When it comes to choosing a streaming service, two platforms that often come up are STARZ and DAZN. While both offer unique content, they cater to entirely different audiences, making it important to understand what each one delivers before making a decision.

STARZ is a premium entertainment platform that specializes in movies, TV series, and exclusive original content. Whether you’re a fan of dramatic series, action-packed films, or binge-worthy TV shows, STARZ provides a rich library that focuses on scripted entertainment.

It’s the perfect service for viewers looking for high-quality films and original series to watch on-demand, without being tied to a live broadcast schedule.

On the other hand, DAZN is a sports-centric streaming platform that focuses primarily on live sports events. From boxing and MMA to soccer and golf, DAZN is built for sports fans who crave real-time action and want to follow their favorite teams, players, and athletes. Unlike STARZ, which thrives on on-demand content, DAZN is all about live broadcasts, replays, and sports highlights.

This comparison will help you understand the key differences between these two services, so you can decide which one best suits your entertainment or sports viewing preferences.

Overview of STARZ

STARZ is a well-known streaming service that began as a cable TV network before transitioning to a digital platform. It is primarily focused on providing a mix of movies, TV series, and original content. Whether you’re in the mood for a gripping crime drama, a thrilling action film, or a high-stakes period piece, STARZ delivers a wide variety of on-demand entertainment.

The platform stands out with its exclusive original programming, such as Outlander, Power, and American Gods. It has carved out a niche with strong, character-driven stories and an ever-evolving film catalog. If you’re a fan of binge-watching TV shows or enjoying a new movie release, STARZ is a service worth considering.

Overview of DAZN

DAZN, in contrast, is a streaming service that focuses exclusively on sports. It’s designed for sports fans who want to watch live events, replays, and highlights of their favorite games, tournaments, and matches. The platform started by offering boxing content and expanded its coverage to include other major sports, such as MMA, football, soccer, golf, and even some niche sports like snooker.

DAZN stands out by offering flexible subscriptions, making it possible for viewers to watch live sports events without traditional cable TV packages. The platform is built for fans who want the excitement of live matches with the convenience of streaming on their own schedule. However, it’s important to note that DAZN’s primary appeal is its live broadcasting of events. Unlike STARZ, it does not focus on movies or scripted shows.

Content Offerings

The main difference between STARZ and DAZN comes down to the type of content they offer.

STARZ: A World of Entertainment

STARZ offers a robust selection of on-demand entertainment. It focuses heavily on movies and TV series, with an extensive library of titles that include:

• Movies: STARZ’s movie selection spans across different genres, from classic films to the latest releases. You can find action-packed thrillers, romantic comedies, family-friendly movies, and everything in between.
• Original Series: Some of STARZ’s best content comes in the form of its original programming, including Outlander, Power, and American Gods. These series have become fan favorites and give STARZ a unique edge over other streaming platforms.
• Documentaries and Specials: In addition to movies and TV shows, STARZ also offers a collection of documentaries, stand-up comedy specials, and other exclusive content.

While STARZ may not have the sheer volume of content that services like Netflix or Amazon Prime offer, it has built a strong and dedicated fanbase by focusing on high-quality, original content and a solid mix of films.

DAZN: Live Sports for Enthusiasts

DAZN, on the other hand, is tailored for live sports enthusiasts. The platform covers a wide array of sports, with a particular focus on:

• Boxing: DAZN is renowned for its extensive boxing coverage. It broadcasts top-tier boxing matches, from major championship bouts to smaller, more niche events.
• MMA: Alongside boxing, DAZN offers live broadcasts of mixed martial arts (MMA) events, including popular organizations like Bellator.
• Soccer: DAZN has a significant presence in the world of soccer, broadcasting Serie A and La Liga matches, along with other leagues and international tournaments.
• Other Sports: DAZN also covers golf, motorsports, and other live events, ensuring it appeals to a wide range of sports fans.

What makes DAZN unique is that it allows users to watch live sporting events from anywhere, which makes it a strong alternative to traditional pay-per-view or cable sports packages. It doesn’t cater to the movie or TV show crowd but instead doubles down on being a comprehensive live sports streaming platform.

User Experience and Interface

STARZ

When it comes to the user experience on STARZ, the platform provides a fairly straightforward and easy-to-navigate interface. Whether you’re browsing on a desktop, mobile device, or smart TV, users report a generally smooth experience.

The layout is clean and simple, allowing users to quickly find movies, TV shows, and STARZ originals. You can easily manage your subscriptions and track your progress in ongoing series. One of the most praised features is the ability to download content for offline viewing, which is perfect for those who want to watch content on the go or while traveling.

While STARZ’s interface is functional and pleasant, some users have pointed out that the service could improve its performance on certain streaming devices, particularly older smart TVs or streaming boxes. However, for the most part, it offers a stable and enjoyable viewing experience.

DAZN

DAZN’s interface, on the other hand, is built to focus on live sports events. Upon logging in, you’re immediately presented with a schedule of upcoming events, live broadcasts, and popular replays. The interface reflects the time-sensitive nature of the content, offering easy access to live matches and highlighting upcoming games you can look forward to.

For sports fans, this layout is intuitive and convenient. It ensures that users can quickly jump into a live game or see what’s scheduled to air next. However, since DAZN is focused entirely on live content, it doesn’t have the same emphasis on on-demand shows or series that STARZ provides. As a result, its interface is highly specialized but may feel limiting for those who prefer a broader entertainment library.

DAZN’s mobile and web apps are also responsive and work well on most devices. However, because live sports require a strong and stable internet connection, the streaming quality may fluctuate during peak hours or during major events.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing is always a significant factor when choosing between streaming services. Let’s break down how STARZ and DAZN compare on cost.

STARZ Pricing

STARZ is generally considered one of the more affordable premium streaming services available. Typically, the subscription is priced lower than major platforms like HBO Max or Netflix. You can often find promotions, with deals for $5 to $10 per month depending on the region and any available special offers.

What makes STARZ attractive is its affordable pricing and flexible subscription options. You can also subscribe directly through the app, making it easy to manage your subscription without bundling with other services. Additionally, STARZ offers the ability to purchase its subscription as an add-on through services like Amazon Prime Video, which can be convenient for those already subscribed to Amazon.

For movie lovers, TV show enthusiasts, and people who want a steady stream of original programming, STARZ offers a lot of value for a relatively low cost.

DAZN Pricing

In contrast, DAZN tends to be on the pricier side, especially for sports streaming. The service operates on a monthly subscription model, which varies by country and region. For instance, in the United States, DAZN costs around $19.99 per month, while in the UK, it’s priced at approximately £7.99/month for certain sports events, with additional costs for premium events like boxing matches.

For those who follow sports closely, particularly combat sports like boxing, DAZN may represent good value, as it consolidates all the major sporting events into one service, avoiding multiple pay-per-view charges. However, for more casual sports viewers, the cost might feel high, especially given that DAZN doesn’t offer the kind of content diversity that a general streaming platform like STARZ does.

DAZN also offers annual subscription options that provide a slight discount. However, its pricing can vary depending on the events covered in your region, with certain premium events being offered as pay-per-view options.

Customer Support

STARZ Support

STARZ provides a standard support experience for its users. Most issues can be resolved through the app’s help section or via the website, which offers troubleshooting guides and FAQs. Users generally find that customer service is responsive and helpful when problems arise, especially regarding billing inquiries, account management, and streaming issues.

However, like many streaming services, some customers have reported minor issues with account management and login problems. Fortunately, STARZ makes it easy to cancel or modify subscriptions, so it’s user-friendly in that regard.

DAZN Support

DAZN’s customer support tends to be more specialized, given its focus on sports events and live streaming. The platform has a customer service team that can help with issues related to event scheduling, account problems, and streaming quality. Because DAZN is highly focused on live events, technical issues—such as buffering, stream drops, or access issues during key events—tend to be more common and can lead to frustration.

DAZN has been working to improve its customer support, particularly around subscription and billing inquiries, but some users report slow response times during high-demand periods, such as during major sports events.

Pros and Cons

STARZ Pros

• Affordable pricing relative to other premium services.
• Strong collection of original programming.
• Extensive movie selection with new releases and classics.
• Offline viewing available for on-the-go access.
• Easy-to-navigate interface.

STARZ Cons

• Smaller content library compared to platforms like Netflix or HBO.
• No live events, which might be a dealbreaker for sports fans.
• Inconsistent streaming quality on some devices.

DAZN Pros

• Exclusive sports content with a wide range of live events.
• Flexible subscription options, especially for sports fans who prefer avoiding pay-per-view.
• On-demand replays of sports events for later viewing.
• Dedicated sports coverage across boxing, soccer, and more.

DAZN Cons

• Higher cost, especially for casual sports viewers.
• Inconsistent streaming quality during live events, especially at peak times.
• Limited content outside of live sports, which isn’t suitable for non-sports fans.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether STARZ or DAZN is the right streaming service for you ultimately depends on your viewing preferences. If you’re someone who loves movies and TV shows, especially original series like Outlander or Power, STARZ offers great value with a wide variety of on-demand content. Its affordable pricing, easy-to-use interface, and robust library of entertainment make it an excellent choice for casual viewing and binge-watching.

On the other hand, if you’re a sports enthusiast who craves live action and wants to stay up to date with boxing, MMA, soccer, or other live events, DAZN is the go-to platform. DAZN’s strong focus on real-time sports coverage, including exclusive rights to major events, sets it apart from traditional entertainment services.

It’s perfect for viewers who prioritize live broadcasts, replays, and highlights, though its higher subscription cost may be a consideration for casual sports fans.

Ultimately, STARZ is ideal for those seeking quality entertainment on-demand, while DAZN is tailored for viewers looking for live sports excitement. Your decision will depend on whether you want scripted content or a steady stream of live sporting events, but both services bring unique strengths to the table.

FAQs

Which is better for movies and shows?

STARZ is the better choice since it focuses on entertainment.

Which is better for live sports?

DAZN is designed specifically for live sports events and replays.

Is STARZ cheaper than DAZN?

Yes. STARZ is generally more affordable, while DAZN is priced higher due to sports rights.

Do both services offer offline viewing?

STARZ allows offline downloads, while DAZN focuses mainly on live and replay content.

Which service is better for families?

STARZ suits families who enjoy movies and shows, while DAZN suits households that center around sports.