Compare the 34 Best Streaming Services in Canada in 2024 

The Canadian entertainment landscape is continually growing, and streaming services have become part of our lives. Streaming offers a cheaper and more convenient alternative to cable TV services since most streaming services offer multi-platform streaming features — you can stream from your TV, laptop, Console, phone, and more. 

Whether you’re a fan of gripping dramas, feel-good music, or competitive sports, there’s a streaming platform for you.

New players like Fubo are entering the market, while oldtimers like Netflix are expanding their content libraries. With so many options, finding the right streaming service can be daunting. 

To keep you updated, we’ve rounded the best streaming services in Canada, their niche, cost, and other relevant information to help you make the right choice.

Best Music Streaming Services in Canada

1. Spotify

There are many newcomers to the music streaming services, but Spotify remains the king of music streaming. You get a vast content library, including music catalogues, well-curated playlists, deep podcast selections, and more. 

The platform also has a user-friendly interface, multi-platform streaming ability, and the ability to play local music files. But Spotify audiophile standards still don’t match those of Tidal, Qobuz, and Amazon Music. 

Spotify Pricing plans:

• Spotify free – free access to all content
• Premium Individual – $10.99/month 
• Premium Duo – $14.99/month (two people at the same address)
• Premium Family – $16.99/month (six family members at the same address)
• Premium Student – $5.99/month (comes with Hulu access)

Pros

• User-friendly interface
• Switch devices easily
• Diverse playlists
• Multi-platform ability (tablet, phone, desktop, browser)
• Great music discovery features

Cons

• Ads on free Plan
• Lacks HiFi audio
• Buggy web player (at times)

2. Apple Music 

Apple Music, developed by Apple, is the second most-used on-demand music streaming service after Spotify. It features lossless audio, a 100-million+ song catalogue, Siri compatibility, Hi-Res audio, live internet radio stations, and more.

This platform also offers live performance concerts, artist interviews, and other exclusive live sessions. 

Since 2016, they have also branched into video, and today, they offer 24/7 music video streaming. It’s compatible with any Apple device like CarPlay, AppleTV, and iPads. 

Apple Music pricing plans:

• Apple Music Individual – $10.99/month
• Apple Music Student – $5.99/month
• Apple Music Family – $16.99/month
• Apple Music Voice – $4.99/month

Pros

• Excellent video playlists and live performances
• Cool Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos sound
• 100 million+ tracks
• Intuitive and beautiful interface
• Upload favourite local files 
• Multi-platform ability

Cons

• Limited non-music content (no podcasts or audiobooks)
• No free version
• Lossless audio is unavailable on some pricing plans

3. Amazon Music

Amazon Music is a popular digital streaming platform from e-commerce giant, Amazon. It offers an extensive music catalogue, rich podcasts, Hi-Res Audio, and additional content like music stations and videos.

You can stream their services from smartphone apps, browsers, and Amazon devices like Echo and Fire TV.

Amazon Music pricing plans:

• Free Plan – full access to all music and podcast content
• Individual Premium – Prime ($8.99/month), Non-Prime ($9.99/month)
• Family Plan – $15.99/month or $159/year
• Single Device Plan – $4.99/month

Pros

• 90 million+ song catalog
• Seamless connection with Amazon device family
• HD Audio feature outperforms Spotify
• 90-day free trial
• Subscription perks

Cons

• No live radio
• Only allows offline download for All-Access playlists

4. Tidal

Launched in 2014 in Canada, Tidal boasts well-curated content and superb audio formats that deliver one of the best HiFi audio streaming. 

It also offers music videos, rich editorial write-ups (fun music writing), and the ability to buy sports and concert tickets through its platform.

Tidal may be one of the most expensive music streaming platforms, but it also offers value for money. So, if you are an audiophile passionate about music, this is for you.

Tidal Pricing plans:

• Tidal Free – Family free and individual free
• Tidal Individual – HiFi ($9.99/month), HiFi Plus ($19.99/month)
• Tidal Family – HiFi ($14.99/month), HiFi Plus ($29.99/month)
• Student – HiFi ($4.99), HiFi Plus ($9.99)
• They also have a Tidal subscription for military personnel and first responders. 

Pros

• Lossless audio
• Intuitive interface
• Excellent music discovery feature
• Music-focused podcasts
• Videos, exclusive backstage content, concerts, and live streams

Cons

• Free Plan lacks key Tidal features
• Relatively expensive
• No local file playback

5. Qobuz

Qobuz was the first music streaming service to give its members 16-bit and 24-bit audio files for both download and streaming. It is Tidal’s biggest competitor, and if you are an audio purist, your choice boils down to these two platforms. 

If you value the highest resolution possible, Qobuz is your go-to music streaming service. 

Qobuz pricing plans:

• Qobuz Solo – Studio ($12.99/month), Sublime ($17.99/month)
• Qobuz Duo – Studio ($17.98/month), Sublime (£27.57/month)
• Qobuz Family – Studio ($21.57/month), Sublime (34.98/month)

Pros

• Lossless and studio-quality audio
• Streaming and purchasing are available
• Guest playlists, background articles, and interviews
• Intuitive apps accessible over many devices
• Integrated streaming with other music playback platforms

Cons

• Relatively expensive
• Some tracks are geo-limited
• No free account
• No live stations/podcasts

Best Sports Streaming Services in Canada

For each of the following services, the price points for entry-level subscriptions are almost similar, but look out for limited or regional blackouts.

6. DAZN

DAZN, pronounced “da-zone”, launched its service in Canada in 2018. It mainly focuses on events and has become one of the best sports streaming services for MMA and boxing. 

It has other high-profile events such as the UEFA Champions League, EFL, NFL (via NFL Game Pass), WTA Tennis, and more. DAZN also offers non-sport “sports” like chess, darts, snooker, and more.

However, DAZN’s main downside is there’s no NHL for Canadian hockey fans. 

DAZN pricing plans:

• Monthly – 14.99 CAD
• Yearly – 199.99 CAD

Pros

• Exclusive boxing and MMA fights
• Fights on DAZN are available for replay
• Excellent streaming service

Cons

• No NHL
• Live streams limited to 720p

7. FuboTV

One of the newcomers in Canada, Fubo (also known as fuboTV), is the go-to sports streaming service for EPL soccer fans. Besides local, national, and international sports, Fubo offers entertainment, lifestyle, and news channels, making it an all-around platform. 

It also boasts one of the best cloud DVR capabilities and smooth performance. 

Fubo pricing plans:

• Essential package – monthly (14.99 CAD), quarterly (29.98 CAD), yearly (CAD 99.99)
• Soccer – monthly ($24.99), quarterly ($54.99), yearly ($199.99)
• Premium – monthly ($34.99), quarterly ($99.98), yearly ($349.99)

Pros

• Excellent DVR capabilities (up to 1000 hours)
• Compatible with many devices
• Supports HD and 4K for specific content
• Concurrent streaming (up to 3 devices)
• Sports and on-demand entertainment and news

Cons

• Costly add-ons and packages
• Most live streams restricted to 720p

8. ESPN+

Canadians can’t access ESPN+ since some platforms available in the US are geo-blocked in Canada because of licensing agreements. It’s also important to reiterate that ESPN+ differs from cable ESPN or the ESPN app.

ESPN+ offers more European, Latin-American, and Asian sports. They also offer alternative sports content not available on the main ESPN network. 

You need a reliable VPN (+ ESPN Plus account) to subscribe to ESPN+ in Canada.

ESPN+ cost:

• Monthly ($9.99)
• Yearly ($99.99)

Pros

• Concurrent streams (up to 3)
• Exclusive articles
• Access to ESPN’s exclusive archives
• Lots of live sports (college, professional, and international)
• Supports offline downloads

Cons

• No cloud DVR
• Doesn’t have ESPN’s core programming

9. TSN Direct

TSN+ (TSN Direct) is the best sports streaming service if you want variety in semi-professional, professional, and alternative sports. Founded in 1984, its parent company, TSN, is one of the largest and oldest cable TV platforms in Canada.

You can watch sports and events such as the NBA, NHL (regionally), MLB, PGA Tour, La Liga, Nascar, and NCAA sports. It also offers international hockey including World Championship tournaments. 

TSN+ cost:

• Monthly ($19.99)
• Yearly ($199.90)

Pros

• Expert analysis
• User-friendly interface
• Wide sports coverage
• Full access to TSN content

Cons

• NHL coverage may be geo-limited in some areas
• Lacks cloud DVR

10. Sportsnet NOW

Sportsnet NOW launched its sports livestream services in 2016. It covers a comprehensive list of national and international sports, including NHL, NBA, and MLB live streams. 

It’s also an excellent platform for watching women’s sports, covering FA Women’s Super League, WNBA, FIBA, and more.

It’s also popular because it offers several subscriptions, is compatible with several devices, and covers non-sport content (from its parent, Sportsnet).

Sportsnet NOW pricing plans:

• Standard – monthly ($19.99), yearly ($179.99)
• Premium – monthly ($34.99), yearly ($249.99)

Pros

• Extensive coverage of women’s sports
• Compatibility with various devices (Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Android, Consoles)
• Affordable pricing with several tiers
• Best for NHL content
• More content besides sports

Cons

• Limited boxing and MMA fights compared to DAZN
• NHL, NBA, and MLB blackouts in some parts

Best TV and Movie Streaming Services in Canada

11. Disney Plus

Disney Plus doesn’t only cater to kids; it also owns other entertainment services, including Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and other beloved adult classics. Here, you can catch over 1600 movies and 28,000 episodes, including every episode of “The Simpsons.”

This platform has an intuitive interface and competitive features such as 4K, offline downloads, customized recommendations, and more. 

It is also affordable, but you must fork out more for an ad-free experience. 

Disney Plus pricing plans:

• Standard – $7.99/month (with ads), $11.99/month or 119.99/year (ad-free)
• Premium – $14.99/month or 149.99/year

Pros

• A variety of Disney-owned content
• Works with most smart devices (except Nintendo Switch)
• 4K streaming
• Offline download
• A large amount of Kid content
• Reliable performance

Cons

• Some Fox content split with Hulu

12. Netflix

From its “humble” beginnings in 1997, Netflix has grown into a global entertainment giant. It is one of Canada’s leading on-demand video streaming platforms with its movie catalogue and amazing original programming.

The service also has excellent features like offline downloads, 4K content, great apps, and more.

Netflix pricing plans:

• Standard – $6.99 (with ads)
• Standard – $15.49
• Premium – $19.99

Pros

• Large pool of binge-worthy video content
• Great apps and features
• 4K video resolution
• Offline downloads on phone
• Free mobile games
• Simultaneous streaming (depending on Plan)

Cons

• No notifications about changes to the availability of content
• Limited content depending on the region
• Relatively expensive

13. Paramount+

Compared to Disney+ and Netflix, Paramount Plus is just a newcomer. It has grown from a service of CBS reruns and classic movies to a platform with a decent movie catalogue. For instance, Star Trek fans will have a field day here. 

Besides on-demand video streaming, this service offers sports, including NFL and UEFA Champions League. 

Paramount Plus pricing:

• Essential Plan – monthly ($5.99), yearly ($59.99)
• Premium Plan – monthly ($9.99), yearly ($119.99)

Pros

• Decent movie catalogue
• Large pool of Star Trek content
• Live sports
• Access to CBS live feeds

Cons

• Not enough originals compared to Netflix
• Catalogue differences between US and Canada libraries
• Ads on Essential Plan

14. Amazon Prime Video

Launched in Canada in late 2016, Amazon Prime Video offers a growing video catalogue of movies and TV shows. 

Like Paramount Plus, its collection is not very large, but it makes up for this with quality original shows like The Boys, Bosch, and Jack Ryan.

You also have the choice to download or watch 4K.

Amazon Prime Video cost:

• Monthly – $9.99 (no ads)

Pros

• 4K and HDR streaming
• Quality original movies and shows
• Supports offline downloads, concurrent viewers (up to 3), and audio descriptions.
• Allows you to rent or buy movies 
• WNBA games

Cons

• Fewer shows than competitors

15. Apple TV+

Another newcomer, Apple TV+, still doesn’t have a massive video content catalogue since it relies on its original movies and shows to compete. However, they have quality big-budget shows and MLS Season Pass to keep you entertained. 

Apple TV+ also offers outstanding features at a lower price, including streaming in 4K, offline download, and concurrent streaming.

Apple TV+ pricing plans:

• Standalone subscription – 8.99 CAD
• Apple One bundle – 18.95 CAD

Pros

• Relatively cheaper
• High-quality original shows and movies
• Concurrent devices (6)
• Offline download on iOS
• MLS Season Pass discount
• 4K and HDR streaming

Cons

• Relatively smaller content catalogue 
• No apps for Android or Consoles
• Increased costs 

16. Crave

Crave (formerly CraveTV) is a Canadian on-demand video platform with a library of unique Crave channels, HBO, SUPER ECRAN, Starz, and more. Besides its solid library, Crave offers bilingual support, a section for kids, and a flexible subscription model. 

However, at the moment, it’s not at par with the competition when it comes to closed captioning and 4K.

Crave pricing plans:

• Crave – monthly ($9.99), yearly ($99.90)
• Crave, Movies + HBO – monthly ($19.99)
• Crave, Movies + HBO, Starz – monthly($25.99)
• Crave, Movies + HBO, Starz, SUPER ECRAN – monthly($29.99

Pros

• Original CraveTv shows
• Access to HBO, Starz, and SUPER ECRAN content
• Pay for what you need
• Bilingual support
• Pay for what you want

Cons

• Relative small video catalog
• Expensive as you move to the upper tiers
• Lacks some features

17. Hulu

Hulu isn’t available outside the US at the moment. It means you can only watch something on Hulu if you use a reliable VPN. 

This platform offers a solid live TV and hundreds of shows and thousands of episodes from your favourite shows. It also has an excellent cloud DVR capability and the ability to stream from almost every device.

Hulu pricing plans:

• Starting Price with ads – monthly {$7.99)
• Price without ads – cost to increase to $17.99/month from October 2023

Pros

• A rich selection of TV shows
• Solid DVR ability
• Supports several devices
• Live TV channels available

Cons

• Ads on the base plan
• No offline download for base 
• Geo-limited in Canada (unless with VPN + Hulu subscription)

18. Hayu

Hayu is the go-to video streaming service in Canada if you’re a fan of “unscripted” reality TV. It offers docuseries and reality shows from genres like true crime, cooking, home and design, celebrity, romance, and more. 

However, Hayu doesn’t have genre categories on its platform, making Hayu cheaper than options like Netflix or Disney+.

Hayu pricing plans:

• Hayu – monthly ($5)

Pros

• A wide array of reality shows with full seasons
• Relatively cheap
• 7-day free trial
• Download for offline viewing

Cons

• Only focuses on reality shows
• Fewer Canadian content
• No 4K

19. CBC Gem 

Like Crave, CBC Gem is an exclusively Canadian video streaming platform with more than 800 documentaries, 500 hours of kid-friendly content, and over 6500 hours of Canadian TV programming. 

Its fanbase is growing thanks to its collection of comedy, drama, and everything in between.

CBC Gem cost:

• Base plan – monthly($4.99)

Pros

• Wide selection of homegrown content
• International content available
• Relatively cheaper
• Supports multiple devices
• CBC news available

Cons

• Small catalogue compared to other streaming services
• Doesn’t work if you travel outside Canada

20. Crunchyroll

Anime fans will have a field day with Crunchyroll, plus its experience is ad-free, unlike most video streaming platforms. 

It has over 1300 animated shows and dozens of simulcast shows. Genres are categorized into fantasy, comedy, drama, mystery, adventure, and more.

Crunchyroll pricing plans:

• Free – with ads
• Premium Plan – between $7.99 and $14.99

Pros

• The best destination for anime
• Support HD streaming
• Many simulcast shows
• Offline downloads

Cons

• Few subtitle options in Canada

21. BritBox

BritBox is the go-to streaming service for fans of British mysteries, drama series, and comedy. It’s also relatively cheap and doesn’t have ads. However, it doesn’t offer some basic playback features, user profiles, or offline downloads.

BritBox pricing plans

• Base plan – Monthly ($9.99), yearly ($99.99)

Pros

• Exclusive British content (BBC and ITV shows)
• No ads
• Concurrent streams (up to 4)
• 4K on tv

Cons

• No offline downloads on mobile
• Limited playback features
• Streaming is limited to 720p

22. Discovery+

Discovery Plus has several shows previously available on traditional cable channels such as Discovery, Animal Planet, TLC, Food Network, and more. It has over 200 original series and other video content from different niches. 

The platform also has an intuitive interface and is adding more features to give members a seamless experience. 

However, Canadians can only access all content from the US library with a reliable VPN.

Discovery+ pricing plans:

• Starting Price – monthly ($4.49)

Pros

• Relatively cheaper
• Available 4K content
• Concurrent users (up to 4)
• Intuitive interface

Cons

• Some content unavailable on demand
• No live TV option
• No offline downloads
• No parental control

23. Curiosity Stream

Curiosity Stream is the mainstay for science and history documentaries, with over 3,000 titles. If you love content that inspires or educates you, this is your video streaming service in Canada. 

Curiosity Stream delivers on its promises regarding 4K or HD streaming and documentary genres.

Curiosity Stream cost:

• HD documentaries – monthly ($2.99), yearly ($19.99)
• 4K documentaries – monthly ($9.99), yearly ($69.99)

Pros

• Exclusive original documentaries for the curious
• Affordable pricing pricing pricing plans
• 4K and HD content
• Thousands of titles

Cons

• Focuses on documentaries alone
• No DVR
• Only English subtitles

24. Highball TV

This Canadian on-demand video streaming platform offers a well-curated selection of films. It focuses on titles featured in various Canadian and international festivals that have not been distributed commercially. 

They have hand-picked films from Cannes, Sundance, TIFF, and other festivals worldwide that you won’t get on mainstream platforms.

Highball TV pricing plans:

• $5/month or $50/year

Pros

• Access to rare content from festivals
• Available worldwide

Cons

• Limited scope of content

25. Shudder

Shudder, a brainchild of AMC, is the go-to platform if you love horror movies — both classic and modern. If you want a good shudder to your bones, it’s worth venturing into their world of horror films.

Shudder pricing plans:

• Starting Price – $5.99/month

Pros

• Extensive catalogue of horror shows
• Interactive interface
• Relatively cheap
• No ads

Cons

• It lacks some classic horror and suspense films
• No offline downloads for phones
• Most content unavailable in 1080p

26. YouTube TV

This platform offers over 90 channels with various content, from entertainment and sports to news. It offers excellent features such as 4K streaming, unlimited DVR, and unlimited simultaneous streams on your primary address. 

YouTube TV Cost:

• Starting Price – monthly ($72.99)

Pros

• Solid unlimited cloud DVR capabilities
• An extensive list of sports, entertainment, and news
• Excellent add-ons
• Easy-to-use interface
• Concurrent streaming (up to 3 devices)

Cons

• No Sportsnet RSNs
• Unlimited DVR has an expiry date
• Basic parental control feature

27. FXNow

This digital streaming service offers comedies, drama, action, and other content. You can stream popular shows like Fargo, Snowfall, and Archer. FXNow also allows you to personalize your account and stream across several devices. You can also stream FXNow content through platforms like Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Hulu Live TV.

FXNow prices:

• Monthly ($2.99)

Pros

• Stream FXNow content
• Available in other video streaming services

Cons

• Unavailable outside the US and its territories

28. Criterion Channel

Like Highball TV, Criterion Channel focuses on a specific audience. This is not the platform to stream the latest or trending mainstream videos and movies. But if you are looking for well-curated domestic and international films, this is the place for film nerds or movie buffs. 

Subscribers get the chance to learn more about their favourite films, such as the director’s take.

Pros

• Behind the scene information
• Over 2,000 titles
• Categorized by director, decade, country, and genres
• Entries go as far back as the 1920s
• Suited to movie history buffs

Cons

• No mainstream or trending shows or movies

Best Free Streaming Services in Canada

29. Tubi.tv

Tubi.tv is a free video streaming platform that offers many popular movies on its platform. If you are looking for a service that offers movies for free, this is for you. 

However, the platform comes with ads, lacks top features found in other platforms, and no offline downloads. Also, your streaming is restricted to 720p, plus most popular videos come with 540p.

Pros

• Free
• Live TV
• Intuitive interface and apps
• Supports watchlists
• Parental control

Cons

• No ad-free option
• Limited at 720p

30. YouTube

You know YouTube; the incredible free video streaming platform that allows creators to show their content to millions of viewers globally. It has everything from online tutorials to extreme Conspiracy theories. 

Pros

• Unlimited content
• Tailored videos
• User-friendly interface
• Supports content creators

Cons

• Ads

31. Twitch

Twitch is a fantastic video streaming service that offers a fun and interactive way to play games — you watch people’s gaming sessions, and they watch yours. It is Amazon-backed, and besides broadcasting real-time gaming, you can get other creative content.

Pros

• Intuitive interface for users and streamers
• Supports multiple devices
• Free games plus other bonuses for members
• Mobile broadcasting
• Free with available premium options

Cons

• Lacks official Roku app
• Prime subscription still contains some ads

32. Dailymotion

This video streaming service offers news, entertainment, music, and sports. Like YouTube, Dailymotion is free and monetizes through ads. 

Pros

• Ease of use
• Watch and upload videos
• Offers a variety of video categories

Cons

• Limits the length you can upload
• Content is not at par with competitors like YouTube
• Lacks in-built video editing options

33. Kanopy

Kanopy is one of the best free services for documentaries, foreign shows, classic cinema, and inspirational content. You only need your university login or library card to become a member. 

Also, if you’re a fan of classics, this is the place to be. However, you can’t access this platform in Canada except with a reliable VPN,

Pros

• Free
• Easy signup 
• Educational content available
• Access to old movies

Cons

• Not available in Canada

34. Pluto TV Live

Pluto TV is a free streaming television with many live channels and hundreds of shows and movies. It may not have many of the cable mainstays, but it offers other content such as news, sports, and entertainment. It also lacks DVR capabilities and other top features found in paid platforms.

Pros

• Free
• A wide array of content
• No account needed

Cons

• Lots of ads
• Lacks top features
• Few mainstay content

FAQs

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