Stremio is a popular app with more than 30 million users worldwide. Available in one form or another since 2016, Stremio is now available on Android, Android TV, Windows, macOS, Linux, LG TV, and Samsung devices. A web app is also available to resolve some compatibility with iOS devices. Apple TV is not supported. Stremio claims its app is user-friendly and keeps track of user viewing preferences and progress across devices. Its source code is published on GitHub. Stremio provides an addon system that further customizes the viewing experience. Stremio itself does not provide any video content. Its website states, “…the more Stremio addons you have installed, the more content you will be able to find.” On the Google Play store, the app maintains a favorable rating.

Without any addons enabled, Stremio is little more than a limited catalog for noting new movies and television series. However, the platform “comes to life” when a certain addon is installed. That “backend” third-party service addon provides access to a streaming content library that exceeds all of the major streaming providers combined, provides greater fidelity in some cases, and does it all at a much low price.

The backend third-party service is well-established, having existed since 2009 or thereabouts. The consensus is that streaming via the service does not require a VPN because the connection is not P2P (peer-to-peer) as is the case with other media technologies. Because a VPN is not required, the service is considered more convenient than other options. Considering legality, copyright law focuses almost entirely on distribution, not consumption. When using this particular third-party service, you’re never distributing copyrighted media to others; only streaming it from a single source over an encrypted connection. My research indicated that not one person has ever gotten in trouble for copyright infringement using the service, even in strict countries such as Germany where a copyright letter cannot be ignored and is guaranteed to cost a person at least $400. In fact, the internet contains many testimonials from users who are impressed with the service’s value and longevity.

A properly configured Stremio can be a “one-stop” VOD solution for all streaming that isn’t live TV

According to Forbes, the average American pays ~$46/mo for streaming services.

Essentially, the concept is a total departure from Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock Premium, STARZ, SkyShowtime, and so on with the convenience of a single-app replacement: Stremio — backed by a third-party service that is more expansive, significantly cheaper, and without compromise in streaming quality.

The third-party service allows the user stream from multiple devices (i.e., TVs) at the same time on the same network. More specifically, the service allows only one IP address at a time, per account. Two or more differing IP addresses used simulaneously may ban your service account. Normally, all devices on the same (home) network produce the same external IP, therefore all devices within a home may stream without issue.

A minimum download speed of 30 Mbps to 50 Mbps is necessary for 4K (UHD) content. In comparison, 10 Mbps is the minimum speed for 1080p (FHD) content.

Streaming consumes significant data. Those who rely on streaming may benefit from an unlimited data plan. Some ISPs impose a monthly data limit called a “data cap.” You can check with your ISP (or use this site) to see if you have unlimited data. If your data is limited, you can likely upgrade your internet plan. In my area, for example, Comcast/Xfinity offers a service upgrade to unlimited data for +$30/mo. And if you are cutting away all your conventional streaming services, there remains an upside. Overall, the concept of “alternative streaming” is to “get more” while saving a large amount every month as compared to conventional services.

Indeed, social media contains many stories from those who have grown tired of big monthly bills, confusing à la carte TV apps, red tape, and constant ads. Many who “cut the cord” are now looking to “scrap the stream” because the streaming services to which they migrated (for a lower entry price years ago) have “jumped the shark” and are now following “breaking-point” economics: pushing people to the edge by raising prices and increasing ads in an environment with limited alternatives — and thereby attempting to squeeze every drop of profit from frustrated, corralled consumers.