How interesting, I personally use Disney+ myself.