The 17 best streaming services available in Canada

Lately, more Canadians have cut the cord for cable TV to save money and gain control over their viewing choices. Instead, streaming services have filled the void by offering a vast array of high-quality daily entertainment. In this article, we aim to assist you in navigating this ever-evolving landscape. Next, we’ll present the 17 top streaming services available in Canada, tailored for your entertainment needs – without breaking the bank.

Best streaming services in Canada for reality TV fans

Do you love the thrill of competition, the journey of transformation or the simple pleasure of scrutinizing others’ lives? Generally, reality TV captures a wide range of human experiences and many streaming services cater to this voyeurism.

Crave

If you binge reality TV, Crave earns top spot as your go-to streaming platform. Overall, it offers a rich selection of reality TV shows from MTV, such as the iconic Jersey Shore. You can also catch its reboot Jersey Shore Family Vacations and other MTV classics such as Pimp My Ride. In short, Crave ensures fans of the genre have plenty to enjoy.

But Crave doesn’t limit its offerings to reality TV. The platform also serves as a comprehensive hub for movies, from the Fast & Furious franchise to more serious Jojo Rabbit. Crave also offer many award-winning TV shows such as HBO’s Your Honor and The Sopranos.

In addition, Crave houses a wide array of Canadian content, with exclusives like Letterkenny and Canada’s Drag Race. It allows you to stream on four devices.

Crave Pricing: (all prices are in CAD)

• Standard, for $19.99/mo
• Annual, for $199.90, which equals about $16.66/mo

However, the annual Crave Total subscription is offered (until April 19, 2024) to Visa Infinite Privilege cardholders at a discounted rate of $119.90.

Discovery+ 

As a reality TV aficionado, Discovery+ should undoubtedly ping your radar. It hosts a vast portfolio of reality TV shows including popular ones like Moonshiners, Gold Rush and 90 Day Fiancé. In other words, Discovery+ ensures that fans of the genre always stay entertained.

However, Discovery+ offerings reach beyond just reality TV. The platform also serves as a vast reservoir for both current and classic TV shows from its extensive network family. As a result, you get access to the likes of Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, and HGTV. Additionally, it boasts a wide range of documentaries and specials, spanning diverse topics from nature to science, history and culture.

Discovery+ Pricing: (all prices are in CAD)

• Standard (with ads), for $4.99/mo
• Ad-free, for $6.99 until July 7, 2023

Hayu

Hayu dishes out popular reality TV shows like Keeping up with the Kardashians, The Real Housewives and others. It offers a one-stop-shop for all your guilty pleasure viewing. Hayu has an extensive library of reality TV shows, including classic and current seasons. You can catch up on all the drama and gossip with Hayu’s extensive collection of shows.

Hayu’s monthly subscription allows you to stream on two devices simultaneously. The platform also offers a free trial, so you can test it out before committing to a subscription.

Hayu Pricing: (all prices are in CAD)

• Standard, for $6.99/mo
• Six months, for $33.99 
• Annual, for $61.99, which equals about $5.17/mo

The best streaming services in Canada for movies and TV shows

As a fan of movies and TV shows, you have plenty of streaming platforms to choose from. These ones rank among the best:

Netflix

Netflix has been around for more than a decade and rules as one of the most popular streaming services worldwide. With a subscription, you get access to an extensive catalogue of movies and TV shows. Its menu includes Netflix originals, such as Stranger Things and The Crown.

But did you know that Netflix also offers a range of foreign-language content? You can explore movies and TV shows from all over the world. In particular, check out critically acclaimed titles like Parasite, Money Heist and Dark.

Netflix offers three subscription plans, ranging from basic to premium. Depending on the plan you choose, you can stream on one to four devices simultaneously. Plus, with its “Netflix Party” feature, you can watch movies and TV shows with friends and family in different rooms.

Netflix Pricing: (all prices are in CAD)

• Standard with ads, for $5.99/mo
• Standard, for $16.49/mo; extra members can be added for $7.99 each month. They  have their own account and password, but their membership is paid for by the person who invited them to share the account.
• Premium, for $20.99/mo; Extra members can be added for $7.99 each month

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime, just like a Costco membership, came about as a shopping-focused membership. However, over time, it became much more. Now, it offers access to Prime Video, which has a vast collection of movies and TV shows. Don’t forget those Amazon originals, like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Jack Ryan and all 25 James Bond movies. Apart from streaming, Amazon Prime subscriptions also include free, fast shipping from Amazon.ca, access to Amazon Music, and more.

Amazon Prime Pricing: (all prices are in CAD)

• Standard, for $9.99/mo
• Annual, for $99, which equals about $8.25/mo

Paramount+

Paramount+, the latest addition to the “plus” named streaming services, might not stand out for its name. However, it certainly does for its impressive library. It features a vast collection of classic TV shows and movies. Its menu also serves up an array of exclusives such as iCarly, The Good Fight, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Fargo and Trainspotting. Furthermore, Paramount+ serves as a hub for fresh Paramount films like Top Gun: Maverick and the forthcoming Mission: Impossible 7. Catch it just 45 days after its theatrical release.

At present, Paramount+ holds special appeal for Star Trek enthusiasts. It streams all older Star Trek series’ episodes, several of which still air and will continue into the next year. Additionally, nearly every Star Trek film appears on the platform.

Although it limits 4K and HDR support, Paramount+ remains compatible with most devices. It also accommodates up to three simultaneous streams, making it a convenient choice for shared subscriptions or multi-device households.

Paramount+ Pricing: (all prices are in CAD)

• Standard, for $9.99/mo

Best streaming services in Canada for the whole family

In this section, we explore the top streaming services in Canada that offer a wealth of family-friendly content. Each of these caters to all ages and tastes.

Disney+

Disney+ delivers an invaluable resource for a vast array of family-friendly entertainment. Alongside a plethora of Disney shows and movies, it streams Pixar animations, Star Wars sagas, and Marvel cinematic universe films. Further, it also features beloved animated series for adults like The Simpsons, American Dad and Family Guy.

Interestingly, for Canadian subscribers, Disney+ serves as a bridge to a wider selection of entertainment content. Many shows that you can only see on Hulu in the U.S. are accessible on Disney+ in Canada. That makes it a comprehensive platform for diverse content.

Beyond its conventional offerings, Disney+ provides intriguing original content, such as The Mandalorian and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Additionally, the platform showcases documentaries and behind-the-scenes insights. Therefore, you can delve into the creative process behind your favorite Disney productions and learn about the company’s rich history.

Disney+ Pricing: (all prices are in CAD)

• Standard, for $11.99/mo
• Annual, for $119.99, which equals about $16.66/mo

Apple TV+

Relative newcomer Apple TV+ already has a range of popular shows and movies. It offers exclusive content like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show, while opening up to subscribers globally.

But did you know that Apple TV+ also offers educational content for kids? You can explore shows like Ghostwriter, Helpsters and Snoopy in Space. These aim to teach children about science, history and other topics.

Apple TV+ has a single subscription plan that you can stream on up to six devices simultaneously. Plus, with its Up Next feature, you can keep track of your favourite shows and movies with notifications of new episodes.

Apple TV+ Pricing: (all prices are in CAD)

• Standard, for $8.99/mo
• Three months free if you buy an Apple device
• Free with an Apple Music Student Plan

Best streaming services in Canada for sports fans

Do you describe yourself as a hockey fanatic, a basketball enthusiast or a soccer aficionado? If so, join us as we explore the top-tier sports streaming services dominating the Canadian market.

Sportsnet Now

Sportsnet Now serves as an impressive sports streaming platform in Canada. Specifically, it caters to fans of major league sports such as the NHL, NBA and MLB. To give potential subscribers an opportunity to assess the platform, Sportsnet Now offers a week-long free trial to non-members.

Subscribers can choose between two main membership tiers: Standard and Premium. An additional package includes WWE content, which you can bundle with the Standard subscription. Despite its narrower offering of international sports and local leagues compared to some platforms, Sportsnet Now is an excellent choice.

Sportsnet Now Pricing: (all prices are in CAD)

• Standard, for $14.99/mo
• Four months, for $49.99
• Annually, for $149.99, which equals $12.49/mo 

TSN Direct

TSN Direct earned this status due to its immense variety of professional, semi-professional and alternative sports offerings. Established in 1984, TSN (The Sports Network) is among the largest and oldest sports TV networks in Canada. Its offering impresses, comparable to Sportsnet NOW, featuring professional league sports such as MLB, NHL, NBA and more. In addition, it provides access to other sports like lacrosse, auto racing, the Masters and horse racing. However, NHL coverage on TSN Direct depends on the specific team’s broadcast region, paling somewhat compared to other platforms. 

TSN Direct Pricing: (all prices are in CAD)

• Day Pass, for $7.99/mo
• Month Pass, for $19.99
• Six-month pass, for $99.95 

DAZN

DAZN, launched in 2018, has quickly become a leading platform in Canada for boxing and MMA streaming. Its wide array of fights surpasses other Canadian streaming services. Beyond its primary focus on boxing and MMA, DAZN features a range of other sports like darts, billiards, fishing, cricket, wrestling and eSports. Not usually the top choice for NHL and NBA enthusiasts, its broad boxing, MMA and wrestling coverage offers a unique appeal for those fans.

DAZN Pricing: (all prices are in CAD)

• Standard, for $24.99/mo
• Annually, for $199.99 

FuboTV

FuboTV stands out for its extensive range of soccer matches and leagues included in its primary subscription package. Unlike other sports-centric networks, FuboTV also acts as a comprehensive online alternative to traditional cable television. If subscribers are interested in specific sports, such as NHL games, they can add specialty channels to their base subscription.

FuboTV Pricing: (all prices are in CAD)

• Soccer monthly, for $24.99/mo
• Premium monthly, for $39.99/mo
• Soccer quarterly, for $19.99/mo
• Premium quarterly, for $34.99/mo
• Soccer annual, for $16.67/mo
• Premium annual, for $31.67/mo

Best Free streaming services in Canada

If you seek free streaming options, these platforms offer an excellent selection of content:

CBC Gem

CBC Gem is a great source for Canadian content. Its selection of TV shows, movies and documentaries include exclusive content, like Kim’s Convenience and The Great Canadian Baking Show.

CBC Gem is entirely free to use, but some content may require a CBC Gem Premium subscription. It offers a wide range of Canadian content that you won’t find on other streaming platforms. This includes shows like Murdoch Mysteries, Heartland and Schitt’s Creek. If you like Canadian culture and entertainment, definitely check out CBC Gem.

Tubi

Tubi’s ad-supported streaming platform allows you to access an extensive library of movies and shows for free. It has a range of genres, from action to comedy to classic TV shows.

You can access Tubi on a range of devices and platforms. This makes it a great option if you’re looking for something to watch on your phone, tablet or computer.

In addition to its extensive library of movies and shows, Tubi also has a range of international content. This includes shows and movies from countries like South Korea, India and Japan. If you want to explore content from different parts of the world, Tubi takes you on that journey.

Also, Tubi has a range of classic TV shows that you might not find on other streaming platforms. This includes shows like The A-Team, The Incredible Hulk and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. If you’re a fan of classic TV, look up Tubi.

Global TV

This Canadian network offers a complimentary online streaming service known as the Global TV App. This service provides users with a broad range of both live and on-demand programs. It features well-known shows like Survivor, Big Brother Canada and NCIS from Global TV and its associated networks.

The Global TV App opens a gateway to exclusive content and clips, delivering on-demand episodes from popular shows across current and previous seasons. It also supports live streaming of Global TV broadcasts in certain regions and provides on-demand access to those broadcasts’ episodes.

Further enhancing the user experience, the Global TV App enables the creation of a personalized watchlist of preferred shows. It also allows for play-pause-resume functionality for uninterrupted viewing.

Pluto TV

Pluto TV, a free ad-supported streaming service, impresses with its extensive catalogue of classic TV shows and movies. Although it has commercial breaks, these relatively unobtrusive gaps preserve a seamless viewing experience. Alongside a broad array of on-demand content, the platform also introduces themed channels. This harks back to traditional TV viewing while offering genre-specific choices like reality TV, comedy and crime shows.

In terms of content, Pluto TV shines with its broad spectrum of classic shows and movies from the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s. Crime series like Forensic Files, CSI and Unsolved Mysteries make the platform a treasure trove for genre enthusiasts. As well, think of reality TV classics such as The Jerry Springer Show, Maury and Judge Judy.  For fans of these specific genres and eras, Pluto TV makes for a compelling free option in the streaming landscape.

Roku Channel

The Roku Channel operates as a built-in feature of all Roku devices. It serves as a free streaming platform offering a mix of relatively new and older shows, irrespective of users’ locations. Operating on an ad-supported model similar to Pluto TV, the Roku Channel proves to be a beneficial choice for recent cord-cutters. That way, they can explore their streaming service options after purchasing a Roku device.

The programming spans across different eras and genres. Its programming includes the original Miami Vice from the 1980s. Further, it has more contemporary offerings like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Xena: Warrior Princess. Additionally, it also hosts a variety of films such as Ace Ventura and Snowpiercer.

Factors to consider when choosing a streaming service

Streaming services have become increasingly popular recently, with many people opting to watch their favorite movies and TV shows online. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to decide which platform to choose. When deciding on a streaming service, consider these factors:

Content selection

First, confirm that the service contains your favoured genres then scrutinize their collection of the latest releases or exclusive content. For instance, horror enthusiasts might prefer a platform with an extensive array of classics and new releases in that genre. On the other hand, documentary aficionados may seek a service offering a wide variety of topics.

Price and subscription plans

Most streaming platforms offer subscription packages at different prices. Above all, ensure you pick the plan that suits your budget and features that you need. Some platforms may also offer a trial period, allowing you to explore before committing to a paid subscription.

It’s also worth considering if the platform offers any additional perks or benefits to subscribers. For example, some platforms may offer discounts on other services or products. Meanwhile, others may offer exclusive content or early access to new releases.

Device compatibility

Next, verify the streaming service’s compatibility with your devices, such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV or Google Chromecast. Although most platforms extend support to various devices, some may need specific requirements like a certain internet speed threshold. Furthermore, check if the service offers the convenience of offline viewing. This lets you download content for later enjoyment when you don’t have internet access.

Geographical availability

Streaming service availability varies greatly across different countries due to licensing agreements and distribution rights. This often means Canadian audiences not getting access to certain U.S.-based platforms, such as Hulu, Peacock and Max. Therefore, before subscribing to any streaming service, Canadian viewers must ensure the platform’s availability within their geographical location. However, for viewers keen on accessing U.S.-specific streaming services, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can solve the problem. 

Streaming services in Canada: The Bottom Line

Choosing a streaming service can feel overwhelming, but with some research, you can find the perfect platform for your entertainment. Whether you like movies, sports, horror or documentaries, these 17 streaming services offer a wide range of options. So, sit back and enjoy your favourite shows and movies with your new streaming service(s)!