Rated 7+ IMDb · 70%+ RT Little-known finds Curated by humans
Rated 7+ IMDb · 70%+ RT Little-known finds Curated by humans
Updated October 17, 2026 • By Isabella Endrinal
AGMTW score, out of 10
BBC documentaries and arts programming, a narrow slice of what the BBC actually makes.
Value for money6.8
Full price for a small documentary catalog.
$8.99 a month, the lowest price in its category. Weighed against what it carries (content 3.5/10), that comes to 6.8 on value.
Content quality3.5
BBC documentaries and arts programmes, a narrow slice of what the BBC makes.
We have no title-level data for this one, so this is our own read on how much there is worth watching.
Apps and devices9.5
A polished app; device coverage unverified.
Rated 4.73 in the app store. No device list to check against.
Streaming quality7.5
1080p, stereo; no 4K at any price.
Base plan streams in 1080p.
BBC Select is a streaming service dedicated specifically to all things culture, politics, and ideas. It houses the best of the BBC’s non-fiction content—namely, widely-acclaimed documentaries and docuseries—but it also occasionally sources titles from other channels, like the UK’s Channel 4. While it can seem like BBC Select is competing with Acorn TV and BritBox, which are the go-to UK channels in North America, it’s actually closer to the likes of CuriosityStream and Discovery Plus in its specialization of documentaries. The only downside is there are currently only three ways to watch BBC Select: through Apple TV, Amazon Prime Channels, or The Roku Channel.
Available on Amazon Prime Video Channels, the Apple TV app and The Roku Channel
Sign up for MonthlyHow much does BBC Select cost?
BBC Select starts at $8.99/month. Plans range from $8.99 to $49.99/month.
Does BBC Select have a free trial?
Yes. BBC Select currently offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.
What devices support BBC Select?
BBC Select is available on Apple TV, Roku, Roku TV.
Can I cancel BBC Select anytime?
BBC Select is a month-to-month subscription with no long-term contract. You can cancel at any time without penalty.
Is BBC Select worth it?
BBC Select is a streaming service dedicated specifically to all things culture, politics, and ideas. It houses the best of the BBC's non-fiction content—namely, widely-acclaimed documentaries and docuseries—but it also occasionally sources titles from other channels, like the UK's Channel 4. While it can seem like BBC Select is competing with Acorn TV and BritBox, which are the go-to UK channels in North America, it's actually closer to the likes of CuriosityStream and Discovery Plus in its specialization of documentaries. The only downside is there are currently only three ways to watch BBC Select: through Apple TV, Amazon Prime Channels, or The Roku Channel.
Four criteria, each scored out of 10. The overall score is their weighted average: content 50%, value 20%, apps 20%, streaming quality 10%.
Value for money
0The most expensive service of its kind.
10The cheapest service of its kind, with full content.
Content quality
0None of the 20 most-watched cable channels, or nothing from our recommended list.
10All 20 channels, or the deepest catalog of titles we recommend.
Apps and devices
0A one-star app that runs on none of the 12 major devices.
10Five-star apps on all 12 major devices.
Streaming quality
0Below 720p.
104K on the plan we price.