In the ever-growing world of streaming services, Disney+ and STARZ stand out as two of the most popular options, each offering unique content and features.

Disney+, launched in 2019 by The Walt Disney Company, has quickly become a household name with its vast library of family-friendly movies, iconic franchises like Marvel and Star Wars, and exclusive original shows.

Whether you’re into animated classics, blockbuster superhero films, or documentaries, Disney+ has something for everyone, making it a top choice for families and fans of big-budget franchises.

On the other hand, STARZ offers a more niche but highly engaging catalog, catering primarily to adult audiences with a range of hit original series like Outlander and Power, along with a solid selection of movies.

While it may not have the same breadth as Disney+, STARZ is known for its unique and compelling content that appeals to viewers looking for drama, thrillers, and action-packed stories.

But with so many options in the streaming world, which service truly offers the most value for your money? In this comprehensive comparison of STARZ vs Disney+, we’ll explore everything from pricing and content offerings to features and customer support, helping you decide which service is the best fit for your entertainment needs.

Disney+ Overview

Launched in 2019 by The Walt Disney Company, Disney+ quickly became one of the top streaming services globally, thanks to its vast library of content from beloved brands such as Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, and National Geographic.

The service also made a big splash by offering exclusive original content, including series like The Mandalorian and WandaVision, drawing in millions of subscribers.

Disney+ is primarily geared toward family-friendly content, but its catalog also includes plenty of options for adults, especially with its Marvel and Star Wars properties. Whether you’re into animated films, superhero blockbusters, or nature documentaries, Disney+ has something for everyone. Plus, it offers 4K and HDR content with its higher-tier plans.

STARZ Overview

In comparison, STARZ (owned by Lionsgate) is a more niche player in the streaming world, focusing on providing a library of original programming, movies, and series that often cater to adult viewers. While it’s not as massive as Disney+, STARZ has built a solid reputation with hit original series like Outlander, Power, and Heels. It also offers a vast array of movies, including recent blockbusters and timeless classics.

Unlike Disney+, which focuses on a broad, family-centric library, STARZ appeals more to viewers who want to explore adult drama, action, and suspense genres. However, its overall content library is smaller compared to Disney+, and it doesn’t have the same level of brand recognition.

Features Comparison: Disney+ vs STARZ

Disney+ Features

• Content Library: Disney+ offers an extensive library of movies and TV shows from major franchises like Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic. The service also offers a growing list of original series, documentaries, and specials. The catalog is especially strong for families with kids, as Disney has a long legacy of family-friendly content.

• Streaming Quality: Disney+ supports streaming in 4K and HDR for select titles, offering a high-quality viewing experience for those with compatible devices. This is a significant advantage for viewers who enjoy crisp visuals and want to make the most of their premium content.

• Multiple Device Support: Disney+ supports a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, mobile devices, gaming consoles, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast. The service allows streaming on up to four devices at the same time, which is a great perk for households with multiple users.

• Simultaneous Streaming: With Disney+, you can stream content on up to four devices at the same time, making it a great option for families or households with multiple users.

• Offline Viewing: Disney+ allows users to download content for offline viewing, which is perfect for watching on the go when you don’t have access to an internet connection.

STARZ Features

• Content Library: While smaller than Disney+, STARZ offers a selection of high-quality movies, including recent releases and popular titles. The service is particularly known for its original series like Outlander, Heels, and Power. While STARZ doesn’t have the same expansive catalog as Disney+, it’s a great choice for viewers who enjoy adult-oriented dramas and thrillers.

• Streaming Quality: STARZ supports HD streaming but does not offer 4K or HDR content like Disney+. For viewers with high expectations for video quality, this may be a downside, but it’s still a solid option for standard HD content.

• Device Support: STARZ supports a range of devices, including smart TVs, mobile devices, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. However, it’s worth noting that some users report less stability with the STARZ app, with occasional issues related to buffering or app crashes.

• Simultaneous Streaming: STARZ allows streaming on up to four devices at the same time, similar to Disney+. This makes it a decent choice for larger households or people who want to share their subscriptions.

• Offline Viewing: STARZ also offers offline viewing, allowing users to download content and watch it without an internet connection. This is a nice feature for those who travel frequently.

Pricing Comparison: Disney+ vs STARZ

Pricing is one of the most crucial factors when choosing a streaming service, especially when you’re comparing two platforms that offer different types of content.

Disney+ Pricing

Disney+ offers several subscription plans to cater to different budgets and viewing preferences. In the U.S., the service has three main options:

• Ad-supported plan: $7.99 per month
• Ad-free plan: $10.99 per month
• Premium ad-free plan (with 4K content): $15.99 per month

Disney+ also offers bundle options with other Disney-owned services. For example, the Disney Bundle includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for $19.99 per month (with ads), or $24.99 per month for the ad-free version.

In international markets, Disney+ offers competitive pricing, and in countries like India, you can get a lower-cost version of Disney+ through the Disney+ Hotstar platform, with plans starting at ₹299 per month for the ad-free version.

STARZ Pricing

In the U.S., STARZ offers two main pricing options:

• Standard plan: $8.99 per month
• Annual plan: $74.99 per year (which brings the monthly cost to about $6.25)

In India and other international markets, STARZ is available through third-party services or as part of certain add-ons with other streaming platforms, so pricing can vary.

Which is More Affordable?

If you’re primarily concerned with price, STARZ is the cheaper option in most markets. Disney+ offers more content, especially for families, but it comes with a higher price tag, particularly if you opt for the ad-free version or the premium 4K plan. If you’re on a budget and only interested in specific content, STARZ might offer better value, but Disney+ provides more overall content for a slightly higher price.

Customer Support Comparison: Disney+ vs STARZ

The customer support experience can make or break your overall satisfaction with a streaming service. Both Disney+ and STARZ offer standard support channels, including help centers, FAQs, and live chat, but there are differences in user feedback.

Disney+ Customer Support

Disney+ generally has a solid reputation for customer service. The company offers multiple ways to reach support, including live chat and social media channels. However, some users have complained about response times and difficulty getting issues resolved, especially when it comes to billing or account issues. For example, customers have occasionally reported issues with login problems or difficulty managing subscriptions.

STARZ Customer Support

STARZ customer support tends to receive more mixed reviews. While the service offers a help center and live chat, users have reported longer wait times and less satisfaction with the support experience. Some customers have experienced technical issues with the app, and the customer service team has been slow to resolve these problems. Additionally, STARZ’s smaller scale means there are fewer resources dedicated to support compared to larger platforms like Disney+.

Pros and Cons: Disney+ vs STARZ

Disney+ Pros

• Extensive Content Library: Disney+ has a massive catalog of content, including movies and TV shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.
• Family-Friendly Focus: If you have kids or enjoy family-friendly content, Disney+ is the perfect option.
• High-Quality Streaming: Disney+ offers 4K and HDR content, making it ideal for those who want the best possible picture quality.
• Multiple Device Support: Disney+ supports a wide range of devices and allows simultaneous streaming on up to four devices.

Disney+ Cons

• Higher Price: Disney+ can be more expensive, especially if you choose the ad-free plan or bundle it with other services.
• Limited Third-Party Content: Disney+ focuses primarily on its own content, which may not appeal to those looking for more variety.

STARZ Pros

• Lower Price: STARZ is typically more affordable than Disney+ on a monthly basis.
• Strong Original Programming: STARZ has a selection of popular original series like Outlander and Power.
• Wide Movie Selection: The platform offers a solid selection of movies, including recent blockbusters.

STARZ Cons

• Smaller Content Library: Compared to Disney+, STARZ’s content library is much smaller, and it lacks family-friendly options.
• Streaming Quality: STARZ doesn’t offer 4K or HDR content, which may be disappointing for viewers who want the highest video quality.
• App Issues: Some users have reported problems with the STARZ app, including buffering issues and crashes.

Conclusion: Which Streaming Service is Right for You?

Choosing between STARZ and Disney+ ultimately depends on your viewing habits, budget, and the type of content you enjoy.

If you’re a fan of big-budget blockbusters, iconic franchises, and family-friendly entertainment, Disney+ is likely the better choice. With its extensive library of content from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, it offers a wide variety of movies and TV shows, making it a great option for families and fans of major franchises. Disney+ also supports high-quality streaming options, including 4K and HDR for select titles, and allows for multiple device streaming, making it a versatile choice for households.

However, if you’re more interested in adult-oriented programming, original series, and movies that focus on drama, thrillers, and action, STARZ could be the service for you. While its catalog isn’t as extensive as Disney+’s, STARZ excels in its original content, such as Outlander and Power, and offers a more affordable price point for those who are selective about their entertainment. It’s a good option if you prefer a smaller, more niche offering without the need for a broad selection of family-friendly content.

In short, if you’re looking for a service that offers a broad range of family-friendly entertainment and big-name franchises, Disney+ is the way to go. If you’re after unique adult programming and a more affordable option, STARZ might be the better fit.

FAQs

What’s the best choice for families?

Disney+ is ideal for families with its extensive library of kid-friendly content.

Which platform is cheaper?

STARZ is generally more affordable than Disney+ on a month-to-month basis.

Does Disney+ offer 4K content?

Yes, Disney+ offers 4K and HDR support on select titles.

What kind of original series does STARZ offer?

STARZ is known for adult dramas like Outlander, Power, and Heels.

Which service has better streaming quality?

Disney+ offers higher-quality streaming with 4K and HDR support, while STARZ is limited to HD.