TV streaming: Online streaming comparison

Why should you compare streaming providers? For a long time, Canadians have been paying through the nose for their news, sport and entertainment. And while we’ve become accustomed to services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, there are now new players on the block such as Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus and local providers like Crave TV.

Playing catch-up, accessing premium entertainment is easier and more affordable than ever. Comparing what each service offers and how much it costs could save you a fortune in the long run.

What do I need to compare?

• The price of the service
• The content on offer
• The streaming quality supplied
• The devices that are supported

There are many things you need to consider before signing up with a streaming provider. It boils down to a few comparable factors: price, content, quality and compatible devices.

That’s just the start. Which services offer a free trial? Which services have a lock-in contract?

We’ve done the hard yards for you and answered all those questions and more in the table below.

If you’d like to dig a little deeper, we answer some commonly asked questions and explain why streaming is taking over further down this guide.

What is Internet TV and streaming exactly?

Internet television is televised content that is delivered to all sorts of connected devices, from personal computers to smartphones and video game consoles. Also referred to as Internet protocol TV (IPTV) or online streaming, this technology enables viewers to watch television shows, movies, news and sport in real-time over the Internet.

The streamed content is viewed through a website or native application that gives the viewer access to a live stream or library of TV shows and movies.

With a steady Internet connection and compatible device, there is little difference from what traditional broadcast options offer.

I’m sold but I don’t know if I have the right equipment. Which devices can I use to stream?

This is a common deterrent for people looking to make the switch to streaming. Don’t worry, there are plenty of devices you can use to stream Netflix, Crave and more. In fact, you’ve probably got 1 or 2 in your home already.

• 
  
  

  Computer

  If you’ve got a PC or Mac desktop or laptop computer, you’re already halfway to streaming most major streaming services. You can access almost every streaming service in Canada with the web browser you use daily.

• 
  
  

  Smartphone and tablet

  One of the more popular devices to stream video on, smartphones and tablets allow you to binge TV shows, movies and news on the go. Most major streaming services are compatible with iOS, Android and Windows phones and even offer offline viewing options so you don’t chew through your data.

• 
  

  Game consoles

  Why fork out for a new television when you probably own a streaming-enabled device already? Game consoles such as PlayStation 4 and Xbox One have native apps for Netflix, Prime Video and more. The 4K-ready PS4 Pro and Xbox One X also allow you to stream 4K/ultra high definition (UHD) content when connected to a 4K TV.

• 
  

  Streaming media devices

  If you’re not looking to fork out for a smart TV, there is a huge selection of affordable streaming hardware options. Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Fetch TV and more transform your standard television into a smart TV.

There’s a whole suite of devices and gadgets you can stream on but device compatibility varies from service to service.

Understanding your streaming options

Why is streaming taking over? Convenience. While you can live stream TV shows and movies as they happen, the main draw of streaming television is the thousands of classic movies and recent blockbusters available with the press of a button.

The wide selection of compatible devices also means you don’t have to wait until you’re home on the couch to catch up on the latest news and premium TV shows. You can access streaming and Internet TV services from your office computer or on your smartphone on the commute home. When you get home, you can continue what you were watching on your smart TV without missing a beat.

Streaming is also relatively cheap. For years, cable and satellite providers that usually charge huge fees and require some kind of contract or ongoing commitment dictated entertainment. On the other hand, Netflix charges just $8.99 per month at its lowest tier and offers quality original content and options for HD and 4K streaming at its higher tiers.

Compare the differences in content, pricing and packages from Amazon Prime Video, Crave, Acorn TV, Netflix Canada and CBS All Access before you decide on one.

What are my options for streaming?

There are various ways you can view content over the Internet. Some are convenient but take a toll on your data while others take longer but allow offline viewing. Let us break down the differences.

• Subscription

  These are providers that charge you on a monthly or yearly basis for their services. You get access to a range of TV shows and movies, with different package options to choose from. In most cases, you’ll need a reliable Internet connection with plenty of data to stream the content. Some notable players in the space are Netflix, Prime Video and hayu.
  
  While these services don’t offer live television, news or sport, there are dedicated streaming options to suit just about every need.

• Digital movie store

  These are companies that have developed their own streaming or download system and charge you for each item that you rent or buy, including TV shows, movies and music. Some examples of this include YouTube, Google Play, PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store.

• Cable TV companion apps

  Cable services such as DirecTV and Dish offer traditional cable TV services. These services usually come at a much higher cost than streaming services and incur additional fees, such as installation and hardware costs. With that said, these cable TV services often have a streaming alternative, which is the case with DirecTV Now and MyDISH.

• Pay-per-view

  Cable companies such as Shaw and Rogers offer pay-per-view events (typically sports) purchased as a standalone viewing. Sports streaming services such as UFC Fight Pass and WWE Network are slowly cottoning on and offering pay-per-view events like Wrestlemania via their own platforms.
  

fuboTV sports: The 5 biggest sports you can live stream with fuboTV in Canada

{"menuItems":[{"label":"What is Internet TV and streaming exactly?","anchorName":"#what-is-internet-tv-and-streaming-exactly"},{"label":"I'm sold but I don't know if I have the right equipment. Which devices can I use to stream?","anchorName":"#i-m-sold-but-i-don-t-know-if-i-have-the-right-equipment-which-devices-can-i-use-to-stream"},{"label":"Understanding your streaming options","anchorName":"#understanding-your-streaming-options"},{"label":"What are my options for streaming?","anchorName":"#what-are-my-options-for-streaming"},{"label":"Frequently asked questions","anchorName":"#frequently-asked-questions"}]}

fuboTV offers access to over 5 different sports streaming channels for soccer, the MLB and more.

Read more…

The best TV shows streaming on Crave in May 2023

{"menuItems":[{"label":"What is Internet TV and streaming exactly?","anchorName":"#what-is-internet-tv-and-streaming-exactly"},{"label":"I'm sold but I don't know if I have the right equipment. Which devices can I use to stream?","anchorName":"#i-m-sold-but-i-don-t-know-if-i-have-the-right-equipment-which-devices-can-i-use-to-stream"},{"label":"Understanding your streaming options","anchorName":"#understanding-your-streaming-options"},{"label":"What are my options for streaming?","anchorName":"#what-are-my-options-for-streaming"},{"label":"Frequently asked questions","anchorName":"#frequently-asked-questions"}]}

Canada’s Crave is known for its top-shelf TV show library. We’ve picked out the best of the best here.

Read more…

List of movies available on Netflix Canada in May 2023

{"menuItems":[{"label":"What is Internet TV and streaming exactly?","anchorName":"#what-is-internet-tv-and-streaming-exactly"},{"label":"I'm sold but I don't know if I have the right equipment. Which devices can I use to stream?","anchorName":"#i-m-sold-but-i-don-t-know-if-i-have-the-right-equipment-which-devices-can-i-use-to-stream"},{"label":"Understanding your streaming options","anchorName":"#understanding-your-streaming-options"},{"label":"What are my options for streaming?","anchorName":"#what-are-my-options-for-streaming"},{"label":"Frequently asked questions","anchorName":"#frequently-asked-questions"}]}

Search for your favourite movies in this comprehensive list of over 3,500 titles available on Netflix Canada.

Read more…

The best Netflix Canada TV shows 2023

{"menuItems":[{"label":"What is Internet TV and streaming exactly?","anchorName":"#what-is-internet-tv-and-streaming-exactly"},{"label":"I'm sold but I don't know if I have the right equipment. Which devices can I use to stream?","anchorName":"#i-m-sold-but-i-don-t-know-if-i-have-the-right-equipment-which-devices-can-i-use-to-stream"},{"label":"Understanding your streaming options","anchorName":"#understanding-your-streaming-options"},{"label":"What are my options for streaming?","anchorName":"#what-are-my-options-for-streaming"},{"label":"Frequently asked questions","anchorName":"#frequently-asked-questions"}]}

Overwhelmed by the number of TV shows available on Netflix? Here are our top picks to get you started.

Read more…

13 shows with perfect Rotten Tomatoes scores to stream in Canada

{"menuItems":[{"label":"What is Internet TV and streaming exactly?","anchorName":"#what-is-internet-tv-and-streaming-exactly"},{"label":"I'm sold but I don't know if I have the right equipment. Which devices can I use to stream?","anchorName":"#i-m-sold-but-i-don-t-know-if-i-have-the-right-equipment-which-devices-can-i-use-to-stream"},{"label":"Understanding your streaming options","anchorName":"#understanding-your-streaming-options"},{"label":"What are my options for streaming?","anchorName":"#what-are-my-options-for-streaming"},{"label":"Frequently asked questions","anchorName":"#frequently-asked-questions"}]}

When it comes to Rotten Tomatoes, Certified Fresh is the ultimate goal. These series take the challenge to the next level.

Read more…