Video Streaming Platforms
Netflix used to rule the roost when it came to subscription-based video streaming.
Now, however, a number of rivals are looking to knock Netflix from the top spot.
Additionally, a few of the streaming services we researched have ad-supported lower-cost plans.
Prices vary not only between streaming services and plans but also from country to country.
Studios enforce copyright by country, as different markets have different demands for content.
Also, the size of each library fluctuates constantly as new content is added and older content is removed.
We compared the number of allowable simultaneous rig connections between the subscription tiers of each streaming service.
Generally speaking, the more simultaneous screens, the higher the plans monthly cost.
While the maximum number of screens doesnt vary between countries, it does vary between streaming platforms.
As such, we investigated the number of countries in which our chosen streaming services are available.
This number is subject to change with expansion into further territories.
However, seeing the success of established platforms like YouTube prompted Netflix to invest in streaming instead.
They continued to develop aggressively, expanding into Canada, Europe, and the rest of the world.
The companys DVD-by-mail service lasted until September 29, 2023.
Today, Netflix is the largest subscription-based video streaming platform.
Primarily, it maintained its top ranking through the production value of its shows.
Different global regions have varying selections of TV shows, movies, and Netflix Originals.
Netflix recommends shows based on users viewing habits and the most popular shows in both their region and globally.
The platforms catalog varies among regions.
The platform allows you to download movies and series to watch offline within 30 days.
Once a title is started, you have 48 hours to finish it.
it’s possible for you to choose from over 100 channels on top of your Prime Video subscription.
The platform is a hub for family-friendly entertainment.
It carries content from Disney subsidiaries like National Geographic, Lucasfilm, Marvel Entertainment, and Pixar.
Disney+ has created several critically acclaimed original TV series, including The Mandalorian and WandaVision.
The platform offers a download option for offline viewing, with up to 10 allowable devices.
Up to four devices can be used simultaneously for streaming.
Disney+ is compatible with the majority of mobile devices, as well as some game consoles and smart TVs.
As of the beginning of 2024, it is available in 107 countries and 12 territories.
The streaming service is not limited to Apple devices.
Apple TV+ is compatible with smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and others.
Downloads are permitted with some caveats.
Content can be downloaded onto iPhones, iPads, and iMacs for up to 30 days with minimal restrictions.
However, Apple TV+ content cannot be downloaded from Apple TV or other streaming devices.
Geographically Restricted Streaming Services
Some major streaming services are only available in select countries.
Take a look at the infographic below to find out more about these geographically restricted major streaming services.
Huluis available to stream anywhere in the United States, United States territories, and Japan.
Disney+ Hotstaris currently only available in India, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.
The size of the content library varies between regions, depending on licensing deals.
That said, Netflix typically caters to more countries for the series and films it does offer.
For both film and series availability, Apple TV+ performed the worst.
The platform offers only eight of the top movies listed and none of the TV shows.
How Do the Major Video Streaming Subscription Services Compare?
On the flip side, it is cheapest in Egypt, with a monthly price of $0.60.
Among the countries we researched, Netflix was never the cheapest of the major streaming services.
This can indicate the value-for-money of the streaming services in comparison to regular cinema trips.
Apple TV+ lags behind the rest of the Big Four when it comes to catalog size.
It has the smallest library in all of the 32 countries researched in which the platform is available.
Only Apple TV+ is available in Russia.
The largest Netflix library currently exists in the United Kingdom and Germany, both with almost 8,000 titles.
Disney+, on the other hand, performed moderately in terms of content variety.
It never had the smallest or largest catalog in all 32 countries.
Netflix leads in terms of global reach, being available in over 230 countries.
Currently, Apple TV+ has the smallest global reach, being accessible in only 126 countries.
However, the streaming service plans to expand further into Central and Eastern Europe.
Prime Video follows Netflix in terms of availability, with a reach spanning nearly 230 countries.
Netflix lags behind Prime Video in versatility, however, as it does not have a free trial.
Prime Video also has a cost-effective student plan.
Apple TV+ is also quite versatile with a lengthy free trial with the purchase of an Apple equipment.
It also offers a student deal and allows subscription sharing with up to five people.
This gave us an insight into which streaming platforms are the most popular.
Spotify
Launched in 2008, Spotify is one of the worlds most dominant digital music streaming platforms.
Plus, Spotify has over 5 billion playlists to choose from, covering all music genres.
In late 2021, Spotify added lyrics to its library.
Through 2023, lyrics were available for all users.
Desktop and web players require a subscription to view any lyrics.
The Spotify dashboard is customized based on listening history.
It features a recently played list, artist and album recommendations, and daily mix playlists.
The platform allows users to transition from one equipment to another with Spotify Connect.
Unlike Spotify, which combines music and podcasts in one app, Apple has a separate app for podcasts.
Apple Podcasts has over 2.5 million free shows and offers monthly subscriptions to access premium content from many creators.
The platform also offers early content releases, concerts, and exclusives.
Youll also be able to listen to ad-supported Apple radio stations.
Its also available through the web.
The free plan automatically plays music videos with ads and doesnt allow background playback.
The platform also carries tens of thousands of podcasts.
Like Spotify, Amazon Music Unlimited offers personalized radio stations and playlists based on listening history.
Users can also create their own custom playlists and share them with friends.
The free plan is supported by ads, and users cannot download music for offline listening.
SoundCloud is available on the web, iOS, Android, Chromecast, and Xbox One.
Nonetheless, its global reach rivals that of Spotify, with availability in over 186 countries.
A HiFi upgrade is available for listeners who want the best quality sound.
Deezer has widespread equipment compatibility.
The platform can also be accessed via all the major browsers.
There are no restrictions on skipping, offline listening is permitted, and all streaming is ad-free.
The Tidal algorithm takes your listening habits and turns them into personalized recommendations.
Podcasts are also available, but the selection is small compared to Spotify and Amazon Music Unlimited.
Tidal Connect allows music to be streamed directly from the cloud to your devices.
How Do the Popular Music Streaming Subscription Services Compare?
We examined the prices of the major music streaming services in 32 key countries.
Its the cheapest in Canada, costing just $3.65 for the basic monthly plan.
Deezer was the priciest music streaming service in 22 of our 32 key countries.
In the United States, SoundCloud Go is the cheapest option at $4.99/month.
Deezers Family plan costs $19.99/month, and SoundCloud Go doesnt offer such a subscription tier.
Its a similar situation with Student plans, with most services charging $5.99/month.
Only SoundCloud Go and Tidal deviated, offering the deal at a dollar less than their competitors.
Spotify, Amazon Music Unlimited, and Apple Music tie at around 100 million tracks.
The table below gives an overview of the features and different plans of the major streaming services.
HiFi audio only comes as standard with Apple Music.
Podcasts are included with all streaming services and plans except Apple Music.
The number of podcasts available varies between providers.
Tidal and Apple Music dont currently have a free plan, but they do have free trials.
For example, all free versions are supported by ads and dont allow offline listening.
Check the table below for more information on the features of free plans.
Services were accurate at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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