Is working from home starting to bum you out? Don’t let your job stress you out that much. Take a break once in a while. Take a walk, listen to music, meditate, or catch up on your list of must-watch movies and TV series. It’s time to brush up the library on your video streaming apps and take a section of the day just for you.
But what if you can’t find the movie or show you want to watch? That’s your signal to explore other options out there. Luckily, the list of video streaming apps continues to expand to this day. Here’s a comprehensive comparison of streaming services available in the Philippines. Check them out before your next movie night.
Comparison of Video Streaming Apps
7 Video Streaming Apps in the Philippines
Netflix
Pricing: Starts at PHP 149/month
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web, Windows, Mac, Streaming Devices, Smart TVs
Features: Ultra HD streaming, mobile downloads up to four devices
Content: Popular movies and shows worldwide
There’s a reason why Netflix is the top movie streaming site in the world. Aside from being a pioneer in the online streaming industry, they also host one of the largest roster of titles in the world. And while their video library in the Philippines is a bit limited, it still contains popular Netflix shows like Stranger Things, GLOW, Space Force, The Witcher, and The Umbrella Academy, among others.
Recently, Netflix Philippines has started adding Filipino titles to their library. If you want to see shows like Ang Probinsyano (hilariously renamed as Brothers) and movies like The Mistress, Four Sisters and a Wedding, and other rom-coms, then Netflix should be perfect for you. The downside of having a huge library is the price as their most feature-heavy plan will cost you PHP 549 per month.
Read more: Netflix vs iflix: Which Online Streaming Service is Better?
Amazon Video Prime
Pricing: ~PHP 290.96/month
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web, Windows, Mac, Streaming Devices, Smart TVs
Features: Ultra HD streaming, mobile downloads
Content: Popular western shows and movies
If you find Netflix too expensive, check out Amazon Video Prime. While their library isn’t as extensive as Netflix, they still host some of the best shows out there. Popular shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Teen Wolf, House, Suits, and Mr. Robot are just there waiting to be binged, along with movies like The Big Sick, Manchester by the Sea, Top Gun, and Knives Out, among many others.
Like Netflix, Amazon Video Prime also has an impressive lineup of original titles, including The Boys, Fleabag, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Upload, Hunters, and The Grand Tour. Basically, if Netflix doesn’t have the title you’re looking for, there’s a huge chance you can find it here. And at $5.99 a month, having an impressive library like this already makes Amazon Prime Video a steal.
HBO Go Asia
Pricing: PHP 149/month
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web, Windows, Streaming Devices, Smart TVs
Features: Full HD streaming, mobile downloads
Content: Popular HBO shows and movies
Three words: Game of Thrones. That’s the main reason you should get an HBO Go Asia subscription. If you want to relive the cultural phenomenon featuring warriors, dragons, and groundbreaking moments, then download this streaming app right now. But if you’re not that fond of the show, you will still be treated to the best movies and TV shows that are as bold as Game of Thrones.
Aside from a cable channel for binging random movies, HBO has a reputation for greenlighting shows that are considered too good for TV[1]. Award-winning shows like Watchmen, Westworld, Insecure, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Succession are all available, including the latest movies that came out a few months ago. And at PHP 149 a month, it’s the cheapest premium streaming app there is.
iFlix
Pricing: Free with ads, VIP starts at PHP 50/week
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Features: Free access, HD streaming, flexible plans
Content: Filipino movies, shows, and other Asian content
At the end of the day, nothing beats paying nothing. After all, it’s not like there’s anything to watch on free Philippine TV. So why not cut the cord and go online instead? Catch all your favorite Tagalog shows and movies from past to present without missing the latest K-drama kilig happenings. And there’s no better way to do just that than to download a video streaming app like iFlix.
Out of all the video streaming apps in this list, iFlix is the only one that offers free access to their library. If you don’t mind watching ads, access hundreds of popular titles like Pangako Sayo, La Luna Sangre, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, and Descendants of the Sun. They offer VIP plans that are way more affordable, starting with PHP 50 a week and capping it up at PHP 129 a month.
Read more: Lockdown Boredom Busters: How to Have a Good Quaran-Time
iWant
Pricing: Free with ads, ~PHP 630.99/month
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web, Smart TVs, Roku
Features: Free access, HD streaming, live channels
Content: ABS-CBN shows and movies
Sad about ABS-CBN leaving the airwaves? They’re not completely dead yet thanks to the internet. If you miss watching your favorite ABS-CBN shows, just download the iWant streaming app and relive your favorite Kapamilya moments. From popular shows like Ang Probinsyano, Kampanerang Kuba, and Super Inggo to staples like TV Patrol and Maalaala Mo Kaya, catch them all here.
Despite having a basic free plan, iWant’s free access is a bit limited. You only have access to one live channel, 300 free movies, and 10 shows curated monthly. If you want to get rid of these restrictions, you can go premium at around PHP 600 a month. And since ABS-CBN merged their iWantTV app with their TFC app[2], existing users need to log in again in order to access their library.
Crunchyroll
Pricing: Free with ads, Premium starts at ~PHP 388.11/month
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web, Smart TVs, Roku
Features: Full HD streaming, mobile downloads, access to digital manga
Content: Japanese animation series and movies
Want to catch up on your favorite anime shows and movies? Why rely on sketchy torrent sites to get your anime fix when you can just subscribe to Crunchyroll? Get access to over 30,000 episodes of heart-pounding anime action—From popular titles like Naruto Shippuden, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures, and Eyeshield 21 to hundreds of new titles waiting to be discovered by anime lovers.
While Crunchyroll does have a basic free plan, it’s best to just get a premium plan to unlock more features. It starts at around PHP 300 a month, so it’s not too heavy on the pocket. Aside from hours of anime goodness, this premium anime streaming site plans give you access to thousands of digital mange pages. Read popular titles like Attack on Titans, Seven Deadly Sins, Fairy Tail, and loads more.
Mubi
Pricing: ~PHP 339.54/month or ~PHP 2,427.51/year
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web, Streaming Services, Smart TVs
Features: Full HD streaming, mobile downloads, access to digital manga
Content: Award-winning movies, arthouse films, classics
If you’re not satisfied with the popcorn movies from other video streaming apps, check out Mubi. Time to upgrade your taste in movies with a carefully-curated selection of award-winning movies and thought-provoking films from around the world. Take a break from pop culture and experience movies like The Godfather, Seven Samurai, 2001 Space Odyssey, and Taxi Driver, among others.
Each day, a new film is added to the already impressive roster of timeless and cult classics. And the best part is how cheap the service is. At around PHP 300 a month, world-class films are within reach of your fingertips. What’s more is that you can join the Mubi community of cinephiles where you join discussions and exchange ideas. It’s the perfect video streaming app for cinema lovers.
Final Thoughts
Make your long weekends, holidays, staycations, or any downtime count with these video streaming apps. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, you can watch your favorite movies and TV series anytime, anywhere. Just make sure you choose the best streaming service that fits your needs without breaking the bank. You don’t want to go bankrupt through binge-watching too much.
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Sources:
- [1] Why Are HBO Television Series So Good? (Forbes, 2013)
- [2] ABS-CBN merges iWant and TFC Online in single app, site (Rappler, 2020)
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