Starz vs Showtime: Which Premium Channel is Better in 2026

Comparing Starz and Showtime, two popular premium channels, on price, content selection, platforms, simultaneous streams allowed, and more. Includes pros and cons of each to help viewers decide the better option.Starz and Showtime have been top premium cable competitors for years. With the rise of streaming wars, these channels now also compete with digital platforms.

As cord-cutting shifts viewer habits, Starz and Showtime adapt their offerings for streaming audiences. Despite having fewer titles than leading services like Netflix or Hulu, their focused content and branding keeps subscribers loyal.

#Key Differences Between Starz and Showtime

• Price: Starz is $8.99/month standalone. Showtime is $10.99/month standalone, but often discounted or bundled.

• Content Library: Starz has over 1,000 titles. Showtime has around 500 titles.

• Original Hits: Showtime is ahead on flagship original series, while Starz leads in movie selection.

• Sports: Showtime includes sports like boxing and MMA events. Starz does not.

• Simultaneous Streams: Starz allows 4 streams at once. Showtime allows 3.

• Free Trial: Starz offers 7-day free trial. Showtime offers 30-days free to new subscribers.

#Brief Background

Showtime started in 1976, focusing on premium movies and events. Original hits like Dexter, Homeland and Billions grew its prestige. Recent addition of Yellowjackets and revival series saw more subscribers than ever.

Starz began in 1994, building a niche with movie channels and genres like Starz Encore. Flagship shows like Outlander, Power and Gaslit now attract A-list stars alongside its Cinemax movie offerings.

#How Do Starz and Showtime Compare?

Below examines the two premium channels across key factors like cost, features, content and more.

#Pricing and Packages

• Starz: $8.99/month standalone (cancel guide)

• Showtime: $10.99/month standalone

Showtime is priced slightly higher than Starz for standalone streaming access. However, Showtime often offers discounts or bundles with other streaming services:

• Showtime + Paramount+ Bundle: $11.99/month

• Amazon Prime members can add on Showtime for just $10.99 more per month

• Special limited time promotions dropping price to $3.99/month

So in reality, Showtime matches or beats Starz pricing with the right package.

#Content Libraries

• **Starz:**Over 1,000 movies & shows

• Showtime: Around 500 movies & shows

For volume of content, Starz wins hands down. But Showtime counters with higher concentration of buzzworthy original series.

Showtime originals like Yellowjackets, Dexter: New Blood, Billions and Your Honor generate plenty of watercooler discussion. The Showtime back catalog also includes hit shows like Homeland, The Affair and Shameless.

Meanwhile, Starz earns more acclaim for its movie library than originals. Exceptions like Outlander, Power Universe shows and Gaslit still drive subscriptions. More series catered for female viewers are coming soon.

#Live Events and Sports

Advantage Showtime here. Its premium channel includes live sports like boxing matches, MMA events and stand up comedy specials. Starz focuses squarely on movies and TV series.

#Supported Devices

No clear winner – both Starz and Showtime support an extensive list of platforms:

• Android and iOS devices

• Top streaming devices like Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV

• Game consoles like PS5 and Xbox One

• Web browser access on laptops and desktops

The Starz app can be downloaded across phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs and more for full access including Apple TV, Sling TV, DIRECTV, DISH, and other platforms.

#Simultaneous Streams Allowed

• Starz: 4 streams

• Showtime: 3 streams

Starz enables an extra simultaneous stream – a plus for households juggling multiple viewers.

#Offline Viewing

Both Starz and Showtime allow downloading select movies and shows to watch offline later. Helpful for planes, road trips or other times lacking internet.

#Free Trial Options

• Starz: 7 days free

• Showtime: 30 days free

Showtime tempts new users with a full month risk-free. Starz still offers a week to test the waters.

#Starz Pros and Cons

Pros

• Inexpensive at $8.99/month

• 1000+ movies and shows to choose from

• Allows 4 simultaneous streams

• Downloads for offline viewing

• Strong movie library

Cons

• Original series can’t compete with Showtime

• No sports programming

• Limited 4K or UHD content

#Showtime Pros and Cons

Pros

• Prestigious original series like Yellowjackets, Dexter etc.

• Live sports including boxing, MMA events & comedy specials

• 30 day free trial for new subscribers

• Bundled often with Paramount+

Cons

• Slightly more expensive at $10.99/month standalone

• Smaller content library around 500 titles

• Only 3 simultaneous streams allowed

#Which is Better – Starz or Showtime?

For premium originals and buzzy new shows, Showtime holds the edge. Subscribers rave over hits like Yellowjackets and Your Honor. Boxing fans also lean Showtime.

However, Starz usually wins on cost and overall content volume. Having 1000+ movies and shows with a cheaper $8.99/month price sways many cord cutters. The extra simultaneous stream permitted is nice too.

In truth, it often comes down to personal programming taste. Both Starz and Showtime offer quality entertainment options without the overload facing larger streamers nowadays.

#FAQs About Starz and Showtime

#Which has more shows and movies, Starz or Showtime?

Starz has the larger content library with over 1,000 titles across movies and series. Showtime offers around 500 movies and original shows.

#What’s cheaper, Starz or Showtime?

Starz stands at $8.99/month for a standalone streaming subscription. Showtime costs $10.99/month on its own, but is commonly bundled with Paramount+ for $11.99 total. Amazon Prime members can also add Showtime for $10.99/month on top of their existing membership.

#Does Showtime or Starz have better original series?

Among critics and fans, Showtime edges out Starz for prestige around top original shows. Hits like Yellowjackets, Dexter, Shameless and Billions generate plenty buzz. Outlander is Starz’s flagship series success.

#Can I watch sports on Starz or Showtime?

Only Showtime includes live sporting events like championship boxing, Bellator MMA and stand up comedy specials on its premium channel lineup. Starz focuses exclusively on movies and TV series.

#How many screens can stream at the same time?

Starz allows up to 4 simultaneous streams on a single account, while Showtime caps it at 3. For larger households with multiple viewers, that extra stream on Starz can make a real difference.

#Do Starz and Showtime offer free trials?

Showtime gives new subscribers a generous 30-day free trial to explore the full library. Starz offers a shorter 7-day trial, though it occasionally runs limited-time promotions that drop the monthly price to just a few dollars.

#Can I download content for offline viewing on both services?

Yes, both Starz and Showtime let you download select movies and shows through their mobile apps. This works well for flights, commutes, or anywhere you lack a reliable internet connection.

This comparison covers the key differences between Starz and Showtime to help you activate Starz and guide your decision. Both premium channels still offer focused, quality programming that stands out amidst peak TV era overload.