Streaming the European Way: Keeping Billions in Local Hands
European consumers are spending more than ever on streaming services. In the UK alone, subscription video-on-demand platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV+ are projected to reach £4.2 billion in revenue by 2025 — overtaking traditional TV subscriptions.
This growing trend highlights the importance of supporting European platforms, helping ensure that some of that money stays within Europe to promote local jobs, creativity, and digital sovereignty.
Spotify may be European, but it's not on this list due to ongoing issues like low payouts to artists, hosting questionable podcasts, and concerns about spreading misinformation — including around U.S. politics. It doesn’t quite fit the vision of a fair and responsible European alternative.
On this page, you’ll find a curated list of European alternatives to global streaming giants — focused on three main categories: movies, music, and games. While it’s not always easy to match the scale and polish of American services, there are high-quality European options out there worth supporting.
Added Qobuz, thanks!
Viaplay
Alternative to: Netflix, Apple TV+
Known for: Nordic Noir originals (e.g., Wisting, The Lawyer) and Exclusive sports (Premier League, F1, NHL in some regions).
Availibility: Nordics, Netherlands, UK, Poland, Baltics. Viaplay faced scaling issues and exited some markets recently due to losses.
https://viaplay.com/
Deezer
Alternative to: Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music and Spotify
Known for: Hi-Fi audio quality options, extensive library with localized content, collaborations with local artists and events. Founded in 2007, Deezer is a French music streaming service offering access to over 90 million tracks.
Availability: Operates in over 180 countries.
https://www.deezer.com
Qobuz
Alternative to: Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music and Spotify
Known for: Qobuz is a French music streaming and download service offering over 100 million tracks in lossless FLAC format. Qobuz provides a unique combination of streaming and downloadable content, catering to audiophiles seeking superior sound quality.
Availability: Available in 18 European countries
https://www.qobuz.com
SoundCloud
Alternative to: Bandcamp
Known for: Established in 2007 in Berlin, SoundCloud is a platform that allows artists to upload and share their music directly with fans. It's known for its vast collection of independent and emerging artists.
https://soundcloud.com
Storytel
Alternative to: Audible
Known for: Storytel is an audiobook and e-book streaming service offering a vast library of titles across various genres. Extensive library with localized content. User-friendly app with offline listening options.
Availability: Over 25 countries, including Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and India.
https://www.storytel.com/
GOG.com
Alternative to: Steam
Known for: Originally known as Good Old Games, GOG.com is a digital distribution platform for video games and films, known for its DRM-free approach. DRM-free games, allowing users full ownership. Curated selection of classic and indie games. GOG Galaxy client offers optional online features.
https://www.gog.com
