Over the past few years, there has been a significant rise in the popularity of Over-the-top (OTT) apps in Australia, giving users the ability to stream movies, TV shows, and other content directly to their devices without the need for traditional cable or satellite TV providers. Among these apps, Hotstar and Jiocinema are two of the most widely used.
However, to unblock Disney+ Hotstar in Australia, one requires a VPN service to access the content. Keep in mind using a VPN to access geo-restricted content may go against the app’s terms of service and could lead to account suspension or termination, so users should exercise caution when attempting to do so.
With that said, read on as we explore the differences between Hotstar and Jiocinema, helping users decide which app to use.
Hotstar VS Jiocinema
First, we will delve into Hotstar, followed by Jiocinema, and then compare the two.
Hotstar
Hotstar is an OTT streaming service that provides users with a broad range of movies, TV shows, and live sports events. It was initially introduced in India in 2015.
Apart from having the option to stream content, users also have the opportunity to download for offline viewing, making it convenient for those without continuous internet access.
Additionally, Hotstar offers a personalized recommendation system that suggests content based on the user’s viewing history and preferences.
Finally, the app provides a user-friendly interface with easy navigation and search options, making it simple for users to find the content they want to watch.
Advantages
- Quick availability of TV serials and news in different languages
- The design and layout of the app are average
- Content can be accessed without logging in
- Provides high-quality streaming
- Offers free streaming of sports, TV, and news
Disadvantages
- Even with high internet speed, the website can still be slow to load
- Hotstar offers a limited selection of TV shows
- Hotstar app has slow loading times for both website and application
Jiocinema
JioCinema is a popular Over-the-top (OTT) streaming service that Reliance Jio, a well-known telecommunications company in India, provides.
The service was introduced in 2016 and has become popular due to its vast collection of movies, TV series, and original content in several languages.
Whether you prefer Bollywood blockbusters or Hollywood hits, JioCinema has something for everyone. Additionally, the service offers a user-friendly interface and excellent streaming quality, making it a great choice for movie and TV show enthusiasts.
JioCinema is an OTT streaming service that offers various features for a seamless user experience. One such option is ‘My Download,’ which displays a list of all the downloaded movies in the app.
Another feature is ‘Available for Download,’ which shows the list of only those movies that can be downloaded.
The ‘Watch List Feature’ allows users to add their favorite TV shows and movies to their watch list and view them anytime. Users can add as many movies as they want to the list.
Another convenient feature is the ‘Auto Play TV Series,’ which automatically plays the subsequent episodes of a TV show without the need for manual search and play.
To ensure the best viewing experience, users can select the video bitrate based on their internet speed. While JioCinema automatically adjusts itself to the available internet speed, it is recommended to have a minimum rate of 2Mbps or above.
Additionally, JioCinema offers ‘Parental controls’ for users to set a PIN and restrict access to certain content for kids.
Advantages
- The app is user-friendly and easy to navigate
- Provides good service and support, with an efficient OTP verification process during subscription
Disadvantages
- The app frequently buffers to maintain high video quality
- The user interface could be improved
- On the Fire TV stick, there is no video quality adjustment setting, leading to high data consumption
Comparison
Now, let’s compare the features of both apps and see how they stack up against each other. This will help users make an informed decision on which app to choose.
Content Library
Hotstar and Jiocinema are two popular OTT apps that offer a wide range of entertainment options. Hotstar’s vast library of live sports may be a better choice if you’re a sports enthusiast. However, if you’re a fan of Indian entertainment, Jiocinema’s extensive collection of Bollywood movies and TV series may be more appealing.
Subscription Plans
In terms of pricing, Hotstar offers two subscription plans in Australia, an annual plan for AU$27.33 and a monthly plan for AU$5.45. On the other hand, Jiocinema is a cost-effective option for those who are already Reliance Jio subscribers as it is entirely free for them. Non-Jio users can access the app by subscribing to the Jio Prime membership, which costs $99 annually.
User Interface
Jiocinema stands out with its user-friendly interface, providing an effortless browsing experience for users to access their preferred content quickly. On the other hand, Hotstar also offers a clean and intuitive interface that is easy to use, allowing users to browse and find their favorite content effortlessly.
Conclusion
Choosing between Hotstar and Jiocinema all boils down to personal preferences. If you’re a fan of sports and enjoy English and Indian language content, then Hotstar might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer Bollywood movies and TV series and want a more user-friendly interface, then Jiocinema might be your cup of tea.
