Software · head to head
Shudder vs Criterion Channel
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Shudder subscription auto-renews unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period, per the App Store listing; Criterion Channel maximum streaming quality is HD, no 4K or Ultra HD
- They diverge on capability: Shudder covers Horror content, Criterion Channel covers Criterion films.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Shudder and Criterion Channel actually diverge.
| Attribute | Shudder | Criterion Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $5.99/month | $10.99/month |
| Pricing model | subscription | Unknown |
| Platforms | Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Roku, Fire-tv | Web, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox |
| Founded | 2015 | 1984 |
Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Shudder
- Horror content
- Thrillers
- Original series
- Exclusive films
- Watchlist
- Parental controls
- Fire-tv support
Only in Criterion Channel
- Criterion films
- 4K restoration
- Essays
- Special features
- Curated selections
- Content access
Both cover
- Smart TVs
- Streaming devices
- Account security
- Web support
- Ios support
- Android support
- Smart-tv support
- Roku support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Shudder
- Horror streamingnot Criterion Channel
- Thriller watchingnot Criterion Channel
Criterion Channel
- Streaming classic, foreign, and independent films with curated collections and retrospectivesnot Shudder
- Watching filmmaker interviews, commentary tracks, and bonus/supplemental contentnot Shudder
- Following themed programming such as double features and director/actor spotlightsnot Shudder
- Educational and film-study use due to curated context and extrasnot Shudder
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Shudder
- Subscription auto-renews unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period, per the App Store listing
- Default subscription length is 1 month, billed and renewed on a rolling monthly basis, per the App Store listing
Criterion Channel
- Maximum streaming quality is HD, no 4K or Ultra HD
- No PlayStation 4 app available
- HDCP compatibility issues reported on some devices like Chromebooks and Xbox One
- No live chat or phone support for customer service
- Limited library compared to mainstream services like Netflix and Hulu
Pricing, plan by plan
Shudder
$5.99/month- Basic$5.99/month
- HD
- 1 device
- Premium$8.99/month
- 4K
- 4 devices
Criterion Channel
$10.99/month- Monthly$10.99/month
- Annual$99.99/year
Which should you pick?
Choose Shudder if
- You need horror content.
- You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Roku, Fire-tv.
- You also want thrillers.
Choose Criterion Channel if
- You need criterion films.
- You work on Web, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox.
- You also want 4k restoration.
Questions people ask
- Is Shudder or Criterion Channel better?
- Neither clearly leads. Shudder starts at $5.99/month and Criterion Channel at $10.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Shudder or Criterion Channel?
- Shudder starts at $5.99/month and Criterion Channel at $10.99/month.
- Does Shudder or Criterion Channel run on more platforms?
- Shudder runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Roku, Fire-tv. Criterion Channel runs on Web, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox.
- What is Shudder best used for?
- Shudder is most often used for horror streaming, thriller watching. Of those, horror streaming and thriller watching are not what Criterion Channel is typically brought in for.
- What can Shudder do that Criterion Channel cannot?
- Shudder covers Horror content, Thrillers, Original series, Exclusive films. Criterion Channel covers Criterion films, 4K restoration, Essays, Special features. Both handle Smart TVs, Streaming devices, Account security, Web support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Criterion Channel: Can I watch Criterion Channel offline?
No, Criterion Channel requires an active internet connection for streaming. The service does not offer offline viewing or download capabilities.
SourceCriterion Channel: What devices does Criterion Channel work on?
Criterion Channel works on Amazon Fire TV, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, and Xbox. There is no PlayStation app or dedicated mobile app for iOS/Android.
SourceCriterion Channel: How much does Criterion Channel cost?
Criterion Channel costs $10.99/month or $99.99/year with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.
SourceCriterion Channel: What is the maximum video quality on Criterion Channel?
Criterion Channel streams in HD quality only. The service does not offer 4K or Ultra HD resolution.
SourceRelated pages
More on Criterion Channel
Keep looking
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