Table of Contents
Netflix is undoubtedly familiar to many, and its closest competitors as far as popularity is concerned are Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video. You would probably expect a comparison of streaming services to focus on these three. However, this comparative presentation is about Disney+ vs Netflix vs. Crave. This comparison focuses on the Canadian online streaming market, and the aforenamed trio is among the leading options.
How do you determine which is the best streaming service in Canada? If you are already a Netflix subscriber, would you consider switching to Crave or Disney+? Would it make sense to subscribe to all three of them? Decide how you can answer these questions by going through the comparative details below.
Netflix, Disney+, and Crave are generally available across all regions of Canada. However, in case your ISP or condominium WiFi administrator restricts access to them, you can use a VPN to bypass the restrictions and to ensure safe streaming if you are connected to public WiFi.
Disney+ vs. Netflix vs. Crave: Comparison Table
Hereโs a quick look at the main similarities and differences between Disney+, Netflix, and Crave. These are just the highlights, though, so be sure to read more below to have a better appreciation of what these three streaming options offer.
Disney+ | Netflix | Crave | |
Content Library | 4,000+ movies and series | 8,000+ movies and series | 1,400 movies and series |
Pricing | CAD 20 to CAD 37 per month | CAD 5.99 to CAD 12.99 per month | CAD 9.99 to CAD 11.99 per month |
Device Compatibility | Android, iOS, Chromecast, smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox | Android, iOS, Chromecast, smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox | Android, iOS, Chromecast, smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox |
Streaming Quality | Up to 4K with 4K HDR content | Up to 4K with 4K HDR content | Up to 4K |
Original Content | Unspecified | Over 1,500 | No original content |
Offline Viewing | Yes, unlimited downloads | Yes, up to 100 downloaded titles | Yes, up to 20 downloaded titles |
Advertisements | None | Ad-supportebasic plan | None |
Simultaneous Streams | Up to 4 | Up to 4 | Up to 4 |
Which Has the Best Content Library Between Disney+, Netflix, and Crave?
Netflix is the runaway winner regarding the number of content offered. With over 8,000 movies and series in its collection, it has twice the volume offered by Disney+ and more than five times the number of movies and shows carried by Crave.
With its extensive library, Netflix offers something of interest to everyone, including popular Korean movies and dramas and hit non-English (with English subtitles) shows from different parts of the world. However, some users complain that Netflix does not provide regular updates over the changes in its content.
Winner: Netflix
Which Is More Affordable: Disney+, Netflix, or Crave?
The Basic (with ads) Netflix subscription costs CAD 5.99 per month while the Basic (ad-free) plan costs CAD 9.99. For the Standard and Premium subscriptions, the prices are CAD 16.49 and CAD 20.99, respectively.
For Disney+, the basic subscription is CAD 11.99 per month, but you can reduce the effective monthly subscription price if you go for the annual subscription. The annual plan costs CAD 119.99 per year or CAD 9.99 per month. In December 2022, Disney+ launched an ad-supported plan similar to that of Netflix, but it is not available in Canada yet. Disney+ offers a week-long free trial period.
The basic Crave subscription would set you off for CAD 20 per month. If you choose the Crave with STARZ package, the price is CAD 25. The highest subscription package costs CAD 37 per month, which provides the basic Crave plan plus STARZ and Super Channel.
Disney+ and Crave both offer seven-day-long free trial periods. In contrast, Netflix does not have a free trial period.
So, which is the cheaper option among the three? Netflix has the least expensive plan at CAD 5.99 (with ads).
Winner: Netflix
Will Disney+, Netflix or Crave Play on Most Devices?
Disney+, Netflix, and Crave all have Android and iOS apps. They can also be installed in Apple and Samsung smart TVs as well as Xbox, PlayStation, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast.
Netflix has the edge when it comes to the ability to play across a wide range of devices. This is mainly because of its app maturity. It has been in the streaming business far longer than most other streaming services. Also, with its global reach, it is overseen by more developers and complaints about the app are discovered and addressed more quickly.
Winner: Netflix
Which Has the Best Streaming Quality Between Disney+, Netflix or Crave?
All three streaming services support up to 4K quality of video streaming. However, only Netflix and Disney+ offer content in 4K HDR. Ultra high-definition streaming requires mid-range to top-tier device specs and a fast internet connection (around 50 Mbps) to work reliably.
So far, there have been no significant issues in the 4K playing ability of the Disney+, Netflix, and Crave apps. They only experience stutters and occasional freezing when the internet connection speed drops.
Winner: Tie between Netflix and Disney+
Which Among Disney+, Netflix, or Crave Has a Good User Interface?
Disney+, Netflix, and Crave all have good user interfaces. There are no considerable issues worth pointing out. The complaints posted on app review sites are typical temporary concerns.
Netflix, however, stands out because of the familiarity it has established. It is also apparent that the Netflix UI/UX is based on the findings of user interface and user experience research. It is intuitive and user-friendly. The design is also neat, plus it rarely encounters hiccups or app freezing.
Winner: Netflix
Which Among Disney+, Netflix, or Crave Produce The Most Original Content?
Netflix has the most number of original content, including those produced locally in different countries. Netflix has reportedly produced more than 1,500 original movies and series. In second place is Disney+. Crave does not have original content, since it only sources its programs from various producers including Warner Bros, HBO, Paramount, Lionsgate, and Comedy Central.
Winner: Netflix
Which Among Disney+, Netflix, or Crave Allow Offline Viewing?
All of three streaming services compared here support offline viewing. Users can download the movies or series they like and watch them even without internet connection. Disney+ allows users to download as many movies or shows for offline viewing. Crave, on the other hand, can only store up to 20 movies or show episodes. Netflix can let you store up to 100.
Winner: Disney+
Which Among Disney+, Netflix, or Crave Allow Advertisements?
Only Netflix has an ad-supported plan available to Canadian viewers. Disney+ introduced a similar plan in the later part of 2022. However, this plan is limited to US subscribers for now.
Winner: Netflix
Which Among Disney+, Netflix, or Crave Allow Simultaneous Streams?
Disney+ and Netflix lets subscribers stream at the same time through up to four devices. Crave offers something similar, supporting up to four simultaneous streams at the highest 4K video resolution.
Winner: Tie
Which Among Disney+, Netflix, or Crave Has The Best Customer Service?
Netflix provides customer support through live chat and telephone. Disney+ and Crave are similarly reachable through telephone, live chat, and social media. It would be difficult to accurately represent the quality of customer service each streaming platform provides. However, it is safe to say that there have been no significant customer service complaints for these three streaming services.
Winner: Tie
And the Winner Is: Netflix!
Which is the best streaming service in Canada? The answer is easy: Netflix. It offers the most extensive library of content, which is significantly larger than those of the other two. This popular streaming platform also has the lowest-priced plan, albeit with ads in it. Web interface design and reliability are similar for all three services, but app maturity and technical team responsiveness provide Netflix an edge.