The golden age of streaming has become the confusing age of streaming. With a dozen different services all demanding a monthly subscription, “streaming fatigue” is real. Which ones are actually worth your money? And what are the best options specifically for viewers in Canada?
This guide breaks down the top five streaming services to help you make the right choice.
Netflix
Best For: A massive library of original series, blockbuster movies, and international content.
Price (CAD): Standard with Ads ($5.99), Standard ($16.49), Premium ($20.99).
The Lowdown: Netflix is still the king of volume and variety. It’s the go-to for binge-worthy original series (Stranger Things, The Crown), stand-up comedy specials, and a deep, rotating catalog of licensed films. While its ad-supported tier is affordable, you’ll need the pricey Premium plan for 4K streaming and the best experience. It’s the safest all-around choice if you can only have one service.
Prime Video
Best For: Included value with a Prime membership and high-budget original productions.
Price (CAD): Included with an Amazon Prime membership ($9.99/month or $99/year).
The Lowdown: If you already have Amazon Prime for the free shipping, Prime Video is a fantastic bonus. It has invested heavily in massive original shows like The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and The Boys. Its interface can be a bit clunky, and it now includes ads unless you pay extra, but the sheer value of being bundled with Prime makes it an essential service for most households.
Disney+
Best For: Families, and fans of Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and Disney classics.
Price (CAD): Standard with Ads ($7.99), Standard ($11.99), Premium ($14.99).
The Lowdown: Disney+ has an unbeatable library of beloved franchise content. It’s the exclusive home for all new Marvel and Star Wars series, making it a must-have for fans. The “Star” section also adds a huge amount of mature content from studios like FX and 20th Century Fox, significantly broadening its appeal beyond just kids’ movies.
Crave
Best For: HBO and Max Originals, and premium Hollywood movies.
Price (CAD): Basic with Ads ($9.99), Standard ($14.99), Premium ($22.00).
The Lowdown: For Canadians who want the best of prestige television, Crave is essential. It is the exclusive home of all HBO and Max Original content, including hits like House of the Dragon and The Last of Us. It also gets new blockbuster movies faster than most other services. While its app interface has been criticized as being less polished than its competitors, the quality of its content is undeniable.
Apple TV+
Best For: High-quality, award-winning original programming.
Price (CAD): $12.99/month.
The Lowdown: Apple TV+ is all about quality over quantity. It doesn’t have a huge back catalog of licensed shows, but nearly every one of its original series is a high-budget, critically acclaimed production (e.g., Ted Lasso, Severance, Silo). It offers the highest streaming quality (4K with Dolby Vision/Atmos is standard) and has a clean, ad-free experience. It’s the perfect service for those who prefer one great show over a thousand good ones.