In the vast landscape of streaming services, where binge-watching has become a way of life, find a platform that caters to your unique cravings for captivating movies and TV shows. For those with a penchant for British television and a desire to explore the mysteries of international productions, two prominent contenders arise: BritBox and Acorn TV.
These streaming giants bring an impressive collection of shows and films to your screens, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. But when it comes to choosing between them, which one truly takes the crown? Let’s discover the answer by delving into the exciting showdown between BritBox and Acorn TV. We’ll unravel their strengths, weaknesses, and what sets them apart.
BritBox vs Acorn TV: Comparison Overview
| BritBox | Acorn TV | |
| Advantages | Offers a vast selection of British content | Slightly lower cost compared to BritBox |
| Wide range of content available in its library | Features more recent shows | |
| Includes British classics like Doctor Who | Provides content from various countries such as Canada, Australia | |
| Disadvantages | App stability issues | Limited options in certain categories |
| Navigation can be less user-friendly | Fewer shows compared to BritBox | |
| Content may cater more to an older audience | Focuses heavily on mystery and crime genres |
What is BritBox?
BritBox is a subscription-based streaming service that specializes in British television shows and movies. It was launched in 2017 as a collaboration between BBC and ITV. They are the two largest broadcasters in the United Kingdom.
BritBox offers a vast library of British content, including classic series, current shows, and exclusive originals. It provides a convenient platform for fans of British programming to access their favorite shows, such as We Hunt Together, Doctor Who, Sherlock, and many more.
What is Acorn TV?
On the other hand, Acorn TV is a streaming service that focuses on bringing the best of British and international television to audiences in North America. Launched in 2011, Acorn TV primarily specializes in British and Irish programming.
It offers many dramas, mysteries, comedies, and documentaries. The platform curates an impressive catalog of critically acclaimed shows, including Foyle’s War, Midsomer Murders, and Line of Duty, among others.
BritBox and Acorn TV Comparisons in Detail
BritBox Vs. Acorn TV: Pricing
Acorn TV is currently priced at $6.99 / £4.99 per month, and an annual subscription option is available for $69.99 / £49.99. Interestingly, both in the UK and the US, the annual subscription offers a special deal where you get 12 months of access for the price of 10. In terms of the free trial period, Acorn TV provides a seven-day trial for users in the US, while users in the UK can enjoy a slightly more generous 14-day trial.
On the other hand, BritBox comes with a monthly subscription cost of $7.99 / £5.99, and an annual subscription option is available for $79.99 / £59.99. Like Acorn TV, BritBox also offers the 12-months-for-the-price-of-10 deal for its annual subscription. However, regardless of the region you’re watching in, the free trial period for BritBox lasts for seven days.
While both BritBox and Acorn TV are priced comparably to other streaming services with similar content offerings, it can be argued that BritBox provides more value for your money due to its slightly lower monthly and annual subscription costs.
| Criteria | Acorn TV | BritBox |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription Price | $6.99 / £4.99 | $7.99 / £5.99 |
| Annual Subscription Price | $69.99 / £49.99 (12 months for the price of 10) | $79.99 / £59.99 (12 months for the price of 10) |
| Free Trial Period | 7 days (US), 14 days (UK) | 7 days (regardless of region) |
BritBox Vs. Acorn TV: Availability
Acorn TV and BritBox are streaming services that cater to different regions and offer compatibility with various platforms. BritBox is currently accessible in nine countries, including Australia, Canada, the US, the UK, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, and South Africa.
Subscribers in the US and Canada can use their subscription in either region, although the availability of shows may differ. Similarly, subscribers in EU countries can switch regions to access different content. But UK members are restricted to their own area and cannot use their accounts elsewhere.
BritBox Vs. Acorn TV: Compatible Devices
BritBox can be enjoyed on a wide range of devices such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and YouView set-top boxes. Select smart TVs, iOS and Android mobiles and tablets, Roku devices, and web browsers are also available.
On the other hand, Acorn TV is available in a broader array of regions. This includes the US, Canada, the UK, parts of Southern America, the Nordics, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico. To watch Acorn TV, you can utilize various platforms such as web browsers (with Chrome recommended), Apple TV, Roku and Fire TV devices, Chromecast, and iOS and Android mobiles and tablets.
Both Acorn TV and BritBox are also offered as Prime Video Channels, accessible through Amazon Prime, in both the US and the UK. So, this provides additional convenience for subscribers in those regions.
| Criteria | BritBox | Acorn TV |
|---|---|---|
| Available Regions | Not specified | US, Canada, UK, Southern America, the Nordics, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico |
| Device Compatibility | Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, YouView set-top boxes, Select smart TVs, iOS and Android mobiles/tablets, Roku devices, web browsers | Web browsers (Chrome recommended), Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV devices, Chromecast, iOS and Android mobiles/tablets |
| Special Availability | Offered as Prime Video Channels through Amazon Prime in the US and UK | Offered as Prime Video Channels through Amazon Prime in the US and UK |
BritBox Vs. Acorn TV: Content Library
When comparing Acorn TV and BritBox, it becomes evident that Acorn TV has a more limited content library. With a specific target market in mind, Acorn TV focuses on comedies, murder mysteries, and crime shows. Popular titles on the platform include Doc Martin, Keeping Faith, Dead Still, Whitstable Pearl, Agatha Raisin, All Creatures Great and Small, Blood, Detectorists, Bloodlands, and Queens of Mystery.
However, the UK Acorn TV content library is smaller than its US counterpart. This is possibly due to the service’s recent launch in the UK and competition from other streaming platforms. UK viewers should also consider that high-profile shows like Line of Duty are available for free on platforms like BBC iPlayer, My5, and ITV Hub.
In contrast, BritBox offers a significantly larger and more diverse content library. It features beloved classics such as Gavin & Stacey, The Thin Blue Line, The Vicar of Dibley, and Fawlty Towers. There are also newer shows like Grace, New Spitting Image, Angela Black, Crossfire, and Karen Pirie.
Additionally, BritBox holds exclusive rights to Line of Duty Season 6 in the US. It even offers classic episodes of Doctor Who. Reality TV and soap opera enthusiasts will also find satisfaction with Love Island UK box sets, The Only Way is Essex, Strictly Come Dancing, Coronation Street, EastEnders, and Emmerdale.
| Feature/Content | BritBox | Acorn TV |
|---|---|---|
| Content Size | Larger library | Limited content library |
| Content Focus | Diverse, ranging from classics to newer shows | Primarily focuses on comedies, murder mysteries, and crime shows |
| Popular Titles | Gavin & Stacey, The Thin Blue Line, The Vicar of Dibley, Fawlty Towers, Grace, New Spitting Image, Angela Black, Crossfire, Karen Pirie | Doc Martin, Keeping Faith, Dead Still, Whitstable Pearl, Agatha Raisin, All Creatures Great and Small, Blood, Detectorists, Bloodlands, Queens of Mystery |
| High-Profile Show Availability | Exclusive rights to Line of Duty Season 6 in the US. Classic episodes of Doctor Who available | High-profile shows like Line of Duty available for free on platforms like BBC iPlayer, My5, and ITV Hub in the UK |
BritBox Vs. Acorn TV: User Interface
Both BritBox and Acorn TV have managed to create user-friendly interfaces that offer seamless exploration and navigation. They provide convenient categories with easy-to-use navigation bars and present suggested content in simple carousels. Switching between genres or transitioning from movies to TV shows is effortless on both platforms.
Moreover, accessing your favorite shows from the homepage requires just a few clicks, ensuring a smooth viewing experience. Additionally, when switching devices, you can seamlessly continue watching your content from where you left off on a different device.
While BritBox and Acorn TV share similar user-friendly features, some subtle differences exist. Acorn TV allows users to choose their preferred streaming quality, giving them control over their viewing experience. On the other hand, BritBox does not provide this option, possibly opting for a standardized streaming quality for all users.
| Feature | BritBox | Acorn TV |
|---|---|---|
| User-Friendly Interface | Yes | Yes |
| Navigation Bars | Easy-to-use | Easy-to-use |
| Suggested Content Presentation | Carousel view | Carousel view |
| Switching between Genres | Effortless | Effortless |
| Access to Favorites | Few clicks from the homepage | Few clicks from the homepage |
| Continued Watching Across Devices | Seamlessly continue on another device | Seamlessly continue on another device |
| Streaming Quality Selection | No option (possibly standardized quality for all users) | Allows users to choose preferred streaming quality |
FAQs
What is BritBox, and what is Acorn TV?
BritBox and Acorn TV are both streaming services that specialize in British and international television content. BritBox focuses on British programming, while Acorn TV offers a broader selection of international shows, including British, Australian, and Canadian content.
What types of content can I expect to find on BritBox?
BritBox primarily features British TV shows and movies, including classic series, current programs, and exclusive content. This includes dramas, comedies, documentaries, and more.
What types of content can I expect to find on Acorn TV?
Acorn TV offers a wider variety of international content, including British, Australian, Canadian, and some European shows. It includes mysteries, dramas, comedies, and documentaries from these regions.
Can I access both BritBox and Acorn TV in the same subscription?
No, BritBox and Acorn TV are separate streaming services, and you would need to subscribe to each of them separately if you want access to their content.
Can I cancel my subscription to BritBox or Acorn TV at any time?
Generally, you can cancel your subscription to these services at any time without any long-term commitment, but it’s advisable to check their specific cancellation policies.
The Final Verdict
BritBox and Acorn TV can be accessed through various platforms, have similar pricing structures, and provide standard user experiences. Ultimately, your decision will come down to one crucial factor: your preferred content.
Although Acorn TV offers some hidden gems and exclusive titles outside of the UK, compared to BritBox, its library may appear slightly smaller. On the other hand, BritBox caters to a wider audience and boasts a significantly broader range of shows and movies.
Therefore, if you can only choose one streaming service, BritBox edges ahead. However, it’s best to take advantage of Acorn TV’s free trial to explore its offerings before deciding. This way, you can experience firsthand what Acorn TV offers before committing.
