Crave vs Netflix: Which Streaming Service Is Better in Canada?: Best Choice in Costa Rica?
Crave and Netflix are both major streaming options for Canadian subscribers, but they serve different tastes. Crave is Bell's flagship streaming service and the Canadian home for HBO content, Showtime, and Paramount films. Netflix Canada offers its global originals plus a large licensed library. Both are popular, but their content strengths are very different.
Quick Verdict
Crave is worth subscribing to in Canada specifically for its HBO exclusivity — no other Canadian service carries HBO. Netflix Canada is the better general entertainment service with a larger and more diverse library. Most Canadians who watch prestige TV subscribe to both.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Crave | Netflix | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| HBO Content | Exclusive Canadian home for HBO | Not available on Netflix Canada | Crave |
| Original Content | Some Canadian originals | Large global originals catalog | Netflix |
| Starting Price | CAD $9.99/mo (Mobile) | CAD $6.99/mo (Standard with Ads) | Netflix |
| Live Sports | TSN and Sportsnet content on higher tiers | No live sports | Crave |
| Content Library | HBO, Showtime, Paramount, some Canadian content | 6,000+ titles including global originals | Netflix |
| International Availability | Canada only | 190+ countries | Netflix |
Availability in Costa Rica
Crave
Not available in Costa Rica
Crave is not officially offered in Costa Rica. A VPN or GeoLeap can help you explore your options.
Netflix
Not available in Costa Rica
Netflix is not officially offered in Costa Rica. A VPN or GeoLeap can help you explore your options.
Our Verdict
Crave is worth subscribing to in Canada specifically for its HBO exclusivity — no other Canadian service carries HBO. Netflix Canada is the better general entertainment service with a larger and more diverse library. Most Canadians who watch prestige TV subscribe to both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: March 2026