After experiencing a net loss of about £443.5m in the second quarter of 2023, Viaplay decided to cut costs by ending its sports coverage in the US, UK, and Canada. This resulted in fans losing access to popular games like URC rugby, the Scottish League Cup, and Scotland men’s football matches.
If you’re unhappy that Viaplay is leaving your country, we’ve come to tell you to smile because you can still access your beloved TV shows, Nordic movies, and live sports. Discover our 10 best Viaplay alternatives to stream sports and movies. You’ll also find reliable VPNs to help you bypass geo-restrictions.
Top 10 Viaplay replacements – Quick list
Below are the top Viaplay alternatives you can access from anywhere using a VPN.
- Netflix: Just like Viaplay, Netflix has a large Nordic Noir library. This site’s algorithm can also make recommendations for you based on your views and interests.
- Disney Plus: It has a group feature that allows you to stream movies with up to six friends. Disney Plus also keeps you updated on recent blockbuster movies.
- Paramount Plus: Streams Scottish Premier League content. Paramount Plus will serve you well if you want to stream other sports like UEFA Champions League, and UEFA Europa League.
- BBC iPlayer: It gives you access to a wide range of UK content. Furthermore, you can watch all BBC programs for free on the platform.
- Curiosity Stream: If you love watching documentaries on Viaplay, you’ll appreciate Curiosity Stream because it has over 3,000 documentaries that cut across many niches.
- Max: After their theater debut, every Warner Bros movie will be available on Max. Additionally, certain episodes of popular programs are free on Max.
- Crunchyroll: It is the perfect site to enjoy the latest anime release. It actually has more anime collections than Viaplay, and its largest anime library is available in the US.
- Tubi TV: It gives you free access to about 50,000 movies and TV shows. However, it might be difficult to find recent movies here.
- Channel 4: For lovers of Formula 1 and popular TV series like Young Sheldon and Big Bang Theory, this is a good Viaplay alternative. However, it is only available in the UK.
- StreamEast: It lives up to Viaplay’s standard in sports content. You can watch the National Hockey League (NHL), National Basketball Association (NBA), and Formula 1 in HD for free.
What is Viaplay?
Viaplay is the Nordic version of Netflix. It was launched in 2007 and has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. Viaplay is a go-to platform for Nordic Noir drama fans because it offers a large content selection. Moreover, it has sports, documentaries, Hollywood movies, and an extensive library of Scandinavian programs.
For a while now, Viaplay has been available in Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Poland, and Baltic countries like Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania.
As of 2022, it launched in the UK and the Netherlands, while in early 2023, it rolled out its services to Canada and the US. However, in 2023, Viaplay announced they’d stop functioning in the UK, US, and Canada because they needed to cut costs.
Top 10 best alternatives to Viaplay – Detailed list
Continue reading if you’re eager to learn about each of our top 10 Viaplay substitutes in depth.
1. Netflix
$6.99 per month
Best option for streaming
Takes a long time for upcoming episodes of their favorite shows
Netflix is one of the biggest streaming platforms, with about 158.3 million global subscribers as of 2019. To access its content, subscribe to Netflix Standard with ads, Netflix Standard, or Netflix Premium subscription. Once done, you can stream as many movies and TV shows as you want across up to four devices.
The beauty of using Netflix is that your activities on the site synchronize on any device you are logged in to. For example, you can start streaming a movie on your PC, pause it, and continue from where you stopped when you logged in on your smartphone.
If you are in a place where Viaplay is no longer available, like the US, UK, or Canada, you won’t miss much with Netflix. The site has over 13,000 movies across different genres and a decent library of Scandinavian movies. It updates its catalog monthly to include recent movies. It also has a smart recommendation algorithm that suggests movies based on your interests.
However, the only drawback of this platform is its library varies country-to-country, and most of the famous titles won’t be available in your region. Nonetheless, you can use a reliable VPN to unblock Netflix and watch your favorite library from anywhere.
2. Disney Plus
$9.99 per month
Easy-to-navigate interface
Limited selection for adults
Disney Plus is a powerhouse for high-quality shows and movies. Although Viaplay is off the streaming block, you won’t feel its absence much with this site. You can catch up on popular content like Marvel movies, Marvel shows, Star Wars spin-offs, fantasy shows, and all the Disney classics on Disney Plus.
It’s an excellent option for families with different streaming needs. You can enable the parental lock feature to keep your kids from accessing programs they shouldn’t watch. If you want more adult-focused content, you can explore the vast library of films and TV series with high-quality videos (up to 4K).
One exciting feature of Disney Plus is the GroupWatch functionality, which allows you to stream movies with up to six people. You can also rewind, pause, and even react to the movie you’re watching. When subscribed to this site, you can access up to four streams and seven profiles across 10 devices.
3. Paramount Plus
$5.99 per month
Has a large selection of reality TV shows
A relatively small selection at a higher price
Paramount Plus takes you down memory lane to familiar and classic TV shows. It combines content from platforms like CBS All Access, BET, CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central, alongside live sports and local news. The platform allows you to access up to 2,500 movies and 30,000 episodes of original shows.
Paramount Plus is a popular Viaplay competitor because it streams live sports events, such as PGA golf, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Champions League, and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). You can watch up to 2,000 live matches every year.
Compared with Viaplay, Paramount Plus is known to stream the Scottish Premier League in high quality and with exceptional commentaries. You can also save live matches for offline viewing.
This site is only accessible to people in Australia, Canada, Latin America, the US, and the Nordic regions. If you do not live in these locations, you can use a reliable VPN like NordVPN to get an IP address from any of these countries while masking your original address.
4. BBC iPlayer
If you are a UK resident who looked up to Viaplay to stream live sports like football and rugby, you’ll fall in love with BBC iPlayer. However, people outside the United Kingdom may not use this content-rich site. But don’t fret; you can still watch BBC iPlayer from anywhere with a dependable VPN service.
The platform offers access to sports like football, cycling, golf, and basketball alongside British commentaries on the events. The streams are available in 4K quality. Moreover, the website also has categories like special events and sports highlights for easy navigation.
Besides sports, BBC iPlayer hosts series and popular movies like Doctor Who, Peaky Blinders, Death in Paradise, The Sixth Commandment, and EastEnders.
5. Curiosity Stream
$3.34 per month
Has a large collection of vintage content
Lesser titles than Netflix and Hulu
Curiosity Stream has all the programs you need to satisfy your love for knowledge and new adventures. The founder of Discovery Channel created this site, so it, expectedly, contains a lot for you to explore and learn from. It offers topics on science, art, ancient civilization, space explorations, and interesting discourse like Coronavirus.
Apart from its large selection of history films, another impressive aspect of Curiosity Stream is that it does not compromise quality and originality. It also has the Curiosity Kids documentary that helps children learn about their world in a fun and easy way. It is indeed a top Viaplay competitor when it comes to documentaries.
Over 3,000 documentaries are available on Curiosity Stream, including notable ones like Polar Bears, the History of Home, Engineering the Future, and Out of the Cradle. Besides, with a Smart Bundle subscription, you can access services like Nebula, Topic, One Day University, Tastemade, Da Vinci, and SOMM TV.
6. Max
$9.99 per month
Advertise across all Google channels
Limited campaign control
Max, previously known as HBO Max, has a collection of over 10,000 hours of shows and movies, which has to be one of its most enticing qualities. The truckload of exciting content you have on the site is enough to keep you company as you look forward to new content that will be updated on the platform.
Alongside its large selection of shows, you can customize your experience with features like parental controls, offline downloads, and the option to watch movies on multiple screens simultaneously.
It is a product of the merger between HBO Max and Warner Bros. Discovery. As such, channels like HGTV, ID, TLC, Discovery, and Food Network are available on Max. Original shows like Game of Thrones and popular movies like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and The Dark Knight Trilogy are on the site.
If you are not yet subscribed to Max, you can view some shows for free for a limited time. Eventually, you’ll have to subscribe to enjoy its full benefits.
It is important to note that Max is available only in the United States. Although plans are ongoing to extend its services to Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific, at present, unblocking Max outside the US requires a VPN.
7. Crunchyroll
$7.99 per month
Allows offline downloading
No parental control option
The massive collection of anime available on Crunchyroll proves that this site is out to satisfy anime fans and has been exceptionally successful. You’ll find the best anime, manga, and East-Asian cinema on the platform. Looking back at how this site started as a place for people to upload their favorite shows without rights from its owners, it has made a name for itself as the leading streaming service for anime.
Popular animes like Naruto, Death Note, Vinland Saga, and Blade Runner: The Black Lotus are available here, with over 10,000 animes and 30,000 episodes. Also, the latest animes from countries like Japan typically find their way to Crunchyroll within an hour of release.
To enjoy this site’s full library, consider using a VPN like NordVPN because the content selection varies from country to country, with the largest library available in the US. Thus, changing your IP address to a place in the US will give you access to shows that are otherwise geo-restricted in your location.
8. Tubi TV
Free
Content from major film studios
The content library is a bit out-dated
Tubi TV allows you to stream a wide variety of licensed movies without using a credit card. As such, it is easily one of the best Viaplay alternatives for free sports and movie streaming. Although it doesn’t have original content, its library is usually updated regularly.
Remember that ads pop up on the site as you stream content on Tubi TV, but they’re not overbearing, so you don’t have to be bothered about them. Another trade-off for this free site is the lack of HD or 4K resolution; every video is limited to a maximum of 720p.
For a free platform, this app has quite a lot of listings. There are over 50,000 titles in its catalog, and it has partnered with MGM, Paramount, Satrz, and Lionsgate, which helps to keep its library full. You can also watch live TV channels like Fox Weather, Fox Sports on Tubi, NBC News Now, beIN SPORTS XTRA, and Bloomberg Television.
9. Channel 4
Channel 4 is another free alternative to Viaplay that allows you to watch big races like Formula 1. Whether you are a Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, or Max Verstappen fan, you’ll find Channel 4 irresistible. Other top races, like the Monaco Grand Prix and the Hungarian Grand Prix, are also available on the platform.
This streaming service is not home to sports alone. Popular movies and shows like Young Sheldon, Big Bang Theory, and Bake Off: The Professionals, alongside thousands of other shows, will be found here.
Channel 4’s streaming service is only available in the United Kingdom. So, if you are outside the UK and need to use the platform, get a reliable VPN to access its content.
10. StreamEast
Most sports fans seek ways to stay updated with their favorite leagues at minimal costs. StreamEast allows you to watch major sporting events like the NHL, MMA, MLB, boxing, and soccer for free. All these can be enjoyed in high-quality 1080p streams without paying a dime.
Although the site is free, it supports many ads. But, with a good ad blocker, you can deal with the issue. Also, because of copyright issues, its legality may vary from location to location, so you need a robust VPN like NordVPN to bypass any potential geo-restriction.
Beyond these shortcomings, StreamEast is an easy way to watch sports online without an expensive cable subscription.
When streaming, you can pause, rewind, and replay the games. You can also access highlights, real-time scores, team statistics, player profiles, and in-depth analysis. This platform prioritizes its users’ viewing experience and is doing well as a Viaplay alternative.
How we chose the best Viaplay alternatives
There are many streaming services to watch your favorite content, but these 10 sites stood out amongst others to make this list of the best Viaplay alternatives. We’ll walk you through the criteria we looked out for before selecting them. Carefully go through this list because it can help you identify other excellent options that are available and that might not have made it to our list.
- Ease of use: All the streaming services on our list have user-friendly apps and are compatible across multiple devices. For sites with livestream functionality, we selected the ones that allow easy connection.
- Price: We prioritized free streaming services, followed by those with free trials or an affordable monthly or yearly subscription.
- Library selection: We chose streaming platforms with many popular movies, series, TV shows, and sports content. We also looked at those with exclusive content that users would find valuable.
- Features: Video quality and audio standards were major criteria in choosing the best Viaplay alternatives. We selected sites with either HD or 4K resolution. We also chose platforms with features like multiple streams and parental control for an optimum viewing experience.
Best VPNs for Viaplay alternatives
If any sites like Viaplay on our list are geo-restricted in your country, you have nothing to worry about. You only need a VPN to bypass the blocking by getting a new IP address from a location where the streaming platforms are available.
However, it’s not advisable to use just any kind of VPN. You need one that protects your online privacy while ensuring a successful restriction bypass. We recommend the following two VPNs, which are proven and trusted to serve you well.
1. NordVPN
It is one of the most suitable VPN services for Viaplay and its alternatives. With its robust unblocking features, stealth security, and blazing-fast servers, you can watch your desired content from anywhere without restrictions.
Offers over 6,800 secure VPN servers in more than 110 countries
Offers reliable Threat Protection (malware, tracking, and ad blocker) feature
Industry standard, most secure encryption available: AES-256
An effective and easy-to-use kill switch feature
Split tunneling feature with high efficiency
Offers multi-hop VPN for double encryption
Provides seamless Onion over VPN functionality
Ensures no user logs
Users can connect up to ten devices simultaneously
A 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked
Pros
- Unblocks almost all major streaming platforms
- Provides access to different content libraries leveraging its diversified server network
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- Slow speeds with distant servers
NordVPN is one of the oldest and most popular VPNs in the market. As a result of its reliability, it has gained over 14 million customers because it never fails to deliver. One of the first things to look out for in a VPN is its number of servers, and NordVPN easily passes this test. It has a network of over 6,800 servers across 110+ countries.
It has impressive features like Double VPN, which allows this VPN to provide top-notch security for its users. The double VPN or multiple servers provide double encryption to enhance your online security. There is also a dedicated IP address function that gives you a unique address to avoid the potential blocklisting that comes with shared IP addresses.
NordVPN’s network is also fast and stable. There’s no lagging or buffering as you stream your favorite sports and movies on our best Viaplay substitutes. If you’ve not used NordVPN before and want to know how it works, you can leverage its 30-day money-back guarantee to try out its features risk-free.
2. ExtremeVPN
An outstanding VPN service that bypasses censorship and restrictions and helps you watch your desired content.
Offers 6,500 servers present across 78 countries
Utilizes robust security protocols, including AES-256 encryption
Enables distributed file sharing through P2P connections
Doesn’t collect users’ data
Includes a unique kill switch feature to block data leaks
Offers flexible data routing through split tunneling feature
Boasts Tor over VPN servers for stealth protection
Offers 10 simultaneous device connections
Provides protection against IP/DNS leaks
Has a refund policy of 30 days
Pros
- Allows access to geo-restricted content with stealth browsing
- Ensures fast-speed connectivity
- User-friendly app and easy to set up
Cons
- No dedicated IP address
ExtremeVPN provides the best security and privacy for streaming movies and sports in geo-restricted locations. With its AES-256 encryption and no-logs policy, there is nothing like online monitoring or IP leakages. This VPN is powered by over 6500 servers across 78 countries and 88 locations, and every user can access different servers irrespective of their location.
If you are concerned about whether you’ll be able to navigate the ExtremeVPN app, that wouldn’t be a problem. This VPN has a user-friendly app compatible with all major operating systems. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee to use the service free of charge.
ExtremeVPN’s servers have an impressive speed. Even if you’re far from the server, the network speed is consistent enough to prevent buffering as you stream content online. This VPN is also equipped to prevent DNS and WebRTC leaks.
FAQs
You cannot watch content on Viaplay if you are in a region where its streaming service is no longer available, such as the UK, US, or Canada. However, you can use a VPN like ExtremeVPN to change your IP address to that of a country like Norway, where their services are still active.
No, Viaplay cannot precisely detect that you are streaming on their platform using a VPN. But it doesn’t support VPN use and may sometimes catch and block your VPN access. So, only use a secure VPN that provides obfuscated servers, which prevents networks from detecting your VPN use.
Yes, Netflix is similar to Viaplay because they are both streaming services. The major difference between these platforms is that Netflix has more movies and covers more countries than Viaplay.
