If you’re online regularly, then you’ll know that there are loads of streaming services available – too many, in fact. The market is absolutely flooded with competitors vying for your monthly subscription, and it can be pretty difficult to figure out which one is good for you! Plus, there are different packages available at varying prices, making this oversaturation anything but easy for the average consumer.
So, which ones do you need? Well, in the grand scheme of things, nobody necessarily needs any streaming service. However, we know it can be tough to say no to them all. With that said, what if you’re trying to narrow down your picks? Today, let’s help you decide by summarizing some of the more popular streaming services available to Canadians today.
Spotify
Love music? Spotify is a massively successful streaming platform that you likely won’t regret. Subscriptions are available as single-member or family plans (the latter enabling multiple devices to use the same account, which can be handy if you have kids or an audiophile spouse). This is the world’s largest digital archive of albums, singles, podcasts, and more – and it’s all included for your monthly subscription! The paid versions of Spotify enable you to download songs, albums, and playlists to enjoy whenever you’d like, as well – actually pretty handy for those road trips or when travelling internationally and in need of some tunes!
Netflix
Okay, here’s the big one: Netflix. It’s the world’s most famous streaming service, offering a massive library of movies and TV shows, including many in 4K resolution if you’re obsessed with pixel counts and HDR. From modern superhero blockbusters to classics of film to those slightly-cheesy movies we pretend to hate (looking at you, Speed 2), there’s truly something for everyone. Plus, like with Spotify, you have the luxury of being able to download movies and shows to take with you wherever you go as long as you maintain an active subscription.
Apple TV+
Here’s a more recent one, and what’s more, you get one full year for free if you buy a new iPhone, iPad Mac or other products from Apple! It doesn’t have a large library of content just yet, but Apple TV+ is proving to be a popular choice for many thanks to its free year promotion. This is a great way to see if streaming video services are for you, particularly if you’re in need of a new phone or computer and are partial to the iconic California tech company. The shows that are offered are excellent, including The Morning Show and the Sesame Street spinoff, Helpsters. Always be sure to check which shows are family-friendly before watching, by the way!
Xbox Live
Do you love video games? While there are other services readily available – too many to list here, in fact – Xbox Live provides quite a bit of bang for your buck. Perks include free monthly games to keep as long as you maintain a subscription, access to chat rooms and online gaming with strangers and friends who love the same games as you, and special promotions such as deals on great new games coming to your console. You can also purchase TV shows and movies to stream from your console. The service has exploded in popularity and dropped in price over the years, and new Xbox consoles always come with complimentary service trials of anywhere between a week to several months or longer, so there’s definitely good value to be had here if you’re a gamer.
Disney+
The latest competitor in the video streaming sphere, Disney+ is often the easy choice for many because of the nostalgia factor accompanying its massive suite of content. All the classics you know, and love are here – which often cost a pretty penny to own otherwise – as well as incredible new shows such as Star Wars spinoff The Mandalorian that have gained a large following. Disney+ is also cheaper than Netflix at the time of writing and offers more competitive monthly subscription options, so it may be worth checking out!
Apple Arcade
What if you love video games but prefer simpler, pick-up-and-play titles? Apple Arcade may be a good alternative, which is available with a free trial and a competitive monthly rate. It offers streaming access to over 100 games, with new titles being added all the time. From roleplaying games to platformers, puzzle titles and much more, there’s something for everyone. You’re given the ability to download these games and enjoy them for as long as you maintain an active subscription.
That’s a whole lot of choice when it comes to streaming services, isn’t it? There are even more out there, so take the time to research the ones that interest you the most. Check out what content they offer, which pricing is suitable for your budget and enjoy!
