Ever since Netflix showed the world the benefits of video on demand and then opened it to the entire world, it has dissolved borders and exclusive licensing when it comes to watching movies and TV shows. It has also curbed piracy.
Currently there are too many video streaming services out there which offer online streaming services for less than $15. We’ve tried to keep the list global so viewers both within and outside USA can watch their favourite TV shows and movies with ease.
Video Streaming Services & Platforms
This article is a guide on the several video and movie streaming services that exist. It spans the entire planet, from the top of the Great China Wall, through the windy sands of the Sahara to the depths of the Grand Canyons. It is a guide for people from all parts of the world who are looking to have fun and see an interesting movie using a service that is easily accessible and native to their location.
Okay, so if its not easily accessible, you can always download a good VPN Software and connect to it and then access what you want.
Max
Max is home to some of the most biggest names in original content. As the online streaming arm to HBO and very soon Discovery; it primarily hosts content from its television service that includes quality TV shows and movies. On a wider scale, it also hosts content created under the umbrella of WarnerMedia as well as from third-party distributors.
Max has two pricing tiers: a premium ads-free tier that costs $15.99/mo and a newly-launched ads-supported tier that costs $9.99/mo. Apart from being ads-free, subscribing to the premium plan gives you early access to WarnerBros theatrical releases, access to 4K streaming video and ability to download content for offline viewing. That is to say, you can watch Warner Bros newly released movies on the service, instead of going to a theater which up until very recently has been impossible.
Pros
- It has a wide array of premium, top-notch content, like the newly released Last of Us, House of Dragon, Lord of Rings trilogy, The Handmaid’s Tale, Game of Thrones, and The Sopranos etc.
- Ad free tier gives you access to content on the go
- You can use the service on numerous devices including web browsers, Smart Tvs, media streaming devices, mobile and tablet devices.
- Beautiful app with parental controls
- If Reality TV is an interest for you, then Discovery+ content library merge in 2023 is something for you to look forward to
Cons
- It is only available in select territories
- It is pricey at $15.99 /mo for the premium adfree subscription
- Major changes expected to its content library & availability due Warner Bros. merger with Discovery
If at any point you think your region is blocked from viewing the movie streaming site, kindly launch a VPN Tool or lift the restrictions using a DNS service
Disney+
Disney+ has quickly gone up the ranks to become a fan favourite & must have service due to its list of owned media properties that happen to be extremely popular. With access to Marvel, Pixar, Lucas Media and National Geographic and ofcourse Disney itself, they cover pretty every age group and interest. Not to mention it is the only service on the list where you can watch the original Star Wars trilogy.
Starting at $7.99/mo, it is one of the most reasonably priced premium services out there. The $12.99/mo bundle that gets you access to Hulu & ESPN+ is a great steal too.
Pros
- It has high quality and timeless content, with new releases being added every now and then
- Subscription starts at a very reasonable $7.99/mo.
- An excellent on-demand video streaming service with 4K streaming and video downloads
- Can be bundled with ESPN+ and Hulu video streaming service
Cons
- Country availability is still limited despite the number of years its been around.
- It only hosts movies and shows from Disney controlled companies like Marvel, Pixar, Lucas Media etc.
- Some movies are released under Premier Access which is expensive.
Netflix
Netflix is unarguably the largest and most widely known video streaming service in the world. Ever since it began operation as the first streaming service ever, it has run with the baton and still remains ahead of every of its competitors. While it started off showing movies and shows by other content creators, it now has content that is exclusive to it. And what’s more, a vast majority of its original shows are available all at once such that you do not have to wait an entire week just to see one episode. It is also the streaming service with the most diverse catalogue with movies from different cultures and countries of the planet being offered up on its platform.
A Netflix subscription starts at $6.99 a month for its basic ad supported plan, which is on par when compared to other streaming services out there. Netflix is currently developing its live streaming technology which will most llikely start from March 2023.
Pros
- High quality original programming
- Diverse content from different regions and languages
- Ability to play mobile games for free
- You can choose to watch movies and shows offline
- Content locking & restrictions based on rating
- Excellent apps available on several devices including Android, iOS, Windows, PlayStation, Roku, Xbox, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and so on.
Cons
- No free trial
- Shows and movies from other content creators can be taken off when Netflix loses its license to show them
If at any point you think your region is blocked from viewing the movie streaming site, kindly launch a VPN Tool or lift the restrictions using a DNS service
Hulu
Hulu is another great video streaming service that provides excellent value. Although it lacks content from top notch production houses, it makes up for it by partnering up with content creators to come up with great original programming, which is a first for all content creators.
One other selling point of this particular streaming service is the fact that several TV shows by the big networks are available on it the day after they air on the big networks.
Another interesting aspect of the service is its Live TV service. Of all the services on this list, this is a genuine cord cutter with over 75 TV channels to choose from that cover live sports, news, events and entertainment. This, coupled with its extremely low monthly price of $7.99, makes it one of the most attractive streaming service options around.
Pros
- Hulu offers a 30 day free trial of its streaming media service
- Offers Live sports as part of its service
- It is one of the most affordable video streaming services starting at $8.
- Several TV shows are available on it the day after
- Hulu offers HBO Max, Showtime, Cinemax and STARZ as addons that you can subscribe to after signing up with the main service
- You can use Hulu on several devices including Android, Apple, Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and so on.
Cons
- It does not have a very diverse, or large catalogue of movies
- As networks are looking to build their own streaming platforms, Hulu stands the risk of losing several of its content
- Hulu’s base plan is not ad-free, which can be pesky when using the platform
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is one of the “big three” of streaming services, along with Netflix and Hulu. Amazon Prime Video is free for Amazon Prime subscribers and it costs $8.99 a month for non-subscribers. While Amazon Prime Video also started off with video streaming licensed from other content creators, it has since then begun producing its own original content a lot of which are critically acclaimed.
Pros
- It is great for Prime subscribers
- Amazon Prime Video has live sports streaming rights for Thursday Night Football and subscribers can add several other sports focused channels via this subscription.
- Amazon Prime offers original content access in most countries so you can access it’s shows overseas as well (not the others though).
- Ability to purchase or rent content which is not part of the subscription. Currently no other service offers this.
- Easy access to content on different devices including Android, Apple, Windows, PlayStation, Roku, Xbox, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and so on.
Cons
- Its content is not as diverse as Netflix’s
- The interface is not as easy to use as that of Netflix
Showtime
Showtime is another streaming services which was previously only available as a premium cable and satellite television network. Its programming includes feature films, television series, documentaries, and stand-up comedy. It is currently available only in USA and its territories. Internationally some of its content is available through its parent company’s streaming service called Paramount+
Showtime is known for popular original series like Shameless, Homeland, Billions, Your Honor and The L World, as well as for its support for films from major studios, like the Saw series and current Golden Globe winner Everything Everywhere All At Once. It also produces original films and television specials.
Pros
- Free 30 day trial available
- Available as part of a package with Paramount+ for $11/mo
- You can stream live TV and sports as well as watch on demand on your various devices including mobile & tablets
- Specialises in combat sports video streaming i.e. championship boxing, Bellator MMA
- Subscription options available through Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV Channels.
Cons
- Limited geographic availability i.e. USA and its territories only
- Cannot have mulitple viewers / profiles on the same account
Paramount+
Paramount+ is a streaming service owned by ViacomCBS that features films, television shows and original content from the
Paramount library, plus live sports, news and more. The service is available in the United States, Canada and several other countries across Latin America and Europe.
Starting at $4.99/mo their base subscription (called Essential) gives access to content from CBS, BET, Commedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon and Smithsonian channel. If you’re into live sports especially football (both American and regular), then you get access to NFL, UEFA Champions League, SEC, Serie A, NWSL and UEFA Europa League sporting events. Some sporting events require a Premium subscription which is available for $9.99/mo
Pros
- 7 day free trial available
- Cheapest American streaming service with 24/7 live news and live NFL sports coverage
- Best choice for football fans (American on otherwise)
- Combine with Showtime for $11.99/mo or $14.99/mo for premium tier
- 4K streaming
- Watch on upto 3 devices with 6 profiles for family members
- Download and watch offline (on Premium plan)
- Save 16% with annual billing
Cons
- Essential (Base plan) has limited ads
- Essential plan doesnt allow 4k streaming and downloads for offline viewing
Peacock
Peacock is yet another streaming service offered by NBCUniversal. The service offers a variety of programming, with content from NBC, Telemundo, USA Network, NBCSN, E!, Bravo, the Olympic Channel, and more. It has live video streaming as well as on-demand content, including a deep library of popular TV shows and movies, as well as exclusive originals. The service offers both a free tier of ad-supported content, as well as two paid tiers with more content
Peacock’s live sports lineup is versatile with live broadcasts for Premier league football, NFL playoffs, WWE, golf, supermotocross, rugby, indycar, horse racing, cycling, IMSA, figure skaling and track and field events. NBCUniversal has broadcasting rights to the 2024 Summer Olympics. In the past live broadcast rights have extended to Peacock’s premium streaming service. Premium plan is available for $5.99/mo wheras Premium Plus plan is available for $11.99/mo.
Pros
- Watch 10,000+ hours of free video streaming with ad support
- Wide variety of popular tv shows and movies
- Best subscription for sports fans
- Stream on upto 3 devices and upto 6 profiles
- Supports variety of devices such as Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, PCs, mobile devices and gaming consoles
Cons
- No 4K streaming
- Offline viewing is available only for select video titles
- Limited Availability outside US
Youtube Tv
YouTube TV provides access to local networks like NBC, ABC, Fox, and more, including their corresponding regional sports networks. TV viewers can access their favorite shows, as well as live sports and news, through live streaming or through local on-demand content. Along with the benefits of cloud DVR, YouTube TV lets users stream content across multiple devices, including smart TVs, phones, gaming consoles and tablets.
Additionally, YouTube TV offers 3 simultaneous streams per account, which allows everyone in a household to watch different shows or sports events at the same time. A base YouTube TV subscription costs $72.99/mo which you can enhance with premium channels for additional monthly fees.
Pros
- Over 100+ channels (including NFL Network, MLB Network, NBA TV) with zero installation fee.
- A true alternative to traditional broadcast services with zero upfront cost and no annual contracts.
- Unlimited cloud DVR and video storage.
- Add upto 6 accounts per household and access 3 simulatnous streams
- Subscribe to Add-ons such as Entertainment plus (HBO Max, Starz and Showtime) for $29.99/mo, Sports Plus for $10.99/mo You can subscribe to add-ons without the base plan.
Cons
- Pay additional $19.99/mo for 4K streaming and watch DVR content offline on mobile devices
- YouTube TV is currently limited to USA only
iQiyi
iQiyi is a streaming service whose operation is largely based in China. It was created by Chinese tech giant, Baidu. While it initially started off as a service accessible to only those with a Chinese IP, it has since then opened its doors to people from other country. It has an impressive library of content native to the country. Its subscription fee is $2.71.
Pros
- It is compatible with several devices and available on multiple platforms including web, iOS and Android
- It has a freemium version wherein users can stream movies easily
- Although it has several foreign contents, a vast majority are local
Cons
- Its free version is riddled with ads
- Its content library is not very diverse
If at any point you think your region is blocked from viewing the movie streaming site, kindly launch a VPN Tool or lift the restrictions using a DNS service
Viu
Viu is another on which you can stream movies easily on the Asian continent. Although it operates out of Hong Kong, it is available in other countries on the continent: Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, India and Indonesia. Its pricing varies from country to country. Its premium subscription, which is the ad-free version costs between $3.7 and $4.4.
Pros
- It is compatible with several devices and available on multiple platforms including web, iOS and Android
- It primarily offers local content especially Korean dramas
- It can be used for free
Cons
- The free version is riddled with ads which can be pesky
- Its content library is not exactly diverse
iROKOtv
iROKOtv is an African video streaming service that was established in 2011. Its content is exclusively Nigerian and are from the Nollywood movie industry which is the Nigerian version of USA’s Hollywood and India’s Bollywood and which also happens to be one of the largest movie industries in the world. It is quite cheap, costing $45 a year in the USA and other countries, while it costs about N30,000 for a 3 months subscription in Nigeria.
Pros
- It has an impressive library of African content with a catalogue of over 5,000 movies as at 2014 which has since grown
- It is compatible with several devices and available on multiple platforms including web, iOS and Android
- Users can download and watch movies offline
- Downloaded content can also be shared with friends
- It is very cheap
Cons
- Its content is not diverse
If at any point you think your region is blocked from viewing the movie streaming site, kindly launch a VPN Tool or lift the restrictions using a DNS service
Showmax
Showmax is a streaming service that is native to the African continent. While it was launched in South Africa in 2015, it has since made efforts to expand to other countries on the continent.
While it was launched in South Africa in 2015, it has since made efforts to expand to other countries on the continent and is now currently extended to many European countries as well Australia and New Zealand. You can see country availability here.
Showmax has four different plans. If you are looking to subscribe for all the devices; their basic plans costs R99/mo while pro is for R349/mo that includes live sport events and news.
They also have an option for mobile devices. A basic plan is for R39/mo while pro is for R225/mo.
Pros
- It is affordable
- Users can download and watch movies offline
- It has a vast catalogue of African movies and shows
- It is compatible with several devices and available on multiple platforms including web, Android, iOS, Xbox, Chromecast, and Apple TV
Cons
- A vast majority of its content are African
We are aware that there are several more streamers are out there, and if you want, we can showcase them here for you! So, let us know in the comments about the ones you want featured here.