
The Best Video Streaming Subscription for 2020: Netflix vs Amazon vs Apple vs HBO vs Viu & More
Walao… Where did the time go sia… I just Netflix-ed my whole weekend away.
Sounds familiar?
Oh, how popular video streaming subscriptions are, that they have become a verb you use unknowingly in your everyday life.

And ever since we all have to stay at home during this Circuit Breaker Period.
It’s not just my weekends that are being Netflix-ed away…
(Editor’s note: this girl has watched EVERY single Korean drama featuring Park Seo-Joon, at least twice)
While Netflix might be the most popular video streaming subscription service, it’s not the only one available in Singapore.
Depending on what’s your poison and how deep your pockets are, there’re options like Amazon Prime, HBO, Viu, HOOQ, meWATCH, and more.
So.
Which is the cheapest video streaming service right now?
And more importantly, are there any free trials?
TL;DR: Free Video Streaming Subscription for 2020
Now that we’re stuck at home ALL the time.
We’ve gotta find ways to keep ourselves sane while keeping the entertainment budget low.
Thankfully, local service providers Singtel and StarHub are providing free previews of cable channels!
1) Free Apple TV+ Apple Originals For All Singaporeans (till TBA)
As long as you have a device which can support the Apple TV app.
All users, including those without a paid Apple TV+ subscription, can watch select Apple Originals.
Here’s what you can catch:
Free Apple Originals | |
---|---|
Dickinson | Stars Hailee Steinfeld |
For All Mankind | An alternate timeline space race saga |
Little America | A Kumail Nanjiani-produced anthology |
Servant | An M. Night Shyamalan thriller |
Snoopy in Space | As stated in the title |
The Elephant Queen | A documentary about a 50-year-old elephant and her herd |
Helpsters | From the makers of Sesame Street |
Ghostwriter | A group of mystery-solving kids who receive help from an invisible presence they call Ghostwriter |
2) Free Singtel CAST For All Singaporeans (till 30 June 2020)
If you aren’t a Singtel Postpaid Mobile customer or an existing CAST subscriber, all you have to do is create a free Singtel CAST account.
To watch on your desktop, log in with your free CAST ID.
To watch on your mobile device, download the CAST app on the App Store or Google Play and log in.
Then click on any channel under ‘Free Live TV’ to start watching!
Here’s the list of 30 channels anyone can enjoy:
Free Singtel CAST Channels | |
---|---|
Chinese Entertainment | cHK (Cantonese) |
CCTV-4 (Mandarin) |
|
CTI Asia (Mandarin) |
|
ETTV Asia News (Mandarin) |
|
Jia Le (Hokkien & Mandarin) |
|
Education | Animal Planet |
Crime and Investigation | |
Discovery | |
Discovery Asia | |
Discovery Science | |
HISTORY | |
HISTORY2 | |
Entertainment | Blue Ant Entertainment |
Comedy Central | |
HITS | |
KIX | |
Lifetime | |
MTV | |
MTV Live | |
Indonesian | MNC Drama Channel |
Japanese | GEM |
Kids | Boomerang |
Cartoon Network | |
Miao Mi (Mandarin) |
|
Nickelodeon | |
Nickelodeon Junior | |
Korean | ONE |
Lifestyle | Asian Food Network |
DMAX | |
Tamil | Colours Tamil |
3) Free StarHub Channels For StarHub Customers Only (till 4 May 2020, 12pm)
Unfortunately, this is only applicable if you’re a StarHub customer.
Here’s the list of 32 channels which can enjoy on StarHub Entertainment and StarHub GO:
Free StarHub Entertainment Channels | |
---|---|
Chinese Entertainment | TVB Jade |
TVB Xing He | |
Documentaries | BBC Earth |
BBC Lifestyle | |
BBC World News | |
CuriosityStream | |
News | CNN |
Entertainment | DreamWorks |
Gusto TV | |
PeopleTV | |
Warner TV | |
MTV Asia | |
Indonesian | Citra Entertainment |
Kids Entertainment | Boomerang |
Cartoon Network | |
Cbeebies | |
Nickelodeon | |
Nickelodeon Junior | |
Korean | KBS World |
Oh!K | |
ONE | |
tvN | |
Malay | Hub Sensasi |
Karisma | |
ONE (Malay) |
|
Tamil | Sun Music |
Sun TV | |
Vanna Thirai | |
Zee Cinema | |
Zee Thirai | |
Technology | TechStorm |
Taiwanese, Japanese, and Korean Dramas and Entertainment dubbed in Mandarin | Hub E City |
4) Free HBO GO Shows For All Singaporeans (till TBA)
The first season of select iconic HBO shows are currently free to watch on HBO GO.
No registration required. Just head over to HBO GO and click play.
Free HBO GO Movies | |
---|---|
Succession | Season 1 |
Silicon Valley | Season 1 |
Barry | Season 1 |
The Sopranos | Season 1 |
The Wire | Season 1 |
The Inventor | Season 1 |
Veep | Season 1 |
Miss Sherlock | Season 1 |
The Teenage Psychic | Season 1 |
The World Between Us | Season 1 |
Ballers | Season 1 |
McMillions | Season 1 |
Invisible Stories | Season 1 |
Folklore | Season 1 |
Jane Fonda in Five Acts | Season 1 |
Comparison of Video Streaming Subscription Fees in Singapore 2020
Video Streaming Service | Subscription Fee (Monthly) | Free Trial? | Good For |
---|---|---|---|
Netflix | $11.98 | 30 days | Netflix Originals and pretty much everything else |
Amazon Prime Video | $2.99 | 30 days | Older American movies and shows |
Apple TV+ | $6.98 | 7 days | Original Apple TV content |
Disney+ | TBA | TBA | Disney shows Marvel movies Pixar movies Star Wars movies 20th Century Fox movies |
hayu | $4.98 | 1 month | Live telecast of Reality TV shows |
HBO GO | $10 (with meWATCH) | 7 days (with meWATCH) | HBO HBO Family HBO Hits HBO Signature HBO Originals Red |
HOOQ | $2.92 | 30 days | Hollywood and Asian shows |
meWATCH Prime | $5.94 | No | Watching Mediacorp dramas in advance |
Viu Premium | $7.98 | 7 days | Korean dramas & variety shows |
Video Streaming Service Consolidation | |||
Singtel TV GO Plan 1 | $6.90 | No | 130 live and 30 catch-up channels |
Singtel CAST | $13.98 (HBO GO) $11.98 (Netflix) $4.90 (Viu Premium) | No | Lower monthly subscription of various streaming services |
StarHub GO Select | $9.90 | 1 month | Stream shows without data charges |
It’s hard to find out which is the cheapest video streaming subscription fee because the various platforms offer different content.
But if you read the breakdowns below, I’ve included tips and recommendations for you to get the most bang for your buck!
Netflix
Netflix is the video streaming service that pretty much made free-to-air TV obsolete.
And it’s not surprising given their diverse catalogue of award-winning TV series, movies, dramas, and Netflix Originals like Kingdom, Stranger Things, Money Heist, and Witcher.
Netflix Subscription Fees in Singapore
Netflix Subscription Fee in Singapore | Price | Details |
---|---|---|
Netflix Free Trial (30 days) | $0 | Unlimited TV shows and movies for 30 days. |
Netflix Basic (Monthly) | $11.98 | Watch on 1 screen at a time in Standard Definition. Download videos on 1 phone or tablet. |
Netflix Standard (Monthly) | $13.98 | Watch on 2 screens at a time. Full HD (1080p) available. Download videos on 2 phones or tablets. |
Netflix Premium (Monthly) | $19.98 | Watch on 4 screens at a time. Full HD (1080p) and Ultra HD (4K) available. Download videos on 4 phones or tablets. |
How to Get Netflix for Free
Unfortunately, there’s no legal way to watch Netflix for free but there’re some Netflix hacks to get the most bang for your buck…
(winks conspiratorially)
At the very least, there’s a 30-day free trial.
If you choose to continue, the cheapest plan is $11.98 per month.
Amazon Prime Video
At $2.99 a month, Amazon Prime Video is the cheapest video streaming subscription in this list.
So I guess you can’t really complain if Amazon Prime Video does not offer as many TV shows and movies as say… Netflix does.
However, you’ll still find a healthy library of Amazon Originals like The Grand Tour, The Man in the High Castle, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, and Jack Ryan.
If you already have an existing Amazon Prime subscription (for groceries, for example).
Then you might want to consider getting Amazon Prime Video since it’s about the price of a plate of chicken rice for now.
Amazon Prime Video Subscription Fees in Singapore
Amazon Prime Video Subscription Fee in Singapore | Price | Details |
---|---|---|
Amazon Prime Video Free Trial (30 days) | $0 | Exclusive Amazon Originals as well as popular movies and TV shows |
Amazon Prime Video (Monthly) | $2.99 | Comes with Amazon Prime subscription (free delivery, early access to deals, and more). |
How to Get Amazon Prime Video for Free
The only way is through the 30-day free trial, after that it’s $2.99 per month.
Apple TV+
Like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ has one of the smallest libraries amongst all the video streaming services.
But as with anything new, you have to give them time to accumulate stuff which people will want to watch.
Some Apple Originals include Oprah’s Book Club, The Morning Show (starring Jennifer Aniston), and See (starring Jason Momoa).
Critics have been pretty savage with the last two shows but I guess you have to watch it yourself to be the judge…
Apple TV+ Subscription Fees in Singapore
Apple TV+ Subscription Fee in Singapore | Price | Details |
---|---|---|
Apple TV+ Free Trial (7 days) | $0 | $6.98 per month after (no contract) |
Apple TV+ (Monthly) | $6.98 | No contract |
How to Get Apple TV+ for Free
If you buy a new Apple device, you can get a free year’s subscription of Apple TV+.
You just need to activate the subscription after setting up your device.
Other than that, there’s no way you’re getting Apple content for free.
Pro-tip: to save big, you can share the monthly subscription of $6.98 between six different family members or friends — each with their own unique Apple IDs — through Family Sharing.
Disney+
After Netflix, Disney+ is probably the next biggest household name.
It’s got tonnes of movies and shows from Disney, Marvel (meaning ALL the Marvel movies…), National Geographic, Pixar, Star Wars, The Simpsons, and 20th Century Fox.
And on top of this, you’ll also get access to new, original content like The Mandalorian, which features Baby Yoda:

Unfortunately, Disney+ isn’t available in Singapore yet.
Disney+ Subscription Fees in Singapore
Disney+ hasn’t been officially launched in Singapore yet, but here are the prices in USD.
Disney+ Subscription Fee in Singapore | Price | Details |
---|---|---|
Disney Plus Free Trial (7 days) | USD$0 | USD$6.99 per month after |
Disney Plus (Monthly) | USD$6.99 | - |
Disney Plus (Monthly) | USD$5.83 | USD$69.99 for 12 months |
I’ll update as soon as Disney+ hits our shores!
hayu
If you love trashy reality TV, then you’ll love hayu.
You can choose from over 200 shows which are available on the same day as they are available in the US.
From Real Housewives to Keeping Up With The Kardashians, hayu is sure to give you your daily dose of gossip and drama.
hayu Subscription Fees in Singapore
hayu Subscription Fee in Singapore | Price | Details |
---|---|---|
hayu Free Trial (1 month) | $0 | $4.98 per month after |
hayu (Monthly) | $4.98 | No contract Watch over 200 shows, any time, anywhere. Available on the same day as the U.S. telecast |
How to Get hayu for Free
The only way to watch hayu for free is through the 1-month free trial.
HBO GO
HBO GO is an on-the-go streaming version which gives you access to the latest Hollywood blockbusters and movies through Cinemax, HBO, HBO Family, HBO Hits, HBO Signature, and Red by HBO.
And it’s available through Singtel, StarHub or meWATCH, without needing to get a cable TV subscription.
HBO GO also gives you access to HBO original series such as Game of Thrones, Watchmen, and Westworld.
If you’re not into those, then you’ll probably be catching up on blockbusters you missed throughout the years or rewatching old favourites like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.
HBO GO Subscription Fees in Singapore
HBO GO Subscription Fee in Singapore | Price | Details |
---|---|---|
Singtel - Combo 6, Combo 12, XO 78 and XO 108 postpaid plans (Monthly) | $0 | Free trial for 24 months (for subscriptions after 7 March 2019) |
meWATCH - HBO GO (7 days) | $0 | $13.98 per month after |
meWATCH - HBO GO (Monthly) | $10.00 | $119.98 upfront for 12 months |
Singtel CAST - HBO GO (Monthly) | $13.98 | $139.80 upfront for 12 months with 2 months free |
StarHub - HBO GO (Monthly) | $13.98 | No lock-in contract |
How to Get HBO GO for Free
If you’re already on Combo 6, Combo 12, XO 78 and XO 108 Singtel postpaid plans, then you can get HBO GO for free for 24-months.
If not, the only way you can try HBO GO for free is via meWATCH, where you can get a 7-day free trial.
After that, it’s $13.98 per month.
For the cheapest option, I’d recommend paying $119.98 upfront (for 12 months) to stay with meWATCH, which will cost you about $10 per month.
HOOQ
HOOQ is a regional video streaming provider with a library that includes Hollywood and Asian shows.
They’re not as big as Netflix, but their library’s pretty decent as you get access to shows from the Marvel and DC franchises as well as their HOOQ Exclusives.
Note: the company applied for liquidation in March 2020 so I’m not sure how long they’ll still be around…
HOOQ Subscription Fees in Singapore
HOOQ Subscription Fee in Singapore | Price | Details |
---|---|---|
HOOQ Free Trial (30 days) | $0 | Free trial if set up payment details upfront |
HOOQ (Monthly) | $3.33 | $10 for 3 months |
HOOQ (Monthly) | $2.92 | $34.98 for 12 months |
How to Get HOOQ for Free
There’re a couple of shows which you can watch for free under the HOOQ Free tab.
Other than that, you can probably enjoy the other content through the $10 for 3 months promo.
But as mentioned earlier, I’m not sure how long this video streaming service will be around.
meWATCH
If you’re wondering what’s meWATCH, it’s basically Toggle, only it has been renamed since 30 January 2020.
With a meWATCH subscription, you can also add-on subscription plans like tvN (for Korean movies and blockbuster hits) or HBO GO.
meWATCH Subscription Fees in Singapore
meWATCH Subscription Fee in Singapore | Price | Details |
---|---|---|
meWATCH (Basic Tier) | $0 | Catch up with Mediacorp dramas and shows that you missed |
meWATCH Prime (Monthly) | $5.94 | $35.64 upfront for 6 months |
meWATCH Prime (Monthly) | $9.90 | No contract Enjoy priority and ad-free access to the latest Mediacorp dramas before TV release Unlimited download of shows for on-the-go viewing without data |
meWATCH/meWATCH Prime + tvN Movies (Monthly) | + $4.90 | Includes access to Korean Blockbuster favourites across all genres, featuring the biggest stars, with new titles added every month |
How to Get meWATCH for Free
I’m not a big fan of local TV but it’s nice that meWATCH is available for free.
But if you can’t wait till the next episode of whatever Mediacorp drama it is that you’re chasing, pay for meWATCH Prime and you’ll be able to catch it in advance.
Viu
Ah… the Asian equivalent of Netflix.
Here you can find Korean dramas like Hotel Del Luna and Korean variety shows like Running Man.
Viu Subscription Fees in Singapore
Viu Subscription Fee in Singapore | Price | Details |
---|---|---|
Viu (Basic Tier) | $0 | Limited access to dramas & variety shows in standard resolution Get the latest shows 72 hours after Viu Premium 1 download at a time to watch even when offline Ads |
Viu Premium (7 days) | $0 | Unlimited access to dramas, variety, movies & kids shows in full HD Get the latest shows 8 hours after original telecast Unlimited downloads to watch even when offline Ad-free $7.98 per month after |
Viu Premium (Monthly) | $7.98 | - |
Singtel CAST - Viu Premium (3 months) | $0 | $6.90 per month after (No contract) |
Singtel CAST - Viu Premium (Monthly) | $4.90 | 12-month contract with first 3 months free |
How to Get Viu for Free
The basic tier can be assessed for free.
But if you want HD viewing and an ad-free experience, then you’ll have to pay for Viu Premium.
And your best option would be the Singtel – Viu Premium (No Contract Plan) which gives you a 3-month free trial.
After that, it’ll cost you $6.90 per month — that’s even cheaper than if you signed up on Viu direct.
If you wish to continue enjoying Viu Premium, the Singtel – Viu Premium (12-month Contract) is the cheapest at $4.90 a month.
So… What About Singtel and StarHub?
Since there’re so many video streaming subscription options available.
Does it still make sense to subscribe to traditional cable TV with service providers like Singtel and StarHub?
Let’s find out!
Singtel TV GO
With Singtel TV GO you get access to over 130 live channels and 30 catch-up channels including Discovery, HBO, Fox, KBS World and tvN.
Singtel TV GO Subscription Fees
Singtel TV GO Subscription Fee in Singapore | Price | Details |
---|---|---|
Singtel TV GO Plan 1 (Monthly) | $6.90 | Home View 1 device On-The-Go 1 device |
Singtel TV GO Plan 2 (Monthly) | $9.90 | Home View 3 devices concurrently watching different channels On-The-Go 1 device |
Singtel CAST
Singtel CAST consolidates all other video streaming platforms like HBO GO, Netflix, and Viu Premium in one app.
They also promise lower monthly subscriptions and everything is consolidated in one Singtel bill.
Singtel CAST Subscription Fees
Singtel CAST Subscription Fee in Singapore | Price | Details |
---|---|---|
Singtel CAST - HBO GO (Monthly) | $13.98 | $139.80 upfront for 12 months with 2 months free |
Singtel CAST - Netflix (Monthly) | $11.98 (Basic) $15.98 (Standard) $19.98 (Premium) | 1 month free |
Singtel CAST - Viu Premium (Monthly) | $4.90 | 12-month contract with first 3 months free |
Note: the Singtel CAST – Netflix Standard option ($15.98) is actually slightly more expensive than the regular Netflix Standard option ($13.98).
StarHub GO
If you’re a StarHub customer, you have StarHub GO — which is kind of like Singtel GO.
StarHub GO Subscription Fees
StarHub GO Subscription Fee in Singapore | Price | Details |
---|---|---|
Go Select (Monthly) | $9.90 | 1 month free Mostly Asian dramas (Korea, China, Hong Kong) |
Go Max (Monthly) | $29.80 | $10 off for first 12 months Over 80 channels Stream on 2 devices |
Partner Content | ||
Go Disney (Monthly) | $4.90 | Disney original series and movies Marvel and Star Wars animated series |
TVB Anywhere+ [Premium] (Monthly) | $4.98 | Latest TVB (Hong Kong) dramas and variety shows |
HBO GO (Monthly) | $13.98 | Blockbuster movies and HBO Originals |
FOX+ (Monthly) | $19.90 | Latest TV series, movies and LIVE sports |
The coolest thing about StarHub GO is that you can stream your shows without any data charges if you’re a StarHub postpaid customer.
So even though I’m bummed that there’s no Netflix, being able to stream shows without any data charges is nice.