Softwr

Software · head to head

Stitcher vs Criterion Channel

S

Stitcher

Software

Premium podcast subscription service

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Criterion Channel logo

Criterion Channel

Software

Criterion Collection curated films

From
$10.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Stitcher has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Stitcher service discontinued August 29, 2023; Criterion Channel maximum streaming quality is HD, no 4K or Ultra HD
  • They diverge on capability: Stitcher covers Podcast streaming, Criterion Channel covers Criterion films.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Stitcher and Criterion Channel actually diverge.

Attributes where Stitcher and Criterion Channel differ
AttributeStitcherCriterion Channel
Starting priceFree$10.99/month
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-speakersWeb, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox
Founded20071984

Identical on both: 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 Stitcher

  • Podcast streaming
  • Original content
  • Ad-free
  • Offline listening
  • Recommendations
  • Smart speakers
  • Car systems
  • Content controls

Only in Criterion Channel

  • Criterion films
  • 4K restoration
  • Essays
  • Special features
  • Curated selections
  • Smart TVs
  • Streaming devices
  • Content access

Both cover

  • Account security
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

Stitcher

  • Podcast listeningnot Criterion Channel
  • Audio entertainmentnot Criterion Channel

Criterion Channel

  • Streaming classic, foreign, and independent films with curated collections and retrospectivesnot Stitcher
  • Watching filmmaker interviews, commentary tracks, and bonus/supplemental contentnot Stitcher
  • Following themed programming such as double features and director/actor spotlightsnot Stitcher
  • Educational and film-study use due to curated context and extrasnot Stitcher

Where each one falls short

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

Stitcher

  • Service discontinued August 29, 2023
  • No longer available for download or use

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

Stitcher

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Free podcasts
    • Ad-supported
  • Stitcher Premium$4.99/month
    • Ad-free
    • Exclusives

Criterion Channel

$10.99/month
  • Monthly$10.99/month
  • Annual$99.99/year

Which should you pick?

Choose Stitcher if

  • You need podcast streaming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers.
  • You also want original content.
Stitcher review

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.
Criterion Channel review

Questions people ask

Is Stitcher or Criterion Channel better?
Neither clearly leads. Stitcher starts at Free 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, Stitcher or Criterion Channel?
Stitcher has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Stitcher and $10.99/month for Criterion Channel.
Does Stitcher or Criterion Channel run on more platforms?
Stitcher runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers. Criterion Channel runs on Web, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox.
Can I use Stitcher for free?
Yes. Stitcher has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Criterion Channel starts at $10.99/month.
What is Stitcher best used for?
Stitcher is most often used for podcast listening, audio entertainment. Of those, podcast listening and audio entertainment are not what Criterion Channel is typically brought in for.
What can Stitcher do that Criterion Channel cannot?
Stitcher covers Podcast streaming, Original content, Ad-free, Offline listening. Criterion Channel covers Criterion films, 4K restoration, Essays, Special features. Both handle Account security, Web support, Ios support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Stitcher: Is Stitcher still available?

No. Stitcher shut down on August 29, 2023. SiriusXM, which acquired Stitcher in 2020, discontinued the app to consolidate podcasts into its flagship SiriusXM subscription. Users can listen to podcasts via the SiriusXM app instead.

Source
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.

Source
Criterion 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.

Source
Criterion 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.

Source
Criterion 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.

Source
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Stitcher

More on Criterion Channel

Keep looking

Other head to heads