Tired of paying the big bucks for streaming streaming services likeNetflix,Disney+, andMax? How about givingStarza try? Yup, this is the same Starz that offers premium cable content, including movies, shows and original programming. Like the many titans of the video on demand world, Starz also offers mobile, smart TV, and streaming device apps, as well as a web player. It’s also a little cheaper than the bulk of the competition.
But does Starz have the kind of movies and TV shows you and your family want? And what’s the quality and the cost? Not to worry, friends. Your ever-discerning pals at Digital Trends have put many a streaming service through the wringer, and will do the same with Starz.
What is Starz?
Like several other premium cable channels that added streaming apps and web players after the fact, Starz joins the ranks of competitors likeMax (formerly HBO Max), Showtime, and Epix. The Starz premium cable channel launched in 1994 and quickly became known for its impressive movie catalogue, as well as its original content.
Starz can also be purchased as a standalone service that you’re able to access through the Starz mobile andsmart TV/streaming deviceapps. You can also use your TV provider login to use both versions of the Starz app, as well as the web player.
How much is Starz?
If you’re looking to get Starz as a standalone streaming service, you can expect to pay $10 per month or $75 per year for the subscription. New plans often come with at least one week of free service to let you test the ins and outs of the platform, and Starz is currently discounting subscriptions to $3 for the first three months.
That $10 per month (or $75 per year) unlocks the entire Starz streaming experience, which includes up to five user profiles with parental controls, offline downloads, and four simultaneous streams at a time.
It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for Starz deals through your cable provider. In fact, my own family currently enjoys free access to Starz by paying for Optimum’sPremier plan. You’ll just need to sign into the Starz app through your TV service provider when you launch Starz for the first time.
Movies, shows and original content
Not unlike the rest of the streaming and premium cable landscape, Starz is home to an immenselibrary of movies and TV shows, with several popular series being exclusive to the platform. These include current hit shows like the manyPowerspin-offs,Outlander, andRun the World. You’ll also be able to watch older Starz original programming, including the originalPowerseries,American Gods,Spartacus, andParty Down.
Using the Starz app
We tested the Starz mobile and streaming device apps using an iPhone 12 and a Roku Streaming Stick 4K.
The Starz mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices. You’ll also be able to download the app onto most smart TVs andstreaming devices. Conveniently, both the mobile and streaming device versions of the Starz app are essentially the same, with one key difference: offline downloads. you may only download movies and shows for later viewing through the Starz mobile app.
When you selectMore(which presents as aThree linesicon on streaming devices), you’ll be able to see what content you’ve added to your playlist. On mobile, you’ll also be able to see what content you’ve downloaded for offline viewing. You can also chooseSettingsto adjust playback quality (mobile), view account info, and find support tools.
Whenever you select a movie or show, you’ll be able to read a synopsis, watch a trailer, download the content for offline viewing (mobile), or add it to your playlist. you may also share a link for the film or show by tapping theShareicon in the top-right corner of the screen (mobile).
Using the Starz web player
While Starz doesn’t offer a dedicated desktop app, if you’re stuck with using the platform on a Mac or PC, you’ll be pleased to know that the web version runs just as well and looks just as nice as the mobile and streaming device apps.
In fact, there’s only a couple of differences between the two formats, with the first being that the Starz site pushes all of your content filters and settings into a single dropdown menu. Once you click theThree linesicon, you’ll seeMovies,Series,Playlist,Settings, and other categories.
The other difference is the addition of aScheduletab (if you’re signed into Starz through a TV provider), which lets you see what’s playing on the various Starz TV channels for the entire month. You’ll also be able to clickWatch Liveto start watching whatever movie or show is currently on.
Video and audio quality
Unlike other streaming platforms, Starz caps its movie and TV show quality at 1080p, which is a bit of a bummer for those of usrocking 4K TVs. That being said, the picture quality across both the mobile/streaming apps and web player was crisp and clear. It also never took very long to load a stream, with little to no buffering after the first few seconds of playback.
The Starz app also supports traditional stereo sound, as well as Dolby 5.1 for certain movies and shows. Unfortunately, formats likeDolby Atmosand DTS:X don’t get any love via Starz.
Compatibility
As mentioned, the Starz mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices. The web player version of the platform is accessible throughStarz.com.
As far assmart TVs and streaming devices go, the Starz app is available on most Samsung, Sony, LG, and Vizio smart TVs. You can also download the app for Apple TV, the Nvidia Shield, most Amazon Fire TV devices, and most Roku devices.
The verdict
If you’ve been looking for a new entertainment app that’s loaded with movies, shows, and original content, or you’d like to take advantage of some of your cable plan’s premium channels, you should definitely give Starz a try.
While it may not offer the same picture and sound quality as competitors like Netflix and Prime Video, Starz is home to a terrific lineup of constantly rotating content, and shows likePowerandOutlanderare almost worth the price of the subscription alone.
