Amazon has entered the free-ad-supported space with miniTV. It is integrated inside the Amazon Shopping app (no Prime needed).

Often underrated, ZEE5 has quietly built one of the most robust libraries of regional content and original series in the country.

Why it’s interesting: Voot is famous for MTV shows, but ZEE5 is the actual home of MTV’s sister channels like ZEE TV, offering a massive bank of daily soaps and reality shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. Furthermore, ZEE5 has invested heavily in "Originals"—gritty, crime thrillers like Abhay and Rangbaaz. If you liked the crime-thriller vibe of Voot’s Asur or Criminal Justice, ZEE5 offers a darker, more intense flavor of storytelling that feels more cinematic than episodic.

If you’re a daily soap binge-watcher or love high-quality web series, pay a small monthly fee and say goodbye to buffering & pop-ups.

| Service | Best For | Monthly Cost (INR) | Free Trial | |---------|----------|-------------------|-------------| | Disney+ Hotstar | StarPlus shows, reality TV, HBO, live sports | 299 (Super) / 899 (Premium) | 7 days | | ZEE5 | Zee TV shows, originals, movies | 99–499 | 14 days | | Sony LIV | Sony TV dramas, Indian Idol, Kaun Banega Crorepati | 99–699 | 7 days | | Amazon Prime Video | Hindi/Tamil/Telugu movies & originals (less daily soap focus) | 299/month or 1499/year | 30 days | | Netflix | High-end Indian originals (Sacred Games, Delhi Crime) | 199–799 | None (but shareable) |

Tip: Most of these services have mobile-only plans for ₹49–₹89/month – perfect for soap watchers.