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Entertainment · head to head

Apple TV+ vs Starz

Apple TV+ logo

Apple TV+

Entertainment

Original stories from the most creative minds

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Starz logo

Starz

Entertainment

Premium originals and hit series

From
$6.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Apple TV+ has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Apple TV+ bundle offering states no free trial, discounted offers, or annual plans available at launch; Starz standard monthly rate after 3-month promotion not disclosed on landing page; requires signup to see renewal pricing
  • They diverge on capability: Apple TV+ covers Apple Originals, Starz covers Streaming.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple TV+ and Starz actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple TV+ and Starz differ
AttributeApple TV+Starz
Starting priceFree$6.99/month
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsIos, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, WebWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Roku, Fire-tv
Founded20191994

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Entertainment).

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 Apple TV+

  • Apple Originals
  • 4K HDR
  • Dolby Atmos
  • Family sharing
  • Apple devices
  • Gaming consoles
  • Family sharing controls
  • Parental restrictions

Only in Starz

  • Streaming
  • Original series
  • Movies
  • Exclusive content
  • Streaming devices
  • Account security
  • Parental controls
  • Android support

Both cover

  • Downloads
  • Smart TVs
  • Ios support
  • Smart-tv support
  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apple TV+

  • Streaming exclusive TV shows and moviesnot Starz
  • Sports viewing (Friday Night Baseball, upcoming MLS and Formula 1 content)not Starz
  • Ad-free entertainmentnot Starz

Starz

  • Drama streamingnot Apple TV+
  • Original series watchingnot Apple TV+

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apple TV+

  • Bundle offering states no free trial, discounted offers, or annual plans available at launch
  • Only 3 months free with Apple TV 4K hardware purchase, not a standalone free option

Starz

  • Standard monthly rate after 3-month promotion not disclosed on landing page; requires signup to see renewal pricing

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple TV+

Free
  • Standard$12.99/month
    • 7-day free trial
    • Hundreds of exclusive shows and movies
    • New releases every week
  • Apple TV Plus with Peacock Bundle$14.99/month
    • Apple TV Plus (Premium tier)
    • Peacock Premium or Premium Plus
    • Save over 30% vs individual subscriptions

Starz

$6.99/month
  • Standard$6.99/month
    • HD
    • Ad-supported
  • Premium$12.99/month
    • 4K
    • Ad-free
    • Downloads

Which should you pick?

Choose Apple TV+ if

  • You need apple originals.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ios, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web.
  • You also want 4k hdr.
Apple TV+ review

Choose Starz if

  • You need streaming.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Roku, Fire-tv.
  • You also want original series.
Starz review

Questions people ask

Is Apple TV+ or Starz better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple TV+ starts at Free and Starz at $6.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple TV+ or Starz?
Apple TV+ has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Apple TV+ and $6.99/month for Starz.
Does Apple TV+ or Starz run on more platforms?
Apple TV+ runs on Ios, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web. Starz runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Roku, Fire-tv.
Can I use Apple TV+ for free?
Yes. Apple TV+ has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Starz starts at $6.99/month.
What is Apple TV+ best used for?
Apple TV+ is most often used for streaming exclusive tv shows and movies, sports viewing (friday night baseball, upcoming mls and formula 1 content), ad-free entertainment. Of those, streaming exclusive tv shows and movies and sports viewing (friday night baseball, upcoming mls and formula 1 content) are not what Starz is typically brought in for.
What can Apple TV+ do that Starz cannot?
Apple TV+ covers Apple Originals, 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, Family sharing. Starz covers Streaming, Original series, Movies, Exclusive content. Both handle Downloads, Smart TVs, Ios support, Smart-tv support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apple TV+: How much does Apple TV Plus cost?

Apple TV Plus costs $12.99 per month after a 7-day free trial. The bundle with Peacock starts at $14.99 per month for combined access, saving over 30% compared to individual subscriptions.

Source
Starz: What is the current STARZ subscription cost?

STARZ offers a limited-time promotional rate of $4 per month for the first three months. The standard monthly rate after this period is not displayed on the website and appears during signup.

Source
Apple TV+: Does Apple TV Plus offer a free trial?

Yes, Apple TV Plus includes a 7-day free trial before the $12.99 monthly subscription begins. The trial does not require a credit card. The bundle with Peacock offers no free trial or discounted introductory offers.

Source
Starz: How many devices can stream simultaneously on STARZ?

STARZ subscriptions allow streaming on up to 4 devices at the same time, with unlimited HD streaming and downloads included.

Source
Apple TV+: Can I share my Apple TV Plus subscription with family members?

Yes, Apple TV Plus lets you share your subscription with up to five family members for free through Apple's family sharing feature, allowing multiple household members to watch on different devices simultaneously.

Source
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