Streaming services in Switzerland: 12 questions about TV streaming
Streaming services in Switzerland allow you to view films and series on your TV, PC or mobile device for a flat fee. Find out all you need to know about services, subscriptions and prices here.
17.10.2023
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1. What is streaming?
Streaming means you can listen to audio and watch videos without having to download them beforehand. This lets you fast forward and rewind as well as pause ("on demand”). At the user’s request, a direct connection is made between the user and the broadcaster (for example, Netflix).
2. How can I use the service (TV/online)?
The platforms offer flexible services. You can watch content on different platforms.
Streaming on smart TVs
You can stream on modern TV sets (smart TVs) with an internet connection. For TV subscriptions offered by telecom providers, the relevant apps are often pre-installed on the TV boxes.
If no app is pre-installed, you can also download it to your smart TV or TV box. But be careful: not all devices support all streaming providers. You can usually find a list of compatible devices at the respective provider.
Steaming without a TV
You can also use streaming services without a TV:
For smartphones and tablets from different providers, the corresponding apps are usually available.
You can also use the providers’ apps on game consoles such as Playstation and Xbox.
You can also watch movies and series in your web browser on the streaming service’s website.
Streaming services have Windows computers as well as Macs.apps for
3. What do different streaming companies offer?
Different companies have different films and series on offer. The Justwatch film and series database functions as a streaming search engine. It lists the films on offer by the different platforms.
In-house productions
Most streaming providers now produce their own productions that are not available on other platforms. If you want to watch these films or series, you need a subscription from the respective provider.
Disney movies at Disney+
In addition, the range of films and series that are not in-house productions differs. For example, Disney+ shows films and series from various studios of the Walt Disney Company.
US series on Sky Show
Sky Show’s offering includes films and series from US streaming providers. These include, for example, “Game of Thrones” and “Matrix Resurrection”.
Paramount Pictures and content from well-known television stations at Paramount+
Paramount includes Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and MTV. Paramount+ offers content to stream from these studios and TV stations. These include “SpongeBob SquarePants” and the “Transformers” films.
Swiss productions at Play Suisse
Play Suisse, the streaming service of SRG, mainly offers its own and co-productions of SRF, RTS, RSI and RTR, i.e. Swiss productions. In addition, Play Suisse collaborates with festivals in Switzerland and shows productions by public broadcasters from Germany and France in the European Collection
4. What are popular original productions?
Netflix is known for its high-quality and original own-productions. As of 2023, it has received more Oscar nominations than any other streaming service. The films and series cover many genres. Well-known Netflix productions include “Squid Game”, “Stranger Things” and “The Irishman”.
Apple TV+ also offers in-house productions of various genres. A well-known series is “The Morning Show” with Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. In 2022, the film "Coda" was the first production from a streaming provider to win an Oscar.
You can also find documentaries about prominent musicians on Apple TV+, such as Bruce Springsteen or Billie Eilish.
Amazon also produces its own content, such as “The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power” or “The Boys”.
On Disney+ you can find almost all the Marvel superhero films and series. Disney also has all Disney classics and new productions available.
Disney+ also includes the Star Wars series and “The Simpsons” (seasons 1–33). Pixar productions and National Geographic documentaries are also on offer.
The range of Paramount+ includes in-house productions of various genres. In addition to drama series and films, you can also stream comedy and reality TV. You will also find animated films and series for children and adults.
Well-known in-house productions include the “Star Trek” series, “iCarly” and “The Twilight Zone”.
At Play Suisse you will find Swiss in-house productions, for example “Wilder”, “The Undertaker” or the post-war series “Labyrinth of Peace”. There are also feature films, documentaries and classics.
You can stream the productions at Play Suisse in their original language. Instead of dubbing, there are subtitles in three to four languages.
5. What do the streaming services cost in Switzerland?
Generally speaking, customers pay a flat monthly fee. They can watch as many series and films as they want. In some cases, you will also receive a discounted annual subscription. Play Suisse is free and financed by Serafe fees.
| Price per month (CHF) | Trial period | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | 9.99 | 7 days | Alternatively, you can also take out an Amazon Prime membership in a neighbouring country. In addition to Prime Video, this also includes other offers such as Prime Reading. Costs for this: EUR 8.99 per month or EUR 89.90 per year. The free trial period is 30 days. |
| Apple TV+ | 8.– | 7 days | By purchasing an Apple device you can use Apple TV+ for free for three months. Alternatively, there is also the Apple One offer, which includes other offers in addition to Apple TV+. Cost: CHF 20.90 bis CHF 37.90. The trial period is one month. |
| Disney+ | 12.90, yearly subscription for 129 | - | From November 1, 2023, there will be three different subscription options between CHF 7.90 and CHF 17.90 per month. From then on, Disney+ will differentiate between video and audio quality and the number of devices you can use to access the service at the same time. The cheapest option contains additional advertising. |
| Netflix | 11.90 up to 24.90 | - | Netflix offers different prices depending on the resolution and the number of devices you can use to access the service at the same time. |
| blue+ | Depends on the package | Depends on the package | At blue+, you can choose different packages depending on your interests. More information can be found in the article on blue+ |
| Sky | 15.– bis 29.90 | 7 Tage | Sky unterscheidet die Preise nach Umfang des nutzbaren Angebots. Der Jahrespass ist nur für die Variante mit dem vollen Angebot erhältlich. |
| Paramount+ | 12.–, Jahresabo für 120.– | 7 Tage | Sky-Show-Nutzer haben mit dem Cinema-Pass Zugriff auf einige der Paramount+-Inhalte. |
Last updated: October 2023
Some providers also allow you to buy individual films and series. A subscription is not required. You can watch even after you cancel your subscription.
Apart from Disney+ and Netflix, all platforms offer a free trial. With the exception of annual subscriptions, customers can terminate their subscription at any time subject to the notice period.
Those with Swisscom are able to book a combination package with multiple streaming providers as of 24. October 2023. The blue SuperMax costs 24.90 francs and includes Disney+, Paramount+, Sky Cinema and blue Max.
6. How can I pay for streaming platforms?
Streaming platforms offer different payment methods:
| Credit card | Paypal | Vouchers | Google Play Store/Apple App Store | Phone/internet bill | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Yes | No | Yes, Amazon vouchers | No | No |
| Apple TV+ | Yes | No | Yes, Apple ID vouchers | No | Yes, Sunrise und Swisscom |
| Disney+ | Yes | Yes | Yes, Disney+ gift cards | Yes | No |
| Netflix | Yes | Yes | Yes, Netflix gift cards | No | Yes, Sunrise und Swisscom |
| blue+ | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Sky | Yes | No | No | No | Yes, Swisscom |
| Paramount+ | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
Last updated: October 2023
7. What type of internet connection do I need?
As a rule, any internet connection provided by Swiss companies like Swisscom, Quickline or Sunrise will be suitable. HD quality films requires a speed of at least 5 Mbps. Ultra-HD resolution requires a speed of at least 25 Mbps.
8. In what languages can I watch the series and films?
All films are offered in their original language. A lot of content is also dubbed into other languages. Additionally, subtitles are available in different languages.
9. Can I download series and films for offline use?
Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Sky Show and blue+ allow you to download individual series and films onto your device. This lets you watch even without an internet connection.
Play Suisse does not (yet) offer this option. With Apple TV+, only users with Apple devices can watch offline. Users with other devices always need an Internet connection.
10. Is there any advertising?
In some countries, Netflix now offers a discounted subscription with advertisements. This subscription does not yet exist in Switzerland. Disney+ introduced a subscription with advertising in 2023. You pay less for this subscription in comparison to one with advertising.
Amazon follows the same concept with Freevee. However, the offer is not available in Switzerland (as of October 2023).
11. Do I have access to films from all over the world?
No, the available content varies depending on the country. For example, less content is available in Switzerland than in the US. This is because of purchasing and licensing. Using a VPN however allows you to access services from different countries.
VPN encrypts your internet access location and makes it look like you are accessing the service from your chosen location. Use of a VPN is generally legal if it is not used to cover up illegal activities.
A good VPN needs a stable and fast connection to ensure streaming isn’t interrupted. Good providers therefore charge a fee.
12. Summary
Streaming services are of particular interest to film lovers and series junkies. No matter your interests, a streaming service is available. However, the content on offer varies. You’ll sometimes need multiple accounts to watch all the films and series you want.
If you want to watch a particular series or film, you have two options:
You can watch the film during a free trial period.
You can rent or buy the film.
A trial period is worthwhile if you haven’t decided what you want yet. This lets you pick a provider without having to pay for all of them.
If you only watch a film or series every now and then, a streaming subscription is probably not worthwhile. This also applies to those who are quite happy with traditional TV programming. It is certainly worthwhile for you to visit Play Suisse or the public broadcaster’s media libraries from time to time.
This article was first published on 16.11.2020
