Streaming Services Canada – Paid and Free Options for 2023

As the competition among video streaming services intensifies, Canadian consumers are poised to reap the benefits.

Gone are the days when there were only a few options; now, Canadians have a wide range of options to consider when selecting the best streaming service for their needs.

To assist with this process, we have compiled a comprehensive list of paid and free streaming services available in Canada.

Streaming Services in Canada

1. Netflix

Netflix is a well-known streaming service investing heavily in developing exclusive content.

It offers some of the best TV shows and movies currently available. Its platform is accessible on various devices, such as computers, mobile devices, gaming consoles, Apple TVs, and smart TVs.

Regarding pricing, Netflix Canada offers three options: $9.99 per month for one screen, $16.49 per month for two screens with HD streaming, and $20.99 per month for four screens with HD and UHD. It should be noted that there are no annual subscription options, and prices will increase in January 2022.

A 30-day free trial is also available.

2. Paramount Plus 

In March 2021, CBS All Access rebranded to Paramount Plus Canada.

This streaming service offers a variety of popular shows and movies, including NCIS, Survivor, Blue Bloods, Seal Team, 24/7 live news, and more.

It also features classic cartoons such as The Fairly Odd Parents, George of the Jungle, and Max & Ruby.

Paramount Plus Canada is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Apple products such as the iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac, as well as Android devices like android TV. It can also be accessed on laptops, desktop computers, and tablets.

The service is priced at $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year (which represents a 15% discount).

Currently, a seven-day free trial is available upon sign-up.

3. Amazon Prime Video

Like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video is a well-known streaming service investing heavily in developing original content.

If you are an Amazon Prime member, this service is included at no additional cost and offers a wide range of TV shows, movies, and other content.

If you are not an Amazon Prime member, you can start a 30-day free trial.

Amazon has also licensed many popular shows and spends a lot on original content.

Regarding pricing, Amazon Prime Video costs $7.99 per month or $79 per year.

A 30-day free trial is also available.

4. DAZN

Da Zone is an ideal streaming service for sports enthusiasts, offering a wide range of popular games such as NFL, MLB, ICC Cricket, MLS, Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, and more.

It should be noted that a free trial is no longer offered for this service.

5. Disney Plus (Disney+)

Disney Plus is a relatively new streaming service that caters to Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic fans, offering a wide range of popular shows and movies from these franchises.

For more pricing information, refer to our article on how much Disney Plus costs in Canada.

In terms of pricing, Disney Plus is currently priced at $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year.

It should be noted that a free trial is no longer offered for this service.

6. CuriosityStream

CuriosityStream is a streaming service designed for those looking for something different from the typical sitcoms and movies.

Founded by John Hendricks, the creator of the Discovery Channel, CuriosityStream offers thousands of award-winning, exclusive, and original shows and movies that can be streamed from anywhere.

Some of our favorites include

Prescription: Nutrition,

Master of Wine,

Destiny of Rome,

The Woodstock Bus,

Stephen Hawking’s Favourite Places,

David Attenborough’s Light on Earth,

Walking with Dinosaurs,

Wonders of the Solar System,

And many more.

In terms of pricing, CuriosityStream offers two options: HD service is $2.99 per month or $19.99 per year (which represents a savings of about 44% if you pay annually), and 4K service is $9.99 per month or $69.99 per year (which represents a savings of about 40% if you pay annually).

A free trial is not currently offered, but the low annual price of $19.99 for HD service (about $2.40 per month) is still quite reasonable.

7. Apple TV+

Apple TV+ is another relatively new streaming service that is said to be investing $6 billion in original content for its launch.

Unlike some other services, Apple TV+ does not have a back catalog, so all the content available on this platform is being developed specifically for it.

The service is priced at $5.99 per month,

A seven-day free trial is currently available.

8. Hayu

If you’re a reality TV fan, Peacock is your streaming service.

Owned by NBCUniversal, Peacock offers over 250 reality shows so you can watch your favorite reality stars anytime, anywhere.

Some of the most popular shows on Peacock include

Keeping Up with the Kardashians,

Below Deck, Southern Charm,

Shahs of Sunset,

In Ice Cold Blood,

Flipping Out,

Summer House,

Botched,

Top Chef,

The Real Housewives of New York City/Beverly Hills/Atlanta,

Married to Medicine: Los Angeles, Vanderpump Rules,

Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles/New York

And many more.

In terms of pricing, Peacock offers three options: $5.99 per month, $28.99 for six months, and $52.99 per year.

A seven-day free trial is also currently available.

9. Crave

Crave offers a wide variety of movies and TV shows, including HBO, Showtime, and Starz content.

As a service owned and operated by Bell Media, Crave holds Canadian rights to these channels and is the only way to access them.

The subscription cost for Crave begins at $9.99 per month or $99.90 for a yearly subscription.

A free trial period of 7 days is also available.

10. Shudder

Shudder is a streaming service specializing in horror, thrillers, and suspense.

Owned and operated by AMC, Shudder offers a range of original content, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and live-streaming events.

The subscription cost for Shudder is $5.99 USD per month or $56.99 USD per year.

A free trial period of 7 days is also available.

11. The Criterion Channel

Attention all movie lovers! Criterion has put together an exceptional collection of classic and modern films from around the globe, with over 2,000 titles spanning various genres. This is a must-see for any cinephile. The subscription costs $10.99 per month or $99.99 per year.

And there is a 14-day free trial available. Take advantage of this opportunity to expand your film knowledge and appreciation.

12. BritBox

Are you a fan of British television? Look no further than BritBox, which offers a wide variety of popular English dramas, comedies, mysteries, documentaries, soaps, and more.

Get the fix of your favorite shows for $8.99 per month or $89.99 per year.

There is also a 7-day free trial available for those who want to try it out before committing. Get ready to enjoy all of the best on British TV with BritBox.

13. Acorn TV

If you’re a fan of British television shows and movies, including mysteries, dramas, and comedies, check out Acorn. Similar to BritBox, Acorn offers a variety of popular British content.

The service costs $7.49 per month,

And it offers a free trial period of 7 days.

14. CBC Gem

CBC Gem is the new streaming service from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). It offers free and premium content featuring popular Canadian shows and movies.

If you’re interested in trying out the service, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial.

After the trial period, the service costs $4.99 per month.

15. FlixFling

FlixFling is a streaming service that offers a wide selection of classic movies from nearly all major studios, covering all genres.

In addition to the classic movies, you can also rent newer releases and special titles. If you’re a classic movie fan, you’ll love FlixFling, as new content is added weekly.

The service costs $7.99 per month.

And it offers a free trial period of 7 days.

16. Fubo TV

Fubo is a streaming service that focuses on live sports and television, primarily offering soccer matches. If you’re a soccer fan and live in Canada, Fubo might be a good choice.

The service offers a 7-day free trial period; after that, it costs $20 per month, $40 per quarter, or $150 per year.

17. Crunchyroll

You’ll be excited to learn about this streaming service if you’re an anime and manga fan.

It offers over 1,000 series, including simulcasts from Japan that are available just one hour after the Japanese broadcast. The content is available in HD and can be streamed on all devices.

The service offers a 14-day free trial period, and after that, it costs $7.99 per month for the Fan plan, $9.99 per month for the Mega Fan plan, or $99.99 per year for the Mega Fan plan.

18. Motor Trend On Demand

If you’re a car enthusiast, this streaming service is for you. It offers access to your favorite car TV shows and motorsports online.

The service costs $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year and offers a free trial period of 7 days.

With this subscription, you can watch your favorite car-related content online.

19. Spuul

Bollywood fans in Canada now have a dedicated streaming platform to access their favorite movies and TV shows.

Spuul offers a vast selection of Bollywood content, with over 10,000 hours of movies and TV series available in Hindi, Punjabi, and Tamil.

The platform is known for its high-quality content and is one of the few options specifically focused on Bollywood in Canada.

The service is free with ads or for a low monthly fee of around $2 for ad-free streaming.

20. Sundance Now

“Sundance Now is a streaming service that offers true crime, political thrillers, and dramatic series.

It has been available in Canada for a few years but may not be as well-known as other streaming platforms.

Sundance Now is owned by AMC and costs $6.99 per month or $59.99 per year.

There is also a 7-day free trial available for new subscribers.”

21. Hotstar

“Hotstar is a streaming platform that was originally only available to those living in India when it launched in 2015. It became available to people in other countries, including Canada, in 2017.

For more information about Hotstar, you can read our article about Hotstar Canada.”

Hulu

“Hulu is not currently available in Canada.

Our article about Hulu Canada has more information on this. Despite the launch of Disney+ in Canada, Hulu has not yet become available in the country.”

22. HBO Max

“HBO Max is not currently planned to be available individually in Canada. For more information on this, refer to our HBO Max Canada article.

However, Bell Media has signed a deal with Warner Bros for the Canadian rights to some of the content available on HBO Max, which will be offered through their Crave service.”

DC Universe

“As of now, the service is not available in Canada. Many people are hoping that it will become available in the future.”

Philo Streaming Service

“Philo is a popular streaming service in the US but is not yet available in Canada.”

Sports Streaming Canada

“Here is a list of sports streaming options available in Canada:

1. NBA League Pass
2.  NFL Game Pass – This service is offered through DAZN.
3.  NHL Live – Rogers holds the broadcast rights for the NHL, but there are no free perks for Rogers customers.
4.  MLB TV
5.  Willow – This service is for cricket fans.
6.  NBC Sports Gold – This service will be phased out in January 2022.
7.  UFC Fight Pass
8.  F1 TV – Formula 1 fans can watch full replays of races and live leaderboards with this service.
9.  Bleacher Report Live – This service is for fans of the National Lacrosse League, World Arm Wrestling League, and field hockey.
10.  TSN Direct – Live stream the CFL, NFL, MLS, MLB, NASCAR, F1, golf, and tennis.
11.  Sportsnet Now – Stream the NHL, NBA/Raptors, MLB/Blue Jays, WWE, CHL, Bundesliga, Grand Slam of Curling, and more.

Fox Soccer Match Pass is not available in Canada. However, the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, and more are available on DAZN.” Regenerate response

Free Streaming Sites in Canada

“The following options allow you to watch movies, TV shows, and other content for free without requiring you to log in with your cable provider:

1. Tubi – Watch movies and TV shows in HD on any device for free. It is ad-supported.
2. HGTV – Watch full episodes of many of their shows for free, though they are added after airing live.
3. MUCH – Watch full episodes of shows like South Park and Tosh.0 for free.
4. Slice – Watch full episodes of some of your favorite shows for free.
5. The Comedy Network – Watch full episodes of shows like The Daily Show with Trevor Noah for free.”
6. Food Network – Watch through the Global TV app or on STACK TV.
7. Global News – Watch news online for free.
8. BNN – Watch BNN Bloomberg online for free.
9. CTV – Some full episodes and long clips of shows like The Masked Singer and The Marilyn Denis Show are free.
10. CTV Life – A few free episodes of shows like Holmes on Homes, Bonacini’s Italy, Let’s Brunch, Dog Tales Rescue, and DNA Dinners are available.
11. VICE – A large selection of free video content is available on the VICE website.
12. Kanopy – This service offers a free classic cinema, indie films, and documentaries with a participating library card or college/university access.
13. CBC Gem – CBC offers both free and premium content.
14. TVOKids – Many free shows are available to stream, as well as a live stream.”
15. OMNI – Full episodes and some movies are available in various languages.
16. VisionTV – This service offers a selection of general entertainment programming with a few free episodes that are continuously updated.
17. APTN – Watch full episodes of over 50 shows on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network.
18. CPAC – The Cable Public Affairs Channel offers live streams and repeats of coverage of public and government affairs.
19. The Shopping Channel – Watch The Shopping Channel live for a different streaming experience.
20. Crackle was once available in Canada, but Sony Pictures Television withdrew from the Canadian market in 2018 and is no longer available.”

Live TV Streaming In Canada

“If you want to save money on cable while still having access to channels, the Tablo Dual Lite is a great device to consider. It allows you to watch live, local, over-the-air broadcast TV in high definition on your devices without a monthly cable bill.”

How does it work?

“To set up the Tablo Dual Lite, connect your HDTV antenna using the USB port and an external hard drive.

Then, you can connect the Tablo to your router either through the Ethernet jack or via Wi-Fi.”

And that’s it.

“Once the Tablo Dual Lite is set up, you can watch live, local, over-the-air broadcast TV in high definition on any of your devices without a monthly cable bill.”

Best Streaming Devices Canada

Here are some options for streaming content to your TV if it does not have built-in streaming apps:

1. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: This device plugs into the HDMI port on your TV and allows you to access various streaming apps, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu.
2.  Roku Streaming Stick+: This device also plugs into the HDMI port on your TV and offers access to a wide range of streaming apps, including Netflix, Hulu, and ESPN+.
3.  Apple TV 4K: This streaming device connects to your TV via an HDMI cable and offers access to various streaming apps, including Apple TV+, Netflix, and Hulu.
4.  Google Chromecast: This device allows you to stream content from your phone, tablet, or laptop to your TV using an HDMI connection. It supports a variety of streaming apps, including Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube.

About VPN

It is legal in Canada to use a virtual private network (VPN). This means you don’t have to worry about violating laws by using a VPN in any province or territory. VPNs are used to create secure and private connections, and there are many different options available from various companies.

Some of the best VPN providers charge a reasonable monthly fee, but it is also possible to find discounts on annual or multi-year packages. While there is a significant demand for free VPN services, it is important to remember that these may not be as reliable or secure as paid options.

In addition to being available on desktop and laptop computers, VPNs can also be downloaded onto mobile devices such as iPhones and Android phones. They can be used on home networks and in small businesses through VPN routers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which streaming service in Canada is the best?

For the best value for streaming movies and TV shows, Netflix is a top pick at $9.99 per month for a wide selection of titles. For the best movies, you can’t go wrong with Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Disney+.

For the best TV shows, Crave is a great choice for access to HBO, Showtime, and Starz content, and Netflix is known for its original series.

Hayu offers a comprehensive selection for $5.99 per month for reality TV fans. Sports enthusiasts may want to consider DAZN for a comprehensive package, or you can subscribe to individual league services like NBA League and NHL Live.

Is Crave TV free with Amazon Prime Video?

Crave TV is not included with an Amazon Prime Video subscription. Instead, it is a separate streaming service that offers its selection of movies and TV shows.

On the other hand, Amazon Prime Video is a standalone service that provides access to a different collection of movies, TV shows, and original programming. It is important to note that Crave TV and Amazon Prime Video are two different services and are not connected.

Do you get Netflix Canada free with Amazon Prime?

Contrary to what some may believe, Netflix Canada is different from Netflix in the United States. To access the Canadian library of movies and TV shows, Canadians must pay for a separate subscription to Netflix Canada. This differs from the Netflix service included with an Amazon Prime subscription in the US.

Keep in mind that the content available on Netflix Canada and Netflix US may be different, and a subscription to one does not grant access to the other.

Is CBS All Access free with Amazon Prime?

A subscription to CBS All Access is required to watch CBS programming on Amazon Prime. It is separate from an Amazon Prime membership. In Canada, CBS All Access can be purchased as a standalone streaming service for $5.99 CAD per month and is ad-free.

Remember that an Amazon Prime subscription does not grant CBS All Access content access. To watch CBS shows and another programming on Amazon Prime, you must have a separate subscription to CBS All Access.

Is Crave TV Better Than Netflix Canada?

Netflix Canada and Crave TV are two popular streaming services offering various movies and TV shows. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so it takes time to determine the best choice for you.

Netflix Canada has a larger selection of movies than Crave TV, but Crave TV has a bigger selection of TV shows. Netflix Canada offers a monthly subscription, while Crave TV uses a pay-per-view model.

Crave TV is owned by Bell Media, so if you are already a Bell customer, you may get discounts on Crave TV subscriptions.

Netflix Canada is not affiliated with any telecom company, so no discounts are available for its service. Ultimately, both Netflix Canada and Crave TV offer much content and are worth considering.

Is Crave TV worth it in Canada?

Crave TV is a streaming service that provides access to a library of movies and TV shows in Canada and the United States. It has been available in Canada since January 2016 and can be streamed on a computer or phone or watched on TV through a streaming device such as Apple TV or Roku.

There are several different subscription plans available for Crave TV, including a basic option for $9.99 per month that allows users to watch programming on one device at a time.

For an additional $5 per month, users can upgrade to the CraveTV Everywhere plan, which allows them to watch programming on two devices simultaneously.

Is Netflix Canada free?

Netflix Canada is a paid streaming service that offers a range of subscription plans. The most popular plan, which costs $9.99 per month, allows users to stream movies and TV shows online and watch on up to two devices simultaneously.

There are also more expensive plans that offer Ultra HD streaming and the ability to watch on up to four screens simultaneously. Remember that a subscription is required to access Netflix Canada’s content library.

How do I get rid of cable and still watch sports?

It is possible to cancel your cable subscription and still access sports programming. The best option for you will depend on your specific interests.

DAZN is a good choice for NFL, MLB, boxing, some soccer, and ICC cricket. Sportsnet NOW offers access to Canadian teams across various sports if you mainly want to watch Canadian teams.

Other options are also available for different sports, as outlined in the sports section mentioned above.

Is streaming cheaper than cable?

According to the 2019 Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s Communications Monitoring Report, the average Canadian spent $52.58 on satellite cable and TV per month in 2017.

However, when additional channels like kids’ networks, sports packages, and lifestyle channels are added, the monthly bill can easily exceed $100. By cutting your cable, you can save over $1,000 on your entertainment costs.

Streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ offer a wide variety of content, including original programming, and can be a cost-effective alternative to cable. Even ESPN is now available through streaming.

A typical streaming package costs between $89 and $99 per year, and you could subscribe to three streaming services and save around 70% on cable costs.

What is better than Netflix in Canada?

According to user reviews, Amazon Prime Video is highly rated among Canadians. It is considered a good alternative to Netflix, which can be limited in terms of the content available in the Canadian market.

Amazon Prime Video is available for $7.99 monthly, while Netflix costs $9.99 monthly. You can save nearly 75% on your annual cable costs by subscribing to both.

DAZN is another popular choice for sports fans, offering a variety of sports and leagues from around the world. Disney+ is a newer streaming service that provides access to productions from studios like Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm and National Geographic content for animal lovers. An annual subscription costs $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year.

How do I get rid of cable in Canada?

It’s easy to transition to online entertainment and ditch your cable subscription. Before signing up for streaming services, ensure you have a reliable high-speed internet connection.

Contact your internet service provider to discuss the best option for your needs, considering the number of people in your household who will be streaming simultaneously.

Once your internet connection is set up, contact your cable company and let them know you want to cancel your services. You may need to complete the current billing cycle before cutting your cable.

When ready, sign up for your preferred streaming services immediately or plan to do so on the day your cable is cut.

Why is Canadian Netflix so bad?

The selection on Netflix Canada may be limited due to distribution rights. Many US movies and TV shows have long-term agreements with cable companies and networks that are geographically restricted, resulting in varying programming from country to country. However, Netflix has also produced several successful original movies and TV shows.

Does Canada have free TV?

There are several options for Canadian residents to access free TV. One option is to invest in a digital antenna, which typically costs around $50 and allows you to watch local channels for free.

Another option is to subscribe to a streaming service such as Netflix, CraveTV, or Amazon Prime Video, which offer a wide variety of TV shows and movies for around $10 per month. Alternatively, you can watch TV online through most networks by streaming their shows free with a valid cable subscription.