More and more people are signing up for streaming services to watch content online, while their cable box continues to collect dust. This raises the question: what are the different streaming services in Pakistan that you can avail?
In order to help you choose, Graana.com has compiled a list of the most popular streaming services in Pakistan, with a comparison of their features and pricing plans.
Most Popular Streaming Services in Pakistan
Over the past few years, many video-streaming services, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, have entered the Pakistani market which has made the market quite competitive.
Following is a list of some of the most popular streaming services that are currently available in the country.
- Iflix
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
- Starz Play
Iflix
Iflix, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was the first global streaming service to launch in Pakistan. It provides a sizable selection of films and TV series.
The content available on this streaming service, however, may differ from one region to another. It offers the same offline viewing options as other widely-used streaming services in Pakistan.
Subscribing to Iflix in Pakistan
It’s very simple to subscribe to Iflix in Pakistan. To sign up, simply download the app or visit the website. You’ll need to give your payment information to complete your subscription.
After that, you can use Iflix for one month at no cost before continuing your subscription for as little as PKR 300 per month. It should be noted that the yearly subscription costs about PKR 2,800. The account can only be used by five users at once.
Note: Iflix can be downloaded from all top app stores. It provides a yearly subscription for PTCL Smart TV users.
Netflix
One of the top streaming services right now is Netflix, which is based in California, United States. In Pakistan, the service debuted in 2016. It’s a well-known brand in the global entertainment sphere.
Netflix also has a production company of its own. It holds the distinction of creating some of the most well-known online series.
These include shows like Money Heist, Elite, Sacred Games, and Stranger Things. In order to access Netflix content offline, you have the option to download it.
Subscribing to Netflix in Pakistan
Iflix and Netflix subscription processes are pretty much similar. To sign up on Netflix, all you need to do is download the app or go to the website, enter the necessary user and payment information, and wait for your one-month free trial to begin.
It’s a little pricey to use this streaming service in Pakistan. However, there are different subscription plans that you can choose from, the costs of which range from Rs. 250 to Rs. 1,100 per month.
Depending on where you live, Netflix is accessible on all popular app stores. With a premium subscription, you can view content in 4K, and multiple accounts cannot be used (only up to 4 users can have access at a time). You can cancel the subscription plan anytime you want.
Amazon Prime Video
Along with popular movies and TV series, Amazon Prime Video also provides a great selection of original content. They are available for purchase or rental, and can even be watched offline.
Subscribing to Amazon Prime Video in Pakistan
It is supported by multiple devices, including Apple TV, Roku devices, Nvidia Shield, Virgin Media TiVO, Blu-ray players, Google Chromecast, Android, and iOS devices.
Trial period: free for 30 days
Cost: $5.99 per month
Starz Play
Starz Play is a relatively new player in the market. A California-based business, it has grown in popularity in just a short period of time. In partnership with Cinepax Pakistan, this streaming service was introduced in the country in 2018.
However, it provides a smaller selection of content than Iflix and Netflix, which usually does not include recently released films or television shows. This is also why it is less expensive than other streaming services.
Subscribing to Starz Play in Pakistan
Like other Pakistani internet streaming services, Starzplay has both web and mobile versions. You just need to fill out the given form, including your payment details, in order to subscribe.
After the first 30 days, during which services are free, a monthly fee of PKR 300 will be incurred for the subscription. A maximum of four accounts are allowed per Starz Play membership.
Starz Play is available on all popular app stores, plus Telecom customers from companies like Jazz and Telenor can also use its services for free for a limited time. Furthermore, a Starz Play subscription is also included in their internet bundles.
Besides these services, there are many other streaming services like Disney+ and HBO Max which aren’t available in Pakistan but you can still use them through a VPN. For your convenience, we will share the complete method for using such streaming services in Pakistan.
How to Use Disney+ in Pakistan
Disney+ is an on-demand streaming service where you can watch all the shows and movies produced under the banner of Walt Disney Studios, which also include film production companies like Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and 20th Century Studios.
This streaming service from Disney costs $8 per month or $80 per year. They offer a $14 bundled subscription as well that allows you to watch all the content on Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+.
Currently, this service isn’t available in Pakistan but you can still use it by using a VPN; you can change the IP address to bypass the geographical restriction.
First, you need to make a VPN account by entering your email ID and creating a password for your account.
However, you would still need a payment gateway like American Express or PayPal to pay the subscription fee. After the payment has been processed, just turn on the VPN and watch any show or film from the vast library of Disney+.
To access any streaming service that isn’t available, you can use the same method that we have mentioned above for Disney+.
For more related information, follow the Graana blog.
