Over the past years, OTT Apps has become an integral part of human life, especially for the younger generation. Meaning “Over The Top,” it provides a platform for streaming content over the internet instead of Cable TV or DTH.
From offering various movies and shows to watching at your pace and time has definitely been a boon for many. So, here are some of the various binge-watching OTT apps for you to catch your favorite movie or show.
Table of Contents
Here is our list of Best OTT Apps in 2021
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
- Jio cinema
- Disney Hotstar
- Voot
- Sony Liv
- Zee5
- MX Player
- Alt Balaji
Hers’s a comparative study of the Best OTT Apps
| OTT APPS | Netflix | Amazon Prime Video | Jio Cinema | Disney Hotstar | Voot | Sony Liv | ZEE5 | MX Player | Alt Balaji |
| Subscription Plans (in Rupees and is subjected to change) | Mobile- 199 Basic – 499 Standard-649 Premium- 799 | Monthly–129 Annual- 999 | Jio subscription plans according to suitability | VIP – 399 Premium- 1499 | Monthly– 99 Annual- 499 | Monthly– 299 6months- 699 Annual-999 | Monthly– 993 months- 299 6 months- 599 Annual- 999 | Free but paid version MX Player Pro – 480 (as on Google Play Store) | Monthly – 100 Six months- 180 Annual- 300 |
| Downloads (as on Google Play Store) | 1 billion + | 100 million + | 50 million + | 500 million + | 100 million + | 100 million + | 100 million + | 500 million + | 10 million + |
| Free Trial | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes, but not to all | Yes | – | No, only first episode |
| Android/ iOS Availability | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Now let’s discuss each one in detail.
1) Netflix
Netflix is, without a doubt, one of the largest OTT platforms currently, both in India and internationally. It has over a billion downloads and offers both tv networks and original shows.
It is ad free and offers the following plans:
- the Mobile Plan at Rs. 199 for one screen (phone/tablet),
- Basic plan at Rs. 499 for one screen (phone/laptop/TV),
- Standard Plan at Rs. 649 for two screens (phone/ tablet/ laptop/ TV) with HD available and
- Premium Plan at Rs. 799 for four screens (phone/ tablet/ laptop/TV) with both HD and Ultra HD available.
Pros:
- One of the biggest and most successful OTT platforms in the world currently.
- Very good quality shows and movies.
- Easy to operate and smooth functioning.
- Wide range of plans to choose from.
- The wide international range of series and movies.
- Compatible with Android and iOS.
Cons:
- Indian movies and shows are comparatively less in number compared to other OTT apps.
- No HD or Ultra HD available in Mobile and Basic plans.
2) Amazon Prime Video
This is one of the largest OTT platforms along with Netflix currently. It offers a bevy of shows, originals, and series divided into many categories. This app conveniently divides Indian movies according to your wish and dwells more into regional contents. It has two subscription plans: A monthly plan for Rs. 129 and an Annual Plan for Rs. 999.
Pros:
- Wide range of regional movies and series compared to Netflix.
- Good quality shows and movies.
- Compatible with Android and iOS.
Cons:
- Some films are shown unavailable despite having subscriptions.
- More international shows and movies required.
3) Jio cinema
Jio cinema was launched in 2016, comparatively newer but soon established itself as one of the stronger forces in the OTT market. It collaborated with Disney India, Hoichoi and others to provide more regional content and is owned by Reliance JioInfocomm Ltd.
Pros:
- A plethora of regional content.
- No ad pop-ups.
- Compatible with both Android and iOS.
Cons:
- Only limited to Jio users.
- No free trials for non-Jio users.
4) Disney Hotstar
Previously Hotstar, Disney bought Hotstar when it took 21st Century Fox. A more Indian-suited OTT platform, this is now one of the top-tier OTT sites where new series or movies are launched quite frequently.
It also offers a first-day first show feature for movies that are yet to be launched elsewhere. Not only that, but it also offers a kids mode for younger content. It offers two subscription plans: VIP at Rs. 399 and Premium for Rs. 1499.
Pros:
- Kids mode available for age-appropriate movies/shows.
- A platform for many new Indian movies or shows.
- Available in Android and iOS devices.
- Suitable for sports binge-watching too.
Cons:
- Costly plans compared to other platforms.
5) Voot
It is currently one of the most in-demand OTT platforms for Indian serials watchers, specially MTV, Nickelodeon, and Colors TV. With a high number of downloads (more than a hundred million) you can watch all the serials and movies for free but with ad pop-ups. It has a paid plan called Voot Select for avoiding ads. It has a monthly plan for Rs. 99 and an annual plan for Rs. 499.
Pros:
- Ideal platform for watching Indian serials.
- Cheap plans.
- Free watching allowed as long as you are comfortable with ads.
- Available in Android and iOS.
Cons:
- Ads pop up while watching for free.
- Not ideal for international movies or show watchers.
6) Sony Liv
This is another one of the OTT platforms providing good content. It offers comedy shows, sports shows, music shows, and Sony Channels too. There are shows you can watch for free but you need to be prepared to encounter loads of pop-up ads. The paid version eliminates ads.
The subscription plans for this app are the following: a monthly subscription at Rs. 299, a half-yearly subscription at Rs. 699 and an annual subscription at Rs. 999.
Pros:
- Loads of original, good quality content.
- Sony channel content available.
- Cheaper compared to some other platforms.
- Available on Android and iOS.
Cons:
- Not enough brand name compared to streaming giants like Netflix, Prime Video or Disney Hotstar.
- Pop up ads during free watching.
7) Zee5
This is another platform for watching various kinds of movies, shows and live tv channels. It supports voice support, multi language support and live TV. There is a kids section too.
It was launched in 2018 and slowly making a name for itself in the OTT race. Its subscription is a premium one at Rs. 99 monthly, Rs. 299 for three months, Rs. 599 for six months and Rs. 999 yearly.
Pros:
- Separate Kids section for different viewing purposes.
- Good pricing plans.
- Available in Android and iOS.
Cons:
- For non-Vodafone and non-Airtel users, you need to buy subscriptions for Zee5.
- Not as wide-reaching as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video or Disney Hotstar.
8) MX Player
It is another streaming platform providing movies and shows in various regional languages, developed by MX media and entertainment. Currently, Times Internet owns a majority stake in it.
The content can be watched for free but has ads pop ups. The paid version of MX player is the MX Player Pro at Rs. 480 (as on Google store currently and can change in future).
Pros:
- Free content binging.
- Available in Android and iOS.
- Smooth and fast operation once codecs are installed.
Cons:
- Ad pop ups in free version.
- Not available in international territories yet.
- Online videos cannot be downloaded as of yet.
9) Alt Balaji
This is another Indian based OTT platform developed by Balaji Telefilms Ltd. It was launched in 2017 and creates original content and can be viewed both nationally and internationally.
It is one of the most sought out OTT platforms currently in India. Its subscription plan starts at Rs. 100 monthly, Rs. 180 for six months and Rs. 300 yearly
Pros:
- Available in Android and iOS.
- Quite cheap and affordable.
- Can be viewed in international territories too.
- Offers free trial for the first episode to check if you want to buy plans.
Cons:
- Not ideal for international movies or shows.
- Strict parental guidance required for some shows or movies as there is no separate kids section.
Conclusion
Besides these, some of the other apps are Eros Now, Viu, Viki, TVFPlay or Mubi. While Netflix, Prime Video cater to global audiences, Zee5, SonyLiv, Alt Balaji, Voot are more India friendly.
Rising considerably over the years with people shifting more towards it, OTT is here to stay and has only begun climbing up the popularity factor. It is now totally up to you to choose the platform best suited to your needs and start binging.