Top 18 Netflix Competitors & Alternatives

Are you tired of endlessly scrolling through Netflix’s content library with nothing new to watch? Look no further! The streaming industry is rapidly expanding, offering a wide variety of options to satisfy your viewing needs.

So, I decided to take a closer look at the top 18 Netflix competitors & alternatives that offer unique content, pricing, and features. Whether you prefer subscription-based services, free streaming options, or international programming, there’s something for everyone in this exciting and rapidly evolving industry.

The Top 18 Netflix Competitors & Alternatives

1 Subscription-Based Streaming Services

While Netflix remains the dominant force in the world of streaming entertainment, there are several other subscription-based streaming services that have emerged as serious competitors. These services offer unique features, exclusive content, and advantages over Netflix that make them appealing to certain viewers.

So, coming up…

In this section, I’ll take a closer look at some of the biggest competitors to Netflix on other subscription-based streaming services. These platforms include Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, and Disney+, amongst others. We will explore both the features and benefits of each of these services.

Whether you’re looking for exclusive content, live TV streaming, or just a wider range of viewing options, there’s sure to be a streaming service out there that’s right for you. And by considering the offerings of each of these platforms, you can find the one that best fits your preferences and needs.

2 Amazon Prime Video: A Prime Option for Movie and TV Fans

A great option for people who already have an Amazon Prime membership, Amazon Prime Video comes included with the subscription. In addition to its extensive library of movies and TV shows, Amazon Prime Video also offers benefits like free two-day shipping and access to Amazon Music.

The platform’s original content, such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Jack Ryan, is also a major draw for viewers. However, the platform’s interface has been criticized for being difficult to navigate.

But that’s really the only downside to know about…

To get this service, you can sign up to Amazon Prime for a yearly charge of $119 or a monthly cost of $12.99.

3 Hulu: A Hybrid of Live TV and On-Demand Streaming

For those who wish to access both on-demand and live TV, Hulu is a fantastic choice.

Why?

One of its key advantages is its vast collection of current TV shows, with new episodes frequently being made available the day after they appear. Hulu has its original shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and Little Fires Everywhere, making it a popular choice among TV fans. Moreover, Hulu has a cheaper ad-supported plan, which may appeal to budget-conscious viewers.

However, its interface can be confusing for some users, with its combination of on-demand and live TV streaming. Hulu has two subscription packages. The $5.99/month ad-supported plan and the $11.99/month ad-free plan.

4 Disney+: A Magical Streaming Service for Families and Fans

A must-have for families with children, Disney+ features all of the Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars movies in one place. The platform’s exclusive content, such as The Mandalorian and WandaVision, is also a major draw for fans. 

Additionally, Disney+ offers a bundle with Hulu and ESPN+ for a discounted price. This is called the Disney Bundle. However, the platform’s library is not as extensive as some of its competitors. Which may be a drawback for viewers looking for a wider variety of content

How much does it cost?

Disney+ offers a subscription plan for $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year. But, if you are considering The Disney Bundle, this is priced at $13.99 per month. This is great value considering the cost of subscribing to each service separately.

5 HBO Max: The Ultimate Destination for HBO Fans

HBO Max is one of the more expensive streaming services on my list, but it offers all of HBO’s content in addition to other shows and movies. Fans of popular TV shows like Friends and The Big Bang Theory will find plenty to watch on HBO Max, making it a popular choice among sitcom fans.

Speaking of fans…

Game of Thrones, one of the most popular and critically acclaimed television series of all time, was produced and aired exclusively on HBO. Its worldwide success helped establish HBO as a major player in the streaming industry. And the platform continues to produce and offer a wide variety of high-quality content to viewers around the world.

However, the higher price point may be a deterrent for some viewers. HBO Max offers a subscription plan for $14.99 per month, which includes access to exclusive HBO shows and movies.

6 Apple TV+: A New Player with Big Names and Bold Ambitions

A relative newcomer to the streaming market, Apple TV+ has already made a splash with its high-quality original content, such as The Morning Show and Ted Lasso. The platform is included in the Apple One subscription bundle, which also includes other Apple services like Apple Music and iCloud storage.

However, the platform’s library is not as extensive as some of its competitors, which may be a drawback for viewers looking for a wider variety of content. But the price of an Apple Tv+ subscription is $4.99 per month, so it is definitely one of the cheapest options available out there.

7 Showtime: A Premium Streaming Service with Award-Winning Content

Showtime is a great option for viewers who are interested in premium cable programming. The platform features original series like Homeland, Shameless, and The Affair, as well as a library of classic movies.

Showtime also offers live streaming of its cable network. Making it a great choice for viewers who want to watch sports or events in real-time. However, its library is not overly packed compared to some of its competitors, and it may not be as well-known as some of the other services on this list. Showtime offers a subscription plan for $10.99 per month.

8 Starz: A Vast Library of Movies and TV Shows

Another great option for viewers who want access to premium cable programming is Starz. The platform features popular original series like Outlander, Power, and American Gods, as well as a library of movies and TV shows.

Starz also offers live streaming of its cable network. Making it an excellent choice for viewers who want to watch live sports or events. At $8.99 per month, Starz is one of the more expensive services.

9 Free Streaming Services

Being able to view your favorite movies and TV series whenever you want is one of the main benefits of streaming services. But while paid streaming services offer a wide range of content and features, they can also come with a hefty price tag. That’s where free streaming services come in.

As the name suggests, free streaming services offer their content at no cost to viewers. They may not have as many features as premium paid services. But they can still give you access to a wide selection of films and TV episodes, frequently with few advertisements or interruptions. So, these services can be a great way to discover new content or catch up on old favorites without breaking the bank.

What are the main differences as a free service?

The main difference between paid and free streaming services is the cost. But paid services offer access to a wider range of exclusive content, as well as ad-free viewing, multiple device access, and other features.

Free services, on the other hand, offer access to a more limited selection of content, often with ads or commercials included. However, there are many free streaming services that still offer a great viewing experience. Some even with high-quality video and audio, as well as a wide range of genres and titles to choose from.

In this section, I’ll take a closer look at some of the top free streaming services available today. I’ll explore the unique features and benefits of each of these services, as well as their range of content and viewing options.

10 Crackle

Owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, there is a large selection of films, TV series, and original material available on this free, ad-supported streaming service. From action to comedy to drama, there’s something for everyone on Crackle.

The service is accessible on a variety of platforms, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices. And its user-friendly design makes navigation a breeze. Best of all, you don’t have to pay a penny to access its extensive library of content.

11 Pluto TV

Whether you’re in the mood for news, sports, comedy, or movies, there’s always something on with this service, with over 250 stations to select from. You can access Pluto TV in a few different ways, including with your smart TVs, game consoles, and mobile devices.

12 Tubi

Tubi’s library includes popular titles from major studios like Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate, and MGM, with new content added every month. It has a user-friendly interface and easy-to-use search and browsing options. So, it’s easy to find something to watch on Tubi.

13 IMDb TV

As a free, ad-supported streaming service owned by Amazon, IMDb TV offers a unique library of content that includes both classic favorites and more recent releases. So, whether you’re in the mood for a beloved classic or a new hit, IMDb TV has something for you. 

14 International Streaming Services

As streaming services have become increasingly popular, several international streaming platforms have emerged as serious contenders in the entertainment industry. These platforms offer a diverse range of content from different countries and cultures. Allowing users to access a wide variety of shows and movies.

So, in this next section, I’ll take a look at some of the top international streaming services that are challenging Netflix’s dominance around the world.

15 Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is a popular streaming service that offers anime, manga, and Asian dramas. It has a large library of anime and manga titles, making it a go-to platform for anime fans around the world. Crunchyroll offers three different subscription plans for its users:

Free

Ad-supported streaming of the entire Crunchyroll library.

Premium

Ad-free streaming, plus access to new episodes one hour after they air in Japan. As well as access to high-definition video streaming. The premium subscription is priced at $7.99 per month.

Premium+

All the benefits of Premium, plus discounts on select Crunchyroll merchandise and access to exclusive content. The premium+ subscription is priced at $9.99 per month.

16 Viki

Viki is a worldwide streaming platform that provides a huge selection of TV episodes and films from many nations and cultures. It is a popular option for many viewers from around the world because it places a significant emphasis on Asian programming and offers subtitles in more than 200 languages.

Viki also offers both free and paid subscriptions. The “Viki Pass,” which is the paid version, is $4.99 per month or billed annually at $49.99.

17 Iflix

Iflix is often referred to as the Netflix of Southeast Asia. It offers a large library of TV shows and movies from different genres and languages, catering to the diverse tastes of viewers in the region. The price of this service differs depending on which country you are using it from. But generally, the cost is around $2 to $3 per month.

18 iQiyi

Being the biggest streaming service in China, this service provides a wide selection of content, including movies, TV episodes, and documentaries. It is renowned for producing unique content of the best quality and has just begun to grow internationally. The monthly plan costs around $3.99 per month, while the yearly subscription costs approximately $39.90 per year. 

Now that you know the top 15 Netflix competitors & alternatives, have you perhaps…

Got Another Streaming Service Question?

If so, we can probably answer you!

For example, if you’re considering Amazon Prime, you might want to take a look at our guides to How Do I Know If I Have Amazon Prime, How Many Devices Can Use Amazon Prime at the same time, Does Amazon Prime Deliver On Sunday, as well as how to get rid of Commercials On Amazon Prime Video! We can even answer, Should I Tip Amazon Now Delivery Drivers in 2023?

Interested in trying out Starz?

Then, don’t miss our guide to the Starz Free Trial on Amazon.

Then, when it comes to insider info on the top entertainment businesses, we’ve got you covered! Find out fast, Who Owns Netflix? As well as Who Owns Hulu, Who Owns ESPN, Who Owns Fox News, Who Owns CNN, Who Owns Newsmax, Who Owns Dreamworks, and many more!

Just search our site with your questions!

Ok, back to…

Final Thoughts

While Netflix remains the dominant player in the streaming industry, there are a variety of competitors and alternatives that offer unique content and features. From subscription-based services like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu to free services like Crackle and Pluto TV, viewers have many options to choose from.

International streaming services such as Crunchyroll and Hotstar offer a diverse range of content for a global audience. And as the streaming industry continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how these alternatives will fare against the industry giant, Netflix.

In the meantime, happy streaming!