There’s water everywhere, but nothing to drink. That’s what it often feels like in the current video streaming ecosystem. Dozens of subscription services offer near-infinite content, but analysis paralysis prevents us from making a quick decision. I only have so much free time per day, and I already know I love Seinfeld.
The various video streaming services have carved out distinct identities, so you generally know what to expect upon signing up. Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max serve everyone. Peacock has an excellent free tier. Crunchyroll dominates anime, while Disney+ has the latest Marvel and Star Wars shows. Still, those services gain (and lose) content all the time. You can read what’s coming and going on Netflix every month, but who wants to keep up with licensing deals to stay on top of their entertainment? Can somebody just tell us what to watch?
Enter video streaming guides. These useful middleman apps take the guesswork out of video streaming. They scour libraries across the streaming video landscape, and let you know what subscription you’ll need to watch whatever show or movie you’re seeking. These guides let you search for specific shows or browse by category, too. Creating an account opens the door to powerful features, such as personalized watchlists and the ability to link your existing streaming subscriptions so you only see content you can watch.
Not only are these tools convenient, but the information they provide helps you make sure that you’re only subscribing to the services that satisfy your entertainment needs. Efficient video streaming guides serve a vital role in helping you manage paid subscriptions and stick to a video streaming budget.
These video streaming guides, available on the web and as free mobile apps, are for on-demand services that let you watch whatever you want, whenever you want. For live TV streaming services, you’ll need something a different. We recommend The Streamable’s Matchmaker tool. It lets you browse through specific channels, like regional sports channels. It also helps you find the cheapest plan in the notoriously pricey live TV subscription category.
Ready to find something new or familiar to watch? Check out top picks for video streaming guides.