In a world where streaming has become as essential as morning coffee, Showmax continues to carve out its space as the go-to service for African viewers. Whether you’re catching up on the latest local dramas or cheering on your favourite Premier League team, this platform blends international hits with stories that feel close to home. If you’ve been searching for details on how to get started, what it costs in your country, or what’s worth watching right now, you’re in the right place.
This guide, updated for 2025, compiles everything you need to know about Showmax. We’ll explore the packages that suit different lifestyles, break down prices for key African markets, highlight must-watch content, and answer those burning questions, such as whether there’s a free trial or how to stream on your TV. With Africa’s digital landscape growing faster than ever, Showmax is adapting by keeping things affordable and mobile-friendly, especially in bustling hubs like South Africa and Nigeria. Let’s dive in and see why millions are tuning in.
Understanding Showmax: What Makes It Stand Out?
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At its core, Showmax is a video-on-demand service owned by MultiChoice, the folks behind DStv. It launched back in 2015 and has since evolved into a streamlined platform focused on entertainment and sports. What sets it apart? It’s built with African audiences in mind, offering a mix of Hollywood blockbusters, Nollywood favourites, South African series, and live football that you won’t find bundled quite like this elsewhere.
Unlike some global streamers, Showmax emphasises local flavour. You’ll find originals that reflect life across the continent, from Kenyan comedies to Ghanaian tales. It’s ad-free for paid subscribers, supports offline downloads for those days with patchy internet, and streams in up to Full HD on supported devices. Plus, with no long-term contracts, you can dip in and out as you please.
For sports fans, the integration with SuperSport provides live access to every Premier League match, as well as local leagues such as the Betway Premiership in South Africa. If you’re tired of cable bills but still want that live-game thrill, this is where Showmax shines. And with partnerships like those with mobile operators, it’s easier than ever to pay and play.
Where Can You Access Showmax in 2025?
Showmax is dedicated to Africa, with a presence in 44 countries across the continent. This focus enables it to deliver content that’s culturally relevant without the dilution often seen in broader services. Here’s the complete list to check if your spot is covered:
- Southern Africa: South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Angola.
- West Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo.
- East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan.
- Central Africa: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe.
If you’re an expat in places like the United States, the United Kingdom, or Canada, you may encounter geo-blocks. The service isn’t officially available outside Africa, but a reliable VPN can help you connect as if you’re back home. Select a server in one of the supported countries, and you’re all set. This is handy for keeping up with local shows while abroad.
Traffic-wise, South Africa leads the pack with massive interest, followed closely by Nigeria and Kenya. Even in smaller markets like Botswana and Zimbabwe, adoption is growing as more people switch to streaming for flexibility and cost savings.
Breaking Down the Showmax Packages: Which One Fits You?
Showmax maintains a straightforward lineup with three main plans: Entertainment, Entertainment Mobile, and Premier League. Each caters to different needs, whether you’re a family sharing screens or a solo viewer on the move. All include unlimited access to the core library, but they differ in devices, quality, and extras.
Showmax Entertainment
This is the all-access pass for households. You get the full content library on up to five devices, with two simultaneous streams in HD where available. Download shows for offline viewing, perfect for travel or data-saving. It’s ideal if you want to watch on your smart TV, laptop, or tablet without restrictions.
Showmax Entertainment Mobile
Designed for budget-savvy users, this plan limits you to one smartphone at a time in standard definition. You still get all the movies, series, and originals, plus downloads. It’s a great entry point if you’re mostly streaming on the go and don’t need multi-device support.
Showmax Premier League
Football lovers, this one’s for you. It bundles Entertainment Mobile with live streaming of every Premier League game, plus the Betway Premiership and select other sports. Mobile-only, one stream, but you can download highlights. For the full experience, add it to the Entertainment plan as a bundle.
Bundles like Entertainment plus Premier League give you sports on all devices. If you’re coming from older plans like Showmax Pro, note that the rebrand shifted focus to these streamlined options, dropping some legacy features but keeping prices competitive.
Prices Across Key African Markets: Affordable Options for Everyone
Pricing is localised to make sense for each economy, starting as low as a few dollars a month. These rates, updated as of May 2025, reflect recent adjustments to maintain accessibility amid rising costs. Always check the official site for the latest, as promotions can sweeten the deal.
South Africa: Where Streaming Meets Value
In South Africa, Showmax ties seamlessly with DStv, making it a natural choice for many. The Entertainment plan runs at R99 per month for all-device access. Go mobile-only for R50, or grab the Premier League package at R99 (which includes mobile entertainment). For sports and full streaming, the bundle costs around R150 per month. DStv Premium subscribers often get it free or discounted when added to their bill.
This pricing undercuts traditional TV, especially since it comes with no contracts. Look out for deals like half-price reconnects for lapsed users.
Nigeria: Nollywood and Football on a Budget
Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment scene pairs perfectly with Showmax. The Entertainment plan is ₦4,500 monthly for unlimited devices. Mobile users pay ₦2,000, while Premier League adds live matches for about ₦2,500 (bundled with mobile entertainment). Special offers, like pay for one month and get two free, make it even better for returning subscribers.
Payments via airtime with operators like MTN keep it simple, and the focus on local content like Big Brother Naija keeps viewers hooked.
Kenya: Mobile-First Streaming Made Easy
Kenya’s tech-savvy crowd loves the convenience here. Entertainment costs KES 550 per month across devices. The mobile plan is just KES 200, Premier League at KES 450, and the whole bundle is around KES 800. M-PESA integration means quick sign-ups, and promos like 50% off for six months via codes are common.
With strong local series and sports, it’s a steal for on-the-go viewing.
Ghana and Other Growing Markets
In Ghana, plans start from around $3 for mobile entertainment, scaling to $7.99 for full access, with Premier League add-ons similar. Namibia mirrors South Africa’s rates at N$99 for Entertainment and N$50 mobile. Uganda and Tanzania follow Kenya’s structure, with prices in local shillings adjusted for affordability.
Botswana and Zimbabwe offer similar value, starting at equivalents to R50 mobile, appealing to those ditching satellite for streaming. Across these spots, bundles with mobile data from providers like Vodacom or Glo add extra perks.
What’s in the Showmax Library? Series, Movies, Sports, and More
Showmax’s strength lies in its diverse catalogue, refreshed weekly to keep things exciting. It’s not about live channels like traditional TV; instead, it’s on-demand viewing with curated collections.
Must-Watch Series
The platform boasts over 1,000 series, blending global favourites with African gems. International standouts include Emmy nominees like The Pitt and 1923, alongside classics such as Yellowstone, Dexter, and The Handmaid’s Tale. Locally, dive into Showmax Originals like Iyanu: The Age of Wonders (a 2025 animated hit), Youngins Season 3 (dropping episodes weekly), or Nêrens, Noord-Kaap, which swept awards at the 2025 Silwerskerm Festival.
For reality fans, The Real Housewives of Durban Season 5, and true-crime series like The ABC Killer, deliver edge-of-your-seat drama.
Blockbuster Movies
Thousands of films await, from Oscar winners like Anora to action-packed Hollywood releases. African cinema shines with Nollywood thrillers and South African comedies. Genres span romance, horror, and family-friendly picks, with new additions every month.
Live Sports and Extras
The Premier League plan unlocks every EPL match live, plus PSL games, highlights, and analysis. Docuseries like Giants delve into the depths of South African football. Kids’ content from Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon keeps the little ones entertained, while documentaries cover a wide range of topics, including wildlife, history, and more.
Search for “new on Showmax” in the app for monthly highlights, like September’s lineup of award-winning series and October’s spooky specials.
How to Get Started: Signing Up and Streaming
Getting on board is straightforward. Head to showmax.com or download the app from the Google Play Store or App Store. Select your country, choose a plan, and sign up using your email or phone number. Payment options vary: credit cards, PayPal, airtime top-ups, or add to your DStv bill.
Once in, browse categories, create profiles for family members, and adjust settings for data usage. Stream on smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs (Samsung, LG, etc.), gaming consoles like Xbox, or even Apple TV. Up to five devices can be registered, with management in your account settings.
For offline mode, download up to 25 titles per device, ideal for commutes or areas with limited internet connectivity.
Free Trials, Promotions, and Ways to Save in 2025
Are you wondering if you can try before you buy? Absolutely. New users receive a 14-day free trial on all plans, allowing you to test the features fully.
Promotions abound: In Nigeria, pay for one month and get two free on select plans. Kenya offers 50% off Entertainment Mobile for six months with promo codes. South Africa has reconnect deals at half price, and bundles with banks like Capitec for discounted multi-month access.
DStv users in many countries get Showmax included or at a steep discount. Watch for seasonal offers, like sports bundles during the Premier League season.
Devices and Tips for the Best Experience
Mobile rules the roost for many users, but Showmax is compatible across various setups. Apps are optimised for Android and iOS, with browser support for desktops. On TVs, use built-in apps or cast from your phone.
Pro tips: Set quality to low for data saving, especially on mobile. If streaming abroad, a VPN ensures smooth access. And if you hit a snag, customer support via chat or email is quick to help.
Answering Your Top Questions
Based on what people are asking online, here are straight answers:
- How much does Showmax cost per month? It starts at R50 in South Africa for mobile, with full plans around R99. Check your country’s site for exacts.
- What content is available? Everything from series like Youngins to movies like Anora and live Premier League.
- Is there a free version? Not fully, but trials and promos offer free access periods.
- How many devices can I use? Up to five registered, with two streams on Entertainment.
- Can I watch offline? Yes, downloads on mobile apps.
- What’s the difference between plans? Mobile is cheaper but limited; add Premier League for sports.
- How do I cancel? Anytime via the app or site, no fees.
- Does it work outside Africa? With the right VPN, yes.
- What about data usage? Adjustable settings help manage it.
- Is Showmax worth it over DStv? For streaming-only, yes, especially if you skip live channels.
Why Choose Showmax in 2025? The Big Picture
As Africa’s streaming scene heats up, Showmax stands tall with its local touch, affordable plans, and sports edge. Whether you’re in Johannesburg tracking Man United or Lagos enjoying a Nollywood marathon, it delivers without the fuss. With constant updates and viewer-focused features, it’s more than a service; it’s your entertainment companion.
Ready to jump in? Visit showmax.com, pick your plan, and start streaming. If you have questions, please drop them in the comments below. Happy watching!
