For years, Disney+ was the “must-have” streaming service for families. With 150+ million subscribers worldwide and exclusive access to Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars content, it seemed unstoppable. But in 2026, the magic is fading. Another price increase, stricter password-sharing restrictions, and growing frustration with limited content variety have sparked a wave of cancellations.
The Statistics Say It All:
- Disney+ raised prices by $3/month (2025-2026), bringing the ad-free tier to $13.99
- 35-40% of subscribers report considering cancellation after price hikes
- Password-sharing restrictions eliminated millions of users
- Average Disney+ catalog: 12,000-15,000 titles (vs. Netflix’s 6,000+, but Netflix has better quality diversity)
- “Streaming fatigue” affects 58% of households, driving users to consolidate services
But here’s the opportunity: 10+ streaming alternatives now offer better value, more diverse content, exclusive originals, and specialized features that Disney+ can’t match. Whether you’re seeking Oscar-winning dramas, sports coverage, blockbuster movies, family content, or niche documentaries, there’s a platform that delivers more for less.
This comprehensive 2026 guide explores the 10 best apps like Disney+ with detailed analysis of content libraries, pricing, family-friendliness, and ideal use cases. Whether you’re cutting the cord entirely or building a smarter streaming strategy, you’ll find your next perfect streaming home here.
Why Viewers Are Canceling Disney+Â
The Pricing Problem
Aggressive Price Increases:
- 2019: $7.99/month (launch price)
- 2022: $10.99/month (+38%)
- 2023: $13.99/month (ad-free, +27%)
- 2025-2026: $13.99/month (ad tier), but raising to $16.99 for ad-free (+22% planned)
Real Impact: A family that paid $95.88 annually in 2019 now pays $167.88 (75% increase in 7 years).
Password Sharing Restrictions
Disney implemented password-sharing restrictions starting December 2024, eliminating:
- Ability to share accounts across households
- Extra members on Basic tier
- Requirement to pay $7-8/month for additional household accounts
Market Impact: Estimated 10-15 million lost users due to sharing restrictions.
Limited Content Diversity
Disney+ focuses on:
- ✓ Disney/Pixar movies (excellent)Â
- ✓ Marvel content (excellent)
- ✓ Star Wars (excellent)
- ✕ Oscar-winning dramas (limited)
- ✕ Sports content (minimal)
- ✕ Reality television (virtually none)
- ✕ International content (growing but limited)
Result: Users need 2-3+ streaming services anyway, making Disney+ less essential.
Content Removal and Cancellations
Disney+ removed popular shows and movies:
- Marvel’s Daredevil series (moved to other platforms)
- Adult-oriented content (purged for “family-friendly” positioning)
- Underperforming originals (canceled after one season)
User sentiment: 42% report Disney+ has “fewer shows worth watching” than 2 years ago.
Streaming Market Overview 2026Â
Global Streaming Market Size
Total Market Value:
- 2024: $71.3 billion
- 2026 (projected): $85.7 billion
- 2030 (projected): $125+ billion
Annual growth rate: 8-12% (slowing as market matures)
Subscriber Distribution by Platform (2026)
| Service | Subscribers | Market Share | YoY Change |
| Netflix | 230+ million | 32-35% | +6% |
| Disney+ | 150 million | 18-20% | -5% (post price hike) |
| Amazon Prime Video | 200+ million | 22-25% | +8% |
| YouTube Premium | 100+ million | 10-12% | +12% |
| Hulu | 60+ million | 7-8% | -3% |
| Paramount+ | 70+ million | 8-9% | +4% |
| Others Combined | 80+ million | 8-10% | +15% |
Growth Trends Favoring Alternatives
Fastest Growing:
- Amazon Prime Video: 8% YoY (bundle advantage)
- YouTube Premium: 12% YoY (ad-free appeal)
- Paramount+: 4% YoY (sports focus)
- Specialty platforms: 15-20% YoY (MUBI, Criterion, niche services)
The 10 Best Apps Like Disney+Â
1. Netflix – The Diversity Leader
Market Position: 230+ million subscribers | Content: 6,000+ titles (curated quality)
What Makes Netflix Stand Out:
Netflix delivers what Disney+ can’t: diversity of quality content
- Award-winning originals: Stranger Things, The Crown, Bridgerton, The Diplomat
- Global content: International films, anime, K-dramas, Bollywood
- Genre variety: Drama, comedy, documentary, stand-up, reality
- Kids section: Extensive children’s content (separate profiles)
- Parental controls: Age-based content filtering
- 4K streaming: Available on all paid tiers
Pricing (2026):
- Standard with ads: $6.99/month
- Standard (HD): $15.49/month
- Premium (4K): $22.99/month
- Family sharing: Yes, with restrictions
Content Advantage: 3x Netflix content breadth vs. Disney+ (drama, comedy, documentary specialization)
Best For: Families wanting diversity, adults seeking prestige dramas, international content seekers
Why Choose Over Disney+:
- Better variety (not just family/franchise content)
- More prestige original content
- Better value at lower price points (ad-supported tier)
2. Amazon Prime Video – The Value Champion
Market Position: 200+ million | Part of: Amazon Prime membership ecosystem
What Makes Prime Video Stand Out:
Prime Video leverages Amazon Prime’s massive ecosystem:
- Bundle advantage: Access with Prime membership ($139/year or $14.99/month)
- Original quality: The Boys, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Reacher, Invincible
- Massive catalog: 20,000+ domestic/international titles
- Sports included: NFL, Premier League, NFL Thursday Night Football
- Rental/purchase option: Buy or rent movies not in subscription
- FREE tier: Amazon Freevee with ads (included separately)
- Add-on channels: Paramount+, HBO, Showtime bundled in Prime
Pricing (2026):
- Prime Video standalone: $14.99/month
- Amazon Prime (includes Video): $139/year or $14.99/month
- Prime + add-ons: Additional costs vary
Content Advantage: Sports content Disney+ completely lacks; rental/purchase flexibility
Best For: Amazon Prime members, sports fans, those wanting bundle value
Why Choose Over Disney+:
- Inherent bundle value (video + shopping + music)
- Sports access
- Rental/purchase options
- Better price for standalone
3. Hulu – The Television Alternative
Market Position: 60+ million | Owner: Disney (paradoxically)
What Makes Hulu Stand Out:
Hulu focuses on television content rather than theatrical releases:
- New TV shows: Episodes available day-after-broadcast (exclusive live TV option)
- Extensive library: 10,000+ TV shows and movies
- Live TV option: Hulu + Live TV includes 85+ channels
- Disney Channel content: Includes content kids can’t find on Disney+ yet
- Original series: Diverse (Handmaid’s Tale, Only Murders, Reservation Dogs)
- Bundle: Can bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+ for $14.99/month with ads
Pricing (2026):
- Ad-supported: $7.99/month
- Ad-free: $15.99/month
- Live TV (ads): $76.99/month
- Bundle (Disney+/ESPN+/Hulu ads): $14.99/month
Content Advantage: Live TV and next-day TV show access Disney+ completely lacks
Best For: Television lovers, cord-cutters wanting live TV alternative, sports + entertainment combo seekers
Why Choose Over Disney+:
- Television-focused (daily new content)
- Live TV option available
- Better value in bundle
- Next-day episode availability
4. Paramount+ – The Sports and CBS Alternative
Market Position: 70+ million | Owner: Paramount Global
What Makes Paramount+ Stand Out:
Paramount positions as the “live sports and network TV” alternative:
- Live sports: NFL, WNBA, UEFA, Serie A, Italian football (2026 partnership)
- CBS shows: All current and archived CBS series
- Movie studio: Paramount theatrical releases (exclusive streaming window)
- Originals: Yellowstone, 1883, Tulsa King, The Mayor of Kingstown
- Kids content: Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Comedy Central properties
- Bundle discount: Year-one subscribers get 50% off
Pricing (2026):
- Ad-supported: $5.99/month (first 2 months, then $7.99)
- Ad-free: $13.99/month
- Paramount+ with Showtime: $19.99/month (bundle)
Content Advantage: Sports and Nickelodeon content; theatrical exclusives
Best For: Sports fans, NFL viewers, kids content (Nickelodeon), reality TV fans
Why Choose Over Disney+:
- Superior sports offering
- Network TV (CBS) content
- Kids content from Nickelodeon (not Disney)
- Lower intro pricing ($5.99)
5. Apple TV+ – The Quality-Over-Quantity Approach
Market Position: 25+ million (growing) | Free trial: 7 days free, 3 months free with Apple device
What Makes Apple TV+ Stand Out:
Apple takes a premium quality approach (fewer shows, higher prestige):
- Award-winning originals: Ted Lasso, Severance, For All Mankind, Foundations
- A-list creators: Scorsese, Spielberg, Sorkin directing for Apple
- Ad-free: All plans include no ads (major advantage)
- 4K/Dolby Vision: Premium video quality standard
- Easy integration: Works seamlessly with Apple ecosystem
- Bundle: Part of Apple One with other services
Pricing (2026):
- Standalone: $9.99/month
- Apple One: From $14.99/month (includes Apple TV+, Apple Music, iCloud+, Fitness+)
Content Advantage: Most prestigious originals; higher critical acclaim per title
Best For: Quality-focused viewers, Apple ecosystem users, those wanting ad-free experience
Why Choose Over Disney+:
- Ad-free standard
- Higher prestige content
- Apple ecosystem integration
- Better critical reception of originals
6. Max (formerly HBO Max) – The HBO Legacy
Market Position: 55+ million HBO/Max subscribers | Content: HBO, Warner Bros, discovery networks
What Makes Max Stand Out:
Max combines HBO prestige with Warner Bros theatrical releases:
- HBO series: Game of Thrones, True Detective, Chernobyl, The Last of Us
- Warner Bros films: DC Universe, Dune, Oppenheimer (day-and-date theatrical)
- Discovery shows: Reality, true crime, nature (from Discovery networks)
- Sports: NBA, March Madness, summer Olympics (with subscription)
- Kids content: Cartoon Network, Boomerang
- Originals: Full House, Westworld, His Dark Materials
Pricing (2026):
- Ad-supported: $9.99/month
- Ad-free: $19.99/month
- With Discovery+: Bundled in most tiers
Content Advantage: HBO prestige + Warner Bros theatrical + sports
Best For: HBO fans, sports enthusiasts, adults preferring prestige drama
Why Choose Over Disney+:
- HBO content prestige unmatched
- Warner Bros films included
- Sports coverage
- Reality/nature content diversity
7. Peacock – The NBC Universal Alternative
Market Position: 35+ million | NBC/Bravo/CNBC catalog
What Makes Peacock Stand Out:
Peacock leverages NBCUniversal’s massive content library:
- 80,000+ hours of content (largest catalog claim)
- Live sports: NFL, Premier League, WWE, NHL (select)
- NBC shows: Law & Order franchise, The Office, Parks and Recreation
- Bravo: Real Housewives, Southern Charm, Summer House
- News: Extensive news and talk programming
- Kids content: Dedicated kids section with parental controls
- Premium sports: Premium sports tier available
Pricing (2026):
- Free with ads: Limited content (no longer available as premium free tier)
- Premium with ads: $5.99/month
- Premium ad-free: $12.99/month
- Premium+ sports: $14.99/month
Content Advantage: Largest content library; sports + entertainment combo
Best For: Sports fans, reality TV enthusiasts, legacy NBC show bingers, family viewers
Why Choose Over Disney+:
- Largest catalog
- Sports access
- Reality TV specialization
- Better value pricing
8. Pluto TV – The Free Alternative
Market Position: 70+ million | Model: Ad-supported, completely FREE
What Makes Pluto TV Stand Out:
Pluto TV proves you don’t need to pay for streaming:
- Completely FREE: Ad-supported, no subscription
- 250+ live channels: Continuous programming (like cable)
- On-demand library: 10,000+ movies and shows
- Kids channels: Dedicated children’s programming
- Nature content: National Geographic equivalent
- No account required: Watch anonymously
- Roku integration: Native Roku Channel (seamless if you have Roku TV)
Pricing: FREE (ad-supported)
Content Advantage: Completely free; live TV alternative without cable
Best For: Budget-conscious viewers, cord-cutters, those happy with ad-supported, families
Why Choose Over Disney+:
- Completely free
- Live TV alternative
- No commitment/cancellation
9. Criterion Channel – The Cinephile’s Choice
Market Position: Niche but growing | Specialty: Criterion Collection + classic/arthouse films
What Makes Criterion Channel Stand Out:
For film lovers and cinematophiles seeking depth over breadth:
- Criterion Collection: 1000+ released Criterion films (best-in-class restorations)
- Expert curation: Handpicked selections with contextual essays
- Film school: Extensive filmmaker retrospectives and thematic collections
- Premium quality: 4K/Blu-ray transfers (best possible quality)
- Ad-free: Premium, uninterrupted experience
- Offline viewing: Download capability included
Pricing (2026):
- Monthly: $9.99/month
- Annual: $99.99/year (best value)
Content Advantage: Unmatched film curation quality; restoration excellence
Best For: Film enthusiasts, cinematophiles, students, directors, serious movie lovers
Why Choose Over Disney+:
- Film curation unmatched
- Premium restoration quality
- Educational value
- Prestige content focus
10. Tubi – The Hidden Gems Platform
Market Position: 80+ million downloads | Model: Free ad-supported
What Makes Tubi Stand Out:
Tubi democratizes streaming with massive free library:
- 50,000+ movies and TV shows: Largest free ad-supported platform
- Completely FREE: No subscription required
- Hidden gems: Independent films, international cinema, B-movies
- No account needed: Anonymous viewing available
- Original content: Tubi Originals (B-movie style)
- Unique selection: Content not on major platforms (licensing deals)
- Easy interface: Simple search and discovery
Pricing: FREE (ad-supported)
Content Advantage: Deepest free library; unique independent/international content
Best For: Budget viewers, independent film fans, international cinema seekers, risk-takers
Why Choose Over Disney+:
- Completely free
- Unique independent content
- International cinema
- No commitment
Content Library ComparisonÂ
Total Catalog Size
| Service | Total Titles | Movies | Shows | Originals | Quality Rating |
| Disney+ | 12,000-15,000 | 7,000 | 5,000 | 200+ | 8.5/10 |
| Netflix | 6,000-8,000 | 4,000 | 2,000 | 300+ | 8.8/10 |
| Prime Video | 20,000+ | 15,000+ | 5,000+ | 150+ | 8.0/10 |
| Hulu | 10,000+ | 4,000 | 6,000 | 100+ | 7.8/10 |
| Paramount+ | 8,000+ | 4,000 | 4,000 | 80+ | 7.9/10 |
| Max | 10,000+ | 4,000 | 6,000 | 100+ | 8.3/10 |
| Peacock | 20,000+ | 8,000+ | 12,000+ | 60+ | 7.5/10 |
| Apple TV+ | 2,000+ | 300 | 1,700+ | 150+ | 9.0/10 |
| Criterion | 1,000 | 1,000 | Minimal | Minimal | 9.5/10 |
| Tubi/Pluto | 50,000+ | 40,000 | 10,000+ | Minimal | 6.5/10 |
Pricing and Bundle AnalysisÂ
Standalone Pricing Comparison (2026)
| Service | Cheapest Tier | Ad-Free Tier | Annual Cost (Ad-Free) | Family Sharing |
| Disney+ | $7.99 (ads) | $13.99 | $167.88 | Limited |
| Netflix | $6.99 (ads) | $22.99 | $275.88 | Restricted |
| Prime Video | $14.99 | $14.99 | $179.88 | Yes |
| Hulu | $7.99 (ads) | $15.99 | $191.88 | Yes |
| Paramount+ | $5.99 intro | $13.99 | $167.88 | Yes |
| Max | $9.99 (ads) | $19.99 | $239.88 | Yes |
| Peacock | $5.99 (ads) | $12.99 | $155.88 | Limited |
| Apple TV+ | $9.99 | $9.99 | $119.88 | Yes |
| Criterion | N/A | $9.99 | $99.99 | Limited |
| Tubi/Pluto | FREE | FREE | FREE | N/A |
Smart Bundle Strategy (Annual Cost)
Recommended Combo #1 (Families):
- Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ Bundle: $14.99/month with ads = $179.88/year
- Netflix Standard with ads: $6.99/month = $83.88/year
- Total: $263.76/year (vs. $179 Disney+ alone used to cost)
Recommended Combo #2 (Adults):
- Netflix Premium: $22.99/month = $275.88/year
- Max: $9.99/month with ads = $119.88/year
- Apple TV+: $9.99/month = $119.88/year
- Total: $515.64/year (higher but 3x better content diversity)
Recommended Combo #3 (Budget):
- Paramount+ intro: $5.99/month x 2 = $11.98 first 2 months, then $13.99
- Peacock Premium with ads: $5.99/month = $71.88/year
- Pluto TV/Tubi: FREE
- Total: $95-120/year (massive savings, sacrificing some quality)
Family-Friendly Content RankingÂ
Best for Families (with kids content focus)
| Rank | Service | Strength | Weakness | Rating |
| #1 | Disney+ | Disney, Pixar, Marvel franchises | Limited diversity; price | 9/10 |
| #2 | Hulu | Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, diversity | Some adult content; confusing | 8.5/10 |
| #3 | Paramount+ | Nickelodeon exclusive, Dora, Paw Patrol | Sports-focused | 8/10 |
| #4 | Prime Video | Diversity + rental/purchase; bundle value | Less kid-focused curation | 7.5/10 |
| #5 | Netflix | Excellent kids content; separate profiles | Mixed with adult content | 7.8/10 |
| #6 | Max | Cartoon Network, quality shows | Less kids content than competitors | 7.2/10 |
| #7 | Peacock | NBC kids, parental controls | Smaller kids library | 6.8/10 |
| #8 | Pluto TV | Free; dedicated kids channels | Uneven quality | 6.5/10 |
Device Compatibility GuideÂ
Platform Support by Device
| Device | Best Options | Good Options | Limited |
| iOS/iPhone | Netflix, Disney+, Prime, All major | All major services | Limited free options |
| Android | Netflix, Disney+, Prime, All major | All major services | Some specialty (Criterion) |
| Smart TVs | Netflix, Prime, Disney+, Max | Paramount+, Peacock, Hulu | Apple TV+ (TV-specific) |
| Roku TV | Disney+, Netflix, Prime, Paramount+ | Most services | Peacock limited |
| Amazon Fire TV | All major | Most specialty | Apple TV+ (native) |
| Apple TV | Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+, Prime | All services | Peacock |
| Chromecast | All services | — | None |
| Gaming Consoles | Netflix, Disney+, Prime, Paramount+ | Most services | Apple TV+ |
Choosing Your Next Streaming Service
Decision Matrix
IF YOU WANT FAMILY CONTENT AT LOWEST PRICE: → 1: Disney+ (still best franchise content despite price) → 2: Hulu with Disney+ bundle ($14.99 with ads)
IF YOU WANT MAXIMUM DIVERSITY: → 1: Netflix (best mix of quality original + licensed) → 2: Prime Video (largest catalog) → 3: Peacock (most total content)
IF YOU WANT PRESTIGE ORIGINAL CONTENT: → 1: Apple TV+ (highest critical acclaim per title) → 2: Max (HBO legacy) → 3: Netflix (most originals overall)
IF YOU WANT SPORTS: → 1: Paramount+ (NFL, WNBA, UEFA, Serie A) → 2: Hulu with Live TV (85+ channels) → 3: Max (NBA, Olympics)
IF YOU’RE ON A BUDGET: → 1: Tubi (FREE, 50,000+ titles) → 2: Pluto TV (FREE, live channels) → 3: Paramount+ intro ($5.99 first 2 months)
IF YOU WANT KIDS CONTENT ONLY: → 1: Disney+ (Pixar, Disney animated classics) → 2: Paramount+ (Nickelodeon exclusive) → 3: Hulu (Disney Channel content)
IF YOU WANT FILM/CINEMA FOCUS: → 1: Criterion Channel (1000 curated classics) → 2: MUBI (arthouse/independent focus) → 3: Tubi (independent cinema free)
Conclusion
Disney+ dominated 2019-2023. But 2026 brings real competition with better value. Whether through budget combinations, prestige platforms, or specialty services, you have more choice for less money than ever.
The Smart Strategy:
- Cancel Disney+ standalone (if not happy with price)
- Subscribe to Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle ($14.99 with ads) instead
- Add Netflix ($6.99 with ads) for diversity
- Add one specialty: Max (HBO), Paramount+ (sports), or Apple TV+ (prestige)
- Rotate subscriptions: Cancel/restart services monthly as desired
Cost Comparison:
- Old way: Disney+ ($13.99) + Netflix ($15.49) + One other = $40-50/month
- Smart way: Bundle ($14.99) + Netflix with ads ($6.99) + Specialty ($10) = $32-35/month (saving $120-180/year)
The era of “one app for all entertainment” is over. Welcome to the a la carte streaming era where you have power.
