Gone are the days when Singaporean viewers relied solely on cable TV or DVDs for entertainment. In 2025, streaming has become the go-to source for films, series, and even live content, offering unprecedented convenience, variety, and personalisation. The streaming scene in Singapore is booming, with global giants like Netflix and Disney+ maintaining strong footholds, while regional and niche players such as Viu and meWATCH continue to grow in influence.
Key developments this year include the rise of ad-supported tiers for budget-conscious viewers, more aggressive bundling from local telcos like Singtel TV+ and StarHub TV+, and an increase in premium original content across platforms. With so many options available, choosing the right streaming service depends largely on personal preferences, device ecosystem, and price sensitivity.
Let’s break down the major contenders and see who’s winning the great stream-off in Singapore this July.
Ranking Criteria Explained
To give you the clearest picture, our rankings consider:
- Content Library: Variety, exclusivity, and strength in local/regional content.
- Pricing & Value: Cost across tiers, especially for households, and any existing bundle offers.
- User Experience (UX): Interface quality, ease of discovery, and the presence or absence of intrusive ads.
- Technical Performance: Stream quality (HD/4K), audio fidelity, and buffering/stability.
- Device Compatibility: Whether it works well across TVs, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and streaming devices.
The Heavyweights
1. Netflix – Best for All-Round Entertainment
Pros:
- Massive global content library featuring Hollywood hits, anime, K-dramas, and original series.
- Localised content selection tailored for Singapore.
- Slick user interface and exceptional recommendation engine.
Cons:
- Recent price hikes.
- Ads in the Basic with Ads plan can interrupt viewing.
Highlights This Month: The Sandman Season 2, Happy Gilmore 2, and the long-awaited finale of Squid Game.
Price: From SGD $6.98/month (with ads) to SGD $20.98/month (4K Premium).
Best For: Viewers who want variety, quality, and consistent updates.
External Link: Netflix Singapore Plans and Pricing
2. Disney+ – Best for Families and Franchise Fans
Pros:
- Rich catalogue from Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Disney Animation, and National Geographic.
- Increasingly diversified content with titles like Shōgun and ZOMBIES 4.
- Clean interface and multiple profiles for families.
Cons:
- Lacks some Hulu/ESPN titles available in the U.S.
- Slightly skewed towards family-friendly or PG content.
Highlights This Month: Ironheart series finale, new episodes of Bluey.
Price: SGD $11.98/month (no ads tier in Singapore yet).
Best For: Families, Marvel fans, and lovers of major franchises.
3. Max (formerly HBO Go) – Best for Prestige TV and New Films
Pros:
- Strong line-up of HBO originals and Warner Bros. films.
- Quality-over-quantity model with top-tier series like The Gilded Age and Sinners.
- Enhanced 4K streaming experience.
Cons:
- Smaller library.
- One of the more expensive platforms.
Price: SGD $13.98/month via StarHub or meWATCH subscription.
Best For: Drama lovers, cinephiles, and fans of sophisticated content.
Niche and Value Leaders
4. Amazon Prime Video – Best Value with a Growing Library
Pros:
- Free with Amazon Prime subscription (SGD $2.99/month).
- Increasing catalogue of originals (The Summer I Turned Pretty S3, Heads of State).
- Offline downloads and wide device support.
Cons:
- Interface can feel dated.
- Recommendation engine less effective.
Best For: Bargain hunters, Prime shoppers, and niche drama lovers.
5. Viu – Best for Korean and Asian Drama Lovers
Pros:
- Timely access to latest K-dramas, C-dramas, and Thai series.
- Ad-supported free tier.
- Subtitles in multiple languages.
Cons:
- Focused mainly on Asian content.
- Ads can be repetitive on free plan.
Highlights: Our Generation, The First Night with the Duke, Boys II Planet.
Price: Free with ads; SGD $7.98/month for Premium.
Best For: Fans of Asian dramas, variety shows, and fast episode drops.
6. Apple TV+ – Best for Quality Over Quantity
Pros:
- Critically acclaimed originals (Foundation S3, Acapulco S4).
- 4K HDR and Spatial Audio as standard.
- Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem.
Cons:
- Smaller library.
- No free ad-supported version.
Price: SGD $9.98/month (3 months free with new Apple device).
Best For: Apple users, prestige TV fans, and tech-savvy viewers.
Local Favourites & Specialised Services
7. meWATCH – Best for Local Singaporean Content
Pros:
- Free tier with access to Mediacorp content.
- Local news, drama, and live shows.
Cons:
- Interface is clunky compared to global services.
- Limited international titles.
Price: Free with ads; Premium starts at SGD $5.98/month.
Best For: Viewers looking for Singaporean TV shows and public broadcasting.
External Link: meWATCH by Mediacorp
iQIYI – Best for Chinese Dramas and Variety Shows
Pros:
- Large selection of Mandarin-language dramas and variety shows.
- Some anime and Southeast Asian content.
Cons:
- Niche appeal.
- Subtitles may not be available for all content.
Best For: Mandarin-speaking audiences and C-drama fans.
Crunchyroll – Best for Anime Enthusiasts
Pros:
- One of the largest anime libraries globally.
- Simulcasts available shortly after Japanese release.
- 1080p streaming with premium.
Cons:
- Highly niche.
- Limited non-anime offerings.
Best For: Hardcore anime fans and manga readers.
10. Hotstar – Best for Indian Content
Pros:
- Comprehensive Hindi and Tamil TV shows, films, and live cricket.
- Affordable price point.
Cons:
- Very niche for Indian language audiences.
Best For: Indian expats and those wanting regional content from India.
Special Mentions & Emerging Trends
Telco Bundles
Local providers like Singtel TV+ and StarHub TV+ now offer bundles combining broadband, mobile, and multiple streaming services at discounted prices. For example, StarHub’s “Entertainment+” package includes Netflix, Disney+, and HBO content starting from around SGD $40/month.
Ad-Supported Tiers Rising
Netflix, Viu, and even Apple (rumoured) are pushing ad-supported tiers to attract users sensitive to subscription fatigue. This tier may offer lower prices at the expense of a smooth viewing experience.
Live Sports on Streaming
MAX (via Bleacher Report) and Apple TV+ (MLB, MLS) are testing the waters of live sports integration—an area to watch for Singaporean sports fans.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Perfect Stream
There is no single “best” service—it all depends on your needs:
- Best for Variety: Netflix
- Best for Families & Franchises: Disney+
- Best for Drama & Prestige: Max
- Best for K-Drama & Asian Content: Viu
- Best for Budget Seekers: Amazon Prime Video
- Best for Local Content: meWATCH
- Best for Anime: Crunchyroll
As streaming continues to evolve, Singapore’s scene is becoming more competitive, diverse, and consumer-friendly. Whether you’re a Marvel die-hard, K-drama addict, indie film lover, or just in it for the sports—there’s a stream for you.
Happy watching, Singapore!