Netflix, HBO Go, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, And Disney Hotstar – Which Streaming Services In Malaysia To Choose?

Since Netflix first arrived in Malaysia in 2016, the popularity of ad-free streaming content has soared. Today, many households have subscribed to various streaming services including  Netflix, HBO Go, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Disney Hotstar.  

When deciding which you should choose, especially since you will unlikely have the time to watch all of the content, here are some differences between the services. And we discuss whether they may be worth your money.  

Netflix – RM17 to RM55 a month

Netflix is one of the platforms that set the framework for how present day successful streaming services operate. Netflix allows viewers to watch content without the interruption of ads, dishes out new content constantly, produces its own original content, and releases TV series episodes simultaneously in one go, satisfying the immediate gratification of modern-day viewers.   

 After multiple big hits over the years, which include the likes of  House of Cards, Stranger Things, The Witcher, and , riding on the K-wave, Squid Game, Netflix has become a household name for Malaysian audiences.  

You can subscribe to a range of Netflix Mobile, Basic, Standard and Premium plans at RM17, RM28, RM45 and RM55. The tiered subscription differs in resolution, width of device support, option to add people to your account, and audio quality.  

But how does the price and services offered by Netflix compare to other streaming services in Malaysia?   

HBO Go – RM34.90 a month

HBO Go was previously available as part of a package deal to subscribers of satellite television service provider Astro, when it was launched in Malaysia in 2019. From 2020 onwards, we can now subscribe to HBO Go on its own.   

HBO should be no stranger to us. You can usually peruse HBO content on Astro and the brand was known for producing successful long-running TV shows like Law and Order. It is also owned by Warner Brothers, the film company credited for producing the popular Harry Potter and DC superhero films, so you can expect some of these to be on HBO Go as well. Other than that, HBO Go also has its own original series such as Sopranos, Game of Thrones, Succession, and more that are often lauded for its creative quality.  

For those who want to peruse such content, you can subscribe to HBO Go for a price of RM34.90 per month or RM89.90 for three months at a go, which saves you around RM4.90 a month.  

Amazon Prime Video – RM25 a month 

Amazon is one of the biggest e-commerce platforms out there and had branched out into the TV subscription business quite a while back. Amazon users subscribe to Amazon Prime for perks like free delivery, discounts and even access to entertainment programmes with Prime Video.    

There’s also the option to subscribe to only Prime Video as a standalone service. Prime Video made its debut in Malaysia in 2019 and has worked with big names in the entertainment industry to up its content game. Some of the staple shows on Prime Video include The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power, Jackpot and local shows like Housekeeping.

Apple TV+ – RM29.90 a month

Apple TV+ was also launched in Malaysia in 2019 and at times comes as a complimentary added-value service when you sign up for a package such as the Apple Music Student Plan or purchase a device from Apple and other brands like Sony PlayStation. Do note however that you don’t necessarily need an Apple device to subscribe to the streaming service. 

On the platform, you can watch popular series like Ted Lasso, The Morning Show,  Hijack, and Masters of the Air. The Apple TV+ is the only platform that exclusively features original content with no other movie or show selections. Subscription fees for Apple TV+ is RM 29.90 per month after a free seven-day trial.   

Disney+ Hotstar – RM24.90 a month 

Backed by film and TV giants like Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, one can imagine the variety of content you’ll find on the Disney Hotstar platform.   

Feel the creative juices of filmmakers flowing out of Disney, Pixar, and animation studios around the world in shows like The Bear and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and more. Those who can’t get enough of the Marvel universe can watch content on their favourite superheroes on the platform.   

 Since April 2024, Disney+ Hotstar has revamped its pricing plans to offer basic and premium plans. Viewers can subscribe to a basic plan at RM24.90 a month. You can also opt to pay upfront for a year’s subscription at RM214.90 (RM17.90 a month), saving RM83.90 per year. 

Alternatively, there are premium plans at RM39.90 per month, RM79.90 for three months and RM289.90 for a year. The premium plan allows you to log in with up to 10 devices and concurrent streaming on up to three devices.    

Which Streaming Service Should You Get?

In general, HBO shows tend to portray more   serious themes like politics, family drama, and so forth. Netflix has a variety of entertaining content including original reality TV shows, documentaries, and award-winning films many of which are not available outside of the platform. If you are looking for kids-focused or Marvel content, Disney Hotstar would be the choice for you.    

For those who go by the motto ‘the more, the better,’ Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have big collections of movies but do note that the library size may differ according to the plan you subscribe to. Meanwhile, HBO Go and Disney Hotstar also feature iconic movies like Star Wars, the Marvel and Harry Potter franchises that would appeal to specific fans around the world. Apple TV+ only showcases original content that it produces but the service is introduced as a form of accompanying value to Apple users.  

By now, you probably have a rough idea of what each streaming service offers. If you want content that would appeal to all your family members, you can choose a streaming platform that offers more general content. Otherwise, other platforms offer more niche content that may suit more particular preferences.

Read Also: iFlix, iQiyi, Sooka, Viu: Price Guide To Local & Asian Online TV Streaming Subscriptions In Malaysia 

This article was first published on 25 July 2023 and has been updated with the latest information. 

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