Since a lot of people are stuck in lockdown and are signing up to streaming services I wanted to put in my two cents on what's available in Ireland. I'll be marking on four grounds; original content (OC), licensed /other content (LC), Interface (I) and Value for money (V)

NETFLIX:

You have it, you know it, you love it. The continuous stream of original content makes it stand out. It's offering of licensed content is solid considering they've claimed streaming rights from notoriously difficult to claim places like Ghibli. Interface is solid and

and the price (standard tier) does make it worth it, although cheaper and more expensive tiers do exist depending on stream quality and user count needed.

OC: A+
LC: A
I: A+
V: A-

DISNEY+

Not trying to suck up to the mouse here; but people seem to forget that the main demographic is families here. Of course many people (including me) do still enjoy what the service has to offer. Where the service falls flat is it's offering of Original content. There's

some fantastic shows and movies but there a bit too much emphasis on documentaries that I don't care too much about right now (with a good chance that won't be the case as the service progresses. However the interface is easily the best and the low price point which includes 4K

is fantastic. The licensed content solid with some great fox hits Including avatar, Edward scissorhands, Anastasia and (announced today) The princess bride thrown into the mix.

OC: B
LC : A
I: A+
V: A

CHANNEL 4 PLAYER:

Look the service is ass with a horrendous interface and has more adverts than a Michael Bay movie but it's free so you can't complain.

LC: C
OC: C+
I: D-
V: Only if your life depends on it

AMAZON PRIME VIDEO:

It has to be said, this isn't a bad service . There's some fantastic original shows here, some of which are criminally underrated and not talked about. Licensed content is really good too with some great third party shows on the service, then you see the

movies available and that just makes things even out. The selection of films is utter crap most being movies so bottom of the barrel you'd be lucky to recognise something. The interface has seen better days, it's alright but can be a bit of a problem at times.The price is alright

considering you get twitch prime absolutely free with the service.

OC: A-
LC: B-
I: C
V: B+

APPLE TV+:

In true Apple fashion , it's incredibly polished. It's smooth and the content is high quality. However there are gripes, licensed content and compatibility with non Apple products is virtually non existent. The latter being a shame considering iTunes and Apple Music

are available everywhere else. Aside from those who have the service free (whether you purchased a new Apple product or it came with your student plan of Apple Music), I dont recommend for the lack of content that exists.

OC: B
LC: F
I: A
V: D+

STARZPLAY:

You heard me correctly; Lionsgates streaming service is available here and I have to say, it's pretty good. While there isn't a good selection licensed content (especially movie wise), focusing your original content or shows that rent available on channels or

Streaming services not available on this side of the pond is really clever. With a lot of Hulus library as well as shows like DC Universes Doom Patrol being on the service is a great way to access it here. Its the same price as Apple TV+ also.

LC: A
OC: C-
I: B
V: A-

NOW TV:

I hate this service with a passion. Sure its the only place with HBOs shows, a handful of live channals as well as getting movies before every other service. It still doesn't make up for the fact that movies and tv shows are separate packages at 15 Euro EACH a month.

And don't get me started with the interface. It is quite frankly the worst thing I've ever experienced. Insanely buggy, not browser compatible on desktop (you can pick a movie on your web browser but must have a different application to watch) and ugly to look at. Avoid.

LC: A- (solely for HBOs library)
OC: B
I: F
V: D-

So what do I recommend;

From best to worst:
1) Netflix
2) Disney+
3) Starzplay
4) Amazon Prime Video
5) Channel 4 Player
6) Apple TV+
7) Now TV

HULU:
(Bonus round)

Okay yeah sure, it's not available here, but since I have access to a VPN and bought the Disney+ bundle back in November for US launch (which is D+, Hulu and ESPN for $13, however I'll be looking at what I have for what it costs by itself)

The licensed content is incredible here. I've never seen a finer selection quality of TV shows available as well as a big catalogue of recent indie film hits. The fact they have a lot of FX's(Foxes HBO equivalent) catalogue due to Disney owning both companies makes them worth it

alone (the quality really is impressive with shows like Always Sunny, Archer, Fargo, What we do in the shadows and American Horror Story). Original content is alright and the interface is nothing special. The one caveat is that the main tier does have ads but it's nowhere near as

obnoxious as other services with an accurate timer.

OC: B+
LC: A+
I: B-
V: A