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Differences between the 5 main streaming platforms in the UK

Posted on by Joe

A question you may be asking yourself is which streaming platform should I sign up to?

You’ve bitten the bullet and installed a WiFi system like the Maxview Roam into your vehicle, now you’re not sure which streaming service you want?

Well it will depend a lot on what you want to watch. Some streaming services have more shows available than others, and often they will have original content that you cannot find elsewhere.

We have broken down each streamng platform to take a look at what they have on offer, prices and what sort of data usage you can expect in SD (standard definition) and HD (high definition)

Overview of the main platforms:

Netflix

Netflix: Netflix is a subscription-based streaming service that offers a wide variety of TV shows, movies, and documentaries. It has a vast library of content, including original productions such as “Stranger Things” and “Orange is the New Black.”

Some more popular shows that Netflix has on offer for UK viewers are:

  1. The Witcher: Based on the best-selling book series by Andrzej Sapkowski, “The Witcher” follows the story of Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter who struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts.

  2. Stranger Things: Set in the 1980s, “Stranger Things” tells the story of a group of young friends who encounter supernatural forces and a secret government agency while searching for their missing friend.

  3. The Crown: This historical drama follows the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and the history of the royal family in the United Kingdom.

  4. Black Mirror: This anthology series explores the dark side of technology and its impact on society, with each episode featuring a standalone story.

  5. Narcos: This crime drama tells the true story of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar and the DEA agents who worked to bring him down.

  6. Money Heist: Also known as “La Casa de Papel,” this crime drama follows a group of skilled thieves as they plan and execute a heist on the Royal Mint of Spain.

  7. The Umbrella Academy: Based on the comic book series by Gerard Way, “The Umbrella Academy” follows a dysfunctional family of superheroes who must come together to solve their father’s mysterious death and prevent the apocalypse.

  8. Peaky Blinders: Set in Birmingham, England, following World War I, “Peaky Blinders” tells the story of the Shelby crime family and their rise to power in the aftermath of the war.

  9. Orange is the New Black: This comedy-drama follows the lives of inmates at a women’s prison, exploring their relationships, struggles, and personal histories.

  10. Master of None: This comedy series follows the personal and professional life of Dev, a 30-year-old actor trying to navigate life in New York City.

These are just a few of the many popular TV shows available on Netflix UK. There is a wide variety of other genres and types of shows available, including comedies, dramas, thrillers, and more.

Netflix offers several subscription plans, including a basic plan that allows users to stream content on one device at a time for £5.99 per month, a standard plan that allows users to stream on two devices at a time for £8.99 per month, and a premium plan that allows users to stream on four devices at a time for £11.99 per month.

In terms of data usage, streaming Netflix in standard definition (SD) typically uses about 0.7 GB per hour, while streaming in high definition (HD) uses about 3 GB per hour.

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video is a streaming service that is included with an Amazon Prime membership. It offers a variety of TV shows, movies, and original productions, including “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “The Man in the High Castle.” Amazon Prime Video also offers the ability to rent or purchase individual TV shows and movies.

Other shows that are popular on Amazon Prime Video in the UK are:

  1. Jack Ryan: This action-thriller follows the life of Jack Ryan, a CIA analyst turned field operative, as he investigates and combats threats to the United States.

  2. The Boys: This superhero drama follows a group of vigilantes who set out to take down corrupt superheroes who abuse their powers.

  3. Good Omens: Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, “Good Omens” is a comedy-drama about an angel and a demon who team up to prevent the end of the world.

  4. The Grand Tour: This automotive series follows the adventures of former Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as they travel around the world testing and reviewing cars.

  5. Mr. Robot: This psychological thriller follows a young programmer named Elliot who becomes involved in a mysterious underground hacker group and its attempt to bring down a large corporation.

  6. Outlander: Based on the book series by Diana Gabaldon, “Outlander” is a time-traveling romance drama that follows the story of Claire, a World War II nurse who travels back in time to 1743 Scotland and falls in love with a Highland warrior.

  7. The Expanse: This science fiction drama follows a diverse cast of characters as they navigate a future where humanity has colonized the solar system and is on the brink of war.

  8. American Gods: Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman, “American Gods” is a fantasy drama that follows the conflict between the old gods of mythological roots and the new gods of modern technology.

In addition to streaming a selection of TV shows and movies, Amazon Prime Video also offers the following benefits in the UK:

  1. Free shipping on eligible orders: Amazon Prime members in the UK get free standard delivery on eligible orders, with no minimum order value.

  2. Prime Reading: Amazon Prime members in the UK can access a selection of eBooks, magazines, and more for free as part of their membership.

  3. Prime Music: Amazon Prime members in the UK can stream millions of songs and playlists ad-free as part of their membership.

These are just some of the benefits of Amazon Prime in the UK. It’s worth noting that some of these benefits may vary depending on location and availability.

An Amazon Prime membership costs £7.99 per month or £79 per year.

In terms of data usage, streaming Amazon Prime Video in SD typically uses about 0.7 GB per hour, while streaming in HD uses about 3 GB per hour.




Disney+

Disney+ is a streaming service that offers a wide variety of movies and TV shows from the Disney library, including content from Star Wars, Marvel, and National Geographic.

It also includes original productions such as “The Mandalorian” and “WandaVision.” Disney+ offers several subscription plans, including a basic plan that allows users to stream content on up to four devices at a time.

  1. The Clone Wars: This Star Wars animated series takes place between the events of “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” and “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith,” following the adventures of Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and his apprentice Ahsoka Tano.

  2. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier: This Marvel Cinematic Universe series follows the adventures of Sam Wilson/Falcon and Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier as they team up to take on a new threat to the world.

  3. Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: This Marvel Cinematic Universe series follows the adventures of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division (S.H.I.E.L.D.), a secret government agency that protects the world from threats.

  4. High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: This musical comedy series is a modern retelling of the “High School Musical” movie franchise, following a group of students at East High School as they put on a production of “High School Musical.”

  5. The World According to Jeff Goldblum: This documentary series follows Jeff Goldblum as he investigates the fascinating stories behind everyday objects and the science and history behind them.

  6. Once Upon a Time: This fantasy drama series follows the story of Emma Swan, a young woman who discovers that she is the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming and is drawn into a world of magical creatures and fairytale characters.

  7. The Simpsons: This long-running animated comedy series follows the misadventures of the Simpson family and their neighbors in the fictional town of Springfield.

  8. Stargirl: This superhero drama series follows the story of Courtney Whitmore, a high school student who discovers that her stepfather was once the sidekick to a superhero and inherits his cosmic staff, leading her to become the superhero Stargirl.

Disney+ offers several subscription plans, including a basic plan that allows users to stream content on up to four devices at a time for £5.99 per month or £59.99 per year.

In terms of data usage, streaming Disney+ in SD typically uses about 0.5 GB per hour, while streaming in HD uses about 1.5 GB per hour.

BBC iPlayer

BBC iPlayer: BBC iPlayer is a streaming service offered by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). It offers a variety of TV shows and movies, including BBC productions such as “Doctor Who” and “Top Gear.” BBC iPlayer is available to anyone with a UK TV license.

BBC iPlayer has a LOT of shows on their platform but here are 10 of the main ones you may be interested in:

  1. Doctor Who: This long-running science fiction series follows the adventures of the Doctor, a Time Lord who travels through time and space in a spaceship called the TARDIS, accompanied by a series of companions. The Doctor uses his knowledge and skills to solve problems, fight injustice, and protect the universe from various threats.

  2. Line of Duty: This police procedural drama follows the investigations of anti-corruption unit AC-12 and their efforts to expose corruption within the police force. Each season focuses on a different case, with the team working to uncover the truth and bring corrupt officers to justice.

  3. The Great British Bake Off: This cooking competition series follows a group of amateur bakers as they compete to be crowned the best baker in the UK. Each episode features a series of challenges designed to test the bakers’ skills and creativity, with judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith evaluating their creations.

  4. Death in Paradise: This crime drama follows detective inspector Richard Poole as he investigates murders on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie. Along with his team of local detectives, Poole must unravel complex cases and bring killers to justice while adapting to the island’s laid-back culture and way of life.

  5. EastEnders: This long-running soap opera follows the lives of the residents of the fictional London borough of Walford and the relationships, rivalries, and secrets that bind them together.

  6. The Repair Shop: This reality series follows a team of expert craftsmen and women as they restore and repair a wide variety of objects brought in by members of the public. From antique furniture and vintage cars to heirloom dolls and family mementos, no repair job is too big or too small for the team.

  7. Blue Planet II: This nature documentary series explores the oceans of the world and the unique and diverse creatures that live there. Each episode focuses on a different aspect of marine life, from the deepest depths of the sea to the icy poles.

  8. Strictly Come Dancing: This dance competition series follows a group of celebrities as they are paired with professional dancers and compete in a series of ballroom and Latin dance routines. Each week, the judges evaluate the performances and one couple is eliminated until a winner is crowned.

  9. The Apprentice: This business reality series follows a group of aspiring entrepreneurs as they compete for a chance to win a job with business magnate Lord Alan Sugar. Each week, the candidates are given a business challenge to complete, with the winner of the task earning a place in the next round and the loser being sent home.

  10. The Greatest Dancer: This dance competition series follows a group of talented dancers as they compete for a chance to win a cash prize and a chance to perform on the West End. Each episode features a series of dance performances and eliminations, with the judges and a panel of dance captains selecting the best dancers to move on to the next round.

BBC iPlayer is available to anyone with a UK TV license, which costs £157.50 per year. In terms of data usage, streaming BBC iPlayer in SD typically uses about 0.3 GB per hour, while streaming in HD uses about 1.5 GB per hour.

NOW TV

NOW TV is a streaming service that offers access to a variety of TV shows, movies, and live sports events.

It offers several subscription plans, including a Sky Cinema pass that allows users to access a wide selection of movies, a Sky Sports pass that allows users to access live sports events, and a Entertainment pass that allows users to access a selection of TV shows.

Here are some of the main shows you can expect to find on NOW TV:

  1. Game of Thrones: This fantasy drama series, based on the book series by George R.R. Martin, follows the political and personal struggles of several noble families in the fictional land of Westeros as they fight for control of the Iron Throne.

  2. Westworld: This science fiction series, based on the movie of the same name, takes place in a futuristic theme park where visitors can live out their wildest fantasies with the help of highly advanced robots. As the lines between reality and the park’s artificial world begin to blur, the robots begin to question their own existence and the true nature of their world.

  3. Big Little Lies: This drama series, based on the book by Liane Moriarty, follows the lives of three mothers in a seemingly perfect California town whose lives are turned upside down when a murder occurs at a local school fundraiser.

  4. The Sopranos: This crime drama series follows the life of Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mobster trying to balance his family life and his role as the leader of a criminal organization.

  5. The Handmaid’s Tale: This dystopian drama series, based on the book by Margaret Atwood, takes place in a future society where fertile women are forced into sexual and reproductive slavery in order to bear children for wealthy couples. The series follows the story of one of these women, Offred, as she navigates this oppressive society and fights for her freedom.

NOW TV offers several subscription plans, including a Sky Cinema pass for £11.99 per month, a Sky Sports pass for £33.99 per month, and an Entertainment pass for £9.99 per month.

In terms of data usage, streaming NOW TV in SD typically uses about 0.5 GB per hour, while streaming in HD uses about 2 GB per hour.

We hope that is helpful for you, please let us know if you have any questions for us on [email protected] or call us during office hours on 01553 813300.

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