Crave is a Canadian video streaming service owned and operated by Bell Media. It offers a diverse and vast content library of TV shows, movies, original programming, and live TV.
Crave was launched in 2014 and has now gained 3.1 million subscribers across Canada. Now, Crave has become a leading player in the country’s streaming market with its extensive library that caters to users’ wide array of interests and preferences.
Crave is a great choice for Canadians, as a lot of streaming giants like Max and Hulu are still not available in Canada, giving local viewers limited choices for high-quality entertainment content. Since Crave’s launch, Canadians can now tune in to thousands of shows and movies, as Crave has partnered with networks like HBO, Super Ecran, and STARZ to bring their respective content to the platform. Through this deal, viewers from Canada can now keep up with the latest and widely popular shows from these networks, such as HBO’s “The Last of Us,” “Euphoria,” and “Succession.” This is how Crave carves its niche in the competitive streaming wars.
Crave also showcases a great selection of local Canadian productions, setting itself apart from other globally focused streamers. However, Crave holds a slightly higher price tag compared to other services, so it might not be the most budget-friendly for everyone.
But with so many options to choose from in the streaming market, is subscribing to Crave still worth it? In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Crave, from its plans, pricing, content library, and other features, to help you determine if it’s the right service for you.
Crave Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Strong selection of Canadian content | ✘ Subscription fee is quite expensive |
| ✔ Access to shows and movies from HBO, Super Ecran, STARZ | ✘ Interrupted ad breaks |
| ✔ Offline viewing and multiple simultaneous streams | ✘ Limited overall library |
| ✔ Live TV | ✘ Not accessible outside Canada |
| ✔ High-quality streaming resolutions (HD, 4K) | ✘ Interface can feel outdated |
| ✔ French content for Canada’s Francophone population |
How Much Does Crave Cost in Canada? (2024)
Crave offers three subscription plans: Basic (CAD$9.99/month or CAD$99.99/year), Standard (CAD$14.99/month or CAD$149.99/year), and Premium (CAD$22.00/month or CAD$220.00/year).
Here’s a breakdown of Crave’s pricing and the features each plan entails.
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Video resolution | Simultaneous streams | Live TV | Ads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | CAD$9.99 | CAD$99.99 | 720p | 1 stream | No | Yes |
| Standard | CAD$14.99 | CAD$149.99 | 4K | 4 streams | No | Yes |
| Premium | CAD$22.00 | CAD$220.00 | 4K | 4 streams | Yes | No |
Crave also has a STARZ add-on, which gives users access to a wide range of original and licensed films from the network. Adding STARZ to your subscription costs CAD$5.99/month.
The table above illustrates that Crave’s Premium plan, despite being the most expensive, provides better video resolution, more simultaneous streams, and other additional features such as live TV and ad-free viewing. This plan is ideal for users who want the best possible streaming experience.
How Does Crave’s Pricing Compare to Competitors in Canada?
Crave’s pricing is competitive, with its Premium plan slightly more expensive than Netflix’s, but lower than Max’s Ultimate ad-free plan.
| Streaming service | Most similar plans | Monthly Price | Content Library | Simultaneous streams | Video quality | Number of downloads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crave | Premium | CAD$22.00 | Crave Originals + shows and movies from HBO, Super Ecran, STARZ + Live TV | 4 devices | HD to 4K | Up to 20 titles |
| Max | Ultimate ad-free | CAD$27.17 | Max Originals + content from HBO, Warner Bros., Discovery Channel, Cartoon Network, CNN, DC, and more | 4 devices | HD to 4K | Up to 100 titles |
| Netflix | Premium | CAD$20.99 | Netflix Originals + licensed shows and movies | 4 devices | HD to 4K | Up to 100 titles |
Crave is not the most expensive option in Canada when compared to services like Max and Netflix. As per the table above, Crave’s Premium plan is more expensive than Netflix’s but cheaper than Max’s.
This price difference reflects the variations in content and features each service offers. Crave’s pricing aligns with its exclusive access to HBO and STARZ, alongside live TV options. Max’s higher price likely reflects its extensive library of content from reputable studios like HBO, Warner Bros., CNN, Discovery Channel, DC, TCM, and more, while Netflix’s price stems from its popular collection of original and licensed content.
Who is Crave a Good Choice For?
Crave caters to a broad range of Canadian audiences such as:
- The homegrown titles enthusiast: As a Canadian streaming platform, Crave champions local content. If you want to delve into homegrown stories and support local creatives, there’s no better option than Crave. Its commitment to showcasing local stories sets it apart from most streaming services like Netflix, which appeals more to a global audience.
- The HBO fan: Crave’s partnership with Max and HBO gives the platform a unique edge, especially for viewers who want to explore the prestige shows associated with HBO. This collaboration allows Canadians to enjoy HBO classics, without the hassle of subscribing to the US-exclusive Max platform.
- The live TV traditionalist: If you’re accustomed to cable or satellite TV, Crave includes live TV options for channels like Crave, HBO, and Super Ecran. This feature replicates the familiarity of channel surfing while still providing access to on-demand content. Platforms like Netflix don’t offer such inclusion, which may not appeal as much to viewers who still enjoy live TV.
However, consider other streaming services if:
- Ad-supported viewing is not your style: Unless you’re subscribing to the Premium plan, which is the most expensive, you only get to stream on Crave with ads. This is a dealbreaker for viewers who want uninterrupted viewing sessions on a budget.
- You want more global content: While Crave excels in Canadian content, its international library might seem a bit lacking compared to streaming giants like Netflix or Disney Plus. If your tastes lean more towards globally appealing content, Crave might not be the best option.
What Should You Know About the Crave Subscription?
- Does Crave offer a free trial?
No, Crave has stopped offering its 7-day free trial period to new users.
- How can I pay for my Crave subscription?
You can pay for your Crave subscription with a Canada-issued form of payment. Crave accepts credit and debit cards. Alternatively, you can add Crave to your existing TV provider bill for a consolidated statement.
- Does Crave offer gift cards?
Yes, Crave offers gift cards. Gift cards are used to pay for your subscription or to give as a present to your friends or family. You can redeem your gift card at https://www.crave.ca/subscribe.
- How does Crave’s billing cycle work?
On Crave, the day you paid for your subscription is the start of your billing period. For example, if you sign up for your monthly Crave plan on the 14th, then you will be charged on the 14th of the next month. The same goes for annual plans, except it renews yearly instead of monthly.
- Can I cancel my Crave subscription anytime?
Yes, you can cancel your Crave plan at any time. After canceling your subscription, you can still enjoy Crave’s content and features until the end of your billing date. Once you reach your billing date, you can no longer stream on Crave.
To cancel your Crave subscription, simply follow these steps:
- Launch the Crave website and sign in to your account.
- Go to Manage Account through the user icon in the top right corner of the homepage.
- Select Subscriptions.
- Click on Cancel Subscription in the top right corner of the subscriptions page.
To cancel an add-on:
- Launch the Crave website and sign in to your account.
- Go to Manage Account through the user icon in the top right corner of the homepage.
- Select Subscriptions.
- Click on Cancel Add-on.
Canceling your standalone Crave subscription automatically cancels any add-on subscriptions; however, canceling an add-on does not cancel your main subscription and you will continue to be billed accordingly.
What Can I Watch on Crave?
Crave’s streaming library consists of plenty of popular TV shows and movies from notable networks like HBO, STARZ, Max, and Crave, as well as French-language content from Super Ecran. Crave also ensures a seamless streaming experience for subscribers by consistently providing the complete seasons and episodes of a TV show, as well as all the movies within a popular movie franchise.
On Crave, you can watch all seasons and episodes of classic and popular HBO series such as “Sex and the City,” “Game of Thrones,” “True Detective,” The Sopranos,” “The Wire,” “Six Feet Under,” “Band of Brothers,” “Succession,” and “The White Lotus,” to name a few.
There are also Crave Originals, including “Letterkenny,” “Shoresy,” “Little Bird,” “Canada’s Drag Race,” and “Billionaire Murders.” In terms of original content, Crave is still building its library, so don’t expect a selection as popular and massive as other streaming giants like Netflix or Disney Plus. But it’s definitely worth a shot, as Crave Originals are few but mighty, having won awards in Canada despite their underwhelming quantity.
Aside from TV shows, you also get to binge-watch popular movie franchises on Crave, such as “John Wick,” “Harry Potter,” “Twilight,” “Lord of the Rings,” “Spider-Man,” “The Dark Knight” trilogy, and “The Hunger Games.”
Crave’s movie library is one of the most impressive, as it offers an extensive mix of contemporary and classic gems. Some of the must-watch films on Crave’s movie library include “Parasite,” “Heat,” “Banshees of Inisherin,” “Barbie,” “The Menu,” “Goodfellas,” “Wonka,” “Pulp Fiction,” “Fight Club,” “La La Land,” “Dune,” and many more.
Canada’s French-speaking regions can also enjoy French content with titles like “Solo,” “Red Rooms,” “Mommy,” and “Une Femme Respectable.”
Does Crave Offer Kids’ Content and Parental Controls?
Yes, Crave offers kids’ content and parental control settings.
Crave has a special kids section that includes a wide variety of mainstream and age-appropriate TV series. If kids’ content is your main priority, then we highly recommend Crave as it houses beloved and popular children’s shows such as “Peppa Pig,” “Paw Patrol,” “Cocomelon,” “Sesame Street,” and “Pokemon.”
There are also plenty of family-friendly films like “Rio,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs,” “Shrek,” “The Addams Family,” “Paddington,” and “Despicable Me.”
Crave implements strong parental controls. To safely enjoy Crave’s kids’ section, be sure to set up PIN-protected profiles to prevent children from accessing mature content. Parents also have the option to create a separate profile where they can curate the type of content their kids can consume.
Can I Watch Crave Outside Canada?
No, you cannot watch Crave outside Canadian borders due to geo-restrictions that limit its availability only to Canada. However, you can still access it with a VPN.
To access Crave outside Canada, simply subscribe to a VPN provider and connect to a server located in Canada. We recommend using ExpressVPN, as it is proven to be a safe, fast, and reliable VPN service for accessing geo-restricted streaming services.
However, do take note that Crave actively blocks IP addresses that are connected to VPNs. Also, the use of VPNs is a violation of the Terms of Service of Crave. This can lead to the suspension, and even termination of your Crave account, once you’re detected.
What Are Crave’s Key Features?
Crave’s key features include multi-device streaming, high-quality video resolutions, offline viewing, a user-friendly interface, and compatibility with most Internet-connected devices.
What streaming quality does Crave offer?
Crave offers two streaming resolutions: high definition (HD) and 4K. To achieve the perfect 4K resolution, make sure that your device is compatible and updated with the latest technology.
What devices can I watch Crave on?
You can watch Crave on the following Internet-connected devices:
Smart TVs:
- Samsung SmartTV with Samsung Smart Hub: 2017 – 2023 models
- Sony Android TV
- LG Smart TV (OLED, NanoCell and UHD – 2017 Models and above)
- RCA TV powered by webOS TV
- Roku Smart TVs – TCL, Sharp, RCA, Hisense, Sanyo, Westinghouse
- Hisense & Toshiba Smart TVs using VIDAA U6+ OS
Computers/laptops:
- PC: Windows desktop running version 8.1
- Mac: 10.11+
Browsers:
- Firefox 88+, Chrome 68+, Edge 16+ (PC)
- Safari 10+, Firefox 88+ and Chrome 68+ (Mac)
Mobile phone/tablet:
- Android tablets and smartphones running version 7.0+
- iPad, iPod and iPhone running iOS 13+ with AirPlay
- Windows tablets and smartphones running version 8.1
Gaming consoles: (not compatible with the Basic plan)
- PS4
- PS4 Slim
- PS5
- PS5 Slim
- Xbox One
- Xbox One S
- Xbox One X
- Xbox Series X
Media players:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Android TV; OS 7.0+ Devices
- Apple TV: Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD, OS Version of 14.0+
- Bell Streamer
- Bell Fibe (VIP7802 model)
- Bell Fibe HD1, 2
- 4K boxes1, 2 (VIP5562 model)
- Chromecast
- Roku devices (not compatible with the Basic plan)
Does Crave have a user-friendly interface?
Yes, Crave does have a decent and user-friendly interface, although it might not be as advanced as its competitors. Its layout is quite straightforward to navigate, dedicating separate categories for content based on their genres, release dates, or popularity. It also has an intuitive search function. Overall, these functionalities make it easy for users to locate the type of content they want to stream.
Visually though, it could be better. Compared to other services with more visually appealing and modern interfaces, Crave’s design could feel a little outdated.
Can I download shows and movies for offline viewing?
Yes, you can download shows and movies on Crave for offline viewing. Crave allows subscribers to download a maximum of 20 titles per device.
Conclusion: Is Crave Worth the Money?
Yes, Crave is worth the money if you’re a big fan of HBO shows, Canadian homegrown titles, classic and contemporary films, or you’re seeking to replace traditional cable TV.
However, Crave might not be your perfect match if budget is a big deal, and your content preferences are skewed towards other franchises like Disney, Marvel, or Star Wars.
Crave FAQ
Is Crave with ads available on Roku?
No, Crave’s ad-supported plans are not compatible with Roku devices. It is also not supported on Airplays and Playstations 4 and 5.
Is Crave available in other countries?
No, Crave is exclusive to Canada. If you are outside the country, you can still access the platform via VPN.
Is the Crave Mobile plan still available?
Crave recently axed its mobile plan, so it is not available anymore. However, users who were previously subscribed to the Crave Mobile plan can still retain their subscriptions.
What happened to the Crave Total plan?
The Crave Total plan has been upgraded and renamed as Premium ad-free. It entails the same features and benefits and is even cheaper than the previous Crave Total plan.
Does Crave still have Showtime content?
No, Crave has stopped licensing content from Showtime since January 2023. Most Showtime series have been removed from Crave but a few popular shows such as “Yellowjackets” and “Billions” are still available to stream on the platform.
