(Completely Personal) Honest Comparison of Video Streaming Subscriptions
I have tried various video streaming services while repeatedly subscribing and canceling.
I will summarize my realistic impressions from a completely personal perspective in a ranking format.
*Prices are as of June 2025
(Includes Amazon associates)
My Best Subscription
Introducing them in order from worst
DMM TV
Great for anime fans, but a bit tough for others.
The original programs (like Donketsu) are interesting, but it's a mystery why they end up being available on other subscription services too.
→ Canceled after 1 month.
(550 yen)
Hulu
Subscribed for NCIS.
It used to have a great selection of overseas dramas, but since becoming a subsidiary of Nippon TV, it's mostly content that can be substituted with TVer...
→ Being able to watch Giants games is a plus. But the cost-performance is bad, so I canceled.
(1,026 yen)
U-NEXT
The number of programs is overwhelming.
You can watch adult content and manga, but I don't.
However, even though you can use points at movie theaters, it's really for people who go to the movies every month.
→ It was too expensive for me, so I unsubscribed.
(1,990 yen)
YouTube Premium
I used it for many years, but I'm troubled by the repeated price hikes.
If you use a browser with an ad blocker, you can clear the minimum requirements, but it's tough that you can't play in the background.
YouTube Music can be played with the display off using the aforementioned browser.
(1,280 yen)
Disney+
I moved from other video services for masterpieces like Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.
Joined for Disney-related content + HBO and Criminal Minds.
But honestly, if you don't have an emotional attachment to Disney, it's unnecessary.
→ Unsubscribed after a few months.
(1,140 yen)
ABEMA
Still subscribed. It's the best for watching MLB, especially Dodgers games, on weekdays.
The ads don't bother me, and the original content like "Shikujiri Sensei" and "Naokiman Urban Legends" is also great.
→ Highly recommended for baseball fans.
(Free with ads or 580 yen)
Amazon Prime Video
Currently resubscribed.
If it were just the content, it would be mediocre, but I end up keeping it for Prime Music and shipping benefits.
However, the ad insertion has become annoying, so I canceled it once.
Many people might be tied down by Prime Music, Amazon Photos, free shipping, etc.
There are no drawbacks to using the aforementioned browser for music, Google Photos for photos, and Yodobashi for shipping.
→ Resubscribed because there was a Docomo discount.
(600 yen + 390 yen for ads)
Netflix
I've used various services, but Netflix is the best after all!
The quality and quantity of original works and the ease of use of the app are top-class.
Restrictions on multiple accounts have become stricter; if using in multiple locations, use a mobile device.
1,590 yen (ad-free plan)
Extra Edition
(Baseball Subscriptions)
JSPORTS On Demand
I subscribed to the baseball pack, but I canceled it because the TV app was just too terrible.
It might be okay if your favorite team is included, but it's underwhelming that you can only watch games hosted by three teams each from the Central and Pacific Leagues.
(1,980 yen)
Rakuten TV
Free streaming for Rakuten Mobile users. I mainly use it for professional baseball interleague games and preseason games.
(Free)
Conclusion
My top choice is "Netflix + ABEMA"
Everyone has their own preferences, but after trying various services, these two offer the best value and satisfaction for me!