Are Popular US Streaming Services Available in Canada?
Explore which US streaming platforms Canadians frequently ask about, why they remain unavailable, the complications this creates, and the best solutions-plus Reddit communities for real-world advice.
As of April 25, 2025, several major US streaming services-including Hulu, Peacock TV, and ESPN+-remain unavailable in Canada. Canadians searching for these platforms are often met with geo-blocks and licensing barriers, leading to frustration and a patchwork of alternatives. This article breaks down the situation, the complications, and the best solutions, with direct links to relevant Reddit communities for further help.
Situation: US Streaming Services Canadians Want But Can’t Get
While Canadians have access to a growing number of streaming options, some of the most popular US platforms are still out of reach. Here’s a snapshot:
| Streaming Service | US Monthly Price | Officially Available in Canada? | Notable Shows/Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu | $7.99–$17.99 | No | The Handmaid’s Tale, Only Murders in the Building |
| Peacock TV | Free–$11.99 | No | The Office (US), Bupkis, WWE, Premier League |
| ESPN+ | $10.99 | No | Live US sports, UFC, 30 for 30 |
| HBO Max | $9.99–$15.99 | No (content on Crave) | Game of Thrones, Succession |
Canadians routinely ask about these platforms on forums and Reddit, only to discover that direct access is blocked due to licensing and regional restrictions.
Complications: Licensing, Fragmentation, and Frustration
Licensing Restrictions and Content Fragmentation
US streaming services negotiate content rights on a country-by-country basis. In Canada, rights to many popular shows are sold to local platforms like Crave, StackTV, or TSN, resulting in:
- Delayed releases or incomplete libraries compared to the US.
- Higher costs: Canadians often need multiple subscriptions to piece together what’s available on a single US platform.
- Missing features: Some US-exclusive originals never make it to Canada, or arrive months later.
Payment Barriers
Even with a VPN, signing up for US services can be tricky. Payment methods often require a US billing address, a US-linked PayPal, or a virtual credit card-each with its own risks and costs.
Rising Prices and Fewer Choices
Canadian users on Reddit express growing frustration over rising prices and shrinking content libraries, especially as more US shows become exclusive to platforms Canadians can’t access.
“Streaming service prices in Canada keep rising while we don’t have access to a significant portion of the content available in the US... I had anticipated that it would be simpler and more cost-effective. However, with more price hikes looming, I feel like I was completely wrong about that.”
Solution: VPNs, Payment Workarounds, and Canadian Alternatives
Using a VPN
A VPN can make it appear as if you’re browsing from the US, allowing access to geo-blocked streaming platforms. Reddit users consistently recommend these VPNs for Canadians:
| VPN Service | Redditors’ Notes | Streaming Support | Price (USD/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Fast, reliable, works for Hulu/ESPN+ | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, more | $3.09 |
| Surfshark | Unlimited devices, budget-friendly | Netflix, Disney+, Prime | $1.99 |
| ExpressVPN | Easy to use, good for streaming | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ | $4.99 |
| PureVPN | Works for ESPN+ (per user reports) | ESPN+, Hulu | $2.00 |
See more VPN discussions and recommendations on r/VPN and r/Privacy.
Payment Workarounds
- Virtual Credit Cards: The most reliable (but sometimes costly) way to pay for US streaming services from Canada. Services like StatesPay or USUnlocked are commonly mentioned.
- Gift Cards: Sometimes work for Hulu, but can be unreliable.
- US PayPal Account: Risky, as accounts may be closed if detected as Canadian.
For detailed user experiences and troubleshooting, check r/canadacordcutters and r/Hulu.
Canadian Alternatives
While not perfect substitutes, these services offer much of the same content:
| US Service | Canadian Alternative | Notable Content | Price (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu | Crave, Disney+ | HBO, FX, some Hulu originals | $9.99–$21.99 |
| Peacock TV | StackTV, Corus | NBC, some Peacock originals | Add-on to Prime |
| ESPN+ | TSN, DAZN | NHL, NFL, soccer, UFC | $19.99–$29.99 |
| HBO Max | Crave | Full HBO library | $9.99–$21.99 |
Find more tips and recommendations on r/CanadianTV and r/CraveTV.
Try Amazon Prime Video in Canada
If you're looking for a streaming service with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals, you can check out the Amazon Prime program here. Prime Video is included with membership, along with fast shipping, Prime Reading, and more.
Useful Subreddits for Canadian Streamers
- r/canadacordcutters - Cord-cutting tips, VPNs, and streaming workarounds in Canada
- r/AskACanadian - General advice and venting about Canadian streaming frustrations
- r/CanadianTV - News and discussion about Canadian television and streaming
- r/Hulu - Hulu-specific questions, including payment and VPN tips
- r/VPN - VPN reviews, troubleshooting, and recommendations
- r/CraveTV - For everything related to Bell Media’s Crave
- r/ESPN - ESPN+ access tips and alternatives
Summary
Canadians continue to face barriers accessing some of the most popular US streaming services due to licensing, geo-blocks, and payment restrictions. VPNs and virtual credit cards offer workarounds, but come with their own complications. For those seeking community advice, Reddit is a rich resource-check out the subreddits above for real-world solutions, troubleshooting, and up-to-date tips from fellow Canadian streamers.