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While streaming services are often hailed for their selection of movies and fictional TV shows, you’re not alone if you prefer documentaries and docuseries. And, if you’re running out of options on your current streaming service, you may want to try a dedicated documentary streaming platform.
So, which documentary streaming platforms are best, and which should you choose?
1MagellanTV
If you’re into history, science, or conspiracy theories,Magellan TVis the platform for you. Whether you want to learn about space, ancient history, nature, travel, art, or even social issues, you can find some great documentaries and docuseries on Magellan TV to suit your needs.
The Magellan TV interface is super simple to use. All the main pages you need are listed on the top menu bar. You can also use the search icon at the top right of the screen to search for specific categories, and you can access your account settings via the avatar icon next to the search icon.
What’s more, Magellan TV has an article page that you can use to read about a wide range of interesting topics if you want a little break from motion pictures.
2Curiosity Stream
Curiosity Streamis another great pick for documentary lovers. It hosts a huge range of factual and educational content, allowing you to learn about ancient Roman emperors, psychology, AI, natural disasters, and much more. With thousands of titles on offer, you certainly won’t be short of choice with this platform.
The Curiosity Stream desktop interface is easy to navigate, allowing you to search for specific titles, browse genres, and scroll through categories. You can also download the mobile app for more convenient access at home or on the go. If you’re low on data or you’re in an area with poor internet, you can also download titles to watch offline.
3History Hit
History Hitbegan as a UK-only service but is now available in the US as of April 2023. If you’re a history buff, this service is perfect for you. History Hit’s shows are often hosted by seasoned historians, such as Dan Snow, Eleanor Janega, and Lucy Worsley.
With your History Hit subscription, you’re able to select the time period you want, search for specific titles, or switch between videos, audiobooks, and podcasts.
The service’s audio options are great for when you want something on in the background while you workout, sort laundry, or clean.
If you’re interested in History Hit but don’t want to pay for another streaming service, check out theHistory Hit YouTube channelto discover some fantastic free content. You can also use the History Hit app on your mobile or tablet to watch content on the go.
44. PBS America
You may already be familiar with thePBS Americatelevision channel, but did you know there’s also a PBS app for your desktop or smart TV? What’s more, the PBS app is entirely free to use.
PBS America offers documentaries on all aspects of nonfiction, including history, war, science, and nature. You can browse by category and title and keep a list of series or movies you’d like to watch in the future.
If you’re interested in using the PBS app on your smart TV, search for the app in your smart TV’s native app store to see if it’s available.
Keep in mind that, because PBS America is free, it doesn’t have as big a catalog of content as many of the other premium streaming services listed here. This service is better for the casual documentary lover who doesn’t consume a lot of content every week.
Check out our list of thebest websites to stream documentaries for freeif you’re looking for other no-charge options.
5NatGeo (via Disney+)
If you have a Disney+ subscription, you have access to a catalog of fantastic documentary movies and series at your fingertips. This is because your Disney+ subscription gives you access toNational Geographiccontent at no extra cost. Whether you want to learn about ancient Egypt, top up your nature knowledge, or enjoy one of NatGeo’s infamous reality TV series, you’re good to go with Disney+.
Along with NatGeo, you’ll also get access to all of Disney+’s other content, including TV series and movies from the Star Wars and Marvel franchises.
Disney+’s interface is similar to that of Netflix, but note that you’ll be specifically using the NatGeo section of the streaming service, so clicking on one of Disney+’s menu options, like its originals or series, will show you all the content on offer, not just that of NatGeo. If this sounds frustrating, you may be better off with a documentary-only platform.
DocPlayis a lesser-known documentary service, but don’t write it off just yet if you’re living in Australia or New Zealand. This platform has a wide range of great documentary titles, spanning topics like politics, war, and history. You can even learn about how wine and beer are made or even take a look into the wonderful world of sushi. There are some fantastic niche documentaries on this platform on top of more common content if you want to educate yourself on something a little more unusual.
7History Vault
If you’re a fan of theHistory Channel, then the History Vault streaming service may be a great fit for you. With History Vault, you may stream all the content shown on the History Channel at your convenience.
Whether you want to learn about American history, war and politics, or ancient civilizations, History Vault has you covered. If you’re looking for a More Mysterious Watch, you can even learn about UFO theories, espionage, and mysterious caves.
Whether you’re a history buff, science enthusiast, or nature lover, the streaming services above are among the best places to find educational content, be it for free or for a premium. It’s never too late to start learning about the world around you!
