Exploring the Many Alternatives to Cable TV in Canada For 2023

Cutting the cord. It refers to saying goodbye to traditional cable TV and hello to the vast array of streaming alternatives available today. This shift is happening in more than just the U.S. or Europe. It’s also happening across Canada, and for good reasons. Consumers are continually seeking more affordable, personalized entertainment options.

Streaming Service	Description	Key Features
Netflix	A global streaming giant with a diverse content library	Massive collection of movies, shows, and original content
Disney+	Provides Disney classics, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar features	Classic and new-age Disney content
Crave	Canadian streaming service featuring local and international content	Broad selection of Canadian programming, HBO, Showtime, and Starz content
Amazon Prime Video	Offers a blend of Hollywood blockbusters, indie films, and Amazon Originals	Diverse content library with growing list of Amazon Originals
Over-the-Air Antennas	Allows access to free local broadcasts	Cost-effective way to watch local news and popular shows
CBC Gem	Online streaming service by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation	Variety of Canadian series, news, sports broadcasts
iTunes and Google Play Store	Digital stores for renting or purchasing individual titles	One-off access to specific shows or movies
Sports Packages (DAZN, Fubo, Sportsnet NOW, TSN+)	Streaming platforms for sports fans	Coverage varies per platform

So, let’s delve into the many alternatives to cable TV available for Canadians. Shall we?

Streaming Services

One of the most popular alternatives to cable TV is streaming services. The big players in this realm are names you’re likely familiar with.

Netflix

It’s a household name that’s synonymous with streaming. Netflix has a massive library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and even made-for-Netflix content.

You might be asking, “Why Netflix?” Well, Netflix has a one-size-fits-all approach to content. There’s something for everyone. From the crime-thriller lover to the comedy aficionado, Netflix has you covered.

Netflix Canada offers three different plans for Canadians:

Standard with ads: $5.99/month
Standard: $16.49/month (extra member slots** can be added for $7.99 each / month)
Premium: $20.99/month (extra member slots** can be added for $7.99 each / month)

Disney+

The magic of Disney is not just for kids anymore. With the arrival of Disney+, households are experiencing a mix of classic Disney content along with a host of Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar features.

Disney+ offers these plans:

Monthly subscription: $11.99/month
Annual subscription: $119.99/year (you get two months free with an annual subscription)

Crave

Crave TV is a proudly Canadian streaming service that offers plenty of TV shows, movies, and original content for your pleasure. The platform features a broad selection of Canadian programming, including CBC, CTV, and Global shows, as well as popular international content from HBO, Showtime, and Starz.

Crave has two plans, each fit for different devices:

Total Plan: $19.99 for 4 devices and FHD resolution (1080p)
Mobile Plan: $9.99 for 1 device and 720p

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is another top-notch service that’s made waves in recent years. With a blend of Hollywood blockbusters, indie darlings, and a growing list of “Amazon Originals”, it’s become a strong contender in the streaming arena.

Here the Current Amazon Prime membership pricing:

Prime Video membership: $11.61
Amazon Prime Student: $9.67/month or $89.08/year

Local Content: Over-the-Air and Online Platforms

Don’t want to miss out on local news and content? You don’t have to.

Over-the-Air Antennas

You heard that right, Antennas are still a thing. This might sound archaic in today’s digital world, but watching local news and some popular shows is cost-effective. An Over-the-Air (OTA) antenna can pick up free broadcasts from local television stations, providing access to Canadian content, news, and more.

The pricing ranges from as low as $5 to over $200. And the best part? You set it up once, and it’s free HD tv for life!

CBC Gem

CBC Gem is a Canadian gem indeed. This online streaming service is a product of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, offering a wide array of Canadian shows (We highly recommend Schitt’s Creek), news, and sports broadcasts.

It’s a fantastic platform for those who want to stay connected with local content, including popular Canadian series, documentaries, and films. CBC Gem also offers live streaming of CBC Television, including local news from across the country, and access to CBC News Network.

The service has a free tier, supported by ads, and a premium tier for $4.99 per month, which offers ad-free viewing, live streaming of CBC News Network, and access to additional content.

RallyTV

RallyTV, brought to you by Galaxy Fibre, is a dynamic live TV streaming service that offers a diverse range of content. The platform allows you to enjoy live sports, news, movies, and entertainment, all in one place. It also provides the flexibility to pause, rewind, and record your favorite shows.

RallyTV offers two main packages, each designed to cater to different viewing preferences:

PEAK TV: For $59.95/month, this package offers a comprehensive lineup of general-interest networks and popular specialty channels.
BASE TV: Priced at $24.95/month, this package is for those who just need the basics. It offers a minimum package of required CRTC mandated local news, information, entertainment, and Canadian content.

Rent or Purchase: Pay-per-View and Digital Stores

Last but not least, there are pay-per-view options and digital stores for one-time rentals or purchases.

iTunes and Google Play Store

If you’re just interested in that one show or movie, iTunes and Google Play Store offer options to rent or purchase individual titles.

Sports Packages

For Canadian sports fans, there’s a wealth of streaming platforms to choose from. The top four are DAZN, Fubo, Sportsnet NOW, and TSN+. Each platform has unique partnerships with individual leagues, meaning the availability of sports or leagues can vary from one platform to another.

Prices for these sports streaming services range from $14.99 to $34.99 per month, with some offering annual prices for added convenience. Interestingly, some cable providers offer free access to these sports streaming platforms as part of their packages.

Fibre Optic Internet: Your Best Companion for Streaming

So how can you make the most of many of these alternatives to cable tv? A reliable and high-speed internet connection. That’s where fibre optic internet comes in. It offers superior speed and reliability, perfect for high-definition streaming, gaming, and more.

Buffering and lag? Things of the past! Our fibre optic internet ensures you enjoy your chosen streaming platforms to the maximum. If you’re in Brooks, Canada, we can get you connected.

It’s Time to Cut That Cord

Who needs cable when you have all these alternatives? With virtually endless options, Canadians are now spoilt for choice. You can enjoy the content available on streaming services to local gems provided by OTA antennas and online platforms.

Remember, the best choice ultimately depends on your viewing preferences and budget. So, take your time, evaluate the options, and go for what suits you best.