The best UK streaming services 2026 Netflix, SKY Stream, Prime Video, Disney+, NOW, BritBox, Apple TV, Rakuten
On demand TV streaming services are hugely popular and while Netflix remains the global leader in terms of total subscriber numbers with over 325 million, there are many other TV streaming services out there offering amazing original content.
We take a look at some of the best TV streaming services that you can sign up to on your smart TV, smart TV plugin or games console (Roku TV Box, Now TV stick, Playstation, XBox etc). Binge viewing has never been easier!
“ON demand streaming TV services allow you to watch what you want, when you want, where you want.”
2026’s Top TV streaming services
1. Netflix
- Netflix Standard (with Ads) £5.99 1080p Full HD, watch on 2 devices, with ads.
- Netflix Standard (no ads) £12.99 1080p Full HD, 2 devices, no ads, add 1 extra member.
- Netflix Premium (no ads) £18.99 4K Ultra HD + HDR, 4 devices, spatial audio, add up to 2 extra members.
Netflix has 10,000’s of hours of original content, plus access to some of the best content from other providers including BBC, HBO & others.
Netflix has won critical acclaim for many of its original shows these include: Orange Is The New Black, The Crown, Stranger Things & Ozark. The TV phenomenon Squid Game series 2 is exclusively on Netflix, Squid Game has become one of the most streamed series ever worldwide.
In 2026 Netflix is launching some exciting new shows including the final season of Stranger Things, season 10 of Queer Eye, season 4 of Bridgerton and season 4 of The Diplomat.
2. Disney+
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Disney Plus – Subscriptions
- Disney+ Standard (with Ads) £5.99 1080p Full HD, watch on 2 devices, with ads.
- Disney+ Standard (no ads) £9.99 1080p Full HD, watch on 2 devices, no ads.
- Disney+ Premium (no ads) £14.99 4K Ultra HD + HDR, 4 devices, Dolby Atmos audio.
Disney+ subscription bundled with content from the Disney family including: Disney Studios, Marvel, National Geographic, Pixar & Star Wars
To get Disney+ download the Disney+ app, it’s now available on most smart TVs, phones, tablets, laptops and other devices.
Can’t get Disney+ on your TV… You can get Disney+ using a plug-in streaming device or connected games console including: XBox. Playstation, ROKU & Fire Stick (*subject to paying the streaming services monthly or annual subscription).
3. BBC iPlayer
iPlayer is the BBCs FREE streaming service for UK TV licence payers. BBC iPlayer is accessible via the iPlayer app, on most smart TVs, games consoles and online. The iPlayer app has been updated and now offers an improved user experience.
[wptb id="1084" not found ]iPlayer allows you to live stream BBC shows if you are located in the UK, you can also catch up with popular BBC shows and watch loads of on demand content including hugely popular; Traitors, Killing Eve, Dr Who, Silent Witness & Line of Duty as well old BBC classics like Fawlty Towers & One foot in the grave. BBC iPlayer also shows a good selection BBC documentary series like Planet Earth I & Planet Earth II, Blue Planet and Green Planet, plus a selection of films & movies that refresh with new titles regularly added.
For viewers not based in the UK BBC & ITV have launched ‘Britbox’ an international subscription service bringing the best UK TV to a worldwide audience.
4. Amazon Prime Video
- Amazon Prime (Includes Prime Music, Prime Reading, Amazon Prime free delivery) £8.99 month / £95 pay annually 1080p Full HD, watch on 2 devices, with ads.
- Options to upgrade to ad free plans
Amazon Prime subscription provides access to tons of original content. Including Amazon original shows like: Clarksons Farm, Last One Laughing, Nine Perfect Strangers and The Grand Tour. Acclaimed Prime documentaries include Man on Wire, Wildcat and movies like Mikel Boys, & Conclave.
Amazon has also incorporated MGM Studios back catalogue which includes James Bond and Rocky franchises and 100’s of other blockbuster movies.
Prime Video differs from Netflix as it also provides access to additional paid for content including the latest movie releases movies and complete box sets from other services.
Amazon Prime has also moved into live sports and has rights to show a number of live UK football matches in 2026. Amazon Prime also shows rugby, golf, ATP tennis and other popular sporting events.
[wptb id="1091" not found ]5. SKY Stream
- SKY Essential (with Netflix & Discovery) £15 month 90+ Channels 1080p Full HD, watch on 2 devices, with ads.
- SKY Ultimate (with Netflix, Disney+, Discovery+, HBO MAX) £22 month 130+ Channels 1080p Full HD
Sign up to SKYs Stream – no satellite needed. Enjoy bundled services like Netflix & Disney+ at no extra cost!
SKYs new streaming service is here, with hit dramas including the incredibly popular Day of the Jackal, Sweetpea, plus all seasons of Gangs of London and The White Lotus.
Binge popular box sets like True Detective, The Wire, Game of Thrones and The Last Of Us.
SKY Stream is available via apps on some smart TV’s & via a SKY Puk (a mini set-top box ready to connect to your wifi and TV). Plugin & login with your SKY subscriber details… it’s that easy.
Use this link to sign-up for SKY services with cashback up to £100
Cinema & Sports channels can also be added to either package at extra cost.
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6. NOW
- NOW Entertainment £2.99 month (6 months less than half price then £7.99) – 16 SKY channels including SKY One, Atlantic, Witness, Comedy, History
- NOW Entertainment & HBO MAX £6.99 month – 16 SKY channels including SKY One, Atlantic, Witness, Comedy, History. HBO MAX
- NOW SPORTS (All SKY sports channels) £34 month by month no contract.
NOW operates as a pay as you go subscription, there is no contract period or commitment and you are free to cancel at any time.
Can’t get NOW TV app on your TV? Some smart TV’s still don’t have the NOW app, but don’t fear NOW is available on plug-in streaming devices and connected games consoles including: XBox. Playstation, ROKU & Fire Stick (*subject to paying the streaming services monthly or annual subscription).
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7. Apple TV+
Apple TV+ officially launched in November 2019 after months of trials in US homes. Apple TV+ is a monthly subscription service and can be accessed via the Apple TV+ app on smart TVs and devices, or on Apple TV Boxes.
Apple have commissioned a number of original productions including documentaries like Dads, The Elephant Queen and drama series like SEE, Servant and Truth Be Told. Apple have also started to license older content from other studios to bolster viewer choice. Apple have also supported the release of new original films on Apple TV+. Like other services Apple have struggled with production of original content due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
You can get Apple TV+ free for a year when you purchase a qualifying Apple product. The service is also available to anyone for a 7 day free trial, then £6.99 / $6.99 a month (until cancelled).
Can’t get Apple TV + on your TV? Some smart TV’s still don’t have the Apple TV app, but don’t fear you can still get Apple TV via a ROKU streaming device, these start around £20 and plug into your TV. All ROKU devices require access to a wireless internet connection but simply plug in to one of your TVs HDMI sockets for access to Apple TV and other popular streaming services.
8. Paramount+
Paramount+ launched in 2021, bringing together Paramount & CBS content, a rebrand of CBS All Access platform. Paramount+ began an international rollout in 2022. Paramount+ brings original shows, movies and content to a growing audience of almost 64 million. Popular shows include Yellowstone, Halo, Tulsa King & Fellow Travellers.
Paramount+ is available on most smart TV’s and plug-ins (Roku, NOW). Paramount+ offers a 7 day free trial signed up via Amazon Prime. Paramount+ costs £6.99/month or £69.90/year.
9. Rakuten TV
Rakuten TV offers both free and paid TV services. Rakuten TV is available on most smart TVs, via a mobile/tablet app and also via the Rakuten website. Rakuten TV allows you to stream from a huge catalog of movies including many of the latest movie releases as soon as they are available. If you can’t find a movie on Netflix or Prime the chances are it will be available via Rakuten.
Choose to rent movies for 48 hours or buy movies to keep backed up in your Rakuten account to stream whenever you like. Rakuten TV offers content in HD & UHD when available.
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