There is a plethora of streaming services available for to try out provided one can afford unlimited internet and has a debit Visa card to pay monthly subscriptions. Netflix, DStv Now and ShowMax are general entertainment providers offering licensed content and originals for subscribers. We also have new comers like Disney+ and Apple TV Plus that are trying to find their place in an overly crowded space.
As more streaming companies especially those from the west keep launching new streaming services, it’s getting trickier to figure out where to spend your dimes every month. Netflix and DStv Now used to be sufficient; subscribers could watch their favorite shows and a popular originals like Stranger Things. As data gets more cheap, we see many people subscribe to these streaming services and download these series less.
Some streaming services are better suited for your personal needs. Instead of listing every platform on planet earth, we’ve listed the 8 best streaming options that can be access with or without VPN access.
Netflix Streaming
- Pros: Large quantity of movies and TV shows, some African content and Telemunods, easy-to-use interface, variety of genres to choose from, interactive programming
- Who it’s for: Everyone. Netflix is a general entertainment streaming service.
- VPN: Not required
- Cost: Ranges from UGX 29k ($7.99) for a basic plan to UGX 59k ($15.99) for top-tier
- Top original shows: Stranger Things, The Umbrella Academy, You, The Crown
- Compatible devices: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Browser, Chromecast, iOS, Xbox, Roku, PlayStation
DStv Now
- Pros: African Movie content, Comes part of DStv Premium package, Live TV, Free for existing DSTV subscribers shows, some African content and Telemonods, Unlimited devices connected and streaming as long as you pay Access Fee, interactive programming
- Who it’s for: Everyone. DStv Now is a general entertainment streaming service.
- VPN: Not required
- Cost: Free for DStv Premium customers with an active PVR subscription
- Top original shows: Several
- Compatible devices: Decoder, Android, iOS
Amazon Prime Video
- Pros: Different types of streaming options, incorporation of retail shopping, original series and popular licensed content
- Who it’s for: Its is not officially available in Uganda, but it is for people who use Amazon to shop regularly
- VPN: Required
- Cost: UGX 49k ($12.99 )a month or UGX 443k ($120) a year
- Top original shows: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Transparent, Good Omens, Bosch
- Compatible devices: Smart TVs, Blu-ray players, Roku, Google TV, TiVo, Nvidia Shield, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android devices, iOS devices, Fire Phone, Fire tablets
ShowMax Streaming
- Pros: African movie content, Catalog of about +20,000, Can be connected to DSTV, 1 week free trial,
- Who it’s for: General entertainment and series lover
- VPN: Not Required
- Cost: UGX 27,0000 a month
- Top original shows: Counterpart, Insecure, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.LD, Big Little Lies
- Compatible devices: Smart TVs, DStv Decoder, Android devices, iOS devices
AppleTV+
- Pros: Free for anyone who purchased a new Apple product, low cost for standalone subscribers, star-studded shows
- Who it’s for: People looking to stay up to date on the conversation
- VPN: Not Required
- Cost: UGX 19k ($4.99) a month or free for one year for anyone who’s purchased a new or refurbished Apple product recently
- Top original shows: See, Dickinson, The Elephant Queen, For All Mankind
- Compatible devices: Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Browser, iOS, Roku
Disney+
- Pros: Exclusive home for Disney TV shows and movies, low cost, entirely family-friendly, large library of shows and movies
- Who it’s for: Families and Disney fanatics
- VPN: Required
- Cost: UGX 26k per month or UGX 260,000 if you pay annually ($6.99 a month or $69.99 a year).
- Compatible devices: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Browser, Chromecast, iOS, Xbox, Roku, PlayStation
Plex
- Pros: Ability to share content, good movie selection, host downloads
- Who it’s for: If we’re being honest, people looking to share pirated content
- VPN: Not Required
- Cost: UGX 18k ($4.99_ a month, $39.99 a year, or UGX 553k ($149.99) for a lifetime subscription
- Compatible devices: Browsers, iOS, Android, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Amazon Alexa, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Sonos, TiVo
Showtime
- Pros: Budget-friendly, good selection of new and older series, easy-to-use interface
- Who it’s for: People who want prestige series on a budget
- VPN: Required
- Cost: UGX 41k ($10.99) a month
- Top original shows: Billions, Shameless, The Affair
- Compatible devices: Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, LG Smart TVs, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One
