# 5 Best Alternatives to Apple TV in 2026

By Noah — last updated & pricing verified September 15, 2026.

> The best alternative to Apple TV is Netflix, best for individuals and households wanting a large, frequently refreshed library of on-demand shows and films across multiple devices without cable. Disney+, Prime Video, Max, and Paramount+ are also strong picks, adding a bundled Disney/Marvel/Star Wars catalog, retail-membership bundling, live NBA/MLB/NCAA sports, and live NFL/UFC coverage respectively.

From our data: None of the 5 alternatives listed here (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Max, Paramount+) offer a permanently free tier, matching Apple TV's own paid-only model; the cheapest ad-supported entry price among them is $8.99/month, shared by Netflix, Prime Video, and Paramount+, all under Apple TV's $12.99/month standalone price.

## Quick picks

- Best overall: [Netflix](https://findalternative.to/netflix/about)
- Best for franchise bundling (Disney, Marvel, Star Wars): [Disney+](https://findalternative.to/disney/about)
- Best for Amazon Prime members: [Prime Video](https://findalternative.to/prime-video/about)
- Best for live NBA, MLB, and NCAA sports alongside HBO originals: [Max](https://findalternative.to/max/about)
- Best for live NFL and UFC alongside CBS/BET/Comedy Central: [Paramount+](https://findalternative.to/paramount/about)

## Apple TV alternatives at a glance

| Alternative | Best for | Standout | Biggest weakness | Learning curve | Price |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Apple TV (the incumbent) | viewers who prioritize a small library of high-quality, awards-caliber original series and films over a large licensed catalog, especially those already inside the Apple hardware ecosystem | An entirely originals-only content strategy focused on prestige, awards-winning series like Severance and Ted Lasso, now expanding into live sports (MLB, with F1 and MLS planned) rather than licensing a large back-catalog. | The content library is far smaller than Netflix, Max, or Amazon Prime Video because Apple TV+ carries almost no licensed catalog titles, so subscribers who exhaust the original slate quickly can feel there isn't enough to watch between new releases. | Low | From $12.99/mo |
| Netflix | individuals and households wanting a large, frequently refreshed library of on-demand TV shows and films across multiple devices, without a cable subscription | A large investment in exclusive original series and films combined with a personalized recommendation algorithm and offline mobile downloads, all accessible on-demand across web, mobile, and connected-TV devices. | Prices have risen three times in under two years across all US tiers, and even the cheapest plan still carries ads; reviewers frequently cite cancellation of popular shows, geo-restrictions, and account-sharing/device-connection limitations as recurring frustrations, and there's no free trial to evaluate the service before paying. | Low | From $8.99/mo |
| Disney+ | households that already watch Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar titles and want to bundle that library with Hulu or ESPN under one subscription | A single subscription spans Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, and bundle tiers fold in Hulu's general-entertainment catalog and ESPN Unlimited without a separate login. | No permanently free tier and no ad-free option under $18.99/month; bundle pricing changes frequently and the cheapest ad-free bundle with live sports (ESPN Unlimited) costs $44.99/month. | Low | From $11.99/mo |
| Prime Video | Amazon Prime members who want streaming bundled with free shipping, and ad-tolerant viewers who want access to Amazon Originals and live sports without a single-purpose-only subscription | Bundled with Amazon Prime's free two-day shipping and Prime Music under one membership, so the $14.99/month price covers streaming plus retail benefits rather than video alone. | Ads run by default on every plan since January 2024, with the ad-free option costing an extra $2.99/month, and many newer theatrical titles sit behind an additional rental or purchase fee on top of the subscription rather than being included. | Low | From $2.99/mo |
| Max | HBO and Warner Bros. film fans already inside the Warner Bros. Discovery ecosystem who also want in-app access to NBA, MLB, and NCAA March Madness without a separate cable package | Combines HBO's prestige scripted library with Warner Bros. theatrical films, DC, Discovery factual programming, and live NBA/MLB/NCAA March Madness coverage in a single subscription. | Reliability and support complaints dominate third-party reviews: Trustpilot users rate the service around 1.3/5, citing frequent buffering, forced sign-outs, and playback progress that doesn't sync across sessions, and even the ad-free Standard and Premium tiers still show ads on select live and linear content. | Low | From $10.99/mo |
| Paramount+ | CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and BET viewers who also want in-app live NFL, UFC, and UEFA Champions League coverage without a separate cable or sports subscription | Live NFL games on CBS, UFC events, and UEFA Champions League matches streamed directly in the app alongside the full CBS/BET/Comedy Central/MTV/Nickelodeon on-demand library. | Reliability complaints are severe and consistent: Trustpilot reviewers rate the service around 1.2/5 from roughly 3,400+ reviews, citing constant buffering and lagging on smart TVs and streaming devices, shows being removed from the catalog, and customer service that's largely bot-driven with little human escalation. | Low | From $8.99/mo |

## 1. Netflix — best Apple TV alternative for individuals and households wanting a large, frequently refreshed library of on-demand TV shows and films across multiple devices, without a cable subscription

Netflix is the best Apple TV alternative for individuals and households wanting a large, frequently refreshed library of on-demand TV shows and films across multiple devices, without a cable subscription. Netflix combines a large investment in exclusive original series and films with a personalized recommendation algorithm and offline mobile downloads, all accessible on-demand across web, mobile, and connected-TV devices, a broader catalog than Apple TV's smaller library of original series and films. Netflix's Standard with Ads tier starts at $8.99/month, well under Apple TV's $12.99/month standalone price. Apple TV is still the better choice for viewers who prioritize a small library of high-quality, awards-caliber originals over volume and don't mind paying more for an ad-free experience: Netflix's prices have risen three times in under two years across all US tiers, and even its cheapest plan still carries ads, unlike Apple TV+'s single ad-free tier, and Netflix offers no free trial to evaluate the service before paying, while reviewers frequently cite cancellation of popular shows, geo-restrictions, and account-sharing limitations as recurring frustrations.

Compared to Apple TV: a far larger, frequently refreshed on-demand library across many genres, offline mobile downloads, and a cheaper $8.99/month ad-supported entry price

- Wins: Large, frequently refreshed library of exclusive original series and films across many genres, broader than Apple TV's smaller original-focused catalog · Offline mobile downloads, a feature Apple TV's listing doesn't describe · Standard with Ads tier starts at $8.99/month, well under Apple TV's $12.99/month standalone price
- Loses: Even the cheapest plan still carries ads, while Apple TV+ has a single ad-free tier · Prices have risen three times in under two years across all US tiers · No free trial to evaluate the service before paying, unlike Apple TV+'s 7-day free trial
- Pros: Large, frequently refreshed library spanning licensed content and Netflix originals.; Personalized recommendations and a mature, well-tuned discovery algorithm.; Offline downloads available on mobile devices, including on the ad-supported tier.; Premium tier supports 4K/HDR streaming and 4 simultaneous devices for larger households.
- Cons: Three US price increases in under two years have pushed the top tier to $26.99/month.; Even the cheapest Standard with Ads tier ($8.99/month) includes advertising.; Extra-member add-ons now cost $7.99-$9.99/month each.; No free trial; new subscribers must pay from the first month.
- **Pricing:** From $8.99/mo — $8.99/month Standard with Ads vs Apple TV+'s $12.99/month standalone (ad-free, with a 7-day free trial)
- Details: https://findalternative.to/netflix/about
- Head-to-head: [Netflix vs Apple TV](https://findalternative.to/compare/apple-tv-vs-netflix)
- 5 alternatives to Netflix: https://findalternative.to/netflix

## 2. Disney+ — best Apple TV alternative for households that already watch Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar titles and want to bundle that library with Hulu or ESPN under one subscription

Disney+ is the best Apple TV alternative for households that already watch Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar titles and want to bundle that library with Hulu or ESPN under one subscription. A single Disney+ subscription spans Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, and bundle tiers fold in Hulu's general-entertainment catalog and ESPN Unlimited without a separate login, a franchise breadth Apple TV's original-series-only catalog doesn't match. Disney+'s pricing was verified from a live vendor page, with the ad-supported tier starting at $11.99/month, under Apple TV's $12.99/month standalone price. Apple TV is still the better choice for viewers who want a single ad-free tier without navigating multiple bundle options: Disney+ has no permanently free tier and no ad-free option under $18.99/month, well above Apple TV's ad-free $12.99/month, and bundle pricing changes frequently, with the cheapest ad-free bundle including live sports (ESPN Unlimited) costing $44.99/month.

Compared to Apple TV: a single subscription spanning Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, bundle tiers folding in Hulu and ESPN Unlimited, and a cheaper $11.99/month ad-supported entry price

- Wins: Single subscription spans Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, broader franchise coverage than Apple TV's original-series catalog · Bundle tiers fold in Hulu's general-entertainment catalog and ESPN Unlimited without a separate login · Ad-supported tier starts at $11.99/month, under Apple TV's $12.99/month standalone price
- Loses: No permanently free tier and no ad-free option under $18.99/month, well above Apple TV's ad-free $12.99/month · Bundle pricing changes frequently and the cheapest ad-free bundle with live sports (ESPN Unlimited) costs $44.99/month · No 7-day free trial the way Apple TV+ offers before billing starts
- Pros: One subscription covers Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content.; Bundle tiers add Hulu and, on higher plans, ESPN Unlimited or HBO Max without separate logins.; 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos are available on compatible devices and titles at no extra cost.; Parental controls let each profile in a household carry its own content rating limits.
- Cons: No permanently free tier; every plan requires a paid subscription from day one.; The cheapest ad-free bundle that includes live sports (ESPN Unlimited) runs $44.99/month.; Ads are still served in select live and linear content even on some higher-priced bundle tiers.; Library rotates: some licensed titles leave the catalog after a limited window.
- **Pricing:** From $11.99/mo (verified undefined NaN, NaN) — $11.99/month Disney+ With Ads vs Apple TV+'s $12.99/month standalone (ad-free), or $18.99/month for Disney+ ad-free
- Details: https://findalternative.to/disney/about
- 6 alternatives to Disney+: https://findalternative.to/disney

## 3. Prime Video — best Apple TV alternative for amazon Prime members who want streaming bundled with free shipping, and ad-tolerant viewers who want access to Amazon Originals and live sports without a single-purpose-only subscription

Prime Video is the best Apple TV alternative for Amazon Prime members who want streaming bundled with free shipping, and for ad-tolerant viewers who want access to Amazon Originals and live sports without a single-purpose-only subscription. Prime Video is bundled with Amazon Prime's free two-day shipping and Prime Music under one membership, so the $14.99/month Prime price covers streaming plus retail benefits rather than video alone, a bundling advantage Apple TV's standalone $12.99/month price doesn't offer. Prime Video's standalone tier also starts at $8.99/month, cheaper than Apple TV's $12.99/month. Apple TV is still the better choice for viewers who specifically want an ad-free experience without paying extra: ads run by default on every Prime Video plan since January 2024, with the ad-free option costing an extra $2.99/month, unlike Apple TV+'s single ad-free tier, and many newer theatrical titles on Prime Video sit behind an additional rental or purchase fee on top of the subscription rather than being included.

Compared to Apple TV: bundled with Amazon Prime's free two-day shipping and Prime Music under one membership, a cheaper $8.99/month standalone tier, and access to live sports alongside Amazon Originals

- Wins: Bundled with Amazon Prime's free two-day shipping and Prime Music under one $14.99/month membership, covering streaming plus retail benefits · Standalone tier starts at $8.99/month, cheaper than Apple TV's $12.99/month · Includes live sports and Amazon Original series, a broader mix than Apple TV's original-series-only catalog
- Loses: Ads run by default on every plan since January 2024, with the ad-free option costing an extra $2.99/month, unlike Apple TV+'s single ad-free tier · Many newer theatrical titles sit behind an additional rental or purchase fee on top of the subscription · No 7-day free trial the way Apple TV+ offers before billing starts
- Pros: Bundled with Amazon Prime's free two-day shipping and Prime Music, so the membership pays for itself beyond video alone.; Standalone Prime Video plan ($8.99/month) is cheaper than most single-purpose streaming competitors.; Wide device support across smart TVs, consoles, streaming sticks, and mobile apps.; Hosts third-party channel add-ons (HBO Max, Paramount+, and others) billed through one Amazon account.
- Cons: Ads now run by default on every plan; removing them costs an extra $2.99/month on top of the base subscription.; Many newer theatrical releases require an additional rental or purchase fee even for subscribers.; No permanently free tier — the only way to try it is a limited-time Prime trial.
- **Pricing:** From $2.99/mo — $8.99/month standalone (with ads) vs Apple TV+'s $12.99/month standalone (ad-free)
- Details: https://findalternative.to/prime-video/about
- 6 alternatives to Prime Video: https://findalternative.to/prime-video

## 4. Max — best Apple TV alternative for HBO and Warner Bros. film fans already inside the Warner Bros. Discovery ecosystem who also want in-app access to NBA, MLB, and NCAA March Madness without a separate cable package

Max is the best Apple TV alternative for HBO and Warner Bros. film fans who also want in-app access to NBA, MLB, and NCAA March Madness without a separate cable package. Max combines HBO's prestige scripted library with Warner Bros. theatrical films, DC, Discovery factual programming, and live NBA/MLB/NCAA March Madness coverage in a single subscription, a sports-plus-prestige-drama mix Apple TV's original-series-only catalog doesn't offer. Max's Basic with Ads tier starts at $10.99/month, under Apple TV's $12.99/month standalone price, and its pricing was verified from a live vendor page. Apple TV is still the better choice for viewers who prioritize reliability: Trustpilot users rate Max around 1.3/5, citing frequent buffering, forced sign-outs, and playback progress that doesn't sync across sessions, a reliability complaint not raised in Apple TV's listing, and even Max's ad-free Standard and Premium tiers still show ads on select live and linear content.

Compared to Apple TV: HBO's prestige scripted library combined with Warner Bros. films, DC, Discovery content, and live NBA/MLB/NCAA sports, plus a cheaper $10.99/month ad-supported entry price

- Wins: Combines HBO's prestige scripted library with Warner Bros. films, DC, and Discovery factual programming in one subscription · Live NBA, MLB, and NCAA March Madness coverage that Apple TV's original-series-only catalog doesn't include · Basic with Ads tier starts at $10.99/month, under Apple TV's $12.99/month standalone price
- Loses: Trustpilot users rate the service around 1.3/5, citing frequent buffering, forced sign-outs, and playback progress that doesn't sync across sessions · Even the ad-free Standard and Premium tiers still show ads on select live and linear content · No 7-day free trial the way Apple TV+ offers before billing starts
- Pros: One app for HBO originals, Warner Bros. theatrical releases, DC, Cartoon Network, and Discovery factual content.; Ad-free Standard and Premium tiers support 4K/HDR playback and up to 100 offline downloads.; In-app live sports: NBA, MLB, NCAA March Madness, NHL, and college football during their seasons.; Cheaper bundle pricing available with Disney+ and Hulu.
- Cons: Trustpilot rating around 1.3/5, with buffering, forced sign-outs, and lost playback progress as the most common complaints.; No standalone desktop app for Windows or macOS; desktop access is browser-only.; Ads still appear on select live and linear content even on ad-free Standard and Premium plans.; No permanently free tier; Basic with Ads still costs $10.99/month.
- **Pricing:** From $10.99/mo (verified undefined NaN, NaN) — $10.99/month Basic with Ads vs Apple TV+'s $12.99/month standalone (ad-free)
- Details: https://findalternative.to/max/about
- 6 alternatives to Max: https://findalternative.to/max

## 5. Paramount+ — best Apple TV alternative for CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and BET viewers who also want in-app live NFL, UFC, and UEFA Champions League coverage without a separate cable or sports subscription

Paramount+ is the best Apple TV alternative for CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and BET viewers who also want in-app live NFL, UFC, and UEFA Champions League coverage without a separate cable or sports subscription. Paramount+ streams live NFL games on CBS, UFC events, and UEFA Champions League matches directly in the app alongside the full CBS/BET/Comedy Central/MTV/Nickelodeon on-demand library, a live-sports lineup Apple TV's catalog doesn't include. Paramount+'s Standard with ads tier starts at $8.99/month, well under Apple TV's $12.99/month standalone price, and its pricing was verified from a live vendor page. Apple TV is still the better choice for viewers who prioritize reliability and customer support: Trustpilot reviewers rate Paramount+ around 1.2/5 from roughly 3,400+ reviews, citing constant buffering and lagging on smart TVs and streaming devices, shows being removed from the catalog, and customer service that's largely bot-driven with little human escalation, none of which is raised in Apple TV's listing.

Compared to Apple TV: live NFL games on CBS, UFC events, and UEFA Champions League matches streamed in-app, the full CBS/BET/Comedy Central/MTV/Nickelodeon on-demand library, and a cheaper $8.99/month ad-supported entry price

- Wins: Live NFL games on CBS, UFC events, and UEFA Champions League matches streamed directly in the app · Full CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, and Nickelodeon on-demand library, a franchise mix Apple TV's catalog doesn't include · Standard with ads tier starts at $8.99/month, well under Apple TV's $12.99/month standalone price
- Loses: Trustpilot reviewers rate the service around 1.2/5 from roughly 3,400+ reviews, citing constant buffering and lagging on smart TVs and streaming devices · Shows are reported being removed from the catalog, reducing library stability · Customer service is largely bot-driven with little human escalation, per reviewer reports
- Pros: Live NFL on CBS, UFC, and UEFA Champions League streamed directly in the app.; Premium tier bundles in SHOWTIME's film and series library at no extra cost.; Supports up to 3 simultaneous streams plus family profiles.; Available on more than a dozen device platforms including consoles and smart TVs.
- Cons: Trustpilot rating around 1.2/5 from roughly 3,400+ reviews, with buffering and playback reliability the top complaint.; Even the ad-free Premium tier still shows ads during live TV and sports.; Shows and movies are frequently pulled from the catalog even when produced by Paramount itself.; Customer service is largely automated with limited human support for billing or refund issues.
- **Pricing:** From $8.99/mo (verified undefined NaN, NaN) — $8.99/month Standard with ads vs Apple TV+'s $12.99/month standalone (ad-free)
- Details: https://findalternative.to/paramount/about
- 4 alternatives to Paramount+: https://findalternative.to/paramount

## Which one fits you?

- You want the largest, most frequently refreshed library of on-demand shows and films → **Netflix**
- You want Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars bundled with Hulu or ESPN under one subscription → **Disney+**
- You're an Amazon Prime member and want streaming bundled with free shipping → **Prime Video**
- You want HBO's prestige dramas plus live NBA, MLB, and NCAA March Madness in one app → **Max**
- You want live NFL, UFC, and Champions League coverage alongside CBS and Nickelodeon shows → **Paramount+**
- You want the cheapest possible ad-supported entry price among these streaming services → **Netflix**

## FAQ

### Is there a free alternative to Apple TV?

No — none of Apple TV's alternatives listed here (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Max, Paramount+) offer a permanently free tier; all require a paid subscription starting between $8.99 and $12.99/month for their ad-supported entry tiers.

### What is the closest alternative to Apple TV?

Netflix is the closest overall match for general on-demand streaming: it covers the widest range of shows and films across the same web, mobile, and connected-TV devices, though at a cheaper $8.99/month ad-supported entry price than Apple TV+'s $12.99/month.

### Can Netflix replace Apple TV?

Yes for viewers who want the largest catalog of on-demand shows and films, since Netflix's library and personalization far exceed Apple TV+'s smaller original-series catalog. Viewers who specifically want an ad-free experience at every price tier should note Netflix's cheapest plan still carries ads, unlike Apple TV+'s single ad-free tier.

### Which Apple TV alternative has the most reliable streaming?

We don't have reliability ratings for Netflix, Disney+, or Prime Video, but Max (around 1.3/5 on Trustpilot) and Paramount+ (around 1.2/5 on Trustpilot) are both flagged for frequent buffering and playback complaints, worth weighing against Apple TV's own listing, which reports no such issues.

### Which Apple TV alternative includes live sports?

Max includes live NBA, MLB, and NCAA March Madness coverage, and Paramount+ includes live NFL games on CBS, UFC events, and UEFA Champions League matches, none of which are part of Apple TV+'s catalog.

### Is Disney+ cheaper than Apple TV?

Yes at the ad-supported entry tier — Disney+ with ads starts at $11.99/month versus Apple TV+'s $12.99/month standalone price, though an ad-free Disney+ plan costs $18.99/month, more than Apple TV+'s single ad-free tier.

## Related

- [Apple TV alternatives for Web](https://findalternative.to/apple-tv/for/web) (5)
- [Apple TV alternatives for iOS](https://findalternative.to/apple-tv/for/ios) (5)
- [Apple TV alternatives for Android](https://findalternative.to/apple-tv/for/android) (5)
- [Apple TV vs Netflix](https://findalternative.to/compare/apple-tv-vs-netflix)
- [Video Streaming](https://findalternative.to/categories/video-streaming)

---

Markdown mirror of https://findalternative.to/apple-tv — findalternative.to, honestly ranked software alternatives. AI info: https://findalternative.to/ai