Compare BritBox and Acorn TV: Which streaming platform offers a superior viewing experience for you?
Kicking it Old-School: ITVX vs Acorn TV - Which one's the right fit for you?
In the ever-expanding world of streaming, it's tough to make a choice between all the services out there - Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, and many more. But fret not, we've got you covered! Let's help you decide between ITVX and Acorn TV.
Acorn TV, a U.S. mainstay since 2013, expanded to the UK in 2020, specializing in gripping crime dramas, mysteries, and thrillers from various English-speaking nations like the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Canada.
ITVX, born from BritBox, is the brainchild of the BBC and ITV, offering content from numerous UK broadcasters, including both founding networks, Channel 4, Channel 5, and Comedy Central UK. As of April 2024, ITVX encompasses the UK's BritBox library.
Below we've broken down everything you need to know about these two streaming services to help you decide whether ITVX or Acorn TV is the best fit for you...
ITVX vs Acorn TV: The Lowdown
First off, it's essential to note that neither ITVX nor Acorn TV is likely to become your primary streaming service. Both platforms serve as great supplements to your existing streaming habits rather than replacements for powerhouses like Disney+ or Netflix.
ITVX, often described as the "home of British TV," boasts a curated library featuring complete box sets of old and new shows, along with a growing selection of original programming. With over three million subscribers worldwide, ITVX has made its mark.
Acorn TV, priding itself on providing new shows from all around the world to fans of detectives, police dramas, and thrillers, offers an ad-free experience. Its library is frequently updated with new shows and hard-to-find gems. Acorn TV surpassed the one million subscriber milestone in 2019.
ITVX vs Acorn TV: The Cost
Acorn TV currently costs $7.99/£4.99 per month, with an annual subscription option priced at $79.99/£49.99. UK users can enjoy an extended 14-day free trial, while US users get a 7-day trial period.
ITVX follows a similar pricing scheme, with a monthly subscription at $8.99 in the U.S., and annual subscriptions available for $89.99/£59.99. An ITVX free trial lasts for seven days. In the UK, an ITVX subscription, which includes the BritBox library, costs £5.99 or £59.99, and comes with a 7-day free trial.
Both services are priced competitively with other streaming services of similar scope.
ITVX vs Acorn TV: Where can you find them?
Both services are available in various regions, and on different platforms.
ITVX is accessible in countries like the U.S., Australia, Canada, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway. In the UK, it's under the ITVX umbrella and no longer available as a standalone service.
You can watch ITVX on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast, YouView set-top boxes, select smart TVs, iOS and Android mobiles and tablets, Roku devices, and in your browser.
Acorn TV is available in over 30 countries, including the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico.
Acorn TV can be watched in your browser (using Chrome), Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV devices, Chromecast, and on iOS and Android mobiles and tablets.
ITVX vs Acorn TV: What's on offer?
When it comes to sheer depth of content, ITVX takes the trophy. Its library houses a massive collection of BBC and ITV shows, such as "After the Flood," "The Responder," and classic series like "Poirot," "Pride & Prejudice," and "Absolutely Fabulous." It also offers box sets of reality TV and soaps like "Love Island UK," "The Only Way is Essex," "Strictly Come Dancing," "Coronation Street," "EastEnders," and "Emmerdale."
While Acorn TV boasts a more targeted focus, it does commission original series like "Signora Volpe," "Harry Wild," and "The Chelsea Detective," which make it an attractive option for fans of detective shows. If you're a big crime drama enthusiast, Acorn TV could be the one for you. But if you're seeking a broader service, ITVX might be the better choice.
Both services offer movies, although neither library can rival the extensive collections of Prime Video or Netflix.
The Final Word
Both platforms offer user-friendly experiences, competitive pricing, and are accessible on multiple streaming devices and platforms. Your decision will ultimately depend on what content you're most interested in.
Acorn TV definitely has some standout shows, especially if you're into cosy crime dramas. However, it cannot rival the depth and breadth of ITVX's offerings. If you're a fan of comedies, ITVX might be a better bet.
In the U.S., thanks to its breadth of content and unmatched access to the latest BBC and ITV dramas, ITVX gets our vote. UK users, meanwhile, would benefit from the combined offerings of ITVX and the absence of ads on most content with an ITVX subscription.
Give both platforms a try with their free trials before making your final decision! Happy streaming!
- In the realm of streaming services, ruling alongside the likes of Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, and Prime Video, come ITVX and Acorn TV, each offering unique content for viewers to explore.
- When deciding between ITVX and Acorn TV, it's important to understand that they are more supplementary to your existing streaming habits, rather than replacements for powerhouses like Netflix or Disney+.
- ITVX, often referred to as the "home of British TV," offers a comprehensive library containing complete box sets of old and new shows, along with a growing selection of original programming.
- Acorn TV, brimming with new shows from around the world, specializes in detectives, police dramas, and thrillers, providing an ad-free experience. Its library frequently updates with new releases and hard-to-find gems.
- ITVX and Acorn TV offer competitive pricing, with monthly subscriptions ranging from $7.99 to $8.99, and annual subscription options priced around $80 to $90. Both services provide trial periods, usually extending from 7 to 14 days.
- ITVX and Acorn TV are available in various countries, accessible through Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast, smart TVs, mobile devices, Roku devices, and web browsers.
- With Acorn TV providing a more targeted focus on crime dramas, and ITVX boasting a vast array of content from BBC, ITV, and various UK broadcasters, including soaps, comedies, and classic series, the choice ultimately lies in the viewer's preferences. Whether you're a crime drama aficionado or a fan of comedies and British TV, there's something for everyone on ITVX and Acorn TV - you just need to decide which one suits your entertainment needs better!
