Streaming services have started becoming household names across the world and even taking out cable TV. With the increasing number of available streaming services available in Africa, it can get overwhelming to decide on which platform to subscribe to.
However, a good streaming service should offer you a variety of shows while providing a flexible payment option. That way, you can easily cancel or opt for a subscription plan whenever you want to.
Finding the best streaming service can be quite subjective because it has to fit your interests and budget. For example, what type of movies or shows are you interested in? Do you have kids? Or would you also want to compromise with your roommates?
Putting all of this into consideration, we’ve compared and listed the top streaming services available in Africa that’ll offer value for your money in 2022.
Keep reading to find out more.
1. Netflix
Netflix is arguably the most popular streaming service in the world. With its tailored content for various countries and regions, it offers a more personalized category of shows. Netflix also adds new shows every week thereby offering so much to choose from. Sadly, to host these new shows, they take out older movies and shows. This means you have to switch to a different location to watch shows you’ve missed.
Asides from this con, you can simultaneously stream from up to four different devices. It’s also very compatible with devices like Smart TVs, PlayStations, Xbox, Roku, Chromecast and so much more. Pricing is affordable as you get to pay in your local currency.
Pros
- Compatible with most devices
- Affordable pricing
- Multiple accounts and up to four simultaneous streams
- Kids account with numerous kid shows
- Great user experience
- Excellent recommendation system
Cons
- Shows are removed over some time
2. Amazon Prime
If you shop online, Amazon Prime is one option you’d be looking to explore. With the free trial that comes with free shipping, you also have access to Amazon Prime Video. So when you subscribe to Amazon Prime, you automatically subscribe for a Kindle Book, music, and video. A great bundle deal. It’s compatible with devices like Chromecast, Firestick, iOS, Android, PlayStations, Xbox, and some others.
Amazon Prime Video also recently had a collaboration with Viacom which hosts Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and MTV. So it makes it an excellent choice for Comedy and the kids. They’ve also concluded a licensing deal with the Nigerian Anthill studios.
If you’d also like to watch the less popular movies and classics, this is a great choice. The only downside to this streaming service is that while you can purchase movies on Amazon, you have to pay for it as an a la carte service which can be quite pricey. It’s also not available on all devices.
Pros
- Comes in a bundled package with other Amazon products
- You have a free trial period
- Simultaneously stream from three devices
- Original and classic shows
Cons
- The a la carte service is quite pricey
3. Showmax
Can we have the football lovers here? Showmax is one of the top-tier streaming services with coverage in Africa and other parts of Europe. However one of the biggest features is still how it offers Live football thanks to its partnership with MultiChoice.
So you can watch the premier league. Unlike other streaming services, Showmax doesn’t add additional costs for using its multiple screens. This means you can simultaneously watch from up to four screens without opting for a higher plan.
Showmax also partnered with MTN to provide a data plan that allows its users to stream shows and content for a very subsidized plan. Perhaps what we love the most is that there’s a variety of African shows available along with international content. There’s also a 14-day free trial so you can explore before fully committing.
Pros
- Live Tv and Football streaming
- Affordable subscription and data offers
- 14-day free trial
- Multiple screens at no additional costs
- African shows
Cons
- Not enough original shows or content
4. YouTube
This streaming service is compatible with several devices like Apple TV, Roku, Android TV, Fire TV, Smart TVs, iOS devices and so much more. YouTube has free and premium options. The downside of the free plan is that you’d have to stick through a lot of ads.
However, the premium offers you an AD-free experience, and if you have a YouTube Music account, it applies to it as well. Sadly, the YouTube Tv with access to live streaming is unavailable in Africa.
Pros
- Bundled package with Youtube Music
- Multiple screens
- Free plan
- Compatible with every device
Cons
- Too many ads on the free plan
5. Apple Tv+
Apple Tv+ is available through the Apple TV app on streaming media players. However, it’s limited to only iOS devices. To cast on your Android devices, you can use Roku, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire Stick. It allows for up to six simultaneous streams for various devices. It’s also arguably cheaper than Netflix when you consider the number of multiple devices allowed.
You have access to a 7-day free trial before you’re required to pay the monthly charges. This billing is done through the Apple TV+ app. It boasts of so many Original shows. One great perk is that you can subscribe to other Apple TV+ channels like HBO, MTV hits, Comedy Central and so much more. Apple TV is currently accessible in Uganda. However, it’s unavailable in Nigeria and Kenya.
Pros
- A lot of original content
- Affordable
- A free trial period
Cons
- It doesn’t provide the popular shows like other platforms
- It’s not available in Nigeria and Kenya
6. Disney +
Every fan loves the fact that this streaming platform is a host for all Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and National Geographic shows. It’s the perfect streaming service if you have kids or if you love these types of exclusive shows. It’s compatible with Android, iOS, Roku, Chromecast, Xbox, PlayStation, and a host of other media streaming players.
You can also simultaneously watch from four different screens. Although Disney + is not available in most African countries, they recently confirmed that they’ll be launching in South Africa, Egypt, Libya, Morrocco, and Tunisia.
Pros
- Lots of original shows and content
- Compatible with every media player
Cons
- Not yet available in African regions
- The content lineup can be a bit confusing
7. Plex TV
Plex is a free TV streaming service that allows you to watch live TV, movies, and shows, and add your movies to a library. The library allows you to upload your movies, tv shows, music, and even photos. With the Plex Live TV, you can view about 162 different channels. This is all available on the free plan. Plex Pass is a premium version where you can download your movies offline.
It’s compatible with most devices including Windows and it’s great for data management thanks to the data usage statistics icon. You can also include as many users as you’d want to your account as it allows unlimited concurrent streams.
Pros
- There’s a free version
- Easy to setup
- Compatible with every device
- Concurrent streams
Cons
- It doesn’t have the typical streaming service interface
8. DStv Now
It’s the best service for streaming Live Tv. You can watch Live sports and catch up on TV series, movies, and kids’ shows online. DStv Now also allows you to download many shows offline. It’s compatible with every device that can install the DStv Now app. The cons are that you need the DStv cable and an active subscription to stream it on any device. It’s also not data-friendly because it often requires unlimited data plans. You can stream from four different devices however, it can only accommodate two simultaneous streams.
Pros
- Access to Live TV
- Access to many African shows
Cons
- Allows only two simultaneous streams
- Not very data-friendly
- You need a DStv cable to access this app
The best streaming service for you is entirely dependent on what you’re looking for. We do hope this article has helped you identify your favorite service. Do let us know which one you’d be opting for in the comments below.
