Streaming Services In Malaysia: Compare Packages And Pricing

With many streaming services available in Malaysia, which one should you consider and subscribe to as a user during the pandemic? Here's a full comparison between six different streaming platforms to help you decide.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused massive changes to our lifestyle as it has altered how we work, learn and interact.

We turn to online social platforms to stay connected and entertained on a day to day basis. A study by the Malaysian Digital Association (MDA) reported that popular streaming service, Netflix had a 195% growth in traffic in the third week of March 2020 - the same week when the first Movement Control Order (MCO) was enforced in Malaysia.

Thanks to streaming services such as Netflix, iflix, Viu and more, you can watch TV series, movies, documentaries and other types of content at the comfort of your own home. You may be surprised by the number of streaming services that are available in Malaysia, but which one comes with the best features and suits your entertainment budget during this lockdown period?

We compared the price, overall package and features of six streaming service options in Malaysia to help you make the right choice and add more fun to your quarantine days.

1. Netflix

Netflix always updates users whenever they release new original productions; this special feature is definitely something to look forward to as a user.

Netflix is generally considered the default streaming service platform for many. Its seemingly high favourability among users can be associated with its frequently updated “Coming Soon” section, which offers both previews and teasers of upcoming new content releases. Netflix users also get to enjoy unlimited streaming of TV shows, movies and original series for a subscription fee as low as RM17 per month.

Monthly subscription fee: RM17 (Mobile), RM35 (Basic), RM45 (Standard), RM55 (Premium)

Check out more details on the plans and pricing here. (Image source: Netflix)

Free trial: Not available
Type of content: TV series, movies, documentaries, kids' shows, stand-up comedy specials, anime, and international programming
Platforms and devices: Android, Apple, Windows, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, and Smart TVs
Simultaneous streams: One to four devices
Features and benefits:

• Ad-free
• User-friendly interface
• Original programmes
• Download and watch the content offline
• Affordable
• Parental controls

2. iflix

If you’re a fan of local content, iflix, compared to other platforms, offers more of that variety for free! 

iflix brands itself as the world’s leading entertainment service for emerging markets. This streaming service is best known for Asian content, so if you enjoy watching Chinese, Malay, Filipino, Tamil and Korean shows and movies, iflix provides a wide array of options for you to choose from.

Monthly subscription fee: RM10 (VIP subscription)

Free trial: 30-day trial
Type of content: TV series, movies and kids' shows
Platforms and devices: Android, Apple, laptop, desktop, mobile browser, and selected smart TVs - Samsung, LG, and Panasonic Smart TVs or on any other TV using Chromecast or HDMI.
Simultaneous streams: Two devices
Features:

• No sign ups required for free content
• Ad-free for VIP users
• Cheap VIP access
• Original programs
• Download and watch the content offline
• “Kids” section content available

3. Viu

On Viu, you get access to trending Korean dramas and shows (with subs) just eight hours after the original telecast!

Viu is an online video streaming service that brings you the latest Korean dramas and variety shows, Japanese dramas and animation, Chinese and Taiwanese dramas for free. Here you can enjoy the best of premium Asian entertainment!

Monthly subscription fee:  RM10 (VIU premium access)
Free trial: 30-day free trial
Type of content: TV series, variety shows, and movies
Platforms and devices: Android, Apple, laptop, desktop, mobile browser, and smart TVs
Simultaneous streams: Five devices
Features:

• No sign ups required for free content
• Download and watch the content offline
• Cheap subscription fee
• Access to all dramas, variety shows, movies and kids' animations
• Release eight hours after the original telecast

4. Dimsum

Besides entertainment, Dimsum also provides an e-learning section on various subjects for pre, primary and secondary school students.

Dimsum Entertainment is a streaming service that offers various Asian content including movies, dramas, kids’ shows, news, travel and lifestyle content. Its e-learning section has educational content specifically for pre-school, primary school and secondary school students.

The educational subjects covered include beginners’ words, numbers and greetings for preschool kids; Mathematics, Mandarin, Science, English and Bahasa Melayu for primary school students; as well as English for Science and Technology, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics for secondary school students.

Since online learning has been on the rise, parents, students and teachers can take advantage of the educational section featured on this platform for an affordable price.

Monthly subscription fee:  RM8 (VIP) and RM13.90 (VIP Family)

Free trial: Not available
Type of content: TV series, dramas, movies, documentaries, kids’ shows and education
Platforms and devices: Android, Apple, laptop, desktop, mobile browser, and smart TVs
Simultaneous streams: Two to five devices
Features:

• Sign up and watch for free
• Upgrade to VIP for premium access
• Download and watch the content offline for VIP users
• Parental controls

5. Apple TV+

Besides offering an extensive list of popular TV shows and movies, Apple TV+ also features its own original programmes. 

Apple TV+ is Apple's subscription video streaming service that features Apple’s original TV shows and movies. Apple TV+ is available in more than 100 countries and is also part of Apple's family-sharing feature, which allows you to share a plan with up to five family members. Any new iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple TV, or MacBook purchased after September 10, 2019 is eligible to activate a one-year free subscription.

Monthly subscription fee: RM19.90
Free trial: Seven day trial
Type of content: TV series, dramas, movies, documentaries, kids’ shows, and original comedies
Platforms and devices: Apple TV+ on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch, Mac, selected Samsung smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox, Roku and Amazon Fire TV
Simultaneous streams: Six devices
Features:

• Family sharing plan
• Ad-free
• Original shows and films
• Free one-year subscription for a newly-purchased apple device
• Download and watch the content offline

6. Amazon Prime Video

Prime Video houses thousands of movies and TV shows which can be streamed and downloaded through the Prime Video app.

Prime Video is a video streaming service available for Amazon Prime members. All registered Amazon Prime members have access to the content, which includes movies and TV shows of different genres.

Amazon Prime Video charges you in U.S. dollars, therefore the price you pay in Malaysian Ringgit each month may differ according to the exchange rate.

Monthly subscription fee: $5.99
Free trial: 30-day trial
Type of content: TV series and movies
Platforms and devices: Android, Apple, Windows, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Smart TVs
Simultaneous streams: Three devices
Features:

• Extensive library of movies and TV shows
• Downloads for offline viewing
• Unlimited stream
• Parental controls
• Ad-free

Overall comparison

The best streaming service is more than just which platform has the best shows; for real value for money, you need to assess the overall experience, how often they release and add new content to their library, the cost of subscription, availability of free trial, type of content offered and supported devices.

Here’s the side-by-side comparison of each streaming service we listed above:

Consider using the free trial option before subscribing

Since almost all the streaming video services offer free trial periods, it’s best to sign up for the trial option before going on full subscription. Take the chance to explore the platform and enjoy the experience as a user before going premium. Just make sure to cancel if you don’t want to continue with the service as you will be charged automatically once free trials are over.