A Complete Guide to Streaming Video Services from Apple TV+ to Netflix to Disney+

In November, Apple launched its streaming service, Apple TV+, with Disney+ following just a few weeks later. While these two were by far the most highly-anticipated entrants in the streaming wars, they aren't the only new services vying for your attention and subscription dollars.

As the streaming wars heat up, you're probably wondering what all the hype is about and what it means to you.  We broke down everything that's coming this fall (and beyond) to give you the complete guide to the streaming services.

Apple TV+

Apple TV+ is the first of the major upcoming streaming services to launch, though it's also the most limited in terms of content. Apple is making a huge push to build a subscriber base, and has an ambitious plan to do that by giving every Mac or iPhone customer a year for free.

• Launch date: November 1

• Price: 7-day free trial, then $4.99 a month. Apple is giving a year free with a purchase of a new device starting back on September 10.

• Content: Mostly originals, launching with eight titles including The Morning Show, SEE, Dickinson, and For All Mankind. New content each month.

Disney+

Disney has a huge advantage when it comes to content, in fact, it probably has the most valuable content library of any company. As a result, Disney shouldn't have any trouble signing up an audience, especially since it copied Apple's strategy and is giving Verizon customers a free year. 

• Launch date: November 12

• Price: $6.99 per month or bundle with Hulu and ESPN+ for $12.99 per month. Verizon is also offering Unlimited plan members a 12-month free Disney+ subscription for free.

• Content: Disney's entire classic film and animated feature library, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, as well as new exclusive content that includes ten films and 25 original shows

HBO Max

HBO is going big with HBO Max, both with existing and future content. Not only did the company take back Friends and The West Wing from Netflix, but it recently signed a $200 million deal with JJ Abrams to produce content for the service. And last night, we finally got more information about just what to expect and when.

• Launch date: May 2020

• Price: $14.99 per month. Free for existing HBO customers, and certain AT&T bundles. 

• Content: AT&T says will launch with 10,000 hours of content. That including all episodes of Game of Thrones, Westworld and Silicon Valley. along with WarnerMedia classic content like Friends and The West Wing.

NBC Universal 

NBC/Universal has officially named its upcoming streaming service "Peacock," a nod to its colorful logo. One difference is that this service is expected to be heavily ad-supported, on top of charging a monthly fee for non-Comcast customers.

• Launch date: Spring 2020 

• Price: $12 per month (expected), or free for Comcast cable customers

• Content: NBC hits like  The Office, Parks & Rec, and Everybody Loves Raymond, along with Universal blockbusters such as the Jurassic World series and Fast and Furious catalog

ESPN+

In what will be the third streaming service from Disney, ESPN+ is meant to complement your existing ESPN watching, with in-depth game analysis and highlights. It will broadcast games from the major sports leagues and feature original programming.

• Launch date: Already available

• Price: $5 per month or $50 annually

• Content: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, as well as college football, international soccer, and tennis

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon's streaming video service isn't nearly as talked about as its rivals, but that doesn't mean it doesn't include a formidable library of licensed and original content. The latter includes some top-notch shows like Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Homecoming, and The Man in the High Castle. Still, it's one of the more confusing options considering the mix of included content as well as films available for rent (on top of the membership fee). 

• Launch date: 2006

• Price: Included in an Amazon Prime Membership for $119 per year

• Content: Both original and licensed content, including The Shawshank Redemption and The Silence of the Lambs

Netflix

For comparison's sake, it's only fair to include Netflix, though it's obviously not new. Still, with 150 million subscribers, it's currently the king of streaming video. In fact, each of the other options on this list is aiming squarely at Netflix's user base by bringing home their content to encourage viewers to sign up. Netflix isn't giving up, signing big-name talent of it's own. 

• Launch date: 2007

• Price: $12.99 for the HD plan, which allows viewing on 2 screens

• Extensive library of licensed content, as well as original hits like Stranger Things, Orange is the New Black, The Crown, and Mindhunter

Hulu

Netflix's first competitor was originally a partnership between Fox, ABC, and NBC. Overtime, that has changed, with Disney (ABC's owner) now operating the service. Hulu is also unique, in that it's the only option on this list that, in addition to your standard streaming option, also include a Live TV option that makes it a real replacement for cable.  

• Launch date: 2008

• Price: $5.99 or $11.99 with no ads. $44.99 for the Live TV version

• Content: Original content, the best known of which is The Handmaids Tale alongside licensed content.

This post was first published in my column at Inc.com

My Tech Setup (or The Gear I Use Every Day)

Most of what I do involves creating content. Most of the time that’s writing about technology, small businesses, and creativity. Sometimes it’s shooting video or still photography. I also travel a good amount for work, which means that I want to be able to work anywhere.

Here’s the list of gadgets that make up my tech setup, also known as the gear I use every day:

Apple 13” MacBook Pro (2019)

I’m a big fan of the 13” MacBook Pro. The one I’m using has the 2.8GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7, with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. It’s the right combination of power and portability that makes it perfect for someone like me who not only works from home, but travels quite a bit. Yes, the butterfly keyboard isn’t great.

Actually, it’s pretty obnoxious when you’re used to anything else. But honestly, when you use it every day, you just get used to it. Or, like me, you get the Apple Magic Keyboard and Mouse, which means you aren’t using the keyboard except when you’re on the go.

iPhone 11 Pro

I’ve written a lot about the newest iPhone in my column at Inc.com, and I’m super happy with it. I use a Totallee thin case, which is impossibly thin, but still keeps it protected from scratches. I also have the Apple Smart Case for this phone, which—in addition to having the dedicated shutter button—is a lifesaver for traveling and days when you aren’t going to be able to stop and recharge.

iPad Pro 11-inch

I’ve been using the 2018 iPad Pro since last November, and now that iPadOS is here, it’s my primary device for reading, writing, and a lot of other daily tasks. I use it with the Smart Keyboard Folio, as well as the Apple Pencil, but I’ve been testing out the Brydge Keyboard, and I really like it (future review coming).

I use the aforementioned MacBook Pro for quite a bit, but the iPad is both more convenient and honestly, just as powerful. In fact, if I had gotten the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, I’d have very little reason for the MacBook Pro. The reason I don’t is that size is terrible as a tablet.

Apple AirPods Pro

Can we just say “noise cancellation?” Thank you very much. Audiophiles will argue that the Sony WF1000XM3 have a better overall sound, and they might be right. However, the AirPods Pro are easily the simplest and most versatile wireless in-ears you can buy, especially if you’re a Mac or iPhone user.

Samsung - UE590 Series 28" LED 4K UHD Monitor

Nope, I’m not dropping $5K on a new Apple Display. Instead, I saved most of that and instead use this 28” 4K monitor that looks great. I love that this display is big enough to work on multiple documents, browsers, or files at the same time, but not so big that it’s overwhelming.

LaCie 1 TB Mobile SSD

While the MacBook Pro has 1 TB of storage, sometimes you need a little more space for projects, and this LaCie 1TB SSD is the perfect companion. Not only is it small and sleek, it’s SSD, meaning it’s super fast for transferring files back and forth to the laptop. It’s also supported on my iPad Pro, which is great for having access to what I need on th ego.

Bestand Aluminum Cooling Computer Stand

Since my laptop is sitting next to that huge 28” display, the Bestand is a great way to elevate my MacBook Pro to eye level. I usually keep my email app (Spark) and Slack open on my laptop, while all of my main work happens on the larger display. This stand also has a slot in the back for running any cords, but I found that the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter is great for connecting power, HDMI and even a USB 3.0 Hub.

Nomad Base Station Apple Watch Edition

Courtesy: Nomad

I first learned about Nomad when I bought my Apple Watch (series 4), and wanted something a little nicer than the sport band. They make great cases and a plenty of other accessories, but the one I like the best is the wireless base station. It charges my iPhone 11 Pro, AirPods Pro, and Apple Watch all at the same time.

LEUCHTTURM1917 Notebook

I’ve been a Moleskine fan for a long time, but earlier last year I started using one of these notebooks. I have the grid version, which is great for creating different sections for notes, todos, and other reminders. I also like that it has numbered pages, and a place for the date. There’s also a table of contents in the front that makes it easy to keep track of what you’re using it for. While I love technology, I’m still a big fan of thinking with pen and paper.