TECHNOLOGY
Because Netflix restricts account sharing, there are 6 streaming services in the UK – from Disney Plus to Amazon Prime – that allow it
Wondering which streamers allow you to watch on multiple devices? (Photo: Getty)
Slowly it seems that streaming platform Netflix is taking steps to crack down on people who share their accounts.
Coming soon in parts of Latin America and the Caribbean is a trial feature that will allow subscribers to ‘add a home’ – essentially meaning your account is linked to your own devices and you pay a little extra each month to purchase additional ‘homes’. ‘ to add.
In March 2022, Netflix also tried in Chile, Costa Rica and Peru a way for subscribers to add additional “members” to their account for a fee to curb password sharing.
However, there is no suggestion that these features will arrive in the UK in the near future.
Currently, you can stream Netflix on two devices on the Standard plan and up to four devices on Premium, although you are not supposed to share your account with other households.
So, while Netflix tackles the problem, what other streaming services let you log into multiple devices, in different locations, and watch TV and movies at the same time?
This is what we know.
Which UK streaming services can you share your account on?
Amazon Prime video
Prime allows multiple streams at once (Photo: Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
According to Amazon’s websiteyou can stream up to three times at a time with just one Prime Video account, but you are limited to two streams on the same show.
Amazon Prime also makes it possible to share Prime benefits within your Amazon household, including access to ‘free Prime Video’, but crucially ‘paid Prime Video’.
Two adults who are Prime members can create a household with up to four teens (ages 13 to 17), meaning faster shopping (which parents can approve), plus access to ebooks, apps, games, and Amazon Music, too.
You can read more about Amazon Household here.
Apple TV Plus
Apple TV Plus can be streamed six times at any time, from a single account (Photo: Thiago Prudencio/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
If you have Apple TV Plus, you can enjoy six simultaneous streams, according to the Apple website.
However, this doesn’t apply if you have an Apple Music student subscription and you get Apple TV Plus as a perk – in this case you can only stream on one device.
You can even set up in the Apple TV app Share with familyif an adult agrees to be responsible for any payments.
While Apple has a modest catalog of original shows, highlights include the new series Severance, Jason Sudeikis’ hit comedy Ted Lasso, and drama The Essex Serpent.
BritBox
British streaming service BritBox offers over 300 British box sets from BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
And if you have an account directly with BritBox or BT TVthen you can stream simultaneously on five devices – including via smart TV, smartphone, tablet, web or Roku.
however, the BritBox website confirms that if you have signed up through another third party such as Amazon Prime, Apple TV, or Roku Channel, you will only be able to access your subscription through those platforms.
Disney Plus
You can watch Disney Plus in several locations at once (Picture: Getty)
Disney Plus is home to Marvel movies and TV shows, new Star Wars, and of course our favorite family-friendly Disney movies.
Currently, Disney allows subscribers to: stream on four devices at once, meaning account sharing is possible.
In addition, you can create seven individual profiles on the platform to keep track of your personal TV and movie preferences, and to find the next episode of the show you’re watching.
NOW
If you have a standard NOW account, you are limited to streaming on one device at a time.
NOW Boost subscribers, who pay an extra £5 per month for ad-free viewing and additional streaming, can stream across three devices, meaning the account can be shared if you wish.
The NOW website says things are slightly different for viewers watching via BT TV, adding: “If you’re a BT customer, you can watch on two devices at once, as long as one is a BT TV Box and you start streaming in the correct order.
“BT customers with Boost can watch on three devices simultaneously.”
starzplay
Fans can watch Starzplay on up to four devices, according to the Starz website.
Starzplay is home to Outlander and hit comedy The Great, among others. It is available as an app and as an add-on for Apple TV or Amazon Prime (for an additional fee).
However, it’s not clear whether the “four devices” refer to the app (accessible on mobile, web, and tablet) or whether it includes viewers who have signed up through a third party such as Amazon Prime.
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