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CuriosityStream review: Price, content and features
Stay curious and enjoy access to thousands of documentaries without breaking the bank.
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CuriosityStream
CuriosityStream gives users access to numerous documentary series and features that cover a wide variety of topics.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Library includes thousands of titles
- Open to subscribers worldwide
- Low monthly price
- Download content to watch offline
- Month-to-month subscription — cancel anytime
Cons
- Some titles not available outside the US
- Limited to nonfiction content
- Lacks big-budget documentary projects
What is CuriosityStream?
Whether you’re interested in the secret lives of cats or ancient civilizations, technology breakthroughs or lifestyle topics, there’s something on the service to satisfy your thirst for knowledge. Even better, you can explore new topics meant to both inspire and entertain.
CuriosityStream is available to watch worldwide, which makes it a great resource for frequent travelers. It also comes with several features meant to make streaming a breeze, from solid device compatibility to offline viewing.
You pay a set monthly price and you gain access to the entire library of content. There are no lock-in contracts, so you can cancel your subscription at any time.
How much does CuriosityStream cost?
There are two monthly tier plans:
- Standard: $2.99 a month. Streaming in High Definition.
- Premium: $9.99/mo. Streaming in 4K/Ultra High Definition.
Two annual plans:
- Standard: $19.99 annually
- Premium: $69.99 annually
A subscription to CuriosityStream costs $2.99 a month or $19.99 per year for the standard plan that lets you watch videos in HD quality.
A 4K quality plan is also available for $9.99 a month or $69.99 per year. The platform frequently runs special promotions, so you might be able to score a discount when you sign up.
CuriosityStream content is also available as an add-on option through Amazon Prime Channels and other third-party providers.
Does CuriosityStream have a free trial?
Not at the moment, but the service used to offer a seven-day free trial which may be available again in the future.
That being said, the seven-day free trial is available if you get CuriosityStream through Amazon Prime Channels, so you can give the platform a spin for free if you take the Amazon route.
What content is on CuriosityStream?
As CuriosityStream specializes in documentaries, you’ll find thousands of titles from multiple categories available to stream: in both docuseries and movies. The available categories are Science, History, Technology, Nature, Society, Lifestyle and Kids.
Some documentaries include:
Science
- Destination: Moon
- Great Barrier Reef
- Innovation Nation
- Rise of the Continents
- Wild Galapagos
Technology
- Big World In a Small Garden
- How to Build a Castle
- Hubbler’s Imager
- Pompeii
- Silent War: Battle Beneath the Sea
History
- America’s Declaration
- American Icons
- Frank LLoyd Wright: The Man Who Built America
- Ice Age Giants
- The True Story Of King Tut’s Tomb
Nature
- Nature’s Mathematics
- Rock the Park
- The Secret Lives Of Big Cats
- Wonderful Wetlands
The platform offers original productions as well which you won’t be able to find anywhere else. These titles are always available worldwide, while some of the licensed content may vary depending on the country you’re visiting. Although you may prefer to access National Geographic content via Disney+.
What features does CuriosityStream offer?
CuriosityStream has a rich library containing thousands of documentaries in science, technology, the arts, civilization and more. Other features include:
4K streaming
Get captivated with 4K streaming that brings history and science to life. This feature is available with the Premium plan.
Extensive library
Much of the content on CuriosityStream is original, researched, produced and supported by big-names like Glenn Close, Don Henley and Vint Cerf.
Education and corporate subscriptions
CuriosityStream aims to partner with schools and corporations to enrich curriculum and create interest that brings employees together.
CuriosityStream devices
CuriosityStream lets you watch on unlimited devices at the same time, so you can share your subscription with your family. You can also watch on screens from small to big. Here’s the list of compatible devices:
Smart TVs and devices: LG, Samsung, Sony and Android TV, TiVo, VIZIO, Amazon Fire TV, Roku TV, Android TV, Apple TV
Mobile devices: Android, iOS
Other devices: PC/Mac, Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, XBOX One, Amazon Kindle
Moreover, CurosityStream content is available as an add-on option through Amazon Prime, Comcast/Xfinity, Sling TV and Layer3 TV. You can also enjoy it as a complimentary service courtesy of select Internet service providers: Suddenlink by Altice and Optimum by Altice.
How to watch CuriosityStream offline
CuriosityStream lets users download content for offline viewing so you can keep up with your watchlist on the go without burning through mobile data.
All you need to do is make sure you have the latest version of the app installed on your mobile device. Open the app and navigate to the show you would like to save to watch offline, then select the Save button — the down arrow — located below the title. For a series with multiple episodes, you’ll have to select a specific episode to save.
You will find the saved show in the My Stuff section at the bottom of the app under the Saved category. Users are allowed to download up to 10 hours of content at a time.
How much data does CuriosityStream use?
The minimum speed to stream on CuriosityStream is 0.5 Mbps, but the recommended speed is 1.5 Mbps. Keep in mind that you may not receive the best quality video with these speeds.
For Standard Definition videos, it is recommended your Internet speed be at least 3 Mbps. For High Definition, aim for 5 Mbps. And for Ultra HD or 4K quality, you’ll want at least 25 Mbps.
How do I cancel CuriosityStream?
To cancel your CuriosityStream subscription, visit the Your Account page, select the Cancel link and follow the prompts to unsubscribe.
If you signed up through a third-party provider you can only manage your account through their dedicated platforms.
Compare streaming services
CuriosityStream FAQs
Does CuriosityStream have ads?
CuriosityStream partners with sponsors to keep costs low. As a result, you may see one ad ahead of your program per sponsor per session or a simple slate acknowledging sponsors. Generally speaking, ads shouldn’t be disruptive.
Does CuriosityStream have closed captions?
Approximately 85% of the CuriosityStream library offers English closed captions (CC). These are available across all devices.
Is CuriosityStream available on PS4?
No, not at this time.
Can I control what my kids watch on CuriosityStream?
Yes, CuriosityStream includes a kids mode feature that lets you filter out content that includes violent or sexual material.
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Ask an Expert
How many devices can use one account (how may simultaneous screens)?
Hi Jed,
Thank you for asking. CuriosityStream is compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Android TV, Android Phone/Tablet, iPhone/iPad, Web Browsers, Google Chromecast, and Xbox. You can watch on Unlimited Devices at the same time. There’s no restriction on concurrent devices. All members of your family can stream (simultaneously) different shows at the same time. Hope this helps.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
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?
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
Can CuriosityStream be shared (more than one device signed on simultaneously?
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
What is the difference between standard and premium
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
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.
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
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?
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
I thought I was subscribed to CuriosityStream but never got a conformation from them.
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
I have CuriosityStream with Xfinity. How do I watch on my I phone
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
Can I give this as a gift?
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
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?
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