Guide to the best streaming services in Singapore - Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hayu and more

Guide to the best streaming services in Singapore - Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hayu and more
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Subscribing to streaming services is no longer unheard of. With many film companies coming out with their own video streaming subscriptions, it can be dizzying trying to find the best one for you. Plus, there’s no better time than now to catch up on all your dramas and movies you’ve missed!

From Netflix to HBO GO and more, we help you to pick the right subscription serves that will cater to all your needs so you’ll get the best bang for your buck.  

Streaming Platform Price Free Trial Period
Netflix Basic - $11.98 per month, Standard - $15.98 per month, Premium - $19.98 per month 1 Month
HBO Go $13.98 per month 7 Days
Youtube TV $67.63 per month 7 Days
Viki Free ($7.11 per month for Viki Pass) -
Amazon Prime $2.99 per month 1 Month
Disney Plus $9.98 per month 7 Days
Viu Free ($4.98 per month for Viu Premiumwith Singtel) -
TVB Anywhere+ $4.98 per month 1 Month
Hayu $4.99 per month 1 Month

Netflix

Arguably the most well-known streaming platform on this list, Netflix has amassed a whopping 169 million paid subscribers all over the world.

With original titles such as Kingdom and Money Heist, Netflix has quickly become the most popular platform in Singapore.

There is a wide range of genres available for everyone to enjoy. From anime to horror to Japanese and Korean dramas, you will be getting your subscription money worth of out Netflix – especially if you love Netflix Originals!

There are 3 tiers of subscription:

  • Basic – $11.98 per month
    • One device at a time in standard definition (SD)
    • Download titles to one phones or tablets
  • Standard – $15.98 per month
    • Two devices at the same time and in high definition (HD) when available.
    • Download titles to two phone or tablet
  • Premium – $19.98 per month
    • Four devices at the same time and in high definition (HD) and ultra high definition (UHD) when available.
    • Download titles to four phones or tablets.

If you’re sharing with your family on multiple devices, I would recommend choosing the Premium tier. However, if you are particular about video quality and access, then the Standard tier will be good too!

All tiers are ad-free and allow you to download videos, making Netflix an ideal companion for when you’re on the go as well!  

Top Picks: 

  • Kingdom Season 1 & 2
  • Stranger Things
  • Money Heist
  • Crash Landing On You
  • Birdbox
  • Umbrella Academy
  • The Platform
  • Lucifer
  • Brooklyn 99
  • Itaewon Class

HBO Go

HBO has been around for a long time and with HBO Go, subscribers get the same selection of HBO titles on a more convenient platform. Furthermore, HBO is also available on meWatch!

Similar to Netflix, HBO Go has a wide range of shows and their exclusive Original series. The award-winning Game of Thrones series (which is extremely hard to find on any other streaming platforms) is also available on HBO Go and its never too late to jump on the hype even though the show has ended.

Thankfully there aren’t any advertisements for paid subscribers and users can enjoy an ad-free experience when streaming your favourite shows. All in all, HBO Go is a great streaming service to keep you company at home too.

*Entire first seasons of select iconic HBO Originals and HBO Asia Originals are now available for free for one month starting 15 April on HBO GO - no registration or subscription is required.*

Top Picks: 

  • Game Of Thrones
  • The Sopranos
  • The Wire
  • Westworld
  • Watchmen
  • Die Hard
  • Us

YouTube TV

Youtube TV is a rather unique streaming platform which was supposed to be an alternative to cable TV. Instead of streaming shows, it streams channels which makes it feel like you are watching TV on YouTube.

This format allows for a myriad of content to be available and it is not limited to films only. There are original YouTuber content, sports networks and daily news as well.

Considering its price,  I will not suggest going for YouTube TV if you’re already subscribed to cable TV. In the long run, YouTube TV should be able to replace cable TV set up and provide entertainment on-the-go. So if that’s what you are looking for, then go ahead and subscribe to YouTube TV.

Top Picks:

  • Any channel you watch on cable TV that is available on Youtube TV

Viki

An interesting play on words, Viki combines two words – video and wiki. Aiming to create a space for subscribers, Viki has global content that caters to every user. The company is based in America, but upon receiving funding from a Singaporean start-up, it became a well-known local streaming platform.

Considering the local audience, Viki also features more Asian content and is a great place to get your K-drama fix.

The Viki service is free (with ads) and users do not need to pay a subscription fee to get access to content. But if you want to remove ads and improve video quality, the Viki Pass subscription is available for $7.11 per month.

Top Picks:

  • Hotel Del Luna
  • Descendants Of The Sun
  • My Love From The Star
  • Pinocchio
  • What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim
  • Master’s Sun

Amazon Prime Video

Easily one of Netflix’s oldest rival, Amazon Prime Video is another popular streaming platform. Despite having a less extensive library, Amazon Prime Video boasts its own exclusive titles which draw their own audience.

Shows like The Boys and Transparent have garnered enough interest to make Amazon Prime Video a strong contender.

The Amazon Prime Video subscription is on top of your normal Amazon Prime subscription which prioritises your shipping (even groceries). This means you’re getting a great deal of value since you’re getting 2 services for the price of one.

Furthermore, the launch of Amazon Studio also promises more original content in the future, making this a solid choice as a subscription service.

Top Picks:

  • The Boys
  • Transparent
  • The Expanse
  • Chi-Raq
  • Hannibal
  • Paterson
  • You Were Never Really Here

Disney Plus

Disney+ is quite obviously Disney’s very own streaming platform for – you guessed it – Disney content. If you’re looking to re-live your childhood by watching older Disney films and series, Disney Plus is the platform for you.

With access to movies such as Mulan and Aladdin, it is tough to compete against the nostalgia factor that Disney Plus offers. Couple that with newer hits such as The Avengers and the Star Wars franchises, and you’ve got quite the ultimate streaming service.

However, Disney Plus is limited to its family-friendly content and you definitely won’t find any gritty crime dramas or violent action flicks here. But if that doesn’t deter you, Disney Plus is another great platform that you should consider for their variety of Disney exclusive content.

P.S Read till the end to find out how you can enjoy Disney+ in Singapore! 

Top Picks:

  • The Mandalorian
  • The Avengers series
  • Free Solo
  • The Imagineering Story
  • Wall-E
  • The Lion King
  • Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Viu

Viu is another great alternative to Viki when it comes to Asian content. Primarily focused on Asian dramas and shows, Viu does not have a variety of Western films.

Instead, their content is targeted towards people who appreciate the convenience of not having to scour all over the internet to stream their favourite dramas.

Streaming is limited to viewing in Singapore, but if you choose to upgrade to their Premium version you will have access to more shows and be able to download them.

Still, without the premium version, Viu offers enough content to last you for quite a while, if you don’t mind the lower video quality that is.

Top Picks:

  • Mysterious Personal Shopper
  • Queen Of Mystery 2
  • I Am Not A Robot
  • The Legendary Tycoon
  • A Scholar Dream Of Woman
  • Listen To Love

TVB Anywhere+

As a kid, I fondly remember spending my evenings watching different TVB dramas with my family.

TVB Anywhere+ is perfect for avid fans of Hong Kong dramas and has all the old and newest dramas available. 

Similar to Youtube TV, TVB Anywhere+ is another over-the-top (OTT) subscription which aims to replace cable TV. Of course, the channels provided are limited to TVB content so bear that in mind when choosing to subscribe.

Top Picks:

  • A Step into the Past (寻秦记)
  • Can’t Buy Me Love (公主嫁到)
  • Gods of Honour (封神榜)
  • Forensic Heroes (法證先鋒)
  • Square Pegs (戆夫成龙)

Hayu

American reality shows are extremely well known across the world and Hayu brings it right to you.

By airing the shows on the same day as in America, subscribers get the latest and most updated content without delay (no more spoilers!). Being a rather niche platform for reality TV, it won’t be fair to pit Hayu against the likes of HBO Go and Netflix.

But if Keeping Up with the Kardashians is your weekly dose of drama, this is definitely the pick for you.

Top Picks:

  • Keeping Up with the Kardashians
  • The Real Housewives
  • Love & Hip Hop
  • Million Dollar Listing
  • Top Chef

You might be wondering, how did I actually get access to Disney+ when it hasn’t even been launched in Singapore? By using VPN, it becomes super easy and fuss-free for you.

Simply download the app and access the Disney+ website from the VPN app! As long as you stay connected, you’ll be able to view Disney content in comfort. It’s hassle-free and you’re protected due to your internet anonymity.

Get your VPN via NordVPN or Norton and earn Cashback while you enjoy your movies!

This article was first published in Shopback.

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