These days, choosing a streaming service feels like deciding what to eat at an all-you-can-eat buffet – there are so many options, it’s hard to know where to start.
With Disney+, Apple TV, Paramount+, and Now all well-established, Netflix and Amazon Prime are no longer the only games in town.
The abundance of choices means stiffer competition as each platform tries to dominate your screens and your wallet.
So, does Netflix still deliver the most value, or do the new contenders offer something better? How do the free TV streaming apps compare?
Let’s dive into the current streaming landscape and see what each service has to offer.
RTÉ Player
What it costs
This service is free on the island of Ireland, though rights are restricted on some programming within Northern Ireland.
How it works
Stream live TV. Catch up on shows watched recently.
What’s on?
All the best local programmes, live sport and news that RTÉ has to offer. Plus, some old classics. There are over 100 boxsets. Highlights include: Kin, Smother, Yellowstone, Dopesick, Normal People, Love/Hate, The Office, Gavin & Stacey, I'm Alan Partridge and Father Ted.
What devices can I use it with?
Laptop browser, newer Apple devices, Apple TV, Android devices and Google Chromecast. It’s not currently available as an app in Amazon Firestick.
Any limits?
The app is free to so everyone can watch once downloaded. While there are over 100 boxsets, there isn't the same range as the likes of Netflix. Unlike some streaming services, it doesn’t contain algorithm-driven recommendations on what to watch.
Any ads?
Yes.
Virgin Media TV
What it costs
Like RTE Player this service is free in Ireland.
How it works
Stream live TV and catch-up TV. A limited number of TV series (around 60 at when we checked).
What’s on
Apart from what Virgin are showing live, catch-up on anything that’s been on recent weeks on Virgin Media stations including soaps. There are less than 20 boxsets including: Di Ray, The Serial Killer's Wife, The Restaurant & Darklands.
What devices can I use it with?
Laptop browser, Apple devices (laptops, iPhones & iPads), Apple TV, Android devices, Google Chromecast. It’s not currently available as an app for the Amazon Firestick.
Any limits?
As per RTE, they don’t have recommendations on what to watch based on your previous viewing history.
Any ads?
Yes.
All 4 app (Channel 4)
What it costs
This app is free and most content can be streamed in Ireland.
How it works
Stream live TV. Catch up on shows aired recently. Watch a large selection of box sets.
What’s on
Apart from live TV you can enjoy highlights such as Catastrophe, The Inbetweeners, Father Ted, Derry Girls, Made in Chelsea, The Undateables, Shameless, Skins and more.
What devices can I use it with?
Laptops, Apple devices, Apple TV, Android devices, Amazon Firestick & Chromecast.
Any limits?
None, as app is free – and there’s around 450 shows with an IMDB rating of 7 or over to enjoy.
Any ads?
Yes.
Now
What it costs
These vary. There are regular offers. At time of writing you can get entertainment for €5.99 a month for 6 months, there also is an entertainment & cinema promotion for €11.99 p/m. There are regular offers on sports packages too.
How it works
Sky’s dedicated no-contract streaming platform – you can watch live TV, catch up on shows and a big selection of box sets.
What’s on
Now TV has a huge range of content from live sport, movies and entertainment that includes bit hitters The White Lotus, Succession, True Detective, House of Dragons, Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, Sex & the City and more.
Any limits?
Add up to 6 devices. For an extra €5 p/m you can watch on any 3 at the same time.
Any Now hacks?
If you go to cancel a subscription, NowTV will usually offer a discounted rate to continue your subscription.
If you're planning to binge watch a show, you could avail of their 7 day free trial.
Any ads?
Yes.
Sky Stream
What it costs
Starts at €30 per month for the basic package, with various add-on options.
How it works
It is very similar to tradional Sky with the main difference being the content is streamed as opposed to coming through a dish or pipe. You can stream live TV, on-demand content, and Sky exclusives without a satellite dish. Includes Sky’s extensive library of box sets and movies.
What’s on
Popular shows like "Succession," "Game of Thrones," sports coverage, news, and a variety of movies.
What devices can I use it with?
Sky Stream puck connects to any TV. It also allow you to access content on the Sky Go app on smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Any limits?
Unlike NowTV, you can't login on any device. You can only access through the Sky Stream box /puck.
Unlike traditional Sky, you can't record shows on Sky Stream. You can access catch up for a lot of shows. The selection of BBC catch-up shows are limited.
Any hacks?
It is light and portable. You can easily bring Sky Stream with you to a friends.
Any ads?
Yes, with an option for an ad-free experience with the Sky Go Extra package.
Sky Go Extra
What it costs
Free to those who have a Sky TV or Sky Stream subscription.
How it works
It is an app. It is like having Sky TV on your phone or tablet. Watch content live. Catch up and allows you to record programmes to your Sky TV box.
What’s on
Depends on what content packages (entertainment, cinema, sport) you’ve paid for.
What devices can I use it with?
Laptops (you need to download a windows app), Apple devices. If you have an Apple TV 4K box or a games console connected to the TV and a multiscreen or whole home subscription you can use the Sky Go app on those devices to watch on the TV. You can also watch on Android phones or tablets.
Any limits?
You can't cast Sky Go from your phone to your TV.
Need to pay for Sky TV to enjoy access.
Any Sky Go hacks?
If someone you know has a Sky Box but doesn’t use Sky Go – you can use it for free on your devices.
Any ads?
Yes.
Amazon Prime Video
What it costs
It’s free with Amazon Prime membership. As a standalone it costs €6.99 a month.
How it works
Stream TV series and movies. And you can stream on 3 devices simultaneously.
What’s on
Popular shows include The Boys, Marvelous Mrs Maisel, Fallout, Yellowjackets. Other shows include Fleabag, Downton Abbey, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Walking Dead… and more.
Any limits?
You can stream up to three videos at the same time using the same Amazon account. You may stream the same video to no more than two devices at a time.
Any Amazon Prime Video hacks?
· Students can get 6 months free.
· Ask a friend who has it if you can be one of their 3 assigned devices.
Any ads?
No
Disney+
What it costs
€10.99 a month or €109.90 per year. If you can, pay it annually as it’s over the 12 months, it works out over €20 cheaper than paying monthly.
How it works
Similar to Netflix you can stream TV series and movies. However, unlike most Netflix shows, Disney release a series on an episode-by-episode basis instead of in one go.
What’s on
All Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and National Geographic back catalogues.
What devices can I use it with?
Laptop browser, Smart TVs, Apple devices (laptops, iPhones & iPads), Apple TV, Roku, Android devices, Google Chromecast, Chromecast with Google TV. It’s also available on the Amazon Fire TV.
Any limits?
You can create 7 user profiles under one account and watch on 4 different devices simultaneously.
Any Disney+ hacks?
As up to 4 devices can stream simultaneously, share the cost of the monthly subscription with a few friends/family members.
Any ads?
No.
Netflix
What it costs
· Basic - €8.99 a month (1 screen can watch at a time)
· Standard - €14.99 a month (2 screens can watch at same time)
· Premium - €20.99 a month (4 screens can watch at same time)
How it works
Netflix is the most popular streaming platform, though now has lots of rivals. Stream a wide range of Netflix series and movies, plus lots of critically acclaimed series and movies.
What’s on
There is a wealth of movies, TV series and documentaries including Emily in Paris, The Crown, The Tinder Swindler, Stranger Things, Better Call Saul, Squid Game, Ozark, Narcos and more.
Any limits?
With the basic plan you can watch one device at a time. With the standard you can watch on two. With premium you can stream on four devices simultaneously.
Any Netflix hacks?
You can share premium between you and three other people. It works out just over €5 per month each.
Any ads?
No
Apple TV+
What it costs
€6.99 per month, with a 7-day free trial. Annual subscription is €69.99.
How it works
Stream original series, movies, documentaries, and children’s shows. Watch offline by downloading content.
What’s on
Apple Originals like "Ted Lasso," "The Morning Show," "Severance," and "For All Mankind."
What devices can I use it with?
Available on iPhones, iPads, Apple TV, Macs, smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and via web browser.
Any limits?
Up to six family members can share one subscription with Family Sharing.
Any ads?
No.
Paramount+
What it costs
€7.99 per month or €79.99 per year, with a 7-day free trial.
How it works
Stream a variety of content including exclusive series, movies, live sports, and news.
What’s on
Originals like "Star Trek: Discovery," "The Good Fight," "Yellowstone," and a wide range of classic films.
What devices can I use it with?
Compatible with iOS and Android devices, smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and web browsers.
Any limits?
Watch on up to three devices simultaneously.
Any ads?
Yes, with a limited ad option and an ad-free premium plan.
If you're still undecided about which is best for you, click here to check out the latest deals and discount codes.
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