Top Streaming Services Ranked by Similarity to Cable TV

When Netflix first launched its streaming service in 2011, it changed the game for how we consume TV. For just $7.99 a month, viewers could access a vast library of movies and shows on demand, without any pesky ads. It seemed like the end of cable was in sight.

Fast forward to today, and while cable is definitely on the decline, streaming services haven’t exactly stuck to their original ad-free promise. Many companies have had trouble turning a profit, leading them to incorporate ads, live programming, and linear channels to make streaming feel more like cable.

Netflix, after years of holding out, finally joined the ad-supported streaming world in 2022. They have a relatively low ad load compared to others, with less than 2 minutes of ads per hour of content watched. They’re also testing out live events to keep things interesting.

Amazon Prime Video also hopped on the ad train this year, along with adding live channels offering news, sports, and classic TV shows.

Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming platform, Max, includes content from big cable networks like HBO and the Discovery Channel. Their ad-supported plan features a lighter ad load of around 4 minutes per hour.

Disney+ also has a similar ad load of about 4 minutes per hour, with plans to include ABC News Live. They recently introduced four live channels to help users discover new content categories.

Hulu, known for its traditional broadcast and cable content, has one of the highest ad loads in the industry, with about 6½ minutes of ads per hour.

Paramount+ and Peacock, owned by media giants Paramount Global and NBCUniversal, have integrated ads into their platforms from the start. These services feature higher ad loads, ranging from 5 to 9 minutes per hour, and prioritize live sports content.

Pluto TV and Tubi, owned by Paramount Global and Fox Corporation, offer completely free, ad-supported streaming with a slightly higher ad load of around 4 to 7 minutes per hour. They focus on live channels to recreate that traditional TV feel without the price tag.