The Golden Age of TV has broadened the selection of different streaming platforms out there, with somewhat recent Netflix price hikes many people have considered switching from Netflix to something better & cheaper that perhaps favors their tastes and library of movies, documents & TV shows. In today’s post, we will look at great alternatives and compare them with each other!
If you are especially traveling a lot you might want to consider getting a VPN service like NordVPN to get access to full libraries in most of these streaming platforms. Note: The Streaming platforms listed in this article aren’t in any particular order in terms of ranking!
Amazon Prime Video Overview
Prime Video, also known as Amazon Prime Video, is a popular streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and other video content to subscribers. There is also an opt-in subscription for a lot of different sports content that might interest some people.
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| Amazon takes a lot more risks with their shows and creating usually bit more out-of-the-box programming that’s rather unique to them | The video player isn’t the best in the industry in my opinion |
| Lot more affordable compared to the competition | You have to pay separately in order to remove ads |
| The Prime subscription obviously comes along with other benefits with the Amazon service as a whole | Prime video layout and the interface weren’t really built up to be a video library it feels fundamentally something very different, this experience can be a bit better while using apps like watching via PS5 |
| Not everything in the video library is included in the Prime subscription, so you are resorted to renting out certain movies or tv shows | |
| Not a great focus on foreign language content, just run-of-the-mill anglosphere stuff |
- Regions available: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa & Middle-East
- Amount of Devices supported: 3 devices simultaneously
- Recommendations: The Boys, The Mozart in the Jungle & Carnival Row
- Standard Package Price: 5,99€ (EU) & 8,99$ (US)
- Free Trial: Yes
- Site: https://www.primevideo.com
Disney Plus Overview
Disney+ is a popular streaming service that offers a wide range of family-friendly entertainment from The Walt Disney Company and its various subsidiaries. Launched in November 2019, Disney+ has quickly gained traction as a go-to streaming platform for fans of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, STAR, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more.
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| By far the best kid’s content library there is out of the competition when it comes to both Movies & TV shows | The majority of the content is more family-friendly so if you are looking for thrillers and more hardcore drama shows you aren’t going to find that many on this platform |
| No regional restrictions on subtitles and dubs unlike in Netflix | While European users get automatic access to the STAR library, American users have to pay a bit more extra to get access to this |
| Option for Sports content with ESPN+ | Outside of the big brands like Star Wars & Marvel, a lot of the other new originals have turned out to be quite bad and lackluster in many ways. If you aren’t really into the Big 3 (Marvel, Star Wars & Disney) there ain’t gonna be a lot of amazing new Disney originals popping out frequently on the platform |
| Quite a slow release schedule, while Netflix, Amazon, and HBO are dropping each month new shows, there are times when there is literally nothing new dropping in Disney+, which makes it a questionable platform to sign-up for a full year. | |
- Regions available: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa & Middle-East
- Amount of Devices supported: 4 devices at the same time
- Standard Package Price: 8,99€ (EU) & 7,99$ (US)
- Recommendations: The Mandalorian & Moon Knight
- Free Trial: No
- Site: disneyplus.com
HBO MAX & HBO NORDIC Overview
HBO Max is a popular streaming service that offers a comprehensive library of content from HBO, Warner Bros., and other networks and studios, making it a hub for premium entertainment. Launched in May 2020, HBO Max has quickly gained a loyal following with its extensive lineup of movies, TV shows, original programming, and more.
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| Most critically acclaimed list of original programming compared to all others out there | The platform is mostly aimed at adults (Which is not a bad thing) but it does have quite lackluster children’s programming |
| A very strong collection of recent and old classic movies | Not a great deal of foreign-speaking content aside from a couple of European originals that weren’t that great |
| There are some key Warner Bros titles that are missing from their library of films | |
- Regions available: United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, and parts of Europe
- Amount of Devices supported: 3 devices at the same time
- Standard Package Price: 8,99€ (EU) & 9,99$ (US)
- Recommendations: Rome, The Righteous Gemstones & Carnivàle
- Free Trial: No
- Site: https://www.hbomax.com
Curiosity Stream Overview
Curiosity Stream is a popular streaming service that focuses on providing high-quality documentaries and educational content for curious minds. Launched in 2015 by media entrepreneur John Hendricks, Curiosity Stream aims to inspire and educate viewers through its diverse range of factual content, covering various topics such as science, ancient history, space, dinosaurs, nature, technology, and more.
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| Offering something very different from the rest of the competition having a focus on Educational content & Documentaries | Content is quite monotone in the sense that production and style are quite similar to each other, for example, there isn’t any fictional content that is still educational |
| A transparent ranking system that allows you to see the like/dislike ratio for every single series and documentary on the platform | The library isn’t big and there isn’t a constant flow of new programming being added to the site. So you have most likely gone through all the best content within a month if you’re an avid watcher/binger |
| Not available on some key platforms like Playstation 4 & 5 for instance | |
- Regions available: Worldwide
- Amount of Devices supported: 3 devices at the same time
- Standard Package Price: 4,99$ (Global Price?)
- Recommendations: Ancient Earth: Dinosaurs of the Frozen Continent
- Free Trial: Yes (7 days)
- Site: https://www.curiositystream.com
Shudder Overview
Shudder, the streaming service for horror and thriller enthusiasts is a haven for fans of all things spooky, chilling, and macabre. Launched in 2015, Shudder has quickly risen to become the go-to destination for horror lovers who crave a diverse and curated collection of content that caters to their insatiable appetite for fear.
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| Probably the best platform for Horror/Thriller style content | Apparently, not all content is available on 1080p |
| A lot of Original Horror Movies that are exclusive to Shudder | Some small missing things like customizing captions and no offline downloads available for mobile devices out there |
| Very limited availability over the world | |
- Regions available: United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland
- Amount of Devices supported: 3 devices at the same time
- Standard Package Price: 5,99$ (US)
- Recommendations: N/A
- Free Trial: Yes
- Site: https://www.shudder.com
Viaplay Overview
Viaplay is a leading streaming service that offers a wide range of content for entertainment enthusiasts across the Nordic region. Launched in 2007, Viaplay has become a popular choice for viewers who are looking for an all-in-one platform that provides access to a diverse selection of TV shows, movies, sports, and original content. So if you are really into Nordic Cop shows and thrillers this is an excellent choice to go by.
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| Good selection over the Nordic Thriller niche | I Wouldn’t go to say that lot of the viaplay originals are anything too special |
| Depending on the country also offers Live sports packages as well | Its actually quite expensive on a regional level in Europe compared to most other options out there |
| Certain devices & key platforms are not supported | |
- Regions available: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Canada
- Amount of Devices supported: Use up to 5 devices and watch two streams at the same time
- Standard Package Price: 5,99$ (US) & 12,99€ (EU)
- Recommendations: Swedish Dicks
- Free Trial: Yes (2 weeks)
- Site: https://viaplay.com
Hulu Overview
Hulu is a popular streaming platform that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. It was launched in 2007 as a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and Comcast and has since become one of the leading streaming services in the United States.
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| Does actually have a couple of pretty solid Hulu Original series | Most of Hulu’s original content is already available on other platforms in this list making their originals a bit obsolete |
| Quite a solid Library of movies and TV shows | Only available in the United States as of right now |
| You have the option to watch Live TV with Hulu and Live sports as well | Adverts appear on the basic plan |
| While Hulu offers a diverse range of content, it may have limited options for international or foreign language programming compared to other streaming services. | |
- Regions available: United States
- Amount of Devices supported: Use up to 5 devices and watch two streams at the same time
- Standard Package Price: 8,00$ (US)
- Recommendations: Shut Eye & Looking for Alaska
- Free Trial: Yes (2 weeks)
- Site: https://www.hulu.com/
Peacock Overview
Peacock is a popular streaming platform that has gained widespread attention for its vast library of TV shows, movies, and original content. Launched in July 2020 by NBCUniversal, Peacock has quickly become a prominent player in the competitive streaming landscape, offering a unique blend of free and premium content to cater to a diverse range of viewers.
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| Quite an affordable streaming platform | The cheapest & free plan includes advertisements |
| Peacock TV offers a free tier with limited access to content, allowing users to watch some shows and movies without having to pay for a subscription | Sadly the only country where peacocks are is available the United States as of right now (See below for more info) |
| Live Sports support, they provide access to live sports events, including Premier League soccer, Olympics coverage, and WWE content, making it a good option for sports enthusiasts. | Haven’t exactly delivered a High Tier original series yet, despite being such a big platform, to begin with |
- Regions available: United States (Italy, United Kingdom, Ireland Germany, Austria, and Switzerland users can access the catalog via NOW and SKY)
- Amount of Devices supported: up to 3 concurrent streams
- Standard Package Price: 4,99$ (US)
- Recommendations: Brave New World
- Free Trial: Yes (7 days)
- Site: https://www.peacocktv.com
AppleTV+ Overview
Apple TV+ is a streaming service offered by Apple Inc. that provides original TV shows and movies, available exclusively on the Apple TV+ platform. Launched in November 2019, Apple TV+ is a subscription-based service that offers a diverse range of high-quality content, created by some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| Decent selection of Apple Originals that are quite a high production | There isn’t exactly enough content out yet, while there are a couple of solid originals the traditional library has been claimed to be quite limited in movies and TV series front |
| You can get Free Subscription months in some countries by buying Apple Device | Certain older devices made prior to 2018 are not supporting the app |
| Streams in 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. Unlike other services like Netflix that make you pay for the privilege of high-quality streams, Apple TV+ provides this as part of its single membership tier. | No user profile feature |
| Lacks foreign-speaking content | |
- Regions available: North America, South America, Africa, Asia, Middle-East & Europe
- Amount of Devices supported: Up to 3 devices at the same time if you’re part of a Family Sharing group
- Standard Package Price: 6,99$ (US) & 7,99€ (EU)
- Recommendations: SEE
- Free Trial: Yes (7 days)
- Site: https://www.apple.com/apple-tv-plus/
Paramount Plus Overview
Paramount+ is a subscription-based streaming service owned by ViacomCBS that offers a wide range of TV shows, movies, and live sports. Launched in March 2021, Paramount+ is the successor to CBS All Access, and it combines content from the vast library of ViacomCBS-owned properties, including Paramount Pictures, CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, and more.
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| An extensive wide library of TV shows, documentaries & movies from multiple brands | Advertisements included on the cheapest plan |
| The Premium package option includes Live CBS Sports and Live TV | Slightly limited availability in European Continent & Asia and there are some licensing restrictions on certain regions |
| Variety of Non-English Original Programming | |
- Regions available: United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Latin America, Middle East (as a pay TV channel), the United Kingdom, and Ireland
- Amount of Devices supported: 3 different devices at once
- Standard Package Price: 4,99$ (US) & 7,99€ (EU)
- Recommendations: Star Trek: Picard
- Free Trial: Yes (7 days)
- Site: https://www.paramountplus.com
Crunchyroll Overview
Crunchyroll is a popular streaming platform that focuses on anime & some Asian drama content on the side. They basically have a big grip on the market when it comes to anime distribution in the West and probably by far the largest market share. On top of this, they also have a catalog of manga that you can access by subscribing to any of the tiers.
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| Pretty much the best place to consume anime content | It doesn’t exactly have a large category of Anime movies itself, it mostly series and there is a bit of lack in some older content as well |
| Crunchyroll often offers simulcast episodes, which means that users can watch the latest episodes of ongoing anime series shortly after they air in Japan. This fast-release schedule allows fans to stay up-to-date with their favorite shows! | Slightly limited availability in European Continent & Asia and there are some licensing restrictions on certain regions |
| Top of the streaming content you also get to view manga on the platform | I wish there was bit more extensive library of Korean and Japanese drama shows on this platform, but its fundamentally very lacking |
| Based on previous experiences I have to say I’m not very fond of their video player it’s quite clunky | |
- Regions available: All regions
- Amount of Devices supported: 6 different devices at once
- Standard Package Price: 6,99$ (US) & 6,99€ (EU)
- Recommendations: The Tower Of God, Blade Runner Black Lotus & The God Of High School
- Free Trial: Yes (14 days)
- Site: https://www.crunchyroll.com/
more updates to this article to follow shortly…