It wasn’t long ago that streaming services in Canada paled in comparison to those enjoyed by our neighbours to the south. Now, Canadian streaming services rival those in the United States and offer enough shows and movies to satisfy most folks’ viewing needs. Unfortunately, just like in the U.S., all of that content is spread across numerous services, which means that you may have to subscribe to two or three in order to watch everything you want to.
That can quickly add up in cost, and it’s not always easy to decide which services to choose if you’re looking to limit your total number of monthly subscriptions. If you don’t know where to start, or aren't familiar with all of the options in Canada, this guide should help.
Netflix
Netflix is the most popular streaming service in Canada by a fairly wide margin. It produces a ton of original shows and movies, and is widely available on mobile devices, smart TVs and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV, among others. Over the past few years, Netflix Canada has been playing catch-up to the number of titles available for the company’s customers in the United States, and may offer an even better selection of television series and movies, depending on what you’re interested in (it currently has all of the Studio Ghibli movies, for instance, whereas the U.S. does not).
The service’s pricing has crept up over the years but is still reasonable considering everything it offers, and now ranges from $9.99/month to $18.99/month depending on the streaming quality you want and the number of devices you’d like to stream to at the same time. One downside: Netflix also no longer offers a free trial in Canada to let you try out the service first.
Sign up for Netflix
Crave
Crave is where you’ll find shows from HBO, Showtime and Starz in Canada, along with Crave’s original series like Letterkenny and Canada’s Drag Race, and an extensive catalogue of current and classic movies. Though not quite as widely accessible as Netflix, you likely still won’t have any trouble watching it on your screen of choice, as there are plenty of mobile and smart device apps available.
Crave’s basic plan provides plenty of viewing options for $9.99/month, but you’ll have to pay an extra $9.99/month on top of that if you want access to all of the movies and current HBO shows that are available, and another $5.99/month for access to Starz content. Crave is also available through many cable and satellite providers, however, so you may want to check with yours first to see if you might get a better rate that way.
Sign up for Crave
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is part of Amazon’s overall Prime subscription package, which also includes Prime Music, free two-day shipping, and other benefits for $7.99/month or $79/year (half of that if you’re a student). That makes it one of the better values around if you also want some of those other Prime features.
Like Netflix, Amazon offers a slew of original series and movies like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Fleabag and Bosch, that are exclusive to Prime, and the rest of Prime’s catalogue is extensive enough that many will be more than happy with it as their sole streaming service. You can get some live and on-demand Canadian TV channels like History and HGTV through StackTV with Prime as well, but they come at an added cost.
Sign up for Amazon Prime Video
Disney+
Disney+ was fairly limited in comparison to other streaming services when it first launched, but the service has expanded considerably as of late. No longer focused solely on Disney’s own library of movies and just a handful of originals like The Mandalorian, it has since seen a sizable increase in original shows (with lots to come), as well the addition of a new section called Star that includes hundreds more movies and TV shows geared towards an older audience than the usual Disney fare. The latter batch comes from Fox, Hulu, and other sources, and includes everything from The X-Files and Die Hard to recent Oscar-winners like Nomadland and The Shape of Water.
Those new additions did come with a price increase, however, pushing the service towards the higher-end of streaming options at $11.99/month. A $119.99 yearly plan will let you save a bit if you’re willing to commit to a longer-term. As with all the other major streaming services, it’s also widely available on various platforms including Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
Sign up for Disney+
Paramount+
Paramount+ was previously known as CBS All Access and—in Canada at least—not much has changed with the service beyond the name. While the US version of the service has expanded to include over 1,000 Paramount movies, plus shows from Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and other networks, there is quite a bit less on offer for Canadians. That’s largely due to licensing issues that have found shows like Star Trek: Picard and The Stand miniseries end up on other streaming services in Canada, leaving the Canadian Paramount+ to focus mostly on current CBS TV shows and a few streaming originals, plus a good variety of classic TV series like I Love Lucy and The Twilight Zone.
The service is also fairly barebones in other respects, with no support for features like multiple profiles or a watchlist that are common on most other streaming platforms. It is widely available on most popular devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV, however, and it’s thankfully priced with its limitations in mind, costing just $5.99/month. That makes it a decent value if there are even a handful of shows you want to watch, and it’s easy to cancel and rejoin as new shows are added.
Sign up for Paramount+
AppleTV+
Priced at just $5.99/month, Apple TV+ is one of the most affordable streaming services in Canada. However, it also has the most limited selection of any of the services we looked at by a considerable margin. The service only offers Apple produced series and movies, like The Morning Show and Greyhound, which means it’s unlikely to suffice as anyone’s sole streaming service. However, its low price can make signing up worthwhile if there are a few things that you’re interested in watching. What’s more, there’s no commitment— so you can cancel your subscription at any time once you’ve run out of things to watch.
Apple provides a full year of the service for free if you buy any iOS device, Mac or Apple TV, but the service itself is not exclusive to Apple users, with apps available for Roku, Amazon Fire TV and various smart TVs (but not Android).
Sign up for AppleTV+
Shudder
Niche streaming service Shudder is a standout for any fan of horror movies. At $5.99USD/month (or even less with a yearly plan), it’s cheap enough to add as a supplement to another, more generalized streaming service, and you’ll get access to an impressive catalog of new and classic horror, thriller and suspense films. Like other streaming services, Shudder also produces a number of original series and movies, including the likes of Horror Noire, Creepshow and The Last Drive-In, and it’s widely available on Android and iOS devices, as well as Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Xbox One.
Sign up for Shudder
Criterion Channel
Criterion is known for its carefully curated collection of classic and arthouse films released on DVDs and Blu-rays loaded with special features, and the Criterion Channel carries on that tradition in streaming form. The service boasts an always-changing selection of movies that are complemented by commentary tracks and other special features previously released by Criterion on physical media, as well as new features produced exclusively for the Criterion Channel. At a price of $10.99USD/month, the service costs less than a single Criterion DVD, which makes it a bargain if you watch even a handful of movies each month (you can also save more with an annual subscription at $99.99USD).
Sign up for the Criterion Channel
CBC Gem
CBC’s Gem streaming service is available in a free, ad-supported version, but you can also pay $4.99/month to get rid of the ads (which adds live streaming of the CBC News Network as well). Either way, the catalogue is surprisingly good, including not just shows that air on CBC like Kim’s Convenience and Schitt’s Creek, but a range of international series including Normal People, Luther and Wallander. There’s also a decent selection of (mostly Canadian) movies, as well as a wide range of documentaries. The service is a bit less full-featured interface-wise than the likes of Netflix, but apps are available for Android and iOS, in addition to Amazon Fire TV and AppleTV.
Sign up for CBC Gem
CTV
Like CBC Gem, CTV’s streaming service offers a lot more than just CTV’s own shows, but it is unfortunately only available in a free version with ads that interrupt your viewing. If you’re willing to put up with that small annoyance, however, the service has a lot to offer. There’s a solid selection of movies to choose from, including plenty of classics and some more recent titles, and there’s a ton of classic TV shows in the Throwback section, in addition to current television series. The service’s web interface is decidedly lacklustre, but the apps are a bit better, and available for both Android and iOS, as well as Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Xbox One and some Samsung smart TVs.
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Visit Reviewed Canada for all the latest reviews, recommendations, buying guides, and coverage of all the best products available in Canada.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
FAQs
What is the easiest streaming device for seniors? ›
- Roku. One of the best options for seniors who may not be very tech-savvy is a Roku streamer when it comes to streaming devices. ...
- Amazon Fire TV. The next best alternative media streamer for seniors is the Amazon Fire TV. ...
- Chromecast with Google TV. ...
- Smart TV.
| Name | Best For | Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Online Streaming of Original and Old Content | 5/5 |
| Sling TV | Affordable and Simple Content Streaming | 3.5/5 |
| Apple TV + | Streaming Original Content on Apple Devices, Roku, Fire TV and more. | 3.5/5 |
| Hulu TV Live Plus | 65 + channels with Hulu Streaming library | 4.5/5 |
- Best Value: Netflix at $9.99 per month for a large catalogue of movies and TV shows still leads.
- Best Movies: Netflix, Amazon Prime or Disney+
- Best TV Shows: Crave for HBO, Showtime and Starz TV shows, Netflix for their original content titles.
- Amazon Freevee. Amazon Freevee used to be known as IMDb TV and was offered by Amazon-owned IMDb. ...
- Peacock. ...
- Tubi. ...
- Pluto TV. ...
- Hoopla and Kanopy. ...
- Crackle. ...
- ViX.
If you already have a smart TV, you don't need a streaming device. However, if you have extra needs or an older smart TV, a streaming device could be a better choice for you. Streaming devices provide more content. If you want endless options for entertainment, a streaming device is more beneficial.
Which streaming service is worth the money? ›- HBO Max. The best streaming service around is the home box office. ...
- Hulu. The best streaming service for cord-cutters. ...
- Netflix. Still one of the best streaming services, but looking for its next hit. ...
- Disney Plus. The best streaming service for families. ...
- Sling TV. ...
- Apple TV Plus. ...
- Peacock. ...
- Fubo TV.
- Pluto TV.
- The Roku Channel.
- Tubi.
- Crackle TV.
- CBC Gem.
- Over The Air HD.
- Amazon Prime Video.
Netflix is the go-to streaming service for most households, and it doesn't lack content or quality. If you live in Canada and want to use Netflix, the broadest streaming service, you will need to use a VPN.
How do I get free TV without cable or internet? ›You can use an antenna to watch local channels without cable or a satellite TV subscription. With an antenna, you can watch live TV channels, local broadcast channels, and shows like Saturday Night Live.
How can I stream without a TV provider? ›All you need to cut the cord is a good internet connection and the apps built into your smart TV or running on an inexpensive streamer, such as a Roku or Amazon Fire TV. They'll give you access to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Hulu and more, as well as numerous free TV streaming options.
How can I get Netflix free? ›
Netflix does not offer free trials, but you have the freedom to change your plan or cancel online at any time if you decide Netflix isn't for you. There are no contracts, no cancellation fees, and no commitments. You can sign up and take advantage of all Netflix has to offer.
Is Roku worth getting rid of cable? ›Is streaming really cheaper than cable? The average US household spends $109 a month on cable or satellite TV. If you go all-in with free streaming channels, like The Roku Channel and Tubi, you could save $1300+ each year. Roku users save an average of over $70 each month over cable according to a recent survey.
Is it better to use a streaming stick or a smart TV? ›If you're on a budget, it might be a better idea to go with a streaming stick over a Smart TV because budget TVs are known to have lousier systems. Streaming devices typically have a faster processor, a more simple interface, and fewer software updates.
Is it better to buy a smart TV or a Roku? ›A Roku TV is more than a smart TV – it's a better TV. Roku TV models offer consumers an easy to use, customizable home screen, a simple remote with everything you need to quickly launch shows and movies, and automatic software updates with new features and the latest streaming channels.
Do I need a fire stick if I have a smart TV? ›You use the Fire Stick to stream TV shows and other content from your favorite streaming services. Your smart TV is capable of doing the same. So as long as you can access your favorite streaming apps on your TV, you do not need the Amazon Fire TV Stick.
What will leave Netflix in 2022? ›- Leaving Nov. ...
- Leaving Nov. If Anything Happens I Love You.
- Leaving Nov. Scary Movie 5.
- Leaving Nov. America's Next Top Model: Seasons 21-22.
- Leaving Nov. Suffragette.
- Leaving Nov. Donald Glover: Weirdo.
- Leaving Nov. Bridget Jones's Baby.
- Related content:
- 10/2/22. “Schitt's Creek” Seasons 1-6.
- 10/7/22. Sofia the First: Seasons 1-4.
- 10/8/22. After.
- 10/13/22. Apocalypse Now Redux. Little Italy.
- 10/14/22. Bleach The Movie: Fade to Black. ...
- 10/15/22. Sinister 2.
- 10/21/22. Yes, God, Yes.
- 10/22/22. Hemlock Grove: Seasons 1-3.
- Each year, we're forced to say some painful goodbyes. It happens without fail, a new slew of TV shows are canceled, some beloved, others less so. ...
- Gentefied. ...
- Cooking with Paris. ...
- Stranger Things. ...
- Never Have I Ever. ...
- The Baby-Sitters Club. ...
- Archive 81. ...
- Locke & Key.
If you're looking for a cheap live TV plan, we recommend Philo. For $25 per month, subscribers get more than 60 channels.
What equipment do I need to cut the cord? ›What equipment do I need to cut the cord? All you need is a high-speed internet connection, a streaming device, and streaming channels.
What streaming service is 9.99 a month? ›
1. Paramount+ CBS All Access rebranded to Paramount+ in 2021, and they've since lowered the price of their basic subscription. Subscribers can choose between two tiers after the one-week trial, a standard version for $4.99 a month or a commercial-free tier at $9.99 a month.
Is streaming actually cheaper? ›Final take. Live TV streaming offers your favorite channels at more affordable prices than cable TV or satellite TV. We recommend you get an internet plan with at least 25 Mbps internet speeds for streaming TV.
What streaming service is better than Netflix? ›| Netflix Alternative | Price | # of Titles |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu | Starting at $6.99/month | 3,000 |
| Amazon Prime Video | $14.99/month (with Amazon Prime membership) or $8.99/month | About 26,000 |
| HBO Max | Starting at $9.99/month | More than 2,500 |
| Apple TV+ | $4.99/month | About 60 |
Streaming service can be cheaper than cable, but it's not cheaper to pay for all of them at one time. The small monthly fees can quickly add up, bringing you right back to paying more for television service. Sticking with one service may be a good choice, but there are other options, as well.
How can I get free CTV without cable? ›CTV GO is an app developed by Bell Media that gives Bell TV customers complimentary access to CTV content on demand through computers and iOS devices. The app and content is available at no charge. However, watching CTV GO on your computer or mobile device will count toward your monthly Internet/mobile data usage.
What is the best alternative to cable TV in Canada? ›- RiverTV. RiverTV Prices and Packaging. RiverTV Channels. RiverTV Supported Devices. RiverTV On-Demand.
- Crackle.
- Tablo TV.
- Amazon Prime Video.
- Netflix.
- CraveTV.
- Paramount Plus.
Is Crave TV free with Amazon Prime? Crave TV and Amazon Prime Video are totally separate streaming services with separate fees.
What is better than Netflix in Canada? ›If you are looking for family-friendly streaming content in Canada, Disney+ is a must. The content includes Disney's deep vault of classic to new movies, National Geographic, Marvel, and Star Wars. For CAD 11.99/month, allowing four screens simultaneously, you get a vast library of content for the whole family.
Is Crave Canada worth it? ›Cravetv.ca has a consumer rating of 1.12 stars from 392 reviews indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Consumers complaining about Cravetv.ca most frequently mention customer service, credit card and bell media problems.Cravetv.ca ranks 176th among TV Shows sites.
What app gives you free cable? ›FREECABLE TV
Freecable TV is a mobile app available on all iOS and Android devices. The app provides a similar service to traditional Cable TV, but without the cost or subscription.
How can I use TV without paying? ›
If you have a smart TV or Android box, then open the chrome browser and put URL https://www.mxplayer.in/browse/live-tv and https://www.thefreetoair.com/p/watch-live-tv-channels.html in it, here you can watch more than 200 free-to-air and Pay TV channels for free.
Can a smart TV work without cable? ›You can use a smart TV without cable since the devices connect to Wi-Fi networks to operate. You can watch TV shows and movies through various apps that you download on the TV in this way; some apps are free, while others require a monthly subscription.
Can Streaming TV replace cable? ›Although they promote themselves as cable replacements, none of them exactly replicate the experience of a cable or satellite subscription. In some ways, that's a good thing—but streaming TV brings its own set of frustrations, too.
How much is Netflix 2022 monthly? ›We're excited to launch Basic with Ads — Netflix's lower priced ad-supported plan — in November.
Which country has free Netflix? ›Netflix Free Subscription: One of the biggest and most popular streaming platforms in the world, Netflix, has announced to offer a free subscription of its mobile plan in Kenya. With this, users in the market will get access to about a quarter of TV shows and movies streaming on the platform.
Is Netflix free with Amazon Prime? ›Sadly you cannot get a free Netflix subscription with your Amazon Prime account. However Amazon Prime does give you access to watch Amazon Prime Video as one of the many perks of an Amazon account.
What is the best and easiest streaming device? ›- The best streaming stick: Roku Streaming Stick 4K.
- Also great: Chromecast with Google TV.
- The best budget streaming device: Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite.
- Also great: Roku Express.
- The best set-top box: Roku Ultra.
- The best premium device: Apple TV 4K.
- The best for gamers: NVIDIA Shield TV Pro.
- LG C9 OLED TV. This model of LG Smart LED TV is simple and intuitive. ...
- TCL 50" Smart LED TV. One of the best TVs you can buy for seniors is a TLC 50" Smart LED TV. ...
- SANSUI ES32SIN 32" Smart LED TV.
| Product | Forbes Health Ratings | Screen size |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A | 4.0 | 8 inches |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ Plus | 3.5 | 12.4 inches |
| Kindle Fire HD 10 Plus Tablet | 3.0 | 10.1 inches |
| 2021 Apple 11-inch iPad Pro | 3.0 | 11 inches |
Roku wins. Roku's streaming sticks make navigating and selection far simpler than Amazon Fire TV Sticks. You'll notice the Roku remote has more control buttons and quick access to the top streaming apps of Apple TV+, Netflix, Hulu and Disney+.
What is the best streaming service for the least amount of money? ›
The cheapest live TV services for cord-cutting are the free ones: Pluto TV and Xumo. There are paid ones that cost very little, like Philo, Frndly TV, and Sling (especially the individual Blue or Orange plans).
What is a good inexpensive streaming service? ›Sling TV is great for budget-minded people
Sling TV has three inexpensive packages: Sling Orange, Sling Blue, and Sling Orange + Blue. Sling Orange and Sling Blue are each $40 per month, which is an excellent price as the average price of live TV streaming services is double that. The difference is in the channels.
Why do older people watch so much TV if it could harm their health? One possibility is that older adults may enjoy TV more than younger adults because they have fewer alternative demands of their time (e.g., working). Another possibility is that older adults may use TV to regulate negative emotions.
What do old people watch on TV? ›Uplifting dramas. Educational programs. Sports or reality TV. Movies from when they were young adults.
What is considered old for a TV? ›In any event, even if you limit yourself to eight hours of TV a day and manage to keep the LEDs in good condition, your TV might begin to falter at the six- or seven-year mark.
What helps elderly bored? ›- Explore your family tree. Try a little genealogy research. ...
- Stretch the possibilities with yoga. ...
- Do you enjoy board games? ...
- Start an indoor garden. ...
- Learn a new language. ...
- Make yourself some jewelry. ...
- Appoint yourself chairman (or chairwoman). ...
- Write your life story.
Senior citizens may need proper medication to remain healthy. This begins with adequate medical care, such as doctor's visits, dental care, foot care, eye care, physical therapy and psychiatric therapy, if needed.
What is the most user-friendly smartphone for seniors? ›- Jitterbug Flip2 : Easiest Phone Overall.
- Alcatel Go Flip 4 : Simplest Design.
- Jitterbug Smart3 : Easiest Smartphone.
- Apple iPhone SE : Best Voice Commands.
- Consumer Cellular Link II : Best Budget Option.
Use a streaming device: smart TV, game console, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast or Apple TV. You won't need that cable box anymore, but you will need some kind of streaming device to watch services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max.
Is there a monthly fee for Roku? ›There are no monthly fees for watching free channels or for using a Roku device. You only have to pay for subscription channels like Netflix, cable-replacement services like Sling TV, or movie and TV show rentals from services like Apple TV.
Will Roku work without Wi-Fi? ›
Rokus will work without Wi-Fi, but you can watch only a limited amount of content with the device. If your Roku has internal storage or can use an external storage media like an SD card or a hard disk drive, you can watch the content on those media without any restriction.