August 15, 2024 - San Francisco - CNET, the trusted digital media publication that provides expert information, hands-on product testing, product reviews and industry analysis to help consumers make informed decisions, announced today CNET's 2024 favorite picks for streaming, music, gaming and privacy services. Â
Editors' Choice awards are the premier distinction awarded at CNET. See the full list of winners here.
Subscriptions have become a common investment allowing consumers to access content and entertainment and even protect their online identity and privacy. A recent CNET report found that the average US adult allocates an average $91 a month on subscriptions, underscoring the importance of knowing which ones are the superior and most worthwhile options.
In addition to entertainment platforms and services, CNET editors tested and selected the best VPNs, specialized services that offer privacy protection and unlock blocked streaming content.Â
Disney Plus, Hulu Plus Live TV, Sling TV, Spotify, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Apple Arcade and Express VPN received the Editors' Choice accolade for the second year in a row. First-time winners include Crunchyroll as a best streaming service and Surfshark in the VPN category.
"Our editors tested dozens of services and chose the best based on our hands-on experience. For streaming we considered back catalogs, exclusive shows and movies, live TV channels and the breadth of music and games offered – as well as how much you'll pay. For VPNs we test speed using our proprietary process, and also factor in features, usability, server network, privacy policies, ownership, price and everything in between." - David Katzmaier, Editorial Director of CNET Personal Tech.Â
CNET Editors' Choice 2024 Recipients:Â
Streaming services for TV and movies
- Netflix
- Disney Plus
- Crunchyroll
Live TV streaming for cord cutters
- Hulu Plus Live TV
- Sling
Music and gaming services
- Spotify
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
- Apple Arcade
VPN (virtual private network) services
- Express VPN
- Surfshark
Methodology: The CNET Editors' Choice badge represents the strongest recommendation of a product or service evaluated by CNET experts. The award distinguishes the products and services that have made a lasting impression on CNET's editorial team.
To earn an Editors' Choice distinction, a product or service must be a top pick in its category, score a minimum benchmark when rated, or be selected by a CNET expert based on hands-on testing of the product and its competition. Awarded by our experienced editors, backed by lab testing in dedicated facilities, and more selective than a Best List inclusion or a positive review, Editors' Choice Awards tell readers which products and services are the best of the best.
About CNET: CNET is a trusted digital media publication, ranked by Comscore as the #1 tech news site, that provides expert information, hands-on lab testing, product reviews and industry analysis to help consumers make informed decisions. In an ever-changing, tech-driven world, CNET explains, demystifies and guides everyone to improve their lives. For nearly 30 years, CNET's team of editors, reporters and content creators have covered a wide range of topics, including consumer electronics, smart homes, money and wellness.
Media Contact:Â
Ivey O'Neal
Public Relations Manager, CNET
ivey.oneal@cnet.com