7 Best Streaming Apps: Viewers Share Their Favorites
Streaming apps have revolutionized how we consume entertainment, offering a vast array of choices at our fingertips. This article presents insights from viewers and industry experts on the top streaming platforms, highlighting their unique features and content offerings. From personalized experiences to diverse libraries, discover which apps are capturing audiences worldwide.
- Netflix Personalizes Streaming Experience
- Youku Delivers Premium Chinese Entertainment
- Apple TV+ Curates Quality Over Quantity
- Stan Blends Australian and Global Content
- Prime Video Enhances Viewing with X-Ray
- Tencent Video Excels in Asian Content
- HBO Max Offers Diverse Film Library
Netflix Personalizes Streaming Experience
I primarily use Netflix for watching movies and TV shows, and it remains my preferred streaming platform because it has a user-friendly interface, broad content selection, and, in my opinion, superior personalization features. Netflix offers a wide range of selections from documentaries and international films to original dramas and comedies. Although I’m an indecisive person, I like to have my options, and I find Netflix to be the easiest to find something I like, depending on my mood or interest. I believe its algorithm does a good job at learning my preferences over time based on the suggestions it gives me after what I’ve recently watched or liked. I appreciate how this reduces decision fatigue and introduces me to hidden gems I wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Another standout feature is the ability to download movies/shows for offline viewing, which is especially useful during commutes, flights, or travel where internet access may be limited. Netflix also provides multiple user profiles, making it easy to maintain personalized recommendations for each household member. The “Skip Intro” and “Next Episode” features may seem minor, but they greatly enhance the binge-watching experience.
Netflix also leads the industry in original content production, consistently releasing buzzworthy series, to mention a few of my favorites: Bridgerton, The Queen’s Gambit, and Black Mirror, along with high-quality films and limited series. Their content is also available in multiple languages, with dubbed or subtitled versions, making it accessible to international audiences. I know I can always rely on this when I’m watching with my parents, who only understand Mandarin.
For other viewers, I’d recommend Netflix for its balance of entertainment, innovation, and accessibility. Whether you’re interested in trending titles, niche documentaries, or family-friendly options, it offers a curated, high-quality experience that sets it apart from many competitors.
Rita Zhang
Marketing Coordinator, Achievable
Youku Delivers Premium Chinese Entertainment
My go-to app for watching movies and TV shows is Youku, especially when I’m following top Chinese dramas. One major reason it’s my preferred platform is its exclusive access to high-quality C-dramas and star-studded releases, like Xiao Zhan’s latest series, which I’m incredibly excited about. Youku offers crisp video quality, reliable subtitles, and a sleek interface that makes binge-watching effortless. I also appreciate its VIP membership options that unlock early access to episodes and remove ads. For international fans of Chinese entertainment, Youku is a must-have—especially if you’re into trending shows, popular idols, and top-tier storytelling.
Xin Zhang
Marketing Director, Guyker
Apple TV+ Curates Quality Over Quantity
When it comes to watching movies or TV, I’ll be honest: I’ve tried pretty much all the streaming apps—Netflix, Hulu, Prime, HBO, the whole buffet. But the one I’ve been weirdly obsessed with lately? Apple TV+.
And no, it’s not just because of the slick interface (though it is beautifully minimal, like the Apple of 2008 reincarnated). What actually makes it my favorite is something rather counterintuitive: Apple TV+ doesn’t drown you in options.
There’s a kind of calm that comes from opening an app and not being hit with 600 thumbnails screaming for your attention. Apple TV+ has fewer shows—but almost every one is of ridiculously high quality. “Severance,” “For All Mankind,” “Slow Horses,” “Silo”—they don’t just throw content at you. They curate. It’s like going to a boutique store instead of a warehouse.
And because the library is more focused, it actually helps me avoid binging. I’ll watch a show, enjoy it, then move on with my life. No rabbit holes. No 12-episode regret marathons. Honestly, it’s the only platform that feels like it respects my time.
So if you’re someone who loves good storytelling but doesn’t want your entire Sunday to disappear into a content black hole, Apple TV+ is the way to go. It’s streaming for people who want intention, not just entertainment.
Derek Pankaew
CEO & Founder, Listening.com
Stan Blends Australian and Global Content
I prefer watching movies and shows on Stan because it offers a strong mix of local Australian content alongside popular international titles. After a long day handling electrical work around Sydney, it’s nice to have a streaming platform that loads quickly and runs smoothly on my smart TV without interruptions. One night, I binge-watched an entire season of a crime series without a single ad breaking the flow, which felt like a real win. The interface is straightforward, so I don’t waste time figuring out where to find things, which suits my busy schedule.
What stands out most is the option to download shows for offline viewing. On job sites with poor reception, I can load up a few episodes on my phone and watch during breaks or on the commute. It’s a simple feature that has saved me from boredom more than once, especially during longer projects. The app works well across devices, which means I can start a show on the TV at home and finish it on my phone while out and about, making it flexible for someone always on the move like me.
Daniel Vasilevski
Director/Owner, Pro Electrical
Prime Video Enhances Viewing with X-Ray
When it comes to streaming, my go-to is Prime Video—not because it’s trendy, but because it’s functional in all the right ways. As someone who’s often juggling work sprints and late-night wind-downs, I value a platform that blends deep content variety with smart usability.
What makes Prime stand out is the X-Ray feature—a developer’s dream. It gives instant access to actor bios, music, and trivia without interrupting the stream. The download quality is also top-notch, making offline viewing seamless during flights or travel. Plus, the ability to rent or buy niche titles outside the standard catalog fills a gap most platforms overlook.
For anyone who likes blending mainstream hits with indie or international finds—and wants more than just a passive watch experience—Prime delivers utility, not just entertainment.
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu
CEO, Online Games
Tencent Video Excels in Asian Content
I prefer using Tencent Video for watching movies and TV shows, especially when I’m in Asia or looking for Chinese-language content. What makes it stand out is its vast library of domestic and international titles, including popular dramas, variety shows, and exclusive content you won’t find on Western platforms. It also excels in offering timely updates and simulcast episodes, which is perfect for staying current with trending series.
The app interface is sleek and user-friendly, and it offers high-definition streaming with minimal buffering. One underrated feature is the comment “danmu” overlay, which lets you see real-time viewer reactions—great for feeling connected in a shared watch experience. For those learning Mandarin or interested in Asian pop culture, it’s an especially rich platform. While some content requires a VIP membership, the pricing is affordable and often includes early access or ad-free viewing. It’s a great choice for global viewers looking to explore beyond Netflix.
Qianqian He
Founder, BOXKING GAMING
HBO Max Offers Diverse Film Library
The app I prefer for watching movies and TV shows is HBO Max. It not only offers an affordable monthly price but also has a wide variety of shows and movies. If you are a movie enthusiast, HBO is definitely the platform for you. They consistently have the latest releases, as well as classic films and all-time favorites. Additionally, HBO produces excellent original TV shows, unlike some other platforms that may not focus on creating high-quality originals and instead rely on temporarily licensing existing series. While other platforms do offer live television options, which can be a nice feature, HBO occasionally has this option as well, though it’s not as frequently available or emphasized as it is on platforms like Hulu or YouTube TV.
Lindsey Wolf
Marketing Manager, SportingSmiles
