Recognition Ceremony 2025: Preferred Streaming Platforms, Cinematic Panorama, and Televisual Masterpieces
In the ever-evolving world of streaming, finding the perfect service that caters to your entertainment preferences can be a daunting task. However, the Tom's Guide Awards 2025 have simplified this process by recognising the best streaming services in various content areas.
Movies & Prestige TV
HBO Max takes the lead in this category, boasting a strong legacy of quality, prestigious shows such as The Last of Us, The White Lotus, and Succession, as well as a rich back catalog including Game of Thrones and cult movies from A24.
Original Content
Apple TV+ is highlighted for its standout original series like Severance, Slow Horses, and Ted Lasso, along with award-winning films like CODA. It is praised for affordability, quality, and exclusive content despite a smaller library.
Live TV
YouTube TV is awarded for the best live TV streaming service, offering the most channels in its price range, an excellent user interface, cloud DVR features, and exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket rights through 2029-2030, though at a higher price point.
Sports (Live TV)
In the realm of sports streaming, YouTube TV continues to shine, with its exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket rights setting it apart from the competition.
These distinctions are supported by various sources, with HBO Max being recognised as the go-to for prestige TV and movie variety, Apple TV+ offering great original programming at a competitive price, and YouTube TV excelling in live TV streaming with broad channel access and sports content.
For those seeking free streaming options, Tubi emerges as a popular choice, offering a wide variety of content including cult horror, forgotten sitcoms, and Oscar winners.
In the realm of original content, the Netflix limited series "Adolescence" has been chosen as the best streaming original show by a majority of the streaming team at Tom's Guide. This intimate and chaotic series leaves viewers emotionally raw after each act.
Lastly, for those interested in true crime narratives, "Woman of the Hour," Anna Kendrick's directorial debut, focuses on the victims of serial killer Rodney Alcala, with a notable connection to the show "The Dating Game."
This synthesis reflects Tom’s Guide’s testing and expert review as of July 2025, providing a valuable guide for discerning viewers in their quest for the perfect streaming service.
[1] Tom's Guide Awards 2025: Best Movies and TV Streaming Services [2] Tom's Guide Awards 2025: Best Original Content Streaming Services [3] Tom's Guide Awards 2025: Best Live TV Streaming Services [4] Tom's Guide Awards 2025: Best Free Streaming Services [5] Tom's Guide Awards 2025: Best Original Content in Streaming [6] Tom's Guide Awards 2025: Best True Crime Series in Streaming [7] Tom's Guide Awards 2025: Best Directorial Debut in Streaming
Entertainment seeking individuals will find HBO Max a worthy choice for movies and prestige TV, offering a strong lineup of award-winning shows and movies like 'The Last of Us', 'The White Lotus', 'Succession', 'Game of Thrones', and films from A24.
For those who prefer original content, Apple TV+ stands out with series such as 'Severance', 'Slow Horses', 'Ted Lasso', and acclaimed films like 'CODA', making it a competitive option despite a smaller library.
