Sure, you're familiar with the big three of streaming media services: Netflix, Amazon and Hulu. But there are literally dozens of smaller services, many of them focusing on specific genres and/or countries. It's almost impossible to keep up with them all, but we're going to try with our handy guide to the niche streaming services.
A couple of caveats. I only included streaming services that were available on platforms other than just the web (i.e. mobile or connected devices). I also didn't include the many services that offer some slightly different mix of the same public domain titles available everywhere else. I have also opted to use the service's own description here to save some time, but I'll be replacing them with new descriptions in the coming days.
If we've missed one, or if you have any other comment, let me know atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Acorn TV
www.acorntv.com
Description: Acorn TV streams first-rate mysteries, dramas, and comedies from around the world. Binge-watch a classic series or discover your new favorite show among dozens of programs available exclusively on Acorn TV. With thousands of hours of commercial-free programming and new shows added weekly, there’s always something to watch!
Cost: $4.99 per month
Supported Devices: Apple iOS and Android phones and devices, Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV (tvOS version), iPhone/iPad, some Samsung Smart TVs and Blu-ray players.
All Warrior Network
www.allwarriornetwork.com
Description: The All Warrior Network is the ultimate Veteran-owned-and-operated entertainment channel created just for you; the Warrior Class. Watch our bold original shows and documentaries any time.
Cost: $6.99 per month, $74.99 per year.
Supported Devices: Available on iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, Apple TV and Roku.
Asian Crush
http://www.asiancrush.com
Description: Asian Crush is the largest aggregator and distributor of popular Asian feature films and documentaries. Our content is distributed across North America on the leading cable, satellite, telco, broadband, and mobile Video On Demand (VOD) systems, in retail outlets on DVD, and on television networks via TV sales. We work with the top studios, producers, and filmmakers across Asia and the U.S. Our catalog of over 500 titles appeal to mainstream and fanboy audiences, featuring top commercial blockbusters, action, horror, cult, anime, martial arts, arthouse, drama, documentaries, and more.
Costs: $6.99 per month.
Supported Devices: Available on the web, iOS and Android devices, Roku, Samsung Smart TV.
Broadway HD
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Brown Sugar
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Carbon TV
http://www.carbontv.com/
Description: CarbonTV is the premier online video destination for premium outdoor themed shows and engaging personalities. CarbonTV offers video clips and episodes. Our mission is to provide the best quality and exclusive content covering the widest range of topics to the outdoor enthusiast. We are committed to providing a service that users, advertisers and content producers proudly use and love.
Costs: Free
Supported Devices: Available only via web browser, on desktop computer, laptop or mobile devices.
CBS All-Access
www.cbs.com/all-access
Description: CBS All Access is the CBS Television Network’s digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service.
Cost: $5.99 per month with limited commercials, $9.99 per month ad-free.
Supported Devices: Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, xBox, Apple TV, Google Chromecast and PS3.
CON TV
http://www.contv.com/browse-movie/
Description: CONtv is THE digital destination for Comic Con fans! Devoted to all the weird, hilarious and terrifying content celebrated at the Cons, CONtv is a place to celebrate community, discover new movies and TV series, and revel in being a fan. We’ve got thousands of hours of programming on the service so if horror is your thing, you’re covered. Sci-fi? Tons of it… do you want classic or modern? Anime? Martial Arts? Cult Films? Check, check, annnnnnd check! Post-modern independent decopunk? Now you’re just trying to mess with us. But guess what? WE’VE GOT THAT TOO! We’re betting you’re going to find something cool to watch on CONtv, no matter what you’re in to.
Costs: $4.99 per month.
Supported Devices: Available via browser, select iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, Roku and Samsung Smart TV's
Crackle
www.crackle.com
Description: Crackle has your favorite movies, hit TV series and can't-miss originals you won't find
anywhere else. Whether you're a comedy, action or drama addict, with fresh daily
programming there's always something new to stream.
Cost: Free
Supported Devices: Available via browser, iOS & Android tablets and smart phones, Amazon Kindle, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Apple Fire TV, Playstation 3 & 4, XBOX ONE and XBOX 360.
CRTV
www.crtv.com
Description: CRTV is your source for the most thought-provoking personalities and conservative ideas that are not available from traditional media outlets. CRTV has developed a new style in producing compelling content with stunning production quality and unique broadcast sets built to capture the individual personality and passion of each program. CRTV is developing the best programming – advocating freedom and liberty – that is delivered directly to viewers – when and where they want it.
Cost: $99.00 per year
Supported Devices: Apple iOS and Android devices, Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Samsung Smart TVs.
Crunchyroll
www.crunchyroll.com
Description: Crunchyroll is a leading global destination and platform for Japanese anime and Asian content. Crunchyroll delivers more than 25,000 episodes and 15,000 hours of officially-licensed content from leading Asian media producers directly to viewers translated professionally in multiple languages within minutes of TV broadcast.
Cost: You can watch for free with ads. Subscribe for $7-per-month to get rid of ads and simulcast new episodes and chapters as soon as one hour after they air in Japan.
Supported Devices: Available via browser, Chromecast, Roku, Android, iOS, Xbox 360, and PlayStation.
Curiosity Stream
www.curiositystream.com
Description: Watch exclusive content from the world's best filmmakers and originally produced videos from Curiosity Studios.
Costs: $2.99 per month for standard definition streaming, $5.99 per month for high definition streaming and $11.99 per month for 4K Ultra HD streaming.
Devices Supported: Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, iOS and Android devices.
DC Universe
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Dove Channel
www.dovechannel.com
Description: Dove Channel provides a safe walled-garden with hundreds of movies and TV Series that reflect the time-honored standards of The Dove Foundation , known for its trusted Faith & Family Dove Seals of Approval. As a member, you can take advantage of our unique Customization Tool which gives you complete control by selecting the type of entertainment that exactly fits your tastes and personal preferences.
Costs: $4.99 per month, $11.99 for three months, $39.99 annually.
Devices Supported: Android and iOS mobile, Apple TV & tablet devices, Roku and browser.
Fandor
www.fandor.com
Description: We present exceptional, hand-picked films to a community of film lovers and makers connected by meaningful and entertaining cinematic experiences. We are committed to the advancement and preservation of film art and culture, delivering a 50% revenue share to our films’ rights holders. In order to support the lifecycle of a film, we’ve launched initiatives across critical stages of the filmmaking process, partnering with educators, students, filmmakers, festivals and distributors.
Costs: $10 per month or $90 annually.
Devices Supported: Roku, Mac, PC, Chromecast, Mobile Device or Tablet.
Feeln
https://www.feeln.com/
Description: Feeln is the streaming service that brings you heartfelt stories of love and togetherness, anytime, anywhere. Feeln carefully selects every title so you spend less time searching and more time with the stories you love. Feeln brings home the beloved library of Hallmark Hall of Fame features, handpicked Hollywood movies and TV series, and award-winning originals you won't find anywhere else.
Costs: $4 per month or $24 annually
Supported Devices: A aide range of Smart TV's, tablets, mobile phones and other connected devices. Check out the entire list here.
Food Matters TV
https://www.fmtv.com
Description: We're more than a streaming TV channel. You could even see us as your own online nutritionist guiding you on your health journey. Inside FMTV you'll find the tools, education, inspiration and guided programs to help you get healthy and stay healthy! Whether you want to do a detox, learn about natural treatments for cancer, depression or chronic illness or learn about healthy rituals to reduce stress, calm the body and sleep better. There is something for everyone.
Cost: $9.95 per month, $99 annually.
Supported Devices: Desktop & laptops, iPhone app, Apple TV app, iPad app and Roku device.
Frightpix
http://www.frightpix.com/
Description: Films! FrightPix was created for people like us who want to watch "Great Horror. Free." FrightPix has full-length movies that will scare you, make you cringe, make you feel creepy, or sometimes make you laugh when the films are really “campy.” We built FrightPix to be a user friendly movie destination. No movie is more than two clicks away and they are all FREE.
Costs: Free
Supported Devices: iPhone and iPod Touch, iPad and iPad Mini, Android phones and tablets, Amazon Kindle and Amazon app for phones, Roku, Samsung Smart TV's, Xbox and Xbox 360.
Funimation
www.funimation.com
Description: A huge library of hundreds of hours of ad-free Anime subs and dubs, as well as seasonal simulcasts, and Broadcast Dubs available only weeks after their original Japanese broadcast.
Cost: $5.99 per month.
Supported Devices: Apple TV 4th generation, Amazon Fire sticks and devices, XBOX One, XBOX 360, PS3, PS4.
Gaia Online
www.gaia.com
Description: We are a community of seekers, empowering one another on the path to a conscious life. Together, we can awaken the evolution of consciousness.
Cost: $9.95 per month, $20 for three months or $94.99 for a year.
Supported Devices: Available via browser, Apple TV, Roku, Google Chromecast, iOS and Android devices.
Hallmark Movies Now
Description: Commercial-free streaming of the Hallmark content you love, including the Hallmark Hall of Fame library, original movies and series from the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries as well as Hollywood favorites.
Cost: $4.99 per month.
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Heartland
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History Vault
https://www.historyvault.com/
Description: Rotaing collection of history-oriented TV shows, documentaries and films.
Cost: $49.99 a year or $4.99 per month
Supported Devices: Desktop, iOS phones and tablets, Roku & 4th generation Apple TV.
Lifetime Movie Network
www.lifetimemovieclub.com
Description: A rotating group of 30 made-for-Lifetime TV movies, with a new title added each day.
Cost: $3.99 per month or $39.99 annually.
Devices Supported: Available on desktop, iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, Roku and 4th generation Apple TVs.
Met Opera On Demand
metopera.org/Season/On-Demand/
Description: Met Opera on Demand delivers instant streaming of more than 600 full-length Metropolitan Opera performances. Highlights of this unparalleled collection include: More than 100 presentations from the Met’s award-winning "Live in HD" series of global cinema transmissions, featuring opera superstars Roberto Alagna, Natalie Dessay, Joyce DiDonato, Plácido Domingo, Renée Fleming, Juan Diego Flórez, Elīna Garanča, Jonas Kaufmann, Anna Netrebko, Deborah Voigt, and many more; Classic Met telecasts dating from 1977, including "Aida" starring Leontyne Price, "La Bohème" starring Luciano Pavarotti and Renata Scotto, Jon Vickers as Otello, and more; 400+ radio broadcast performances dating back to 1935, representing nearly all of the most popular operas ever composed and many of the greatest singers in Met history including Björling, Callas, Corelli, Horne, Nilsson, Sutherland, Tebaldi, Te Kanawa, and Tucker. All Met Opera on Demand videos include English subtitles, and many recent HD performances also offer subtitles in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and/or Swedish. New operas are added every month.
Cost: $14.99/month or $149.99/year
Devices Supported: iPad, iPhone, Apple TV, Android, Roku, and Samsung Smart TV.
MHZ Choice
watch.mhzchoice.com
Description: A rotating collection of international comedies, dramas and mysteries.
Costs: $7.99 per month.
Devices Supported: iPhone, Android smartphones, Apple TV or Roku.
Mubi
www.mubi.com
Description: Every day our experts introduce you to a film they love and you have a whole month to watch it, so there will always be 30 extraordinary films for you to enjoy.
Cost: $5.99 a month
Devices Supported: iOS and Android devices, SAMSUNG, Apple, and Sony BRAVIA TVs & Blu-ray Players from 2013 onwards, as well as on the Sony PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in Europe and North America, and Roku in the United States.
Noggin
www.noggin.com
Description: A mobile subscription app for preschoolers featuring award-winning shows, plus music and educational videos.
Cost: $5.99 per month (which will automatically be billed to your iTunes, Google Play or Amazon account after your 7-day free trial has ended)
Supported Devices: You can access the app on all iOS devices tied to your iTunes account that run iOS 7 and above as well as the 4th Generation Apple TV. On Android & Kindle you can access the app on devices running Android 4.0.3, API level 15 and above.
PassionFlix
www.passionflix.com
Description: We’re turning best-selling romance novels into movies and series. From sweet and sassy to sultry and steamy, our originals will leave you gasping for more. From Mr Darcy to Mr Grey, Passionflix will have your favorite romance movies, as well as some undiscovered gems. Every one handpicked for your viewing pleasure.
Cost: $5.99 per month
Supported Devices: iPhone, Android smartphones, Apple TV or Roku.
Poker Central
www.pokercentral.com
Description: Poker Central is the ultimate source for fans of poker and the poker lifestyle. Available globally, where and when you want it, Poker Central’s delivery of everything poker offers a peek behind the scenes into the VIP lifestyle and lavish, jet-setting world of high roller poker players. Shot on location in Las Vegas and in exotic places around the globe, Poker Central offers fans of poker, and the poker lifestyle, a glimpse into the quirky, funny, exciting and riveting stories that make up the crazy world of poker.
Costs: Free
Supported Devices: Available via web browser, Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV.
Popcorn Flix
http://www.popcornflix.com/
Description: We love movies! Popcornflix was created for people like us who want to watch "Great Movies. Free." Popcornflix has full-length movies that will make you laugh, make you cry, scare the heck out of you, or inspire you to hug the person you love. We have compelling documentaries, foreign films, unique original web series, and a place that showcases the brightest film makers of tomorrow. We built Popcornflix to be the most user friendly movie destination on the web.
Costs: Free
Supported Devices: iPhone and iPod Touch, iPad and iPad Mini, Android phones and tablets, Amazon Kindle and Amazon app for phones, Roku, Samsung Smart TV's, Xbox and Xbox 360.
Pure Flix
http://www.pureflix.com
Description: A mix of family-friendly & wholesome entertainment includes movies for all ages, kid’s animated titles, documentaries, how-to’s, hobbies, educational, health & fitness, sports, outdoors and travel plus many inspirational and devotional titles.
Cost: $7.99 a month.
Supported Devices: Android and Apple iOs smartphones/tablets, Amazon Fire TV, Apple and Windows computers, Roku.
Screambox
https://www.screambox.com/
Description: Think of Screambox as an all-you-can-kill menu of the most terrifying and widest range of horror programming from around the world. We have all-time classics, exciting new releases, and horror movies from Iceland, England, the Netherlands, Spain, Norway, Korea, Japan and Thailand.
Costs: $35.88 for a year ($2.99 per month) or $4.99 monthly.
Supported Devices: PlayStation, XBox, Roku, Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, Android smartphones, tablets
Shout Factory TV
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Shudder
https://www.shudder.com/
Description: Shudder is the diabolical new streaming service devoted exclusively to things that go bump in the night. On Shudder, you'll discover a growing, ghoulish library of horror films from around the world and across the decades. Shudder has something for everyone, from the casual fan to the hardcore horror devotee. Whether you’re looking for a classic suspense film, a cat-and-mouse thriller, a good old fashioned monster movie, a terrifying tale of the supernatural, or a bloody giallo masterpiece, you’ll always find something to scare you in a new way at Shudder. Our Shudder Collections are curated by horror aficionados with a deep love and respect for the many peculiar varieties and genres of horror - they showcase films you never knew existed right alongside old favorites that never fail to frighten, and everything in between. You can also explore different perspectives on all things horror by perusing the selections of our guest curators, or flip on Shudder.TV, a horror-devoted channel programmed by our curators - tune in anytime and discover a gem.
Costs: $49.99 per year or $4.99 per month.
Supported Devices: Roku, Google Play, Amazon Prime, Apple iOS and on XBOX and Playstation through the VRV app.
Smithsonian Earth
https://smithsonianearthtv.com/
Description: A commercial-free streaming service that offers unlimited access to original documentaries, short series, and Nature Scenes. Shot in 4K Ultra HD resolution by filmmakers around the world, its programs will bring you closer than ever before to nature's most fascinating animals and wildest locations. Refreshed several times a week, you'll always have new things to discover.
Costs: $3.99 per month
Supported Devices: Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple iOS or Windows computers and tablets.
Spectiv
www.spectiv.co
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Spuul
https://spuul.com/
Description: On Spuul you can stream and download your favourite full-length movies in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Punjabi and other Indian regional languages. Pick up where you left off, mark your favourite movies to watch later, or simply download them to watch while you’re on the move. It’s your daily dose of desi films, in the palm of your hand.
Cost: You can watch for free with ads. Subscribe for $5-per-month or get a discount at $50-per-year. Or opt for pay-per-view at $2 for 72 hours of access.
Supported Devices: The web, Chromecast, Android, and iOS.
Sundance Now
www.sundancenow.com
Description: Sundance Now brings you the best in award-winning films, documentaries & binge-worthy TV series. From exclusive Sundance Now Originals to new releases and hard-to-find classics—we have captivating stories for everyone. Discover your next favorite story in one of our handpicked collections, curated by filmmakers and cultural icons.
Cost: $59 for a year ($4.99 per month); $6.99 per month.
Supported Devices:
The Blaze TV
www.theblaze.com/tv
Description: Glenn Beck-headed streaming service
Cost: $99 annually, $9.95 per month
Supported Devices: Desktop, mobile device, Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV (via AirPlay)
Toon Goggles
www.toongoggles.com
Description: Toon Goggles is the premier on-demand entertainment destination for children, offering a vast and diverse amount of animated and live-action programs, engaging games, radio and news.
Cost: You can watch for free with pre-screened ads. Subscribe for $3-per-month to disable ads and unlock subscriber-only content.
Devices Supported: Browser, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, Android, iOS, and more. See the complete list here.
Toons TV
www.toons.tv
Description: ToonsTV is the home of the wildly popular Angry Birds Toons series and hand-selected family entertainment shows from around the world.Sit back and enjoy the hilarious adventures of the birds and pigs in Angry Birds Toons – the first-ever animated series from Rovio Entertainment!
Cost: Free
Devices Supported: Web, iOS, Amazon and Android smartphones and devices, Roku and Samsung Smart TVs.
Up Faith & Family
http://vod.upfaithandfamily.com/upfaithandfamily/
Description: UP Faith & Family offers the best in faith and family-friendly entertainment with an ever-growing library of over 400 quality dramas, family comedies, UP original series, movies, animated features and more! With just one click, your family can enjoy the freedom to watch the best of faith and family-friendly entertainment instantly anytime and anywhere. Family movie night has never been this easy!
Costs: $4.99 per month.
Devices Supported: Also available in some Comcast and Dish Network programming packages.
Viewster
www.viewster.com
Description: Viewster is a free and legal video on demand platform that lets you choose from thousands of original international series, films and documentaries. You’ll find great content from cult to classic, Japanese anime, British or Korean drama to Swedish crime.
Cost: Free
Devices Supported: Web, iOS and Android tablets and smartphones with App.
Viki
www.viki.com
Description: Viki, a play on the words video and wiki, is the global TV site where millions of people discover, watch and subtitle global primetime shows and movies in more than 200 languages. Together with its fans, Viki removes the language and cultural barriers that stand between great entertainment and fans everywhere.
Cost: Free with ads, at 480p, and no exclusive content. $4.99 per month or $49.99 annually for no ads, 720p playback and exclusive content.
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VRV
www.vrv.co
Description: VRV is a new video experience bringing the best of anime, animation, gaming, comedy, fantasy, and technology to U.S. fans in one unified environment. VRV has over 20,000 hours of free content, which updates regularly. Some channels have exclusive series for members who Go Premium.
Cost:
Devices Supported: VRV is available on the Web, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Chromecast, iOS phones/iPads, Android devices OS v5.0 and above as well as Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV and newer Roku devices.
WWE Network
www.wwe.com/wwenetwork
Description: A variety of WWE programs, including past pay-per-view events, original programming and other special events.
Cost: $9.99 per month.
Supported Devices: PC, Mac, Smart TVs, mobile and tablet, Apple TV, FireTV and Roku.
YouToo America
www.ytaclub.com
Description: Youtoo America is the destination for what makes this country great. From sports to cars, music to celebrities, technology, food and the great outdoors, to the best part of America…YOU! Youtoo America is the world’s first interactive Social TV network. Using patented technology, you can be a part of the show by submitting videos, texting to TV or voting in real time! Youtoo America’s prime time programming gives you the chance to participate in the conversation as you interact about the trending topics of the day. Youtoo America…Red, White and YOU!
Costs: $5.95 per month, $59.95 per year.
Devices Supported: PC, Mac, Smart TVs, mobile and tablet, Apple TV, FireTV and Roku.
Yupp TV
www.yupptv.com
Description: YuppTV, a pioneer and one of the World’s largest online Over-the-top (OTT) entertainment solutions provider has made the consumer witness the renaissance in TV watching experience. Making the best use of technology growth and advancement, YuppTV enables its consumers to experience the convenience of virtual home entertainment anytime, anywhere. You can watch your favorite TV channel anytime, anywhere across devices on a single subscription.
Costs: There is a wide range of programming packages, depending on the language. Click here for details.
Devices Supported: Smart TVs: Roku, Boxee, Google TV, Netgear NTV300, WD TV Live; Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic Viera Smart TVs; Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic Viera BlueRay players, iPhone, Android smart phones, iPad, Android and Windows tablets.