Best Streaming Services for Original Series

What separates the top picks for best streaming service for originals?

Three services tie at 7.9: Disney+, Max and Netflix. The scores don't tell you which to pick, so look at what each one actually holds. Netflix carries 19 of 40 checklist titles, the most of any service here. Max holds 17 of 40 and the deepest film library in the test. Disney+ holds 12 of 40, and its strength sits in the franchises children ask for by name.

Price splits them further. Apple TV+ is $9.99 with no ad tier and six streams. Disney+ is $15.99 ad-free with 4K, HDR and four streams included. Netflix is $17.99, but 4K and four streams need the $24.99 Premium plan. Hulu is $18.99 ad-free, the most expensive standalone tier here, with very little 4K.

What should I check before subscribing?

Netflix adds new originals every week across every genre and language. Apple TV+ runs a small slate — only 5 of 40 checklist titles — and you can finish it. Disney+ is thin outside its franchises. Hulu brings next-day episodes from ABC, NBC, Fox and FX, and 14 of 40 checklist titles.

Then weigh apps and experience, 15 points. Netflix apps never stalled in a month and its recommendations are the best in the test. Max's app search and profiles are clumsy, and playback stalled twice. Check the ad tiers too: Max Basic ads include the pre-roll on HBO shows.

Finally, flexibility and value, 10 and 25 points. Apple TV+ has no ads and no ad tier. Netflix has no free trial, and household enforcement adds $7.99 per extra member. Disney+ has no free trial either, and enforces households. Hulu's Live TV plan includes Disney+ and ESPN+.

Which one for whom?

• Netflix — the biggest original slate, the most reliable apps and the best recommendations.
• Max — HBO's prestige series plus the Warner film library, Studio Ghibli, TCM classics and Discovery reality.
• Disney+ — every Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic title in 4K on the standard ad-free plan.
• Apple TV+ — a small, high-quality slate of originals in the best picture and sound quality of any service.
• Hulu — next-day network TV, FX originals and the Disney+ bundle.

Netflix suits anyone who wants the biggest original slate and the most reliable apps, while Max suits film fans and HBO viewers. Disney+ is the family pick, and Apple TV+ fits viewers who want a small slate in the best picture and sound quality. Hulu works for next-day network TV and FX originals.