Acorn TV New Zealand: Price, features and content
Last Updated on August 23, 2024
Kiwis can watch some fantastic British shows thanks to Acorn TV
DEAL
Try out Acorn TV with a 14-day free trial
Acorn TV’s free 14-day trial will give you instant access to thousands of premium TV shows and movies. T&Cs apply.
Acorn TV was launched on 11 December 2018 in New Zealand. The streaming company starts in all new territories by offering key titles. There are nearly 40 in New Zealand. It then adds new content weekly to build up the library, which happens reasonably quickly. It is a great destination for fans of British programming.
The streaming platform offers a selection of TV shows from the United Kingdom and beyond at an affordable monthly price. There’s a good chance you’ll find something in Acorn’s library to keep you busy for hours on end, all without spending more than you would on a few cups of tea.
What is Acorn TV?
Acorn TV is a subscription video-on-demand service that focuses on British programming. Users pay a monthly or annual fee and can watch as much content from Acorn’s library as they want. The platform primarily offers TV series from the United Kingdom, but subscribers can also watch shows from New Zealand, Canada, Ireland and Australia.
The company started distributing British television in the United States in 1994 – first on VHS, then DVD and Blu-Ray. It eventually launched a streaming platform in 2013 and quickly became the largest service focused on British and international TV in North America. Acorn TV offers world-class dramas, comedies, mysteries and documentaries, all ad-free.
The service also invests in original programming. Its most successful original programme was an adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Poirot in summer 2014, which was nominated for an Emmy. That’s a huge accomplishment for a niche streaming service.
How much does Acorn TV cost?
Due to its niche approach to content, Acorn TV comes at an affordable monthly price. For $7.99/month, you can binge a selection of classic and contemporary British TV shows. There’s a free one-week trial available to new customers, so you can test the platform to figure out if it’s for you. It involves no lock-in contracts, so you can cancel your subscription at any time. Alternatively, users can purchase a yearly membership for the price of 12 months – $79,99.
How much content does Acorn TV offer?
In short, Acorn TV is ideal for anyone who likes international productions. The service in the US boasts thousands of hours of programming, including dozens of exclusive shows and the latest seasons of your favourite series. In New Zealand, you can binge-watch fan favourites like Foyle’s War, Poldark and Line of Duty.
The library is neatly organised into categories, like Most Popular and Mystery, so you can easily find something to match your preferences. The platform allows you to browse the library before you sign up for a free trial, so you can gain a picture of the content you have access to once you subscribe. Acorn TV adds new content every month, so keep an eye on the service to discover new favourites.
Acorn TV vs Amazon Prime Video
Acorn TV and Amazon Prime Video offer different experiences, especially for NZ viewers. Here’s a comparison to help you decide:
| Acorn TV | Amazon Prime Video | |
|---|---|---|
| Specialization | Focuses on British and international television, including dramas, mysteries, and comedies. | Offers a wide variety of content, including movies, TV shows, and original series across various genres. |
| Content | Features popular series like Midsomer Murders, Doc Martin, and Agatha Raisin. | Includes popular titles like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Boys, and Jack Ryan. |
| Subscription | Costs around $7 per month. Available as a standalone app or as an add-on through services like Amazon Prime Video. | Costs around $8.99 per month for Prime Video alone, or $12.99 per month for a full Amazon Prime membership, which includes additional benefits like free shipping on Amazon orders. |
| User Experience | Simple interface, but lacks some advanced features like personalized recommendations and multiple user profiles. | Advanced features like personalized recommendations, multiple user profiles, and integration with other Amazon services. |
Key Differences
- Content Variety: Amazon Prime Video offers a broader range of content, while Acorn TV is more niche, focusing on British and international shows.
- Additional Benefits: Amazon Prime Video comes with extra perks if you opt for the full Prime membership.
- Price: Acorn TV is slightly cheaper but offers less variety.
Which devices are compatible with Acorn TV?
Acorn TV works with several devices, ensuring a smooth user experience regardless of what screen you’re watching on.
- Computer: PC and Mac
- Mobile and tablet: iOS and Android
- Smart TV, streaming media player and other: Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Chromecast
FAQs
Q: Is my broadband fast enough to stream with Acorn TV?
A: Most likely, yes. The streaming service requires consistent bandwidth of 1,600kbps (1.6Mbps) or above.
Q: Does Acorn TV offer closed captions?
A: Yes, closed captioning is available.
Q: Can I download shows to watch later?
A: Yes, Acorn TV does offer an offline viewing feature.
How much data does Acorn TV use?
As with every streaming service, watching content with Acorn TV burns through your data allowance. The platform doesn’t offer any official information on data usage, but streaming can consume anywhere from 300MB/hour for the lowest video quality to 3GB/hour for a high-quality HD stream.
