What Starz is and who runs it

Starz is a streaming service owned by Lionsgate that shows movies, original series, and licensed content. You pay a monthly fee to watch on demand through an app or website. The service is separate from other streamers — it is not part of a bundle with Netflix or Disney+, though you can add it as an add-on channel through Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV Channels if you prefer.

Starz produces its own shows (like Power and its spin-offs, Outlander, and American Gods) and licenses films and series from other studios. The library changes monthly as titles rotate in and out. What is available depends on licensing agreements, so a show you watched last month may no longer be there the next month.

Key Takeaways

  • Starz costs between $6 and $12 per month depending on whether you choose an ad-supported or ad-free plan, with prices varying by how you subscribe.
  • You can subscribe directly through the Starz app or website, or add Starz as a channel through Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV Channels.
  • A free trial period is sometimes offered when you first sign up, though the length and availability change over time.
  • You can watch on multiple devices at the same time depending on your plan, and you can cancel anytime without penalty.
  • Content rotates monthly, so shows and movies you want to watch may disappear if you wait too long.

Pricing and plan options

Starz offers two main subscription tiers. The ad-supported plan costs less per month but includes advertisements during shows and movies. The ad-free plan costs more and removes ads entirely. Exact prices vary depending on whether you subscribe directly or through a third-party platform like Amazon Prime Video.

When you subscribe directly through Starz, the ad-supported plan is typically around $6 per month and the ad-free plan around $12 per month, though these prices change periodically and may differ by region. If you add Starz through Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV Channels, the prices are usually higher — often $8.99 to $14.99 per month — because you are paying a markup to the platform. Check the current price on the platform you plan to use before committing.

Starz sometimes offers a free trial when you first sign up, usually lasting a week or a month. This is not may provide — the trial period and whether one is offered at all depends on current promotions. If a trial is available, you will see it during signup. You will need to provide a payment method to start the trial, and you must cancel before the trial ends if you do not want to be charged.

How to subscribe directly versus through other platforms

You have two main routes: subscribe through Starz's own app and website, or add Starz as a channel through Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV Channels. Each route has trade-offs.

Subscribing directly through Starz means downloading the Starz app, visiting starz.com, or using a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV app. You create an account, choose your plan, and pay Starz directly. This is usually the cheapest option. Your login works across all Starz apps and devices. You manage your subscription and billing through Starz's own website.

Adding Starz through Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV Channels means you stay within the Prime Video or Apple TV app and do not need a separate Starz login. Your Starz subscription appears as a line item on your Amazon or Apple bill. This is more convenient if you already use those platforms heavily, but you pay a higher monthly fee. Canceling also happens through Amazon or Apple, not through Starz.

What devices you can watch on

Starz works on most major streaming devices and platforms. You can watch through the Starz app on smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android), smart TVs (including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Samsung TVs), web browsers on computers, and gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. The exact list of supported devices changes, so check starz.com for the current full list.

The number of devices you can stream on at the same time depends on your plan. Most plans allow you to watch on a limited number of screens simultaneously — typically two or three — though this varies. If you try to watch on more devices than your plan allows, you will get an error message on the extra device. You can switch which devices are active by logging out and back in.

How content changes and what to expect

Starz updates its library monthly. New shows premiere on a regular schedule, and licensed movies and series rotate in and out as licensing agreements expire. This means a title you see today may not be available next month. If there is something you want to watch, do not assume it will still be there in a few weeks.

Starz publishes a monthly list of what is coming and what is leaving. You can find this on the Starz app or website. Setting reminders for shows you want to watch can help you catch them before they leave the service. Original Starz series typically stay on the platform longer than licensed content, but nothing is permanent.

Canceling your subscription

You can cancel anytime without penalty or early termination fees. If you subscribed directly through Starz, log into your account on starz.com, go to your account settings, and select the option to cancel. Your access ends at the end of your current billing period — you do not lose access immediately after canceling.

If you subscribed through Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV Channels, cancel through that platform's settings. Go to your subscriptions, find Starz, and select cancel. Again, your access continues through the end of your current billing cycle. You will not be charged again after cancellation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Starz password with family members in another household?

Starz's terms of service state that passwords should not be shared outside your household. The service limits simultaneous streams to prevent this. If too many people use the same account from different locations, Starz may ask you to verify your identity or restrict access. Sharing within your own home is generally acceptable.

What happens if I pause my subscription and come back later?

You can cancel and restart your subscription whenever you want. When you restart, you may be offered a promotional rate or trial, depending on current offers. Your previous watchlist and viewing history may or may not be saved depending on how long you were away — contact Starz support if you want to know before canceling.

Is Starz included in any bundle with other streaming services?

Starz is not bundled with other major streamers like Netflix or Disney+. You can add it as a premium channel through Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV Channels, but that is a separate charge on top of those services. Some cable and satellite TV providers may include Starz as part of their packages, but that varies by provider and plan.

Do I need a cable subscription to watch Starz?

No. Starz is a standalone streaming service that works with just an internet connection. You do not need cable, satellite, or any other TV service. You only need a device that supports the Starz app and an active subscription.

Can I download shows to watch offline?

Starz does offer download capability on some devices, allowing you to watch downloaded content without an internet connection. The availability of downloads depends on your device and the specific title — not all content is available for download. Check the Starz app on your device to see which titles offer this option.