The cheapest way to watch Starz without cable

From its humble beginnings as a spin-off of the Encore network to its modern position as a respected producer of original series, Starz has risen to the top of the premium movie channel pack. Thanks to the live TV streaming revolution, you no longer need a cable subscription to enjoy Starz’s programming. 

If you’re cord-cutting, there are plenty of ways to catch up on American Gods, Black Sails, and Outlander, and any online subscription you end up with will come with one of the largest libraries of any streaming service thanks to Starz Encore content. Sure, you can just get the Staz app, but if you already have a streaming service, it might be cheaper and easier to get the channel as an add-on. Here’s everything you need to know for watching Starz without cable. 

How to watch Starz online

1. Starz app

Cost: $9 per month

The cheapest option for subscribing to Starz is to just buy a subscription directly from the company and stream through its app. Starz app is one of the best in the industry; it’s fast, simple to get the hang of, and features rich suggestion options for finding movies in each genre. Heck, Starz even has trailers for most of its movies, something few other movie apps can claim.  

Devices: Kindle Fire devices, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Xbox One, select Sony and Samsung smart TVs, and computer browsers.

2. Amazon Prime

Cost: $99 per year for Amazon Prime + $8.99 per month

If you’re already subscribing to Amazon Prime, picking up a subscription to Starz via its streaming service makes sense. It’s the same cost as Starz app and allows you to access all of Starz content without having to add another app. There’s something to be said for simplifying your life. Plus, you get two-day shipping on your Amazon Prime account and access to Amazon’s library of documentaries, 4K Ultra HD movies, and Amazon originals,

Devices: Smart TVs, Blu-Ray players, Roku, Android TV, TiVo, Amazon Fire TV devices, PlayStation 3 and 4, Xbox 360 and One, iOS, Android, and your desktop browser.

READ MORE:

• The best movies on Amazon Prime
• What’s new on Amazon Prime
• Amazon Prime vs Netflix: Which streaming service is the best?

3. Sling TV

Cost: $20-$40 per month for Sling TV + $9 per month

Viewers looking to watch Starz and recreate the basics of their cable package without the long-term commitment will find a lot to love with Sling TV. Its basic package gives viewers 30 premium cable channels like CNN, AMC, and BBC America, along with local channels in select markets. If you’re looking to watch AMC online and have live TV streaming, this is your best option. It even comes with on-demand programming.

Devices: Roku, Amazon Fire devices, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Android TV, Xiaomi, LG or Samsung smart TVs, iOS or Android, a computer, and Xbox One

READ MORE:

• The 10 best movies on Starz
• 40 incredible movies you can watch for free online
• The best movie apps for every budget

4. DirecTV Now

Cost: $35-$70 per month for DirecTV Now + $8 per month

If you don’t mind paying a little more per month and want the closest thing to a traditional cable package, DirecTV Now is for you. Its basic tiered package comes with 60-plus live channels of TV for $35 per month, but AT&T Unlimited customers receive a $25 per month discount, which makes it the best deal in the business. DirecTV Now’s grid system interface will be instantly familiar to anyone who’s ever had cable. Along with live TV streaming, you get access to DirecTV Now’s on-demand programming, giving you the same functionality of the Starz app.

Devices: Amazon devices, Roku, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS and Android, browsers, and Chromecast

5. Hulu

Cost: $7.99-$11.99 per month for Hulu

A selection of Starz programming is available with a standard Hulu subscription, available either without ads ($11.99/month) or with ads ($7.99/month), but you won’t be able to watch American Gods or the new season of Black Sails, and you won’t be able to access Starz’s movie library. Instead, you get hits like Power, Party Down, Black Sails, and Camelot. There are only five Starz shows streaming, but if you already subscribe to Hulu and, god forbid, you’ve never seen Power, there’s no reason not to check it out. Alternatively, you can subscribe to Hulu with Live TV, which is exactly what it sounds like. It costs $39.99 per month and comes with a limited Hulu subscription, unlocking the aforementioned Starz shows as well as on-demand movies, shows, documentaries, anime, and must-see Hulu originals.

Devices: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire devices, Chromecast, Xbox 360 and One, PlayStation 3 and 4, Android TV, iOS, Android, and your web browser.

READ MORE:

• Hulu vs Netflix: Which streaming service is right for you?
• The best movies on Hulu
• 12 must-see Hulu originals

Editor’s note: This article is regularly updated for relevance. 

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