Watching video content like movies and TV seems like an implausible feat just a few decades. During the 1980s and 1990s, some companies produced “handheld” TVs, but they were clunky, grainy, and incredibly temperamental.
Today though, you can watch HD and 4K quality videos from the tiny computer you carry around in the pocket all day. Our smartphones can stream full-length TV shows and movies without the need to download them, and we can even follow live sporting events in real-time.
It makes our commutes more bearable. It lets us watch shows on the go, while at work, or even from bed. All without the need to carry around a big screen.
There are endless streaming services for smartphones today, but these are some of the best.
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Netflix
Netflix started out as a DVD rental service, sending out its famous red envelopes to customers. However, it’s since become one of the leading forces in the video streaming industry.
You can download Netflix from both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, so you can enjoy shows on the go. You can even pick up where you left off if you stopped watching a film or episode part way through on your computer or TV.
Netflix has an extensive library of licensed content, including hits like Space Jam and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Licensed content varies from country to country due to region restrictions, but Netflix also invests millions in its own original content that can be watched anywhere. Netflix Original content includes popular shows like House of Cards and Orange is The New Black, as well as award-winning films like The Irishman.
For less than $10 per month, Netflix is a great deal. You can even get a 30-day free trial if you want to enjoy its shows for a month first and test out the service.
PokerStars TV
PokerStars is one of the most recognized brands in the world of poker, in part thanks to its strategy of sponsoring major international poker tournaments and signing famous names to become one of its “Stars”.
As another extension of this strategy, it operates the PokerStars TV streaming service. On it, fans will find coverage of the biggest live events from around the world, interviews with professional players, classic clips, and full-length shows like documentaries about the sport.
It’s free to watch and is available on mobile devices and YouTube, making it accessible on almost any device.
Disney+
Want to watch Avatar on the bus or Toy Story 4 on a cross-country train journey? Then you need to download the Disney+ app.
The powerhouse of film and entertainment arrived late to the game, but has very quickly built a large customer base for its service. This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise though. Disney has a huge cult following around the world, and people are more than willing to pay less than $10 per month to get access to its huge library.
Disney has been slowly acquiring other movie studios in recent years too, allowing it to offer some of the greatest movies and shows ever made on its platform. This includes its purchase of Lucasfilm in 2012 and Fox in 2018, meaning you’ll find the back catalog of Star Wars and The Simpsons on Disney+.
YouTube
Many people miss YouTube out when they’re thinking of streaming services, but it actually one of the best. Although it has some annoying ads, the platform is completely free and contains more content than anyone could watch in a lifetime.
Want interesting documentaries about historic events, movie reviews, how-to guides, interviews with interesting people, live-streamed video gaming, music videos, travel vlogs, or highlights from sporting events like football and Formula 1? Then YouTube has you covered.
If you pay for YouTube’s premium service you also get access to music streaming without needing to leave your phone’s screen turned on, picture-in-picture on Android devices, as well as the premium content it produces itself, YouTube Originals.
With so much content at your fingertips, you are spoiled for choice. No matter what your taste, you’ll find something to stream on your mobile.
