Top 5 Streaming Services You Absolutely Need in Canada

In the last 5 years, the number of streaming platforms nearly increased 10x, and the content available for streaming increased exponentially.

This has caused strong competition amongst the giants in the industry such as Netflix, Apple TV Plus, Paramount Studios, Paramount Plus, BBC iPlayer, DC Universe, Discovery Channel, etc.

Although these facts make the internet seem like the binge-watcher’s heaven, there is a slight catch, you can’t buy each one of these.

With very different content on each one, it’s hard to choose. And if you’re living in Canada, most of the best shows available on these platforms aren’t even available.

Yes, that’s right. You can’t access these streaming services in Canada. And that’s a bummer, to be honest. Because the US library is probably the best in the world – not just for Netflix but for almost all streaming giants.

The simple reason, the US has more audiences and more production houses spending resources on creating original content.

In this article, we will discuss the best streaming services that are NOT available in Canada. Sorry for the buzzkill guys!

#1 Netflix

Arguably the best in the streaming industry, Netflix has consistently been dishing out great content and is famed all around the globe.

With great originals such as House of Cards, Narcos, and Stranger Things, Netflix is safely amongst the top 5 in this list.

With a constant addition of new titles both in the curated library and the originals section, Netflix is here to stay. With revenues ranging up to $20 billion in 2019, it is no wonder the list of new Netflix shows is increasing by the day.

You’ll always find something great to binge upon if you have a Netflix subscription.

However, Netflix IS available in Canada – so why did we add it to this list? Because the Netflix library for Canada is much different than the one in Netflix US.

#2 Hulu

Although comparatively younger than Netflix, Hulu has quickly gained ground and is a tough competition for Netflix now. Along with a great library of classic titles, shows, and movies, Hulu also provides live TV channels.

Due to exclusive deals with production houses, premiere-day streaming rights to major shows and TV programs are another upside to Hulu. All of this makes it a much more holistic streaming platform than most others.

A premium subscription of Hulu comes with no adverts during streams and provides a less frustrating streaming experience. Be it your favorite movie or a program released for television.

The Hulu subscription can also be upgraded and access to ESPN and Disney + can be added to the plan as well.

Of course, there are drawbacks to Hulu as well. Hulu, despite a huge user base, doesn’t provide HDR or 4k streaming options as yet. The picture quality is limited to 720p. The number of screens where Hulu can simultaneously be logged in is also two whereas Netflix offers 5 screens.

Though Hulu isn’t available outside the USA but due to the insane demand for its originals, Canadians have found a way to sign up and watch Hulu in Canada. 

#3 Amazon Prime Video

With a subscriber count reaching almost that of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video is the second-biggest streaming platform today. This has allowed Prime Video to release great originals such as Jack Ryan and The Grand Tour.

The Prime Video’s Indian library is not to be taken lightly either.  

Along with this, Prime Video also provides users access to any of their favorite movie titles – if they buy them. So, cinema fanatics can create a library of their own with their hand picked favorites of all time.

The platform fully supports HDR streaming quality and high speeds for the meager sum of $9/month. If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you automatically get Prime Video for free.

#4 HBO Max

Amongst the most sought-after streaming services these days, and its rise to fame with “Game of Thrones”, HBO Max is a service that’s much needed in Canada.

HBO Max has exclusive broadcasting rights for DC Universe and Warner Studios. This means all of their titles are only premiered on HBO Max.

Not one to be taken lightly. TCM, another great content producer, is also owned by HBO Max, increasing the prestige it already inspires.

However, on the technical side, HBO Max lags. The maximum video quality supported is 1080p and there are no options for HDR or 4k streaming.

#5 Disney +

Last but not the least, Disney +. It began broadcasting in 2019 and since has been a family favorite. After all, it’s Disney. With a fast-growing subscriber count, Disney + had to cut this list.

Disney +, along with having all of Disney movies for streaming, owns broadcasting rights to Simpsons, Marvel Studios, and Star Wars, amongst other notable titles. The content is strictly PG13, so it’s safe for family viewership. Again, it’s Disney.

The subscription plan is also at $8/month, for the perfect ad-less streaming experience. Upgrading the plan to a bundle will get you ESPN+ and Hulu at $14/month.

Conclusion

If you’re a cinema enthusiast from Canada, you’ll want to check the list above for the best titles to binge upon. And you might want to access Netflix’s US library. IT.IS.THE.BEST!