The Best Entertainment Apps of 2022

10 Must-Have Entertainment Apps of 2022

Today, cable TV is slowly phasing out. With fast internet services and continuous innovations in digital technologies, we have seen the rise of various entertainment apps. By ditching cable TV and subscribing to a streaming service (or two!), you can watch all of your favorite movies and tv shows on-demand, commercial-free, and for a reasonable price. However, if you aren't ready to cut the cord, some streaming services offer Live TV plans.

However, not all streaming services offer a free trial, so it can be hard to choose the best service without spending money. So, to save your wallet and your valuable time, we took a closer look at the best entertainment apps and what they can offer you, so you don’t have to!

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1. Netflix

Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services to date. The streaming giant caters to viewers of all ages by including a "Kids Only" library and the ability to set parental controls. Each account can have up to four different profiles, which is a fantastic feature if you want a kid-friendly profile. Plus, Netflix can offer more accurate and personalized content recommendations.

Netflix currently features its original TV shows, movies, and games. For genres, it offers an eclectic mix of content that has a little something for everyone. There are even holiday categories, such as Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, etc., that offer related content. Additionally, all content is available for download, making it an excellent option for travelers or those on the go.

Subscribers can stream Netflix from any internet-connected device, anywhere, anytime. So, log in from your Smart TV, computer, tablet, smartphone, or video game console to access all of your favorite content. Netflix even allows concurrent streaming, which means subscribers can watch their favorite movies and TV shows on multiple screens simultaneously.

Key Features:

• Includes original content in addition to licensed movies and tv shows.
• Has mini-games available to play.
• Offline viewing with downloadable content.

Pros:

• Has parental controls and a "Kids Only" library.
• Offers a mix of TV shows, movies, and games.
• New content is added frequently.

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other streaming services.

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2. Hulu

Hulu is another popular streaming service and is the main competitor of Netflix. The two streaming giants share many similarities, but what sets Hulu apart is the Live TV add-on. So, if you like watching live news coverage or sports, this could be the streaming service for you.

Hulu also has a tiered subscription system. The lower-tier plan includes ads that typically last between 15 seconds to a minute or two. However, if you are looking for an ad-free experience, you should consider paying a bit more for the mid or higher-tier plans. Once you've chosen a base plan, you can add the Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle to your subscription to access and save on content from all three platforms for an additional cost per month.

Like most streaming sites, Hulu offers a variety of on-demand content. The library is diverse, offering Hulu Originals, mainstream movies, nostalgic TV shows, captivating documentaries, and so much more. The only downside is the Hulu Originals tend to be pretty terrible. However, the overall library is on par with competitors, and most new TV show episodes will appear here first over other services.

Key Features:

• Includes a Live TV plan.
• Ability to add Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle to any plan.
• Includes original content in addition to licensed movies and tv shows.

Pros:

• Access to new tv shows (sitcoms, reality, crime, etc.) before other services
• Less expensive than most services
• User-friendly interface across all platforms

Cons:

• Content includes ads unless you pay for a higher-tier plan.
• Hulu Originals tend to be low-quality.

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3. Disney+

From Disney classics to Star Wars, Disney+ offers no shortage of popular and engaging content. While Disney+ is geared more towards children, there is plenty of content available for adults to enjoy. So, whether your kid wants to watch an episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse or you and your friends are looking for the latest season of The Mandalorian, Disney+ has a little something for everyone.

As far as price, Disney+ is more midrange. There is currently only one plan, and it is ad-free. However, subscribers have the option to pay a bit extra for 'Premier Access'. When a new movie or show produced or created by Disney comes to theaters, 'Premier Access' members can access the content through their Disney+ account.

Where Disney+ lacks in content volume, it makes up for in quality. You can access Disney classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and new releases like Wanda Vision. Plus, you can stream the content from several devices, including your Smart TV, computer, tablet, smartphone, video game console, and smartphone.

Key Features:

• Downloadable content that is watchable without Wi-Fi.
• Features Disney classics and new releases.
• New Disney-owned content releases show up on the app before being released on cable or on-demand.

Pros:

• Includes ad-free content that is suitable for all ages.
• Has a concurrent stream limit of 4.
• Tons of Disney content available, including classics and new releases.

Cons:

• Only Disney-owned content is available, so you will need another service to watch different content. Premier Access add-on is pricey.

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4. HBO Max

HBO Max offers subscribers an expansive library that includes content from HBO, WarnerMedia, and other media companies. HBO Max is available as a stand-alone streaming service. However, it's also a premium add-on to other services, such as DirecTV Stream and Hulu. HBO Max features original content of all genres. It has exclusive streaming rights to networks like TCM, Looney Tunes, Crunchyroll, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Studio Ghibli, Sesame Workshop, and DC.

HBO Max has two-tiered packages similar to Hulu. The lower tier plan is ad-supported, and the higher tier is ad-free. The biggest difference between the two packages is the second one allows for streaming Warner Bros. 2021 movies as they appear in theaters and downloadable content. So, if watching the latest blockbuster hits on the go is important to you, HBO Max is a solid choice.

Key Features:

• Streaming of Warner Bros. movies the same day they’re in theaters.
• Includes all HBO content and WarnerMedia content.
• Available across most platforms, including smart TVs.

Pros:

• A user-friendly interface across all platforms.
• Includes adult and child-friendly content.
• Allows 4K streaming.

Cons:

• Ad-free tier is expensive.
• Ad-supported tier does not offer downloadable content.

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5. Amazon Prime Video

If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you can access Amazon Prime Video, however; it is also available as a standalone subscription for a reasonable monthly fee.

The popular streaming service boasts an impressive library of original, popular, and classic tv shows and movies. You can even access live entertainment, such as 24/7 news coverage. Rent or buy movies from the Prime Video Store, or subscribe to other premium channels to access even more content.

Amazon Prime is accessible on up to 3 devices via PC, smartphone, tablet, game console, and Smart TV. Download and watch content offline and on the go.

Key Features:

• Bundles with Amazon Prime or by itself.
• Ability to subscribe to other subscription services within the app like Epix, Starz, Cinemax, and more.
• Supports 4K, UHD, and HDR streaming.

Pros:

• Massive library.
• Available for most platforms and smart TVs.
• Ad-free content.

Cons:

• A lot of content can only be purchased by episode, season, or rented to watch it.
• Expensive for the content available as a standalone service.

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6. YouTube TV

YouTube TV is a popular streaming service designed to replace your current cable subscription. Subscribers can stream over 85 channels with various networks broadcasting news, sports, and entertainment live. The channels available depend on your zip code. For example, you will get local news channels to you and not stations from different areas.

Unlike cable, you’re able to record without any storage limits and include three streams at once with six accounts per household. There are no contracts or special boxes needed, which means you can cancel at any time without any penalties or issues.

Key Features:

• No contracts or fees.
• Unlimited cloud recording.
• Features standard channels found on cable TV.

Pros:

• Cheaper than cable.
• Can add additional premium channels, including Showtime and Starz.
• Access to on-demand programs.

Cons:

• Because it’s live tv, there are ads. However, you can avoid them with DVR recording.

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7. Sling TV

Like YouTube TV, Sling TV is used to replace a cable TV subscription. However, there are a few differences. Sling offers several packages. The most common packages have 32 channels like ID, CNN, TNN, and ESPN. Subscribers can stream with one device for this package. The other packages allow up to three devices to stream simultaneously with 43 or 51 channels. All packages include 50 hours of DVR storage.

Sling is available on various platforms, including smart TVs. However, it’s not available for PlayStation or Nintendo devices. Like YouTube TV, you can cancel at any time as there is no contract. You can even add premium add-ons or more channels to your package. Sling TV also doesn’t charge you for viewing local channels. You can watch your local stations with an HD antenna (not included).

Key Features:

• Offers a variety of popular channels.
• Streams across most Smart TVs and other devices.
• You don’t have to pay for local stations you don’t want.

Pros:

• Cheaper than cable and other streaming services.
• Multiple subscriptions to choose from.
• Rent movies or watch on-demand tv shows and movies.

Cons:

• Small DVR storage.

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8. Peacock TV

Peacock TV is a streaming service offered by the MSNBC network. You’ll have access to children’s shows and movies, news, sports, MSNBC content, and Spanish-language series. In higher tier packages, you’ll have access to live sports and events, Peacock originals, next-day access to NBC shows, and more premium movies and tv. The last package also excludes ads and lets you stream offline.

Peacock's most basic plan is free. However, if you want access to a bigger library and more premium content, you must purchase a subscription for around $6 a month. You can also opt for the package without ads for about $10 a month.

Key Features:

• Free subscription along with paid ones.
• Features next-day streaming for popular NBC shows.
• Offline streaming is available.

Pros:

• Lots of titles are available even with the free package.
• User-friendly interface.
• Includes content for both children and adults.

Cons:

• Popular shows and movies aren’t available on the free version.

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9. Fubo TV

Fubo TV is another service meant to replace your traditional cable. However, it does focus more on live sports than others. Fubo TV has four packages, all of which offer DVR storage from 250 to 1,000 hours and multiple screens from three to ten. You also get from 118 channels to 164, including on-demand and local channels.

Key Features:

• Supports 4k content.
• One of the only streaming sites geared towards sports without an additional charge.
• Offers a wide range of channels.

Pros:

• Includes sports channels for all types, not just basketball or football (soccer, NASCAR, NHL, and more).
• Many channels are available.
• Can have up to six profiles that can stream simultaneously.

Cons:

• Can’t record with DVR in 4k.
• Lacks basic content like TNT, CNN, A&E, TBS, etc.

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10. Apple TV+

Apple TV+ is a streaming service from Apple. They feature their content only. This is widely different from other services that combine their originals and licensed content. They have a wide variety of content from dramas, sci-fi, children’s programming, historical dramas, and much more. The content isn’t exclusive to Apple platforms. You can watch it on pc, laptops, Android TVs, Samsung, Sony, Amazon Fire, Vizio, Xbox, Roku, and all Apple products. Apple TV+ doesn’t have commercials and only one subscription package for around $5 per month. You can watch all content offline too. You will need to download it first, but all content is downloadable.

Key Features:

• Streams across various platforms.
• Original Apple content.
• Can share an account with family or friends.

Pros:

• Cheaper than most services.
• Offers all types of content for everyone.
• Originals have new episodes weekly.

Cons:

• Website version isn’t user-friendly.
• Only features original content and not any popular movies or tv shows.

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Choosing the Right Entertainment App for You

All the streaming services listed have something for everyone. To choose the right entertainment app for you, think about the content that interests you and your budget. If you’re looking to replace cable TV, Fubo TV, SlingTV, or YouTube TV might be worth a try. Parents of little ones will love the content available on Disney+. Those looking for a mix of content will enjoy Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or HBO Max. However, if you are interested in more niche or independent programs, Apple TV + is a solid choice. So, no matter the service or combination of services you choose, you can enjoy endless entertainment for a low cost.