In today’s digital age, streaming services have become an essential part of family entertainment. With the vast array of options available, it can be overwhelming to figure out which platform is the best fit for your family’s needs.

Whether you have young children, teens, or even grandparents, finding a streaming service that offers something for everyone is no easy task.

Parents want a platform that provides safe, age-appropriate content for their kids, while also offering entertainment for the whole family. This means choosing a service with a balance of children’s shows, educational content, and movies or series for adults.

Additionally, with busy family schedules, accessibility across devices, good parental controls, and budget-friendly pricing are also important factors in the decision-making process.

Fortunately, many streaming platforms cater specifically to families, offering a range of entertainment options that appeal to different age groups.

Some are designed with children in mind, featuring content that is both entertaining and educational, while others provide more diverse offerings, including live TV and a broader range of content.

In this article, we’ll explore the best streaming services for families in 2025. We’ll break down the top platforms, highlighting their key features, advantages, and any potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision about which service is the best for your family.

From popular giants like Disney+ to lesser-known options, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and find the perfect streaming service for your family’s entertainment needs.

What to Look for in a Family-Friendly Streaming Service

Before diving into the specific platforms, it’s important to understand the features that make a streaming service ideal for families. Here are the key factors to consider:

• Content Variety: A good family streaming service should have content for every age group. From toddlers to grandparents, everyone should find something they enjoy.

• Parental Controls: With kids online more than ever, it’s essential to have parental control options to limit access to age-inappropriate content.

• Educational Content: Family-friendly streaming platforms should offer educational programming that helps children learn and develop, without sacrificing entertainment.

• Affordability: Families often need to subscribe to multiple services to keep everyone entertained. Therefore, cost-effectiveness is key.

• Multi-device Support: Family members often watch on different devices, so the service should be accessible on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers.

• Family Profiles: Many services now allow you to create individual profiles for each family member, which is helpful for curating content to each person’s preferences and needs.

Top Streaming Services for Families

With so many streaming options available, finding the right platform for your family can be challenging. The best family-friendly streaming services offer a balance of entertainment for kids, educational content, and movies for adults.

From safe, age-appropriate shows to parental controls and diverse content, the ideal service should cater to every family member’s needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the top streaming platforms for families in 2025.

1. Disney+

Disney+ has rapidly become a go-to streaming service for families. Known for its vast library of timeless family movies and shows, it is a safe bet for parents who want to provide their children with wholesome content.

Why It’s Great for Families:

• Kid-friendly Content: Disney+ offers content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. From animated classics like The Lion King to modern blockbusters like Frozen, there is something for every age group.

• Parental Controls: The platform allows parents to create separate profiles for kids with limited access, ensuring that only age-appropriate content is available.

• Educational Programs: National Geographic documentaries provide a great educational resource for curious young minds.

• Original Content: Disney+ has a growing library of family-oriented original content like The Mandalorian, WandaVision, and The Bad Batch, offering both entertainment and educational value.

Drawbacks to Consider:

• Limited Content for Older Teens and Adults: While Disney+ has a lot to offer kids, it’s not as strong for older teens or adults who may prefer more mature content.

• Additional Costs for Premium Content: Some of the exclusive content (like early movie releases) requires an extra fee.

Best For:

Families with young children who love animated films and want access to a treasure trove of family-friendly content.

2. Netflix

Netflix remains a household name in streaming services and is a strong contender for families looking for a blend of entertainment for all ages.

Why It’s Great for Families:

• Variety of Content: Netflix has a wide range of films and TV shows suitable for all ages. Whether it’s kid-friendly cartoons, teen dramas, or adult thrillers, Netflix’s library caters to everyone.

• Parental Controls: You can create separate profiles with restrictions for kids, ensuring they only watch age-appropriate content. Netflix also has a “Kids” section that offers curated content specifically for younger viewers.

• Original Programming: Netflix has invested heavily in original programming for all age groups. Popular family shows like Stranger Things (for older kids and teens), The Magic School Bus Rides Again, and My Little Pony make it an attractive choice.

• Global Content: Netflix offers content from around the world, which is a great way to introduce children to other cultures and languages.

Drawbacks to Consider:

• Content Rotation: Netflix’s library changes regularly, so certain shows or movies may disappear over time.

• Not as Focused on Educational Content: While there’s a good amount of family entertainment, Netflix doesn’t focus as much on educational content compared to other services like Disney+.

Best For:

Families who enjoy a diverse selection of content, from children’s shows to adult films, and want something for every family member.

3. Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video offers an excellent selection of family-friendly shows and movies, alongside a large library of popular films and TV series.

Why It’s Great for Families:

• Extensive Library: Prime Video offers a vast array of movies and TV shows, including a large selection of family-friendly content. From classic animated series to modern blockbusters, there is something for everyone.

• Free with Amazon Prime: If you already have an Amazon Prime membership, you get access to Prime Video without any additional cost.

• Amazon Kids+: This service within Amazon Prime Video offers a curated library of kid-friendly content, including educational shows, books, and games.

• Parental Controls: Amazon offers robust parental controls, allowing you to set viewing restrictions for different profiles.

Drawbacks to Consider:

• Search Can Be Clunky: With so much content on the platform, it can be difficult to search for exactly what you want, especially when trying to find family-friendly options.

• Content Quality Varies: The quality of content on Prime Video can be inconsistent, with some shows and movies offering top-tier entertainment, while others feel like filler.

Best For:

Families who already have an Amazon Prime subscription and want access to a broad range of content, from kid-friendly shows to popular adult programming.

4. Hulu

Hulu offers a mix of live TV, on-demand streaming, and exclusive content, making it a strong choice for families looking for variety.

Why It’s Great for Families:

• Broad Content Library: Hulu offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and documentaries suitable for all ages. Popular family movies and TV shows are included, as well as content from Disney and PBS Kids.

• Hulu + Live TV: For families who want to cut the cable cord, Hulu offers a live TV option that includes popular channels like Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network, all of which offer family-friendly content.

• Parental Controls: Hulu allows you to set up restricted profiles for kids, so parents can control what their children watch.

• Educational Content: You can find educational shows on Hulu, including PBS Kids programming, which can be great for younger children.

Drawbacks to Consider:

• Ads on the Basic Plan: Hulu’s basic plan includes ads, which can be frustrating for families, especially when children are watching their favorite shows.

• Content Overload: With the sheer volume of content on Hulu, it can sometimes be hard to find the best options for kids.

Best For:

Families who want a mix of on-demand content and live TV, along with access to educational and family-friendly shows.

5. Apple TV+

Apple TV+ may not have the same extensive catalog as other platforms, but it offers a growing collection of high-quality family content, particularly if you’re looking for wholesome programming.

Why It’s Great for Families:

• Original Content: Apple TV+ is known for its original programming, and it has a growing collection of family-friendly shows and movies. From Fraggle Rock to The Snoopy Show and Wolfboy and the Everything Factory, there’s something for younger kids.

• Family Sharing: With Apple TV+, you can share your subscription with up to six family members using Apple’s Family Sharing feature.

• No Ads: Unlike many other services, Apple TV+ does not include ads in any of its shows, which makes it a smooth viewing experience for families.

Drawbacks to Consider:

• Limited Content: Apple TV+ has a smaller library compared to other services, which may make it less appealing for families looking for variety.

• Higher Expectations for New Content: Since Apple TV+ is still expanding its library, some families may find that it doesn’t offer as much for their needs yet.

Best For:

Families looking for high-quality, ad-free original content, particularly if they already use Apple products.

Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Best Streaming Service for Your Family

With so many streaming options available, the right choice for your family ultimately depends on a variety of factors, such as the ages of your children, the type of content you prefer, and your budget.

If your main priority is kid-friendly content with a rich selection of movies and shows, Disney+ is the clear winner, especially for younger children.

Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are perfect for families who want variety and a mix of family-friendly and adult content. For families who want live TV and a broad range of content, Hulu and Apple TV+ offer unique options with growing family-centric libraries.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a good idea to take advantage of free trials (if available) to see which service works best for your family’s entertainment needs.

By carefully weighing the pros and cons of each platform, you’ll be able to find the perfect streaming service to keep everyone entertained, engaged, and safe.

FAQs

Which streaming service is best for kids?

Disney+ is often the top choice for kids, with a large collection of family-friendly movies, cartoons, and educational content.

Do streaming services offer parental controls?

Yes, most services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video provide robust parental controls to manage what kids can watch.

Are there any free family-friendly streaming services?

Platforms like Peacock (free plan) and YouTube Kids offer free, kid-friendly content with ads.

Which service has the best educational content?

Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video offer a good mix of educational shows, especially from National Geographic and PBS Kids.

Can I share a streaming account with family members?

Yes, most streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ allow family members to share one account through individual profiles.