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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This is all well and good but how exactly did Daenerys and her dragons end up on my smartphone? While it’s not breathing fire or raising the dead, it’s still quite magical. Let us show you how it’s done.
Viewers do not need to download online streaming videos. Instead, they watch as the file is delivered to their devices via the Internet. This allows for instant access but requires a stable Internet connection.
Different providers use proprietary technology to deliver the smoothest stream possible without any prior download required. With this method, movies, TV shows, music and video games are accessed instantly without waiting for a download to finish. It’s this ease of access that has made services like Netflix the content delivery option of choice.
While streaming has taken the world by storm, downloading content still has its benefits. First, once the TV show, movie or album is downloaded, it’s yours to access at any time whether you have an Internet connection or not. Effectively, you own the digital file while streaming services allow you to access their library for as long as you pay for a subscription. Even then, content is regularly removed from streaming services so you are never guaranteed your monthly subscription will give you access to a particular TV show or movie.
People also like to take their entertainment on the road or abroad. Streaming can be expensive or is simply not an option for those travelling. Downloading before departing is their only option.
It’s worth noting that services such as Netflix and Prime Video allow select titles on their services to be downloaded for offline viewing.
More questions? You’re not the only one. See what other people are asking.
fuboTV offers access to over 5 different sports streaming channels for soccer, the MLB and more.
Read more…Canada’s Crave is known for its top-shelf TV show library. We’ve picked out the best of the best here.
Read more…Search for your favourite movies in this comprehensive list of over 3,500 titles available on Netflix Canada.
Read more…Overwhelmed by the number of TV shows available on Netflix? Here are our top picks to get you started.
Read more…When it comes to Rotten Tomatoes, Certified Fresh is the ultimate goal. These series take the challenge to the next level.
Read more…Brodie Fogg was the publisher for Finder's streaming and entertainment comparisons. Brodie has a background in education and is passionate about breaking down complicated topics and tech garble to make it more palatable for a wider audience.
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