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CuriosityStream streaming review

Kevin Joey Chen
Kevin Joey Chen
Last updated:  

Documentaries offer deep dives into fascinating real-life subjects, and they can be addictive in their own right. For viewers who can’t get enough of them, there’s CuriosityStream, a platform with a wealth of high-quality fact-based content. At a low $2.99/mo. starting price, anybody who loves documentaries can easily begin learning a lot more about the world.

Details

Service typeOn-demand streaming
Free trial7 days
Pricing$2.99
Lock-in contractNo

What is CuriosityStream?

CuriosityStream is a platform on which you can stream documentaries on a variety of subjects. With thousands of documentaries in science, technology, the arts, civilization, and more, there’s something to like for anyone who’s intrigued by the world.

Since the platform is a paid service, there are no ads shown in its material. According to John Hendricks, the founder of CuriosityStream, fact-based content is less expensive to produce than dramatic content; this means the platform can pass on the savings to customers.

What devices can I watch CuriosityStream on?

You can watch CuriosityStream on devices like the Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. You can also use the service on Android and iOS devices.

What is the pricing for CuriosityStream?

There are two tiers of monthly plans: Standard, and Premium.
  • Standard: $2.99/mo. Streaming in High Definition.
  • Premium: $9.99/mo. Streaming in 4K/Ultra High Definition.
There are also yearly plans for all pricing tiers, offering discounts from the 12-month prices.
  • Standard: $19.99/yr. (save 16%)
  • Premium: $69.99/yr. (save 16%)

For all plans, you will receive 7 days free. Keep in mind that not all content on CuriosityStream offers high-definition streaming, and the availability of high-definition video will depend on your internet speed.

What kinds of documentaries can I watch on CuriosityStream?

You can watch thousands of titles on CuriosityStream in different categories. Here are a few types of documentaries you can watch through CuriosityStream (in total, there are almost three dozen categories of documentaries to choose from):

CategoriesTopics
Science
  • Biology
  • Earth
  • Genetics
  • Medicine
Technology
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Communications
  • Energy
  • Engineering
Civilization
  • Business
  • Democracy
  • Economics
  • Politics
Human Spirit
  • Art
  • Character and Values
  • Literature
  • Philosophy
CuriosityStream documentaries are created by filmmakers around the world, and some are produced in-house by Curiosity Studios.

CuriosityStream pros and cons

To help you make the right choice about whether to subscribe to CuriosityStream, take a look at the pros and cons of the service.

Pros

  • Almost three dozen documentary categories
  • Thousands of titles to choose from
  • Reasonable subscription prices (starting at $2.99/mo.)
  • Open to subscribers worldwide
  • Month-to-month subscription; cancel anytime
  • 7-day, no-obligation free trial

Cons

  • May not have access to some titles outside of the United States

Verdict

Much like Netflix’s documentary section, CuriosityStream tackles the fascinating world of fact-based content — and offers a lot of it, too. There are thousands of titles in the CuriosityStream library, spanning almost three dozen categories. It’s enough to keep even the most hardcore documentary enthusiast occupied for quite a while.

Price-wise, CuriosityStream is highly accessible; you can get started for as low as $2.99 a month. At that price point, it’s cheaper than most books and it delivers an incredible amount of content for the price of entry.

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21 Comments

  1. Default Gravatar
    LMH1800
    June 17, 2019

    I have had CS for about 6 months and so far it is lousy. The 4k UHD constantly freezes up. Have called numerous times and thay say it is a known problem and they are working on it. Have all new equipment – Samsung Q9f – All new UHD cable – Sony STR DN1080 AV – New Comcast HD 4k box and download speeds of 50+. Fed up and ready to pull their plug. Have you heard of any solutions?

    Reply
    • AvatarStaff
      nikkiangco
      June 18, 2019

      Hi LMH1800,

      Thanks for your inquiry.

      I’m bummed to hear you are experiencing this. While I understand you want a solution instantly, Finder won’t be able to give you an update about the technical difficulties you’re facing. It would be best to contact Curiosity Stream directly.

      Hope this clarifies!

      Best,
      Nikki

      Reply
  2. Default Gravatar
    CuriosityStream
    April 23, 2019

    Can CuriosityStream be shared (more than one device signed on simultaneously?

    Reply
    • AvatarStaff
      johnbasanes
      April 24, 2019

      Hi CuriosityStream ,

      Thank you for reaching out to Finder.

      Though you are able to login through multiple devices, you could only stream using one device at a time. Hope this helps!

      Cheers,
      Reggie

      Reply
  3. Default Gravatar
    Marion
    March 31, 2019

    What is the difference between standard and premium

    Reply
    • Default Gravatar
      Ellie
      April 1, 2019

      Hi Marion,

      Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

      According to CuriosityStream’s customer support, the difference is the resolution. The Standard is in HD, and the Premium is shown in 4k. I hope this helps.

      Thank you and have a wonderful day!

      Kind regards,
      Ellie

      Reply
  4. Default Gravatar
    Eddie
    February 18, 2019

    I had Curiosity Stream on Amazon streaming video for a few months. Now I have it on Xfinity. On both services, it’s difficult to find titles and it appears all of the Curiosity Stream content is not available. How can I stream directly from Curiosity Stream on my television opposed to small devices? Thank you.

    Reply
    • AvatarStaff
      Joshua
      February 19, 2019

      Hi Eddie,

      Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. I hope all is well with you. :)

      I’m sorry to hear about the trouble you are having, Eddie. Upon checking, you can only watch CuriosityStream on your TV by using external streaming devices. However, if you have Android or Apple TV, then you can directly watch CuriosityStream without any external streaming devices.

      Perhaps, the problem you are encountering can be solved by getting in touch with CuriosityStream’s customer support. Get in touch with them and see how you can solve the problem.

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

      Reply
  5. Default Gravatar
    Kevin
    February 6, 2019

    I have curiosity stream on xfinity. When I downloaded app on smart TV it asks for user name and password. I entered both for myxfinity account and received an error message saying info entered was incorrect. Is it possible to use the app if you pay for the service through xfinity?

    Reply
    • AvatarStaff
      Jeni
      February 10, 2019

      Hi Kevin,

      Thank you for getting in touch with finder.

      Yes, you need to have Xfinity services to use the Xfinity Stream app. Please note that prices and plans vary by location. If you are getting error on accessing your account please contact Xfinity support directly. You may chat with their online representative on this matter as well. Please make sure that your details are handy.

      I hope this helps.

      Thank you and have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Jeni

      Reply
  6. Default Gravatar
    Gerald
    December 8, 2018

    I thought I was subscribed to CuriosityStream but never got a conformation from them.

    Reply
    • AvatarStaff
      Ash
      December 12, 2018

      Hi Gerald,

      Thank you for contacting finder.

      Once you sign-up for an account and start your Free Trial for 7 days, you may instantly start streaming documentaries through CuriosityStream’s website. After the 7 days Free Trial, if you wish to continue to regular subscription, you may do so by doing nothing on your account.

      Remember that you may cancel anytime either through online or by calling their contact number at their website.

      I hope this helps.

      Please do not hesitate to reach out again to us if you have additional questions that you may need assistance with.

      Cheers,
      Ash

      Reply
  7. Default Gravatar
    Frank
    November 26, 2018

    I have CuriosityStream with Xfinity. How do I watch on my I phone

    Reply
    • AvatarStaff
      nikkiangco
      November 28, 2018

      Hi Frank,

      Thanks for getting in touch! You can download the CuriosityStream app on your phone to watch your favorite documentaries on the go! To download the app, visit the CuriosityStream website to know how to download the app on your phone. I hope this helps and let us know if you have questions!

      Cheers,
      Nikki

      Reply
  8. Default Gravatar
    Martha
    November 25, 2018

    Can I give this as a gift?

    Reply
    • AvatarStaff
      Joshua
      November 25, 2018

      Hi Martha,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)

      Yes, you can give this as a gift. What you can do is create an account, choose a plan, and pay for the membership. From there, you can simply give your login information to your receiver. If you are not comfortable with giving your logins, you can simply ask your receiver to create an account and give them money to pay for the membership.

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

      Reply
  9. Default Gravatar
    Cherie
    November 18, 2018

    Can a gift card be purchased without designating a name? I would like to include it in a gift card game we have over the holidays.

    Is there any difference in the access to the programs between Standard and Premium? Do you have limited viewing with Standard?

    Reply
    • AvatarStaff
      Charisse
      November 30, 2018

      Hi Cherie,

      Thanks for reaching out to finder.

      Yes, a name has to be entered into the required fields if you want it emailed to the receiver however, you could also put the name of the name of the game instead and send it to your email. You can then print out the gift code email and put it in an envelope or box. The person who gets the gift code can set up their own account with the code and that name won’t be on their account when created.

      All of the contents are available on both plans. The only difference is the streaming resolution. Standard has HD resolution while Premium has Uktra HD and 4K resolutions.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Charisse

      Reply
  10. Default Gravatar
    joelmarcelo
    September 20, 2018

    Hi Thomas,

    Thanks for leaving a question on finder.

    Family members can stream different shows on up to 4 devices simultaneously. Please remember the more you have streaming at once the more your bandwidth is used.

    Please send me a message if you need anything else. :)

    Cheers,
    Joel

    Reply
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