First came digital TV and then followed Video on Demand (VOD) online services. Netflix is synonymous with this field having been the pioneer in it. Its early entrant into them market has given it enough time to mature over its competitors. Now that fast internet connectivity technologies have penetrated into more regions, new companies have come in to try and give customers choice and flexibility. These companies include Showmax, Amazon Prime Video, and Iflix.
Each of these companies has its uniqueness; for instance Showmax from South Africa has penetrated into most African countries that did not have VOD services, it also offers local content on top of the international ones. Amazon Prime Video provides more than just video streaming upon registration; some of the extra perks include fast shipping, early access to items on Amazon online retail shops and more. On the other hand, Iflix from Malaysia has managed to have one of the lowest subscription fee among its rivals, exclusive access to ABC and Fox shows as well as penetration to Africa. It’s coming soon to the Kenyan market.
Here’s a tabled run dowm of all their attributes for easier comparison.
| Netflix | Amazon Prime Video | Iflix | Showmax | |
| Streaming Quality | Smooth streaming even on 2MBps speeds. | Requires fast internet, buffers a lot on 2MBps | Smooth streaming | Smooth streaming most of the time |
| Video Quality | SD, HD, 4K, HDR, 3D, | SD, HD, 4K, HD | SD only | SD, HD |
| Programs availability | Highest number of original series and movies
Lacks local content |
· Has original shows but most content is blocked due to geographical licensing restriction.
· Original shows like Grand Tour available in all regions |
· ABC shows such as Once upon a time and Scandal are exclusive to Iflix only
· Fox shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Fargo exclusive to Iflix only
|
· Has local content plus international hit shows from HBO such as Game of Thrones, Grey’s Anatomy and Mr.Robot.
· Lacks latest movies |
| Downloadable content | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Access | Via web, Android, iOS app, XBOX, PS and Nintendo | · Via web, XBOX, PS, Nintendo Android, iOS app
· You can only download it from Amazon Appstore |
Via web
Will not work on Jailbroken (rooted) devices |
Via web only |
| Telecommunications and Service providers perks | Data discounts in key markets | None | Data discounts in key markets | Data discounts in key markets including Safaricom in Kenya |
| Free Trial | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing packages | · Basic $7.99 p.m (SD video quality)
· Standard $9.99 p.m (HD video quality) · Premium $11.99 p.m (4K, 3D, HDR) |
Introductory offer $2.99
Normal Prime fee $5.99 p.m (Video streaming only) Prime with benefits fee $7.99 p.m
|
Costs $2.6 p.m | Select $3.3 p.m
Premium KES $8.8 p.m |
| Package benefits | · Basic package only streams in SD quality
· Standard package gets 2 simultaneous HD streaming · Premium package gets 4 simultaneous streaming · Premium also gets 4K, HDR and 3D content |
Prime benefits include access to one-day delivery on millions of items, ad-free music streaming with Prime Music, unlimited photo storage, early access to Lightning Deals, and more | All access | · Select only streams a few selected shows and films
· Premium access all the shows available |
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Now the choice is yours. If you treasure local content and want to use local services like MPESA and subsidized Safaricom data, then Showmax is the way to go.
Netflix excels at their original shows and movies; they are the bread and butter of the service and probably the main aspect that has kept it at number one this whole time. If you are into online shopping, going for Amazon Prime wll not only get you shows to watch but also award you prime benefits like faster shipping, early access to items, ad free music streaming and much more. Finally iflix is for the casual user who wants to get into the video streaming arena without spending a fortune and it’s set to win souls across Africa.
