I’ve always been an avid fan of the television sitcom, Friends, and I’ve rewatched every season at least four times on Netflix. (true story)
Sooner or later, we’ll have to face facts. The video streaming market is rapidly saturated. If, like me, Friends was your comfort show, the 2020 news that it was leaving Netflix might have left you panicked too. I spent a good deal of time after the announcement, trying to find other websites that would satiate my craving to watch Friends!
In fact, with the recent crackdown on Netflix password sharing, it might be time to rethink your Netflix subscription.
Before a breakdown of every major streaming service in Singapore, here is a TLDR for you to help you determine which of these is the best for you in 2023.
Wondering which article is best for your online subscription? Stick till the end of the article to find out which credit card will get you the best bang for your buck!
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Streaming Service
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Free Trial?
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Monthly Subscription Fee
|
|
Netflix
|
No
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Basic: S$12.98
Standard: S$17.98
Premium: S$21.98
|
|
Amazon Prime Video
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Yes, 30 days
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S$2.99
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HBO GO
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No
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S$13.98
|
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Viu
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No, but has a free tier
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S$7.18 to S$8.98
|
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Disney+
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Yes, 7 days
|
S$11.98
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- Netflix Plans & Pricing
- Amazon Prime Video Plans & Pricing
- HBO GO Plans & Pricing
- Viu Plans & Pricing
- Disney+ Plans & Pricing
- Best credit cards to use for video-streaming subscriptions
Last updated on 30 May 2023. Pricing plans and shows are subject to change.
Netflix Plans & Pricing
The king of all streaming sites with an Internet slang of its own (‘Netflix and Chill’), it not only hosts an enticing variety of movies, TV shows, and documentaries but also produces originals such as The Crown and Orange is the New Black that rivals Hollywood theatrical releases.
In efforts to reduce theft of their services, Netflix doubled down on their crackdown on password-sharing. At the same time, Netflix also introduced an ad-supported subscription option at a lower price than their other plans.
While it might seem counterintuitive for Netflix to introduce ads into their streaming service, after all the beauty of streaming services is the lack of ads, the introduction of ads comes at a time when freeloaders are being kicked off accounts. These price-sensitive users might find the ad-supported plan appealing.
Subscription fees
|
Subscription Tier
|
Details
|
Price
|
|
Basic
|
- Watch ad-free on only one screen at a time in Standard Definition
- Download on just one supported device at a time |
S$12.98 a month
|
|
Standard
|
- Watch on two screens at a time in Full Definition
- Download on two supported devices at a time |
S$17.98 a month*
|
|
Premium
|
- Watch on four screens at a time in Ultra High Definition
- Download on 6 supported devices at a time - Experience spatial audio, and enhanced sound treatment
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S$21.98 a month*
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*extra member slots can be added for S$6.98 a month.
Amazon Prime Video Plans & Pricing
While Amazon Prime Video offers fewer entertainment options than its rivals, the quality of its catalogue remains top-notch. Viewers can expect gems like The Office, Parks and Recreation, Community, and The Grand Tour as well as a slew of Amazon originals such as The Man in the High Castle, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, and Fleabag.
Not to mention, at S$2.99 a month, its subscription plan is the most affordable. Apart from its Amazon Video offerings, the membership also benefits frequent Amazon shoppers, offering free shipping on select items and early access to promotions.
Subscription fees
|
Subscription Tier
|
Details
|
Price
|
|
Free Trial
|
- Unlimited movies and TV shows for 30 days
|
S$0
|
|
Standard
|
- Amazon Prime subscription, including access to Amazon Video
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S$2.99 a month
|
HBO GO Plans & Pricing
HBO GO is an on-the-go streaming service that is available through two operators (Singtel and Starhub) or direct subscription through the HBO GO platform or app.
It offers six HBO channels—HBO, HBO Signature, HBO Family, HBO Hits, Cinemax, and Red by HBO—without needing a cable TV subscription.
Indulge in cult classics such as Game of Thrones, Westworld, The Sopranos, and Big Little Lies, all of which can be downloaded onto your device and streamed on two screens at a time.
For current Singtel and Starhub customers, you can add on HBO GO access via the telcos for S$13.98 per month and S$14.12 per month, respectively.
Subscription fees
|
Subscription Tier
|
Details
|
Price
|
|
Monthly
|
- Access to all content available to HBO GO Asia, including new HBO Original series episodes and other exclusive content
- Subscriptions through HBO GO mobile app and Local Cable Operators
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S$13.98 a month
|
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3-Month Plan
|
- Access to all content available to HBO GO Asia, including new HBO Original series episodes and other exclusive content
- Subscription through HBO GO mobile app
|
S$29.90 for 3 months
(S$9.99 a month)
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Viu
If you’re more interested in binge-watching Korean dramas, consider Viu. Its basic tier can be accessed for free, although you won’t be enjoying the HD, ad-free experience. Opt for the Premium subscription for unlimited downloads and TV casting of a more extensive range of your favourite variety shows, including Running Man and Little Forest.
While the free version only airs new episodes around 72 hours after the original telecast, the Premium tier brings them to you after about an eight-hour wait.
Subscription fees
|
Subscription Tier
|
Details
|
Price
|
|
Free
|
- Watch in Standard Definition as soon as 72 hours after Viu Premium
- Limited access to selected dramas and variety shows
- Allowed one download on either a mobile phone or tablet.
|
S$0
|
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Viu Premium
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- The premium subscription has four different time frames, from a 30-day plan to 365-day plan. The latter offers a lower monthly rate and a 20% discount.
- Access all dramas, ad-free in full High Definition
- Unlimited download on your devices as well as priority viewing for newly released shows
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S$7.18 to S$8.98 a month
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Disney+
The entrance of Disney+ back in 2021 caused a major shake-up in the streaming industry. The entertainment platform has over 500 movies and 15,000 episodes you can watch until the cows come home.
While it is pricier than Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+, you get your money’s worth with the content available on Disney+. There’s a slew of movies and shows from Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and Fox that you can endlessly stream on Disney’s streaming platform.
Compared to Netflix and HBO Go, it might be a close call, but if you bite the bullet and take up Disney+ for a full year, the monthly cost is even lower than Netflix’s cheapest plan.
One huge advantage Disney+ has over Netflix is the absence of separate tiers for video quality and simultaneous streams. Every Disney+ subscriber can stream in 4K/HDR and is entitled to unlimited downloads — as long as you continue to pay.
In addition, Shopback is giving up to S$5 cashback if you sign up for Disney+ via its app. There's also free Disney+ for a year if you’re a StarHub TV+, Broadband or Mobile+ user. Sign up to Disney+ as an Add-On subscription and enjoy Disney+ at S$8.99 monthly.
Subscription fees
|
Subscription Tier
|
Details
|
Price
|
|
Monthly
|
- Stream up to four screens at once in HD and Ultra HD (4K)
- Able to create seven profiles
- Get unlimited downloads, a wide range of shows and no ads
|
S$11.98 a month
|
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Yearly
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- Stream up to four screens at once in HD and Ultra HD (4K)
- Able to create seven profiles
- Get unlimited downloads, a wide range of shows and no ads
|
S$119.98 a year
(S$9.99 a month)
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Disney+ vs Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Go and Viu
The value of Netflix or streaming competitor, Disney+ boils down to the type of shows you are into and the amount of money you are willing to shell out on a monthly basis.
If you’re a K-drama fanatic who can’t be bothered about American sitcoms, Viu is the way to go.
If you belong to the Office, Community or Parks and Rec diehard camp, you’ll want an Amazon Prime subscription, not a Netflix one.
It is easy to get hooked on those tempting low monthly rates and just keep paying for your entertainment without really thinking about whether it's worth it. However, blindly subscribing could lead to money down the drain.
Best Credit Cards To Use
Don't let spending money on subscriptions each month be a drag. Check out the top credit cards that let you indulge in your entertainment desires while earning miles for your next getaway! Do note 'mpd' stands for miles per dollar spent.
Product |
Min. Annual Income |
Earn Rate |
Promotion |
Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card
|
S$
30,000
|
5.6 mpd
on SimplyGo, fast food, coffee and toast, digital subscriptions spend Capped at S$818 per month |
Stand a chance to win a pair of Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2 or Xiaomi Robot Vacuum S10 or S$300 upsized cash via Paynow, when you fulfil promotion criteria.
|
|
Citi Rewards Card
|
S$
30,000
|
4 mpd
on shopping and online spend (except travel) Capped at S$1,000 per statement month |
-
|
|
HSBC Revolution Credit Card
|
S$
30,000
|
4 mpd
on online and contactless spend Capped at S$1,000 per statement month |
Receive a Samsonite Prestige 69cm Spinner Exp with built-in scale or S$150 cashback when you spend a minimum of S$500 when you fulfil promotion criteria.
|
|
OCBC Titanium Rewards Credit Card
|
4 mpd
on online and offline shopping Capped at $13,335 per membership year |
Receive a Samsonite Polygon Spinner 28" + S$28 bonus cashback or S$250 cashback + S$28 bonus cashback when you fulfil the promotion criteria.
|
||
DBS Woman's World Card
|
S$ 30,000
|
4 mpd
on online spend (both local & overseas) Capped at S$2,000 per calendar month |
Receive S$150 cashback when you apply with the promo code 150CASH when you fulfil the promotion criteria.
|
|
KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card
|
S$ 30,000
|
3 mpd
on dining, food delivery, online shopping and travel, and transport spend (with S$800 annual spend on Singapore Airlines, Scoot, and KrisShop) |
Get up to 31,000 miles plus waived first year annual fee when you fulfil all promotion criteria.
|
Do note that 'mpd' stands for miles per dollar spent.
If miles are not your pick, check out these cashback cards that will basically reward you for watching Friends.
Product |
Min. Annual Income |
Earn Rate |
Promotion |
Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Citi Cash Back+ Card
|
S$ 30,000
|
1.6% unlimited cashback
on all spending |
-
|
|
Standard Chartered Simply Cash Credit Card
|
S$ 30,000
|
1.5% unlimited cashback
on all spending |
Stand a chance to win a pair of Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2 or Xiaomi Robot Vacuum S10 or S$300 upsized cash via Paynow, when you fulfil promotion criteria.
|
|
UOB Absolute Cashback Card
|
S$
30,000
|
1.7% unlimited cashback
on all spending
|
Get S$350 worth of Grab vouchers if you are the first 200 new-to-UOB credit cardmember when you fulfil all promotion criteria
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|
UOB EVOL Card
|
S$
30,000
|
8% cashback
on online spend with a minimum of S$600 monthly spend
Cashback is capped at S$20 per month
|
Get an Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen if you are the first 50 new-to-UOB credit cardmember when you fulfil all promotion criteria.
|
|
Maybank Family & Friends Card
|
S$
30,000
|
8% cashback
on 5 selected categories: 1) Groceries 2) Dining & Food Delivery 3) Transport, Data Communication & Online TV Streaming 4) Retail & Pets 5) Online Fashion 6) Entertainment 7) Pharmacy 8) Sports & Sports 9) Apparels 10) Beauty & Wellness 0.25% cashback
on all other spending
Min. spend of S$800 monthly. Cashback is capped at S$25 per category
|
Receive a pair of American Tourister Linex 66/24 Luggage TSA or an Apple AirPods 3rd Gen or S$200 cash credit when you fulfil all promotion criteria
|
|
CIMB World Mastercard
|
S$ 30,000
|
2% unlimited cashback
on Wine & Dine and Online Food Delivery, Movies and Digital Entertainment, Taxi and Automobile, and Luxury Goods
|
Be one of the first 8 applicants at 12pm and 6pm daily to get an Apple Watch SE Gen 1 when you fulfil all promotion criteria.
Remaining applicants will get S$280 Cash via PayNow with all promotion criteria fulfilled.
|
Happy watching!
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