When it comes to streaming services, Canadians have a plethora of options to choose from. From big international streaming services like Netflix and Hulu to local streaming services like Crave and CBC gem, there is something or the other for everyone.
But with so many options, it can be hard to decide which one is the best for you. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best streaming services in Canada, along with their pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision.
Streaming services have become increasingly popular in recent years, and Canada is no exception. These streaming services allow users to access a wide variety of TV shows, movies, and other high-quality content over the internet, without the need for a cable or satellite subscription.
There are several streaming services available in Canada, each with its unique offering of content and features.
10 Best Streaming Services in Canada
So, let’s choose what’s best for you!
1. Netflix
Netflix is probably the most well-known streaming service in the world, and it’s no different in Canada.
With a vast library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and more, there are categories for everyone on Netflix. The service is also constantly adding new Entertainment content, so you’ll never run out of things to watch. Indeed one of the best streaming services in Canada!
So, when are we going to ‘Netflix and Chill’?
Pros of Netflix
- Wide range of content: From popular TV shows like “Stranger Things” and “Orange is the New Black,” to critically acclaimed movies like “The Irishman” and “Marriage Story,” Netflix Canada has a lot to offer.
- Original content: In addition to its vast library of licensed content, Netflix Canada also produces its original shows and movies, which have gained a lot of praise and popularity.
- Multiple plans: Netflix Canada offers three different plans to choose from – Basic, Standard, and Premium – and a Free trial, so you can pick the one that best fits your budget and needs.
Cons of Netflix:
- Price: While Netflix’s prices are competitive, they are still higher than some of the other streaming services or streaming platforms on this list.
- Limited Canadian content: While Netflix Canada does have some Canadian content, it is not as extensive as some of the other video streaming services or streaming platforms on this list.
Well, ‘Anne with An E‘ is my favourite Canadian series of all! Give it a try!
2. Crave
Crave is a Canadian-based streaming service that is owned by Bell Media. It offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and documentaries, including exclusive content like “Game of Thrones” and “The Sopranos.”
It also has a large selection of Canadian content, including popular shows like “Letterkenny” and “Kim’s Convenience.”
Pros of Crave
- Canadian content: Crave tv has a large selection of Canadian content, which is not always easy to find on other streaming services in Canada.
- Original content: In addition to its licensed content, Crave also produces its original shows and movies, like “Letterkenny” and “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
- Live TV: Crave tv also offers live good streaming services and TV channels, so you can watch your favourite shows as they air.
Cons of Crave
- Price: Crave tv is one of the most expensive streaming services in Canada, with its most expensive package costing almost double that of Netflix’s Premium plan.
- Limited device support: Crave tv is not available on as many devices as some of the other so many streaming services in Canada on this list.
3. Hulu
Hulu is a popular streaming service in the United States, and it recently became available in Canada. It offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and documentaries, including exclusive content like “The Great” and “The Handmaid’s Tale“.
It also has a large selection of classic TV shows, like “The Golden Girls” and “The X-Files.”
Pros of Hulu
- Wide range of content: Hulu has a large library of TV shows, movies, and documentaries to choose from.
- Original content: In addition to its licensed content, Hulu also produces its original shows and movies, which have gained a lot of popularity.
- Multiple plans: Hulu offers three different plans to choose from – Basic, Standard, and Premium – so you can pick the one that best fits your budget and needs.
Cons of Hulu
- Less Canadian Series and Movies: Limited Canadian content is available on Hulu
- Limited compatibility: Hulu is not available on all devices, and may not be compatible with certain devices or operating systems.
- Limited international content: Hulu’s content library is primarily focused on American TV shows and movies, so it may not have as much international content as other streaming services in Canada.
4. Dazn
DAZN is a streaming service that offers live and on-demand sports content. It is available in Canada and offers a variety of sports programming including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more.
Customers can subscribe to the service for a monthly or annual fee and can access it through a variety of devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and more. DAZN is known for its high-quality streams and extensive coverage of various sports events.
Pros of DAZN
- Wide range of live sports: DAZN offers live streams of a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, boxing, and more.
- Original content: In addition to live sports, DAZN also offers original content such as documentaries and behind-the-scenes features.
- Multiple device support: DAZN can be streamed on a variety of devices, smart TVs, tablets, smartphones, and game consoles.
- Free trial: DAZN offers a free trial period, allowing users to try the service before committing to a subscription plan.
Cons of DAZN
- Subscription required: DAZN is a subscription-based service, so users must pay a monthly or annual fee to access its content.
- Limited availability: DAZN is currently only available in a few countries, so it may not be accessible to everyone.
- Limited content: While DAZN offers a wide range of live sports, it may not have as much content as some other streaming services in Canada, such as Netflix or Hulu.
- Quality issues: Some users have reported issues with the quality of the streams on DAZN, including buffering and low resolution.
5. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is a streaming service that is available in Canada. It offers a variety of TV shows, movies, and original content for users to watch.
To access Amazon Prime Video, users must have an Amazon Prime subscription, which includes a variety of other benefits such as free two-day shipping and access to the Amazon Prime Music library.
Amazon Prime Video can be accessed through a variety of devices including smartphones, smart TVs, tablets, and more. It is one of the most popular streaming services in Canada
Pros of Amazon Prime Video
- Wide variety of content: Amazon Prime Video offers a large selection of movies, TV shows, and exclusive content such as The Marvelous Mrs Maisel and The Man in the High Castle.
- Affordable pricing: Amazon Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $79 per year, and a free trial. This also includes free two-day shipping, a streaming platform, access to music and ebooks, streaming video services, and other perks.
- User-friendly interface: The Amazon Prime Video streaming service app is easy to use and allows users to browse and search for content, create watchlists, and resume playback from where they left off.
Cons of Amazon Prime Video
- Limited availability: Some Amazon Prime Video content is not available in Canada due to licensing restrictions.
- No live sports: Amazon Prime Video streaming services do not offer live sports coverage, so users must look elsewhere for this type of content.
- Advertisements: While Amazon Prime Video does not have commercials during its original programming, some movies and TV shows do have ads. This can be a frustrating issue for users who prefer an ad-free experience.
6. Disney Plus+
Disney Plus in Canada offers a wide selection of movies and TV shows, including popular franchises such as Frozen, The Lion King, and The Mandalorian.
Disney Plus+ is the most popular streaming service for marvel fans as it also offers exclusive original content such as the live-action Star Wars series, The Mandalorian and the Marvel Cinematic Universe series “WandaVision”.
Disney Plus in Canada is available for a monthly subscription fee of CAD $11.99 a month or an annual subscription fee of CAD $119.99 a year. Users can also purchase a bundle with Disney Plus, ESPN+, and Hulu for a discounted price of $14 a month (CAD $17.74).
Pros of Disney Plus+
- Wide range of content available, including popular movies and TV shows from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and more.
- User-friendly interface and easy-to-use app.
- The affordable monthly subscription fee.
- No ads during streaming.
- Ability to create multiple user profiles and customize content for each profile.
Cons of Disney Plus+
- Limited content compared to other streaming platforms.
- Some content may not be available in Canada due to licensing restrictions.
- Some users have experienced technical issues with streaming quality and access to certain shows and movies.
- A limited number of devices can be used to stream at the same time on a single account.
- Limited offline viewing options compared to other streaming platforms.
7. Fubo
Fubo is a streaming service that offers live sports and entertainment programming. It is primarily focused on providing live sports programming, including soccer, basketball, baseball, football, and other sports.
In Canada, Fubo offers a variety of sports and entertainment programming, including live sports, news, and movies.
Pros of Fubo
- Wide range of sports programming: Fubo offers a wide range of sports programming, including soccer, basketball, baseball, football, and more. This makes it a good option for sports fans who want to keep up with their favourite teams and leagues.
- High-quality streaming: Fubo streams its programming in high definition, so you can enjoy clear and crisp video quality.
- Multiple device support: Fubo is available on a variety of devices, streaming devices, including smart TVs, and mobile devices. This makes it easy to watch on the device of your choice.
Cons of Fubo:
- Cost: Fubo can be more expensive than other streaming services in Canada, especially if you want to add additional channels or features.
- Limited programming outside of sports: While Fubo offers a wide range of sports programming, it may not have as much non-sports programming as other streaming services in Canada.
- Limited availability: Fubo is not available in all areas of Canada, so it may not be an option for everyone.
8. Paramount +
Paramount+ is a streaming service offered by Viacom-CBS, which owns the Paramount Pictures film studio.
The service offers a variety of TV shows and movies, including original content, as well as live sports and news. It is available on a variety of platforms, including web, mobile, and smart TVs.
Users can choose between two subscription options: a standard plan, which includes access to all of the service’s content, and an ad-supported plan, which includes ads during programming.
Both plans offer a free trial period, after which users can choose to continue their subscription for a monthly fee.
Pros of Paramount+
- Wide range of content: Paramount+ offers a vast selection of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original content. This means you can find something to watch no matter what your interests are.
- Multiple streaming options: Paramount+ is available on a variety of devices, including tablets, smart TVs, smartphones, and streaming boxes. This makes it easy to watch your favourite shows and movies on the go or on the big screen at home.
- Competitive pricing: Paramount+ offers competitive pricing compared to other streaming services in Canada. This makes it an affordable option for those looking to cut the cord on satellite TV or traditional cable.
- User-friendly interface: Paramount+ has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to get and watch the content you want. The app is also regularly updated with new features and improvements.
Cons of Paramount+
- Limited availability: Paramount+ is currently only available in Canada. This means that if you travel outside of Canada, you may not be able to access the service.
- Limited original content: While Paramount+ does offer some original content, it is not as extensive as other streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime.
- Limited international content: Paramount+ may not have as much international content as other streaming services in Canada, which could be a drawback for those interested in watching shows and movies from around the world.
- No free trial: Paramount+ does not offer a free trial period, meaning you’ll need to pay to use the service. This may be a barrier for those who want to try it out before committing to a subscription.
9. Apple Tv+
Apple TV+ is a streaming service that offers exclusive original content, such as TV shows, movies, and documentaries, produced by Apple.
It is available on Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs, and can also be accessed through select smart android TVs and streaming devices.
Apple Tv+ offers a variety of genres, including drama, comedy, and kids’ programming. It also includes access to Apple’s library of movies and Apple TV shows, as well as select titles from other networks and studios. Users can subscribe to Apple TV+ every month, or as part of an Apple Music and iCloud storage bundle.
Pros of Apple Tv+
- Wide variety of original content, including popular shows like “The Morning Show” and “See”.
- Quality production values, with many shows receiving critical acclaim.
- User-friendly interface and easy to navigate.
- Affordable pricing, with a free trial available for new users.
Cons of Apple Tv+
- Limited content compared to other streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
- Lack of popular licensed content from other networks or studios.
- Limited availability in Canada compared to the United States.
- No offline viewing options for downloaded content.
10. CBC Gem
CBC Gem is a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) streaming service in Canada. It offers a variety of Canadian and international content, including TV shows, movies, documentaries, and more.
The service is available on a variety of platforms, including web, iOS, and Android devices, Apple TV, and Chromecast. It is a free streaming service to use with ads, or users can subscribe to an ad-free version for a fee.
Pros of CBC Gem
- A wide variety of Canadian content is available to stream, including original series and films.
- Offers both ad-supported and subscription-based options.
- Can be accessed on a variety of devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, and tablets.
- Features a user-friendly interface and personalized recommendations.
Cons of CBC Gem
- Some popular international shows and movies may not be available.
- Subscription prices may be higher than other streaming services in Canada.
- Limited availability outside of Canada, Some users have reported technical issues with the live streaming service and tv streaming devices like android tv, and Samsung smart tv.
Best Streaming Devices in Canada
If you own a SMART TV, with streaming apps built-in, here are some Gadgets that allow you to stream services from your other devices such as your, iPod, laptop, pad or smartphone. Amazon fire tv, another android tv like Samsung smart tv.
Free Streaming Services in Canada
There are several free streaming services available in Canada:
1. CBC Gem:
This service offers a variety of Canadian and international TV shows, classic movies, and documentaries, as well as live sports and news.
2. Crackle:
This service offers a selection of horror movies, classic movies, TV shows, and original programming.
3. Tubi:
This free streaming service offers a wide selection of horror movies and TV shows, including many popular titles.
4. Pluto TV:
This free streaming service offers a variety of live tv streaming services and on-demand TV channels, including news, sports, and entertainment.
5. Hoopla:
This free streaming site, which is available through many public libraries in Canada, offers a selection of movies, TV shows, music, eBooks, and more.
6. Kanopy:
Like Hoopla, this free streaming platform allows users to borrow and watch movies, TV shows, and more from their local library.
It’s worth noting that while these completely free streaming services are free to use, they often feature ads and may require you to create an account. Additionally, the selection of content may vary depending on your location.
How to Watch Unavailable Streaming Services?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be used to unblock streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more.
It does this by routing the internet connection through a secure server, which can bypass any regional restrictions or censorship in your location.
Using a VPN for streaming services can also provide added security and privacy by encrypting your internet connection, making it more difficult for anyone to track or monitor your online activity.
Key TakeawaysÂ
Online streaming services in Canada have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional cable television.
With a wide range of options available, the best streaming services including Netflix, Crave, and Amazon Prime, consumers can customize their viewing experience and choose the content that best suits their interests.
These streaming platform services also offer exclusive programming and original content, giving them a competitive edge over traditional television networks.
While streaming services do require an internet connection, many Canadians now have access to high-speed internet, making it easier to stream high-quality video without buffering or other issues.
Overall, streaming services in Canada have changed the way Canadians consume media, offering a flexible and customizable viewing experience that caters to their individual preferences and interests.
Well, in the end, we can say that this article was indeed a great list of options where you can basically any entertainment show! Be it tv series, sports, or any movies, our plan for the weekend is sorted! Isn’t it?
FAQs
1. Is HBO Max available in Canada?
No, HBO Max is not available in Canada as it is being restricted by licensing issues. The company that owns HBO Max made an agreement with Bell Media that HBO Max will be broadcasted exclusively in the United States.
2. Is Crave better than Netflix in Canada?
Crave and Netflix both have abundant subscribers from Canada. Both the streaming platforms offer quality services to the public but Netflix somehow has an upper hand over Crave in Canada as more number of subscribers are binging to Netflix.
3. What is the most cost-effective way to watch TV in Canada?
RiverTV offers the most affordable pricing of all. It provides 40+ live channels with a monthly subscription of $16.99 per month.
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