The Best TV Streaming Service category looks at the best entertainment streaming services, the content they offer and the interfaces they offer it up on. With more and more streaming services joining the line-up, it’s becoming a very tough category. The shortlisted nominations for the Best TV Streaming Service 2023 were excellent, but only one can be King - or Queen - of content.
TV Streaming Service of the year: Disney+
Disney+has rapidly become a must have for fans of Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and, of course, Disney’s own movies and TV shows in the time since it launched. In the UK and Europe, the service also offers “Star” - a section for TV shows and films that wouldn’t normally fit under the House of Mouse’s umbrella, such as The Walking Dead andGrey’s Anatomy. Then there are shows like The Bear and Only Murders in the Building that are just excellent and help make this service our top TV Streaming Service winner for 2023.
As with the other great services in this category, much of the content on Disney+ is offered in the best formats possible - 4K, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos - and there are now several different subscription tiers available, making it more accessiible, adding to its appeal.
Highly Commended: Netflix
Netflixis arguably the most popular of the nominees for this category and for a good reason - it has regularly offered some of the biggest TV series in terms of buzz. It’s the home of Tiger King,Squid Game,The Crownand Stranger Things, for starters, not to mention shows likeBridgerton. There are also exclusive movies galore, starring the likes of Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Netflix launched a cheaper, ad-supported tier in 2022, which widened the service to a larger audience, while its top tier continues to offer premium video and audio options, including 4K, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, even if it is more expensive now. The Pocket-lint team and our group of elite judges crowned Netflix runner up for TV Streaming Service for this year.
The best of the rest
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon’s Prime Videoservice is the streaming home of a range of top class Amazon Originals TV series, such as Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Jack Ryan, and The Boys. Plus, thanks to Amazon’s acquisition of Hollywood studio MGM, it regularly hosts the entire James Bond movie franchise. It also provides video in up to 4K and withDolby VisionandDolby Atmos, giving the best experience depending on your home entertainment setup.
A relative newcomer to the streaming scene compared to others,Apple TV+has rapidly gained critical acclaim for its TV series and movie selection, which are exclusive to the platform thanks to a tight commissioning process.Ted Lassois a particular highlight, along with Bad Sisters, Mythic Quest andSeverance. Apple also makes its own movies for the platform, most often in the best quality possible - 4K, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Coda stands out among a fine selection, but there are many others worth a watch.
BBC iPlayer
BBC iPlayeris a yardstick for free streaming services, being the UK’s largest platform for terrestrial TV shows. Not only was it the first among its peers to adopt Ultra HD and HDR, it continues to be the only one to do so. It also hosts a vast collection of British programming, both on demand and through the array of live BBC channels.
Nowis the streaming service from Sky and, as such, offers the gamut of excellent content available on the firm’s other platforms (Sky Glass, Sky Q andSky Stream). That includes HBO programming, such as House of the Dragon, White Lotus and Succession, plus plenty of its own Sky Originals. Gangs of London and Brassic are particular highlights. You currently only get a maximum of 1080p video and 5.1 sound on Now, but the way its payment system is constructed means you’re able to add and remove packages on a monthly basis - including all of Sky Sports - without the need for a contract.
How the Pocket-lint Awards judging works
The winner for the Best TV Streaming Service category was decided by the Pocket-lint team, along with a panel of expert judges from publications across the industry. Following a vigorous scoring process, the Best TV Streaming Service winner for 2023 was announced at an in-person event on 09 July 2025, along with the winners from the other 20 categories.
A Product of the Year winner was also be announced, chosen from the winners of the 21 categories and a winner of the New EE Award was revealed at the event too. You cancheck out our full Pocket-lint Awards featurefor a list of all the winners.
