Welcome, fellow streamers, to the digital cosmos of on-demand entertainment. As we navigate through the galaxy of streaming platforms, we encounter a shining star – Starz.
This American powerhouse, known for its compelling original series and an extensive library of hit movies, has been steadily gaining momentum in the competitive universe of streaming services.
Is it worth your subscription? Does it hold the power to dethrone the likes of Netflix and Hulu?
That's what we're here to find out.
Starz Review Summary
Starz in 2023: The Low-Cost Streaming Service Worth Your Attention $8.99/month
Name: Starz
Description: Starz is a leading American premium cable and satellite television network owned by Lionsgate. It is renowned for its captivating original series, hit movies, and bold storytelling that brings diverse perspectives to life. Some of the well-known original series include Power, Vida, Counterpart, and American Gods.
Offer price: Starting from $8.99 per month
Currency: USD
Application Category: Streaming, Movies/Series
- Movies / Series / Live TV Selection
- Price Comparison
- Video Quality / Userability
Summary
Starz offers an extensive library of over 900+ movies and 20+ TV shows, available on-demand and ad-free. It provides a special offer of only $3 per month for the first three months, making it an affordable platform for viewers looking for a diverse range of content.
The platform allows users to stream content online via their official website and mobile apps available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. In addition to its own platform, Starz content is also accessible through other streaming services like Hulu.
Is Starz included with Netflix?
Starz is not directly included with a Netflix subscription.
However, there have been promotional offers where access to Starz Play was included with Netflix members' current monthly subscription fee.
As of now, there's an intriguing offer where if you purchase an annual subscription to Starz on +play, you'll receive 12 months of Netflix Premium at no additional cost.
So while Starz and Netflix remain separate entities each requiring their own subscription, certain deals may allow you to enjoy both services for the price of one.
What is Starz monthly cost?
| Platform | Offer | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Starz Official Website | Special Offer | $3/mo for 3 Months ($3 trial), $8.99/mo thereafter |
>> Click here to sign up for Starz $3-trial
Is Starz free through Amazon Prime?
Starz is not included for free with an Amazon Prime membership.
However, Amazon does offer a 7-day free trial of Starz for eligible Prime members who have not yet tried the service.
After the free trial, you will need to pay an extra $8.99 per month, in addition to your Prime membership fee.
Occasionally, Amazon runs promotional deals where you can access Starz at a discounted rate.
>> Click here to read our in-depth review of Prime Video
Is Starz part of HBO Max?
No, Starz is not part of HBO Max. They are separate streaming platforms each owned by different entities.
Starz is an American premium cable and satellite television network owned by Lionsgate, while HBO Max is a streaming platform offered by WarnerMedia.
Both platforms have their own unique content and subscription plans.
>> Click here to read our in-depth review of Max
Which is better Netflix or Starz?
| Features | Netflix | Starz |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Starts at $8.99/mo for Basic plan, up to $15.99/mo for Premium | $8.99/mo |
| Free Trial | No | No. But do offer $3/month trial for 3 months |
| Original Content | Yes, extensive range of original series and movies | Yes, but less compared to Netflix |
| Movies & TV Shows | Extensive library with thousands of options | Smaller library, but includes popular movies and shows |
| Number of Simultaneous Streams | 1 stream for Basic plan, up to 4 for Premium | Up to 4 streams |
| Offline Viewing | Yes | Yes |
| Compatibility | Compatible with various devices | Compatible with various devices |
| Contract | No long-term contract required | No long-term contract required |
Netflix:
Netflix is known for its vast library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original programming. It offers a variety of plans starting from $8.99 per month, which allows you to watch on one screen at a time in Standard Definition.
Their premium plan, priced at $15.99 per month, offers up to 4 simultaneous streams in HD and Ultra HD when available.
Starz:
Starz, on the other hand, is a premium cable and streaming channel known for its popular movies and original series.
Starz's streaming service is available for $8.99 per month and provides four simultaneous streams. This rivals Netflix's Premium plan. Starz also offers a $3-trial for new subscribers.
>> Click here to read our in-depth review of Netflix
Which is better: Showtime or Starz?
| Feature | Showtime | Starz |
|---|---|---|
| Price per month | $10.99 | $8.99 |
| Original Content | Known for high-quality original series like “Homeland”, “Billions”, and “Shameless” | Offers noteworthy original series like “Outlander” and “American Gods” |
| Movie Library | Good selection but not as extensive as Starz | Larger movie library, with a wide genre range |
| Sports Content | Offers sports content such as boxing and MMA | Does not offer sports content |
| Device Compatibility | Available on most streaming devices | Available on most streaming devices |
| Offline Viewing | Allows for downloads for offline viewing | Allows for downloads for offline viewing |
| Free Trial | 30-day free trial | $3/month for 3 months |
If you're more into movies and seeking a more budget-friendly option, Starz might be the better choice. However, if you value original series, sports content, and don't mind a higher cost, Showtime could be the way to go.
Which is better: Max or Starz
| Feature | HBO Max | Starz |
|---|---|---|
| Price per month | Starts at $10.00 | $8.99 |
| Original Content | Known for high-quality original series like “Game of Thrones”, “Succession”, and “Westworld” | Offers noteworthy original series like “Outlander” and “American Gods” |
| Movie Library | Extensive selection of award-winning movies | Larger movie library, with a wide genre range |
| Device Compatibility | Available on most streaming devices | Available on most streaming devices |
| Offline Viewing | Allows for downloads for offline viewing | Allows for downloads for offline viewing |
| Free Trial | No free trial | $3/month for 3 months |
>> Click here to read our in-depth review of Max
How can I watch Starz for free? (access free-trial)
You can watch Starz for free through various platforms that offer a free trial. Here are some options:
- Hulu: Hulu offers a free trial where you can stream live TV from Starz and other popular cable networks. No hidden fees and you can cancel anytime.
- YouTube TV: YouTube TV also provides a free trial to watch Starz. You can cancel at any time.
- Amazon Prime Video: If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can add the Starz 7-day free trial to your account.
- Fubo TV: Fubo TV offers a seven-day Starz free trial among its various plans and premium add-ons.
Remember to cancel your subscription before the trial period ends if you do not wish to continue with the paid service.
Is Starz worth getting?
Starz could be worth getting for several reasons.
- Price: Priced at $8.99 per month when purchased independently, which is comparable to other streaming services like Showtime. There's no cancellation fee or long-term contract involved, making it a flexible option.
- Content: Offers thousands of TV show episodes and movies — more than 7,500 in total. This includes enticing original content.
- Value: Compared to competitors such as Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney Plus, and Showtime, Starz offers value for its price.
- Discounts: If you're interested in getting a long-term subscription with Starz, paying annually instead of monthly can get you a big discount for $69.99 (previously $74.99).
How many movies are on Starz?
Starz boasts a large library of content, including thousands of TV show episodes and movies. However, the exact number may vary over time due to licensing agreements and the addition of new content.
As of June 2023, Starz offered over 7,500 pieces of content in total. Please note that this includes both movies and TV show episodes.
For the most accurate and up-to-date count, please visit the official Starz website or app.
Top 20 most popular titles on Starz
| Genre | Top Titles |
|---|---|
| Horror | Night of the Living Dead (1968) |
| Sci-Fi/Drama | Children of Men (2006) |
| Animation/Drama | The Red Turtle (2016) |
| Action/Thriller | John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023), The Dark Knight (2008) |
| Drama/Crime | The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Power (2014) |
| Adventure/Sci-Fi | Jurassic Park (1993) |
| Comedy/Drama | Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), Party Down (2009) |
| Historical Drama/Romance | Outlander (2014) |
| Adventure/Drama | Black Sails (2014) |
| Drama/Thriller | The Social Network (2010) |
| Fantasy/Drama | American Gods |
| Comedy/Horror | Ash vs Evil Dead |
| Drama/Sport | Heels |
| Drama/Crime | BMF |
| Drama/Comedy | Minx |
The pros and cons of Starz
Benefits:
- Large library: Starz has a substantial collection of movies and TV shows, including original series.
- Price: At $8.99 per month, it's reasonably priced compared to other streaming services.
- No contract: There are no long-term commitments, and you can cancel anytime without any penalty.
- Discounts: Subscribing annually instead of monthly can provide significant savings.
- Downloadable content: You can download content for offline viewing.
- Family-friendly: It offers a good selection of family and kid-friendly content.
Drawbacks:
- Limited original content: Compared to competitors like HBO and Netflix, Starz has fewer standout original series.
- Content rotation: Movies and shows often get removed from the platform due to licensing agreements.
- Not all content available in HD: Some older titles might not be available in HD quality.
- No live TV: Unlike some other streaming platforms, Starz doesn't offer live TV streams.
- Limited device support: While Starz supports most major devices, it may not support all devices.
- Navigation: Some users have reported that the user interface can be confusing and difficult to navigate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I share my Starz subscription?
Yes, Starz allows for account sharing within the same household. This means you can use your Starz subscription on multiple devices at the same time, making it convenient for family members or roommates to enjoy their favorite shows and movies simultaneously.
However, it's crucial to remember that sharing your subscription details outside of your household may violate Starz's terms of service and could potentially lead to account suspension. Always ensure you are using these services responsibly and in accordance with the provider's rules.
2. How to cancel my Starz subscription?
If you wish to cancel your Starz subscription, you can do so by following these steps.
- First, log into your Starz account.
- Once you're logged in, select the user icon located in the upper-right corner of the screen.
- From the dropdown menu, choose ‘Settings'.
- Under the ‘Billing Plan & Information' section, you will find the ‘Cancel Subscription' option.
- Click on this to proceed with the cancellation.
If you've subscribed to Starz through Amazon, log into your Amazon account, click on ‘Account & Lists', scroll down to ‘Memberships and Subscriptions', find the Starz subscription and follow the prompts to cancel it.
Please remember to confirm the cancellation to ensure that your subscription is successfully terminated.
3. Can I get Starz with Disney plus?
Starz is not directly available on Disney Plus as they are owned by separate entertainment entities. Starz is owned by Lionsgate and is a subsidiary of Starz Inc., while Disney Plus is part of the Disney company.
However, there's been a recent partnership between Disney and Lionsgate in Latin America that brings together Disney+, Star+, and Starzplay in one streaming bundle.
This means in that region, subscribers can access content from all three platforms in one place.
Furthermore, new Disney+ subscribers have had promotional offers where they could get Starz at a discounted rate.
As for R-rated content, it's important to note that Disney+ aims to maintain a family-friendly environment, so such content from Starz may not be available on Disney+.
Instead, Disney's R-rated content is typically placed on Hulu.