Streaming and pay-TV services have become a central part of South African entertainment. Between DStv, Netflix, and Showmax, households have access to thousands of shows, movies, documentaries, and sports. However, the rising cost of living has made many consumers ask: How do I get the best value for money without breaking the bank?
This guide compares DStv, Netflix, and Showmax packages in 2025, shows how to cut costs, and explores money-saving strategies so you can keep watching your favourite content for less.
Why Compare DStv, Netflix and Showmax?
- DStv remains South Africa’s largest pay-TV provider, with unique rights to live sports (Premier League, PSL, rugby, cricket).
- Netflix dominates global streaming with original series, movies, and international content.
- Showmax, now revamped (Showmax 2.0 launched in 2024), offers affordable local content, Hollywood shows, and live Premier League football at a low cost.
By comparing packages side by side, you can decide whether you need all three—or if you can cut one and still enjoy quality entertainment.
DStv Packages 2025
DStv offers tiered packages for different budgets, all including the DStv Stream app at no extra charge.
1. DStv Premium
- Price: R879/month
- Channels: 150+
- Features: All sports (SuperSport), latest movies, international series, news, kids, lifestyle.
- Value: Still the only way to get all sports live in one package.
2. DStv Compact Plus
- Price: R619/month
- Channels: 140+
- Features: Most sports (including rugby, cricket, some football), local & international series.
- Value: Popular middle-ground for sports lovers who want variety at a lower cost than Premium.
3. DStv Compact
- Price: R469/month
- Channels: 120+
- Features: Good mix of entertainment, some live sports (football, boxing).
- Value: Affordable family option.
4. DStv Family
- Price: R319/month
- Channels: 100+
- Features: Basic entertainment, kids, lifestyle, but limited sports.
5. DStv Access
- Price: R129/month
- Channels: 60+
- Features: Entry-level, includes news, local channels, and soapies.
6. DStv Stream (Standalone)
- Price: From R129/month
- No decoder required. You can stream packages online (Access, Family, Compact, Premium).
- Value: Cheaper setup—no dish/installation costs.
Netflix Packages 2025 (South Africa)
Netflix prices have stabilised since 2024, but content keeps growing.
1. Mobile Plan
- Price: R49/month
- Devices: 1 mobile/tablet
- Quality: SD (480p)
- Value: Cheapest option if you only watch on a smartphone.
2. Basic Plan
- Price: R99/month
- Devices: 1 screen at a time
- Quality: HD (720p)
3. Standard Plan
- Price: R159/month
- Devices: 2 screens at once
- Quality: Full HD (1080p)
4. Premium Plan
- Price: R199/month
- Devices: 4 screens at once
- Quality: Ultra HD (4K + HDR)
Showmax Packages 2025
After its 2024 relaunch, Showmax now operates on a partnership with Comcast’s Peacock platform, offering a slicker app and live sports streaming.
1. Showmax Entertainment Mobile
- Price: R39/month
- Devices: Mobile only (1 device)
- Content: Series, movies, local shows.
2. Showmax Entertainment (Standard)
- Price: R89/month
- Devices: TV, laptop, mobile
- Content: Local + international entertainment, movies, kids.
3. Showmax Premier League (Mobile Only)
- Price: R69/month
- Devices: Mobile only
- Content: All 380 English Premier League games live.
4. Showmax Premier League + Entertainment Bundle
- Price: R149/month
- Devices: Mobile
- Content: Combines live Premier League + movies and shows.
5. Showmax Pro (phased out)
Note: The old Showmax Pro was discontinued in 2024, replaced by the new Premier League package.
Side-by-Side Price Comparison (2025)
| Service & Package | Price (p/m) | Devices | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DStv Premium | R879 | TV & Stream | Full sports + 150 channels | Sports fanatics, families |
| DStv Compact Plus | R619 | TV & Stream | Most sports + series | Balanced sports/entertainment |
| DStv Access | R129 | TV & Stream | Basic channels | Entry-level TV |
| Netflix Mobile | R49 | Mobile only | Netflix library | Budget, phone users |
| Netflix Standard | R159 | 2 screens | Full HD | Couples, small families |
| Showmax Mobile | R39 | Mobile only | Local & intl shows | Cheapest entry |
| Showmax EPL Mobile | R69 | Mobile only | Live EPL football | Football fans |
| Showmax Bundle | R149 | Mobile | EPL + Entertainment | Sports + series lovers |
How to Pay Less: Smart Strategies
1. Bundle Services with Telcos and ISPs
- MTN, Vodacom, Telkom often offer Netflix, Showmax, or DStv Stream bundles with mobile contracts.
- Fibre providers (Vumatel, Openserve, Afrihost, Cool Ideas) sometimes include streaming discounts.
2. Use Mobile-Only Plans
If you mainly watch on your phone, Netflix Mobile (R49) or Showmax Mobile (R39–R69) save big.
3. Leverage Promotions
- DStv often runs promos (e.g., “get Premium for the price of Compact Plus for 2 months”).
- Showmax sometimes offers free trials or 50% off for DStv subscribers.
4. Share Accounts (Legally)
- Netflix Standard allows 2 screens; Premium allows 4. Share costs with family.
- Showmax allows multiple profiles on one account.
5. Mix and Match
Instead of subscribing to everything, rotate subscriptions monthly. For example:
- January: Netflix (binge series).
- February: Showmax (local dramas + EPL football).
- Keep DStv Compact only if sports are essential.
6. Use DStv Stream Instead of Decoder
If you already have internet, avoid decoder installation costs by subscribing to DStv Stream only.
Which Service is Best for Sports Fans?
- DStv Premium: Still the king if you want rugby, cricket, PSL, Formula 1, and everything else.
- Showmax EPL Mobile: Cheapest way to watch live Premier League games in SA at just R69/month.
- DStv Compact Plus: Good balance—cheaper than Premium but covers most sports.
Which Service is Best for Families?
- DStv Family (R319): Offers kids, lifestyle, news, and some entertainment.
- Netflix Standard (R159): 2 screens, safe kids profiles.
- Showmax Entertainment (R89): Affordable add-on for local and international movies.
Which Service is Best for Budget Viewers?
- Showmax Mobile (R39) – unbeatable for cheap entertainment.
- Netflix Mobile (R49) – gives access to global Netflix library.
- DStv Access (R129) – entry-level satellite package for local channels and soapies.
FAQs
1. Can I watch Netflix on DStv?
Yes, DStv Explora Ultra and DStv Stream integrate Netflix, but you need a separate Netflix subscription.
2. Is Showmax free with DStv?
Some higher-tier DStv packages (Premium, Compact Plus) include Showmax at no extra cost or at a discounted rate.
3. Which is cheaper: Showmax or Netflix?
Showmax is cheaper. The cheapest Showmax plan (R39) undercuts Netflix’s cheapest plan (R49).
4. Can I cancel Netflix or Showmax anytime?
Yes, both are month-to-month subscriptions.
5. Is DStv worth it in 2025?
Yes, but only if you value live sports and multiple channels. For series and movies alone, Netflix and Showmax offer cheaper options.
Conclusion
In 2025, South Africans have more entertainment options than ever before. To pay less for DStv, Netflix and Showmax, the key is choosing packages that match your needs.
- If you’re a sports fanatic, DStv Premium (R879) or Showmax EPL Mobile (R69) are must-haves.
- For budget-conscious viewers, Showmax Mobile (R39) and Netflix Mobile (R49) offer unbeatable value.
- Families should consider combining Netflix Standard (R159) with Showmax Entertainment (R89) instead of paying for full DStv.
By mixing mobile plans, bundling with telcos, and rotating subscriptions, you can save hundreds of rand each month while still enjoying quality entertainment.
Entertainment doesn’t have to break your budget—smart choices can keep your household entertained affordably in 2025.
