Best Streaming Service in Canada: 12 Blockbuster Picks for 2024
Gone are the days when cable TV watchers would groan due to the lack of options on their channels. Nowadays, however, we’re inundated with too many options, all with unique features and an attractive content library. So, how do you choose the best streaming service in Canada when they all have something great to offer?
Well, that’s why I fashioned this article – to guide you in picking the ultimate streaming service. Here, you’ll find information on free trials, concurrent streams, features, and more.
Let’s dig in!
What’s the Best Streaming Service in Canada?
The sheer number of streaming services available in Canada can give the indecisive quite a headache. Coupled with most of them being affordable, how does one choose the ideal streaming platform?
For starters, you can check out this selection because it has all the relevant information! Here’s what I recommend:
1. Netflix
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- Free trial: 30 days
- Screens: up to 4
- Top pick: Maid (2022)
Netflix is a streaming platform that doesn’t need an introduction since it’s currently the most prominent provider in the industry. Evidently, Netflix has over 3,500 of the best movies and series, along with many original shows you won’t find anywhere else.
With all of the Netflix plans in Canada, subscribers can access a wide range of content suitable for both movie fanatics and documentary enthusiasts. Here are the Netflix Canada rates:
- Basic – $9.99/mo, 1 screen
- Standard – $16.49/mo, 2 screens, HD streaming
- Premium – $20.99/mo, 4 screens, HD and 4K streaming
Even though Netflix was a popular option among people who shared accounts, the company has started cracking down on such occurrences.
Pros:
- Cancel anytime
- Compatible with TV, laptop, tablet, and phone
Cons:
- Recent price increases
2. Amazon Prime Video
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- Free trial: 30 days
- Screens: up to 2
- Top pick: The Boys (2019)
Amazon Prime Video has been a paragon among streaming platforms, aided by its quality content and exceptional service. Apart from streaming one of the 12,070 movies and 1,030 shows, subscribers can also watch Amazon Originals, which provide a unique experience.
Moreover, Amazon Prime allows you to choose movies from many genres and stream in 4K HDR. The plans are as follows:
- Basic Monthly – $9.99/mo, 2 screens
- Basic Yearly – $99/yr, 2 screens, HD and 4K streaming
- Student Monthly – $4.99/mo
- Student Yearly – $49/yr
Although the plans might be a bit on the pricier side, the quality and entertainment packed in the cost are worthwhile.
Pros:
- Available on iOS, Android, Smart TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku
- Available in multiple countries
Cons:
- Region-locked library
Related article: How Many Scene Points to Rent a Movie in Canada?
3. Apple TV+
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- Free trial: 7 days, 1 month (if bundled with other services), or 3 months (if you’ve bought an Apple device)
- Screens: up to 6
- Top pick: Ted Lasso (2020)
When talking about streaming video services, it would be unfair to overlook Apple TV+. As part of Apple’s network, this streaming platform bundles award-winning Apple Originals, entertaining animated shows, hearty comedies, compelling franchises, and groundbreaking documentaries.
Unlike the previous two platforms, Apple TV+ offers an interesting selection of plans, like:
- Basic monthly subscriptions – $5.99/mo, HD and 4K streaming
- Apple One – Individual ($15.95/mo), Family ($20.95/mo), Premier ($33.95/mo)
Apple TV+ comes with one of the lowest monthly prices for a streaming service, so it’s best if you take advantage of that as soon as possible!
Pros:
- Low costs
- A lot of original shows
Cons:
- Available only for Apple devices
4. Disney+
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- Free trial: none
- Screens: up to 4
- Top pick: Soul
With the launch of Disney+, Canadian streaming services had a run for their money. As a family-friendly provider, Disney+ can entertain every member, not just the children. There, you can find Disney’s latest and greatest features, the complete Star Wars series, and the Marvel franchises.
If you’re interested in subscribing, here are your options:
- Disney Monthly – $11.99/mo, 4 screens
- Disney Yearly – $119.99/yr, 4 screens, HD and 4K streaming
Although there isn’t a free trial anymore, with a reasonable monthly subscription, you can take in all it has to offer and cancel if it doesn’t suit you anymore.
Pros:
- Available on TV, Computer, Tablet, Mobile, and Game Consoles
- Includes Marvel, Pixar, Lucasfilm, and National Geographic
Cons:
- Less show variety than other streaming platforms
5. HBO Max
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- Free trial: none
- Screens: up to 3
- Top pick: Belfast (2021)
Since you’re on the hunt for the ideal streaming platform, HBO Max has probably come up once or twice (or more). And for a good reason, as this provider has gathered titles from the Warner Media Library, allowing subscribers to watch popular movies, shows, and originals in crystal-clear definition.
Although it’s unavailable in Canada, you can use HBO Max with a VPN, which I’ll discuss below. Here are the plans:
- With Ads Plan – $9.99/mo (or $99.99/yr), 3 screens, HD streaming
- Without Ads Plan – $14.99/mo (or $149.99/yr), 3 screens, HD and 4K streaming
Plus, the HBO Max app is available on all types of devices, from TV to game consoles.
Pros:
- Availability of blockbuster movies
- Wide variety of content
Cons:
- Not available in Canada
6. Hulu
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- Free trial: 1 month
- Screens: up to 2 (option to purchase Unlimited Screens Add-On)
- Top pick: The Handmaid’s Tale (2017)
Nowadays, Hulu is smashing the streaming game, with over 46.2 million users. After producing its first in-house web series The Morning After, the streaming platform went on to produce other original titles, some of which have garnered significant attention. The provider also streams other popular TV shows and movies for a relatively low cost.
Since Hulu is not officially available in Canada, with the help of a VPN, you can access plans like:
- Hulu – $6.99/mo, 2 screens, HD and 4K streaming
- Hulu (No Ads) – $12.99/mo, 2 screens, HD and 4K streaming
- Hulu + Live TV (with Disney+ and ESPN+) – $69.99/mo, 2 screens, HD and 4K streaming
If you’re still unsure, here’s why you would (or wouldn’t) enjoy Hulu:
Pros:
- Cheap subscriptions
- Includes airing shows
Cons:
- Not available in Canada
You might be interested: 21 Stunning Streaming Statistics in Canada
7. Discovery+
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- Free trial: 7 days
- Screens: up to 4
- Top pick: A Perfect Planet (2021)
With Discovery+, you can stream over 70,000 episodes of real-life TV and be up-to-date with all Discovery originals. What makes Discovery+ different than other streaming platforms is its establishment as a TV channel, bringing the good old TV days back to your home. There, you’ll find shows on HGTV, Food Network, TLC (90-day fiancé anyone?), Animal Planet, etc.
Sounds good? Here are your plan options:
- Discovery+ – $4.99/mo+tax, 4 screens, HD and 4K streaming
- Discovery+ (Ad-Free) – $6.99/mo+tax, 4 screens, HD and 4K streaming
Still can’t make up your mind? Maybe this pros and cons list can help you:
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Contains a lot of original content, documentaries, and reality TV
Cons:
- No live feeds of Discovery-owned networks
8. Paramount+
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- Free trial: 7 days
- Screens: up to 3
- Top pick: Mayor of Kingstown (2021)
A Canadian streaming services list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Paramount+. On Paramount+, you can find episodes of shows like Survivor, SEAL Team, and NCIS, along with originals like The First Lady and HALO and 24/7 live CBS news and interviews. Like most other streaming video services, Paramount+ has two plans to offer:
- Essential – $6.57/mo (or $65.85/yr), 3 screens, HD and 4K streaming
- Premium – $13.13/mo (or $131.71/yr), 3 screens, HD and 4K streaming
*Prices are based on USD.
So what’s good and bad about Paramount+?
Pros:
- Live sports games
- Available on web browsers, Apple and Android devices, Samsung TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox One, etc.
Cons:
- Confusing pricing plans in CAD
9. YouTube Premium
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- Free trial: 1 month
- Screens: only 1
- Top pick: Secret Saboteurs (2022)
Admittedly, YouTube Premium differs from other streaming services in Canada. However, it still offers some handy perks akin to a streaming platform, such as offline downloads and ad-free playback. If you’re fond of YouTube, you’ll benefit from the availability of YouTube Originals and access to YouTube Music.
As the basic plan is just your regular free YouTube, the YouTube Premium plan includes everything the former does, coupled with additional features like on-demand movies and shows, original programming, and anime, all for $11.99 per month.
Pros:
- Generous free trial
- Includes many sought-after features
Cons:
- Lacks original content
10. The Criterion Channel
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- Free trial: 14 days
- Screens: up to 3
- Top pick: Do the Right Thing (1989)
Out of all streaming services available in Canada, the Criterion Channel offers the largest number of classics and contemporary films filtered through a thematic lens. On Criterion, you can watch Hollywood movies, international productions, art-house, and independent films. Additionally, you can find series on directors, genres, and stars.
The plans are as follows:
- Monthly – $13.17/mo, 3 screens, HD and 4K streaming
- Annual – $131.73/yr, 3 screens, HD and 4K streaming
*Prices are based on USD.
Although this streaming service won’t cater to everybody’s tastes, it’s a treasure trove for those interested in the movie industry.
Pros:
- Offline downloads
- Video extras like interviews and commentary
Cons:
- Some Criterion Collection movies aren’t available
11. Crave
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- Free trial: 7 days
- Screens: up to 4
- Top pick: Big Little Lies (2017)
Crave TV is a paid service offering high-quality content from numerous providers in one place. There, you can watch the latest from Crave, HBO and HBO Max, along with many French movies. And since the Crave subscription cost is industry-standard, all available content is worth it.
Check out the Crave pricing and plans:
- Crave Mobile Monthly – $9.99/mo+tax, 1 screen
- Crave Mobile Annual – $99.90/yr+tax, 1 screen
- Crave Total Monthly – $19.99/mo+tax, 4 screens, HD and 4K streaming
- Crave Total Annual – $149.90/yr+tax, 4 screens, HD and 4K streaming
Keep in mind that you’re getting more out of your subscription with the annual plans.
Pros:
- Available on many supported devices
- Large and diverse content library
Cons:
- Downloads and casting are not available with Mobile plans
12. DAZN
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- Free trial: 1 month
- Screens: up to 2
- Top pick: A Football Life (2011)
Don’t worry sports fans, there’s a streaming platform made for you, too! In fact, DAZN is a low-cost option for watching everything sports-related, from US leagues, NFL seasons, and MMA to original content, documentaries, behind-the-scenes interviews, and an MLB series. History buffs can also watch historic sports events on-demand.
Here are your options:
- Monthly – $24.99/mo, 2 screens, HD and Ultra-HD streaming
- Annual – $199.99/yr, 2 screens, HD and Ultra-HD streaming
You also have add-on pay-per-view events on the app, which you can watch on any device.
Pros:
- Extensive library of international sports shows
- Event scheduling
Cons:
- Some sports have limited coverage
Why Can’t I Access Some Streaming Services in Canada?
Streaming video services are fun and games until you discover they’re unavailable in your country. But why is that?
Essentially, it’s due to a technology that restricts access to content based on your geographical location, called geo-blocking. Geo-blocking exists because of the need for internet censorship and licensing agreements, and, unfortunately, Canada is frequently a victim of this.
Because of your IP identification, services recognize that you’re outside of the United States and automatically block you from accessing the streaming platform.
So What Can I Do About It?
The good news is – geo-blocking doesn’t have to be the end of the road for you. Namely, you can bypass restrictions by using a VPN, such as ExpressVPN or Surfshark.
Once you’ve downloaded your VPN, you can connect it to an accepted server, i.e. one in the US. Then, you can successfully create or log in to your account on your preferred service and start bingeing your favourite shows.
*Note that quality VPNs are paid services.
Finishing Thoughts
With so many options, it’s not easy choosing the best streaming service in Canada. But with this exhaustive list, you’re bound to find something that suits you.
And even if a particular streaming platform is unavailable in Canada, you can always use a trusty VPN and pretend you’re somewhere else entirely!
FAQ
The Sex and the City reboot is available on HBO Max. However, for someone residing in Canada, this means you’ll have to download a VPN, connect it to a server in the US, and stream the show that way.
HBO Max is not officially available in Canada. But that doesn’t mean you can’t watch any of its shows. By using a VPN, you can take advantage of all HBO Max has to offer.
Yes, you can watch shows on Discovery+ by visiting the official site and signing up for an account. The plans start at $4.99 a month.
The Crave price depends on the type of plan you get. Therefore, Crave Mobile costs $9.99 per month, while Crave Total costs $19.99 per month. If you want the Starz add-on, you’ll need to cash out an additional $5.99 per month.
Netflix plans in Canada are as follows: $9.99/mo for the Basic plan, $16.49/mo for the Standard plan, and $20.99/mo for the Premium plan.
Currently, Netflix is promoting Stranger Things, Instant Dream Home, Me Time, Look Both Ways, Day Shift, The Gray Man, Selling the OC, Echoes, The Sandman, and Never Have I Ever.
ABOUT AUTHOR
Mila is an English literature student and a devoted animal's rights advocate. Despite her love for the written word, she's a keen observer of the everyday world and an excellent researcher with a bright and fresh perspective. When she's not doing research, you're most likely to find her out for a walk with her dog or binge-watching a TV show.
