Best US Streaming Services for International Subscribers in 2026
Accessing US streaming services from outside the United States is easier than most people think, provided you have the right payment method and a US IP address. US Unlocked provides a US-issued virtual card with a US billing address, which solves the payment barrier that blocks most international subscribers from signing up to American streaming platforms.
This guide covers every major US streaming service available in 2026, including current pricing, subscriber counts, top content, and which bundles offer the best value. Whether you want Netflix, Max, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV+, here is everything you need to know before subscribing from outside the US.
What US Streaming Services Are Available to International Users?
The major US streaming services available in 2026 are Netflix, Max (formerly HBO Max), Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Peacock, Sling TV, and Paramount+. All of these services restrict sign-ups or payment to US-based accounts, which means international users need a US billing address and a US-accepted payment card to subscribe.
US Unlocked solves this by issuing a virtual Visa card with a real US billing address. Combined with a VPN to establish a US IP address, you can subscribe to any of these services from anywhere in the world.
How Do You Access US Streaming Services from Outside the US?
To access US streaming services from outside the United States, you need three things:
- a US-accepted payment card,
- a US billing address, and
- a US IP address.
Most foreign-issued credit and debit cards are declined at checkout because streaming platforms verify the card’s country of issue, not just the billing address entered. This is why simply entering a US address is not enough on its own.
A US Unlocked virtual card resolves all three issues. The card is US-issued, carries a US billing address, and is accepted at all major US streaming services. You then connect through a VPN to access the service from a US IP address, which allows you to complete the sign-up and access the full US content library.
The Best US Streaming Services in 2026: Platform-by-Platform Guide
Netflix
Is Netflix Worth Subscribing to from Outside the US?
Netflix is the world’s most popular streaming service and is widely considered essential for international subscribers who want access to the largest on-demand library in streaming. Founded in 1997 and launching its streaming service in 2007, Netflix now generates $39 billion in annual revenue (2024) and accounts for 18.3% of all streaming minutes watched in the US, more than any other single platform (Business of Apps / Company data, January 2026).
The US Netflix library contains approximately 3,800 movies and 1,800 TV shows (JustWatch, 2024), significantly larger than what is available in most other countries. Top originals include Stranger Things, Squid Game, Wednesday, Bridgerton, Ozark, The Crown, and Beef. Netflix also holds exclusive licensing deals for major titles that are only available in the US version of the service.
Netflix pricing ranges from $7.99/month (Standard with Ads) to $22.99/month (4K Ultra HD). Approximately 70 million of Netflix’s subscribers are on the ad-supported tier as of 2024.
Learn how to set up a Netflix account from outside the US.
HBO Max
Max is the rebranded streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery, formerly known as HBO Max. The service was rebranded to “Max” in May 2023 to reflect its expanded content library beyond HBO, which now includes programming from Warner Bros., DC, Adult Swim, CNN, Discovery, and TNT, alongside the flagship HBO catalog.
Max currently has 110 million global subscribers, with approximately 86 million in the US alone (Business of Apps / Company data, 2024). Warner Bros. Discovery generated $8.8 billion in direct-to-consumer revenue in 2024 from the platform. Max is widely regarded as the streaming home of prestige television, with hits including The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, Succession, White Lotus, Euphoria, and the full HBO back catalog including Game of Thrones.
Max pricing starts at $9.99/month (with ads) and goes up to $20.99/month for the Ultimate 4K plan. A bundle with Disney+ and Hulu is also available.
Learn how to get a Max account from outside the US.
Disney+
Disney+ is the exclusive streaming home of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars (Lucasfilm), and National Geographic, a content combination that no other streaming platform can match. Launched in November 2019, the service reached 10 million subscribers within its first 24 hours and has grown to 135 million paid subscribers worldwide as of Q2 2025, representing a 14.7% increase year-over-year (Business of Apps / Company data, June 2026).
The platform generated $11.9 billion in revenue in 2025, a 14.4% increase on the prior year. For Marvel fans, Disney+ is the only place to watch the MCU series including Loki, Andor, WandaVision, Ms. Marvel, and Agatha All Along. The Star Wars library, including the entire Skywalker Saga plus The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Obi-Wan Kenobi, is also exclusive to Disney+. The service includes the complete Disney animation vault, all Pixar films, and the National Geographic documentary library.
Disney+ pricing starts at $7.99/month (with ads) and $13.99/month (ad-free). Bundle options with Hulu and ESPN+ are available from $7.99/month.
Learn how to set up a Disney+ account from outside the US.
Hulu
Is Hulu Worth It for International Subscribers?
Hulu is one of the most underrated streaming services for international subscribers because it offers something Netflix and Disney+ do not: current-season episodes of broadcast TV shows, often available the day after they air in the US. Major networks including ABC, NBC, Fox, and FX all feed their content into Hulu, giving subscribers access to shows like The Bear, Abbott Elementary, Only Murders in the Building, and Grey’s Anatomy shortly after they premiere on US television.
Launched in 2007, Hulu has grown to approximately 51 million subscribers and accounts for 10.2% of all streaming minutes watched in the US (Nielsen, 2024), placing it third among all platforms. Disney owns a majority stake in Hulu, which is why it is frequently bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+. Hulu’s live TV tier (Hulu + Live TV) gives subscribers access to 85+ live channels at $82.99/month, a genuine cable replacement for those wanting live US programming.
Hulu pricing starts at $7.99/month (with ads) and $17.99/month (ad-free).
Learn more about setting up a Hulu account from outside the US
Amazon Prime
What Can You Watch on Amazon Prime Video That’s US-Exclusive?
Amazon Prime Video is a formidable streaming platform with over 200 million Amazon Prime members globally, though its content library varies significantly by country. The US version of Prime Video is far larger than international versions, with approximately 20,000 movies and 2,700 TV shows in its US library, the largest content catalog of any major streaming service (JustWatch, 2024). It accounts for 8.8% of all US streaming minutes (Nielsen, 2024).
Prime Video’s US-exclusive originals include The Boys, Fallout, Rings of Power, Reacher, Citadel, and Jack Ryan. The service also holds exclusive streaming rights to Thursday Night Football (NFL), which is unavailable outside the US version. Prime Video also operates as a marketplace with add-on channels like Paramount+, Showtime, and others.
Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99/month or $139/year in the US, which includes Prime Video plus free shipping and other benefits.
Learn more about accessing Amazon Prime Video from outside the US.
Apple TV Plus
Is Apple TV+ Worth the Monthly Subscription?
Apple TV+ launched in November 2019 at a competitive price point and has grown into a genuine awards contender despite a smaller content library than its rivals. The service has approximately 35 million subscribers and is available on virtually every device. Apple TV+ takes a different approach from other streaming services. Rather than chasing volume, it releases a small number of high-budget original productions per year.
Its catalog includes Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Slow Horses, Shrinking, Presumed Innocent, and the acclaimed Silo. Severance Season 2 broke Apple TV+ viewing records in 2025 and significantly boosted new subscriptions. Apple TV+ costs $9.99/month and is frequently bundled with other Apple services through Apple One ($19.95/month), making it an affordable add-on for Apple device users.
Peacock TV
What Is Peacock TV and Is It Available Outside the US?
Peacock is NBCUniversal’s streaming service, launched in July 2020. It offers one of the most unique content mixes of any streaming platform: a free ad-supported tier, plus premium tiers that unlock live sports including NFL games, Premier League soccer, and the Olympics. For international sports fans, Peacock’s Premier League and NFL coverage alone can justify the subscription.
Peacock has grown to over 36 million paid subscribers and offers content from NBC, Bravo, USA Network, Oxygen, and Universal Pictures. Hit shows include Poker Face, Bel-Air, Yellowstone (seasons 1-4), and the full catalog of The Office, the most-streamed show in US history. Peacock Premium costs $7.99/month.
Learn more about Peacock TV.
Sling TV
What Is Sling TV and How Does It Replace Cable?
Sling TV is a live TV streaming service rather than an on-demand platform, making it the most direct cable TV replacement on this list. Launched in 2015 by Dish Network, Sling TV gives subscribers access to live US cable channels including CNN, ESPN, Fox News, HGTV, AMC, TBS, and more, all without a cable contract or satellite dish.
Sling TV offers two base packages: Sling Orange ($40/month) and Sling Blue ($40/month), with a combined Orange and Blue option at $55/month. Additional add-on packs are available for sports, comedy, news, and more. For international viewers who want to follow live US sports and cable news in real time, Sling TV is one of the most practical options available.
Learn how to set up a Sling TV account from outside the US.
How Do US Streaming Service Prices Compare in 2026?
Here is a current pricing comparison for all major US streaming services:
| Service | Ad-Supported | Ad-Free | 4K/Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $7.99/mo | $15.49/mo | $22.99/mo |
| Max | $9.99/mo | $15.99/mo | $20.99/mo |
| Disney+ | $7.99/mo | $13.99/mo | N/A |
| Hulu | $7.99/mo | $17.99/mo | N/A |
| Apple TV+ | N/A | $9.99/mo | N/A |
| Peacock | $7.99/mo | $13.99/mo | N/A |
| Amazon Prime | N/A | $14.99/mo | Included |
| Sling TV | N/A | From $40/mo | N/A |
Prices current as of June 2026. Prices are in USD.
Streaming Bundles
What Are the Best US Streaming Bundles in 2026?
Bundling multiple streaming services together is almost always better value than subscribing individually. Here are the top bundles currently available in the US.
Disney Bundle (Disney+ / Hulu / ESPN+)
The Disney Bundle is one of the best value offers in streaming. The ad-supported version costs $14.99/month for all three services: Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. The ad-free version runs $24.99/month. Given that Hulu alone is $7.99/month and Disney+ is $7.99/month when purchased separately (both with ads), the bundle saves approximately $1-3/month while adding ESPN+ at no extra cost.
ESPN+ is particularly valuable for international sports fans: it includes exclusive coverage of UFC events, NFL games, MLB, NHL, La Liga, Bundesliga, and cricket. For international subscribers who want both entertainment and US sports, this bundle represents exceptional value.
Max + Disney Bundle
Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney now offer a combined bundle of Max, Disney+, and Hulu. Pricing starts at $16.99/month (with ads), making it one of the most comprehensive streaming packages available, giving subscribers access to HBO/Max originals, the full Disney/Marvel/Star Wars library, Hulu’s current-season TV, and ESPN+ live sports all in one subscription.
Apple One
For Apple device users, Apple One bundles Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and iCloud+ storage starting at $19.95/month (Individual) or $25.95/month (Family). The Premier plan adds Apple Fitness+ and Apple News+ for $37.95/month. If you are already paying for Apple Music or iCloud, adding Apple TV+ through Apple One often costs less than the standalone price.
Step-by-Step: How to Subscribe to US Streaming Services from Outside the US
You can use your US Unlocked card to subscribe to any US streaming service from anywhere in the world. Here’s how:
- Create a US Unlocked account – Sign up here
- Load funds to your account and wait for the load to clear
- Set up a Merchant-Specific Card for the streaming service you want; this ensures your subscription renews automatically from the correct card. Learn how to set up a Merchant-Specific Card
- Connect via VPN from a US server; this gives you a US IP address, which is required by most streaming platforms. See our VPN guide
- Verify your VPN is working by visiting whatismyipaddress.com; the location displayed should be in the United States
- Go to the streaming service and create an account using your US Unlocked card details
- Enter your US billing address (provided with your US Unlocked card) during checkout
- Start streaming
The Merchant-Specific Card is the recommended approach for subscriptions because it locks your card to a single merchant, ensuring future renewal payments process automatically without any additional steps on your end.
Frequently Asked Questions: US Streaming Services for International Users
Can I use a foreign credit card to subscribe to Netflix from outside the US?
No. Netflix and most other US streaming services decline foreign-issued credit and debit cards, even when a US billing address is entered manually. The card’s country of issue is verified during payment, not just the billing address. A US-issued card (like a US Unlocked virtual card) is required to successfully complete the subscription.
Do I need a VPN to access US streaming services from outside the US?
Yes, a VPN is typically required. Streaming services detect your IP address location and restrict access to content libraries based on geography. Without a US IP address, you may be unable to complete sign-up, access the full US content library, or use the service at all. A VPN that routes your connection through a US server resolves this. US Unlocked provides VPN guidance here.
Which US streaming service has the most content?
Amazon Prime Video has the largest raw content library with approximately 20,000 movies and 2,700 TV shows in the US (JustWatch, 2024). Netflix is second with 3,800 movies and 1,800 TV shows. However, library size does not always reflect quality. Apple TV+ has under 100 titles but has produced some of the most critically acclaimed streaming content in recent years.
Is US Unlocked accepted by all US streaming services?
Yes. US Unlocked virtual Visa cards are accepted by all major US streaming services including Netflix, Max, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, Peacock TV, Sling TV, Paramount+, and Spotify. The card carries a US billing address, which is required at checkout.
What is a Merchant-Specific Card and why should I use one for subscriptions?
A Merchant-Specific Card from US Unlocked is a virtual card locked to a single merchant, for example, one card dedicated to Netflix and a separate card for Disney+. This is the recommended approach for streaming subscriptions because it ensures automatic renewals process correctly month after month without requiring you to re-enter payment details. It also makes it easier to track spending per service.
Create your US Unlocked account today and start accessing US streaming services from anywhere in the world.
