Rated 7+ IMDb · 70%+ RT Little-known finds Curated by humans
Rated 7+ IMDb · 70%+ RT Little-known finds Curated by humans
Starz and AMC+ share more similarities than differences. They both produce original shows that often get cult-status fame (Power and Interview with the Vampire, anyone?), and they’re both available as Amazon Prime add-ons. But they also differ in significant ways. AMC+, despite being cheaper, has a breadth of content from sister channels like Shudder and IFC Films. Meanwhile, Starz has partnered with multiple film studios to feature blockbusters and indies alike. So which is better? We try to answer that question in our breakdown below.
| Feature | StarzOur pick | AMC+ |
|---|---|---|
| Base price | $11.99/mo | $6.99/mo |
| Free trial | None | 7 days |
| Try Starz | Try AMC+ free for 7 days |
If you just want the lowest possible bill, here is exactly what each service’s cheapest plan gets you.
| Feature | Starz Starz | AMC+ With Ads |
|---|---|---|
| Price / month | $11.99 | $6.99 |
| Annual Price | $69.99 | – |
| New User Deal | 73% off 1st month | – |
| Streams at Home | 4 | 5 |
| Streams Outside Home | 4 | 5 |
| Profiles | 5 | 1 |
| Max Quality | 1080p | 720p |
| Audio | 5.1 surround sound | Standard stereo |
| Min. Speed | 6 Mbps | 3 Mbps |
| Get Starz → | Get With Ads → |
| Starz 1 plan | AMC+ 2 plans | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheapest Starz | Cheapest With Ads | Ad-Free | |
| Price / month | $11.99 | $6.99 | $9.99 |
| Annual Price | $69.99 | – | $95.88 |
| New User Deal | 73% off 1st month | – | – |
| Streams at Home | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Streams Outside Home | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Profiles | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| Max Quality | 1080p | 720p | 720p |
| Audio | 5.1 surround sound | Standard stereo | Standard stereo |
| Min. Speed | 6 Mbps | 3 Mbps | 3 Mbps |
| Get plan → | Get plan → | Get plan → | |
Also available as an add-on on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Roku
Both services support most major devices. Here’s a breakdown based on the device apps each service lists.
| Device / Platform | Starz | AMC+ |
|---|---|---|
| Airplay | ✓ | Not listed |
| Amazon Fire TV | ✓ | Not listed |
| Android TV | ✓ | Not listed |
| Apple TV | ✓ | Not listed |
| LG TV | ✓ | Not listed |
| Roku | ✓ | ✓ |
| Samsung TV | ✓ | Not listed |
| Xbox | ✓ | Not listed |
| iOS | ✓ | Not listed |
“Not listed” means the service doesn’t list an app for that device; it may still work via casting or a browser.
AMC+ starts at $6.99/month, while Starz starts at $11.99/month. That’s $5.00 more per month for Starz, or $60.00 more per year.
Before you pick either one, here is the drawback of each service, plainly stated.
Starz is a movie-first channel with a small originals slate; if its film library does not appeal to you, there is not much else here.
AMC+ is a narrow add-on built around AMC's own shows, and its film selection is limited.
Is AMC+ cheaper than Starz?
Yes. AMC+ starts at $6.99/month, while Starz starts at $11.99/month. That's a difference of $5.00/month, or $60.00 per year.
Do Starz or AMC+ offer a free trial?
Starz does not currently offer a free trial. AMC+ offers a 7-day free trial.
Are Starz and AMC+ the same company?
No. Starz is owned by Starz Entertainment, a separate company spun off from Lionsgate, while AMC+ is owned by AMC Networks. They are separate, competing subscriptions.
Is Starz included with AMC+?
No. Neither service includes the other: a AMC+ subscription does not give you Starz content, and vice versa. You need a separate subscription for each.
Can I cancel Starz or AMC+ anytime?
Yes. Both Starz and AMC+ are month-to-month subscriptions with no long-term contracts. You can cancel either service at any time.
Original programming: While Starz doesn't have as many original shows and movies as Netflix or HBO, it does produce some acclaimed entertainment, including movies like Ash Evil Dead and shows such as American Gods, Power, to name but a few.
Sharing devices: Starz lets you have four simultaneous streams per account, for about $7 less than Netflix's most expensive Premium plan which allows the same.
If you subscribe through links on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.