Before I start, let me just set the record straight, I have nothing against Netflix. Love it, can’t get enough of it. But sometimes, I literally cannot get enough Asian shows on Netflix. There are just not enough Asian shows, it is frustrating.
Asia is a continent that produces so many amazing shows. There’s Korean shows, Chinese shows, Japanese shows, Thai shows, Singaporean shows and even Malaysian shows. So much variety but only 20% of these shows are in Netflix which sometimes forces some of us (not me!) to watch them illegally.
Instead of watching shows illegally, here are some Netflix alternatives for all you Asian show addicts out there:
You are not Asian if you do not have this streaming platform on your phone or computer. YES, I said it! Viu gives you what Netflix can’t - Malay, Tamil, Bollywood, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Indonesian, and other Asian Movies and TV shows. Oh, and I forgot to mention: an endless stream on K-dramas.
Viu offers your standard 30-day free subscription; after that, they have a few premium plants like the 1-month plan at RM12.90, or the 6-month plan at RM48, or the yearly plan at RM88 annually. The premium plan gives you the latest dramas, Viu originals, premium shows and much more.
If you want to save your money, then opt for the free plan which gives you access to a ton of free shows on the platform.
2. WeTV iFlix - Netflix’s arch-nemesis in Malaysia
You want to know what makes iFlix better than Netflix? It has a forever free version, that’s right, not your standard 30 days free trial, it is forever free! In 2020, iFlix was acquired by WeTV and it is now known and WeTV iFlix in Malaysia.
Okay, so everything comes with a price right, so forever free might sound amazing, but that just means that you don’t get access to some of the VIP content. To becomes VIP member, they have three plans – RM 4.90 for the monthly subscription, RM 12.90 for the quarterly subscription and RM 49.90 for the annual subscription.
3. DimSum – Unlimited Asian Dramas and Shows
DimSum is as tasty as it sounds. It gives on thing and one thing only, Asian shows. You name it, they have it. If you are looking for some English shows, then go back to Netflix, you are a disgrace to us Asians LOL, just kidding. They don’t have English shows, only Asian.
The best part is, instead of the usual 30-day free trial, DimSum gives you a 90-day free trial. After that, if you want to continue using it, you can subscribe for RM13.90 a month, or, if you’re a Unifi user, just RM10 a month!
4. Astro Go – Only for Astro Subscribers
If you aren’t an Astro subscriber then you can just skip this one. Astro Go is a free feature offered by Astro to its subscribers, which lets you enjoy your subscribed channels on your smartphone or tablet or computer anywhere in Malaysia. So, if you don’t have an Astro box for your TV at your new apartment for some reason, then you can just download the app and watch Astro on the go.
5. Tonton – Only for those who love Malaysian shows
Tonton a Malaysian free video streaming service owned by Media Prima Bhd. It offers local Malay and Chinese shows and movies while also providing you with some of their own original series. It gets better! Tonton also gives you access to Media Prima TV shows from channels like TV3, 8TV and more!
