In a Nutshell
pros
- Affordable pricing
- 1,400+ TV shows and movies
- Stream on up to 5 devices at once
cons
- No 4K viewing support
- Subpar user experience on the app
Starz TV: Plans & Pricing
Starz monthly plan
Best for those looking for a low-commitment streaming service.
Yes
Yes
How Much Does Starz TV Cost?
Starz TV costs $8.99 per month after a free 7-day trial period. You can also opt for a discounted yearly subscription for $74.99. With your purchase, you’ll get access to all of Starz’s 20 premium channels and its streaming service. This is an affordable price, especially when you compare it to other subscription services like HBO, which starts at $14.99/month, or Netflix, which starts at $9.99 for just one screen (Starz allows you to watch on up to 5 screens).
The reason Starz remains affordable is likely due to its lack of original content. There are currently only about 90 TV shows in stock, so this is where Starz falls a bit behind other streaming platforms. However, as the service also offers over 1,400 movie titles, many find it worth the price.
Starz offers some great historical TV series, including Black Flag, Outlander, and Spartacus. In terms of movies, you can find classics like Dazed and Confused, Men in Black, and Venom. They also offer a solid lineup of children’s programming. If their unique titles are up your alley, Starz might be right for you.
Optional Add-Ons
Starz does not come with any optional add-ons.
How Does Starz Work?
There are currently several options to become a Starz subscriber. You can sign up for Starz through your cable or satellite provider if you want the traditional viewing experience. You can also download the app or sign up online and watch on your desktop. Another popular option is to get Starz as an add-on channel on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Sling, Samsung TV, Sprint, Microsoft, or Google Play.
To sign up for Starz, you just need to navigate to the Starz website and click “Try Starz for free for a week.” Then, you can sign up and add your details. If you don’t cancel your subscription before the free trial period ends, you will automatically be charged for the following month. However, you can cancel your subscription at any time.
Once your Starz account is up and running, you can add the channel to most of your devices. For example, if you’d like to add Starz to your Roku account, you just need to sign in to your Roku account, go to the homepage, and select streaming channels. Search for the Starz channel, click “OK” when you find it, then click “Add Channel.” Now, you’ll see Starz appear on your home page.
If you’re using the app and are interested in downloading content to your device, you just need to click the download icon. The download progress and your downloaded files will appear in your “My List” tab. If you don’t see the download icon next to a movie or show, then the title isn’t available for download.
While the setup steps are simple and straightforward, it should be noted that the interface isn’t very intuitive, and navigating the app can be difficult.
Is Starz Reliable and Safe?
Starz is a reliable and safe streaming service to use. However, Starz does collect personal subscriber data. They also collect data from individuals who interact with the service, such as website visitors. Types of personal data that Starz collects include:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Registration/password/username info
- Search queries
- Payment details
- Social media accounts and use
- Third-party used to access the service
- Technology used to access the service
Starz also collects information from social media companies and other companies with whom subscribers have a relationship. They state that they use this personal data to improve and customize their service.
Starz has a 2.0/5.0 rating on Trustpilot out of 39 reviews.
Help and Support
Starz has a few different customer support options. You can email Starz at help@starz.com any day or time of the week. You can also tweet them at @STARZHelp. Additionally, you can call their customer service number at 1-970-438-2789 or submit a request to Starz through their website.
Starz also has a robust frequently asked questions page. Here, you can find information regarding billing, cancelations, special offers, and more.
What About the Starz App?
The Starz app, known as Starz Play, is available on both Android and iOs devices. You can download the app and purchase a subscription directly through the app store. You’ll then be charged for the subscription through your iTunes or Google Play Store account. To download on an iPhone, you need to make sure you have iOS 15.0 or later downloaded.
If you already have a Starz subscription through your TV provider, you can download the app and watch at no additional charge through your TV subscription. No other subscription is required.
Bottom Line
While Starz isn’t as popular as its sister channels HBO and Showtime, it’s a great option for those who are looking for unique shows and movies they can’t find anywhere else. Part of the reason Starz isn’t seeing the same success as other streaming platforms may be due to its user interface, which lacks an intuitive design. However, its lack of original content is part of the reason why Starz remains so affordable.
While you may not want to use Starz as your main streaming service, with over 1,400 movie titles, it makes for a great add-on if you have a bit of extra money each month. While Starz lacks 4k support, we should see this change in the future as the platform grows in popularity.
Overall, Starz is an above-average streaming service that offers great value for its price. Plus, Lionsgate CEO Jeff Hirsch has recognized the need for more original content on the platform, as he has promised 16 new series soon.
