Netflix vs. Showmax in Kenya - All you need to know
The Kenyan online streaming scene is one of the best sources of content to quench your viewing needs.
Thanks to the rapid growth of internet connectivity within Kenya, streaming content online is not only possible, it’s the main source of entertainment for many Kenyans.
Gone are the days when you had to rely on KBC and KTN for both news and programs. For anyone born after 2000, it’s hard to imagine that KBC once had an opening and closing time for airing.
Thanks to the internet, you can watch your favourite series and movies online through your phone or Smart TV.
Two of the most popular online streaming services in Kenya are Netflix and Showmax. Both platforms have quite a wide library of movies and series that you can watch on demand.
Although Netflix and Showmax are both streaming services, they differ in the type of content available as well as pricing, accessibility and membership options. Let’s explore each platform in more detail.
Netflix is an American online subscription service that distributes films and TV series worldwide. The company was founded in 1997. Back then, Netflix sent out DVDs to customers by mail.
The company successfully leveraged the growth of the internet and enhanced technology to evolve into the largest streaming service (in terms of paid memberships) in the world.
To access Netflix in Kenya, you’ll need to sign up at netflix.com using your email address. Once you create an account, you’ll then need to select and pay for a subscription plan in order to access your content. Below are the current Netflix plans and their features.
| Mobile | Basic | |
| Monthly | Ksh 200 | Ksh 300 |
| Quality | Good | Good |
| Resolution | 480p | 720p |
| Devices | Phone | Phone |
| Tablet | Tablet | |
| Computer | ||
| TV | ||
| Standard | Premium | |
| Monthly | Ksh 700 | Ksh 1,100 |
| Quality | Better | Best |
| Resolution | 1080p | 4K+HDR |
| Devices | Phone | Phone |
| Tablet | Tablet | |
| Computer | Computer | |
| TV | TV |
Currently, you can only make payments for Netflix through debit and credit cards with logos for Visa, MasterCard and American Express. At the moment, you can’t pay for Netflix in Kenya using M-Pesa.
The majority of modern Smart TVs come with the Netflix app pre-installed. You can easily download the Netflix app on your smartphone and tablet as well.
The main disadvantage of Netflix in Kenya is the lack of M-Pesa support. If you have a card, then this won’t be an issue. You could also use the M-Pesa virtual card but the charges on this option are too high for our liking.
Another shortcoming that Netflix suffers from is the limited selection of local TV series and movies. While the platform is constantly updating its library, Showmax is currently the undisputed king of local Kenyan content among online streaming companies.
Netflix also introduced a limitation on the sharing of passwords in 2023. This means you can only share your Netflix account with people using the same Wi-Fi network (basically your close family members only and people you live with).
Pros
- Affordable
- Wide selection of international content
- Frequently updated library
Cons
- Strict account-sharing restrictions
- No M-Pesa support in Kenya
Showmax is a South African online subscription service that was launched in 2015. Similar to Netflix, Showmax distributes films and TV series online.
The main difference between these two platforms is the content strategy. Showmax uses a localisation strategy which entails focusing on local content. Compared to Netflix, Showmax has a much wider variety of local TV series and movies.
Showmax aired the popular reality show Real Housewives of Nairobi. Other popular local series on Shomax are Njoro wa Uba, Single Kiasi, Second Family and A Better Life, just to name a few.
To access Showmax in Kenya, you’ll need to sign up at showmax.com using your email address. Once you create an account, you can enjoy a free 14-day trial. The trial is not available for Showmax Pro plans.
| Mobile | Basic | |
| Monthly | Ksh 300 | Ksh 760 |
| Devices | 1 | 2 |
| 14-Day Free Trial | Yes | Yes |
| Football | No | No |
| Devices | Phone | Phone |
| Tablet | Tablet | |
| Computer | ||
| TV | ||
| Pro Mobile | Pro | |
| Monthly | Ksh 1050 | Ksh 2100 |
| Devices | 1 | 2 |
| 14-Day Free Trial | No | No |
| Football | Yes | Yes |
| Devices | Phone | Phone |
| Tablet | Tablet | |
| Computer | ||
| TV |
If you love football, Showmax has live football streaming available in its Pro plans. This is a major advantage over Netflix, which doesn’t offer any live sports.
Another advantage Showmax has over Netflix is the support for M-Pesa payments. This makes paying for Showmax so much easier for most Kenyans.
Pros
- Affordable
- Wide selection of local content
- Live sports streaming
- All plans come with HD-quality support
Cons
- Many budget and old Smart TVs in Kenya do not support the Showmax app
Both Netflix and Showmax offer quality content at reasonable prices here in Kenya. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your content preference. If you’re a sports fan, Showmax is your best option here in Kenya.
If you’re more into having a wide selection of movies and series to choose from, then Netflix is your best bet.
If you’re still undecided, give them both a try and see the one you end up watching the most.