23 January 2024
How does Showmax work?
Find out how Showmax works, Showmax pricing and cost, the different Showmax packages, and how to pay for Showmax.
What is Showmax?
Showmax is not a TV channel.
Showmax is a video-on-demand service that brings you a wide array of series, movies, documentaries, Showmax Originals, kids’ shows, and Premier League games. With one low monthly price, you get unlimited access, new content added weekly, and the freedom to watch anytime. Plus, there are no contracts, so you can cancel whenever you wish.
All you need is a subscription and a device that can connect to the internet to watch Showmax.
Showmax packages and plans
Check out Showmax’s packages and plans, including Showmax Premier League. Find out more.
- Showmax Entertainment –
R99 per monthNow R89 per month
Watch Showmax Originals, hit international and local series, movies and kids’ shows on TV & mobile devices.
- Showmax Entertainment Mobile – R39 per month
Watch Showmax Originals, hit international and local series, movies and kids’ shows on one mobile device only.
- Showmax Premier League – R69 per month
Watch the Premier League live from SuperSport, plus all-access content on your mobile device.
How much does Showmax cost? Here is the Showmax pricing for different packages
Pricing for Showmax
Country | Showmax Entertainment | Showmax Entertainment Mobile | Showmax Premier League | Showmax Entertainment + Premier League | Showmax Entertainment Mobile + Premier League |
South Africa | ZAR 89 | ZAR 39 | ZAR 69 | ZAR 140 | ZAR 99 |
Nigeria | NGN 2500 | NGN 1200 | NGN 2900 | NGN 4600 | NGN 3200 |
Kenya | KES 650 | KES 300 | KES 500 | KES 1000 | KES 700 |
Namibia | N$ 89 | N$ 39 | N$ 69 | N$ 140 | N$ 99 |
Botswana | BWP 70 | BWP 36 | BWP 55 | BWP 110 | BWP 80 |
Ghana | GSH 59 | GSH 27 | GSH 55 | GSH 105 | GSH 75 |
Tanzania | TSH 12000 | TSH 7300 | TSH 9800 | TSH 19800 | TSH 15000 |
Uganda | UGX 19000 | UGX 11400 | UGX 15200 | UGX 31200 | UGX 24000 |
Zambia | ZMW 90 | ZMW 60 | ZMW 80 | ZMW 155 | ZMW 125 |
Rest of Africa | USD 5 | USD 3 | USD 4 | USD 8 | USD 6 |
How to sign up
- Go to the Showmax website and select Sign Up.
- Choose your plan.
- Sign up with your email address and create a password.
- Choose your payment method.
- If you choose recurring billing, you will be billed once a month.
- There is no contract and you can cancel at any time.
How can I pay for Showmax?
There are many convenient ways to pay for Showmax.
- Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards
- Showmax vouchers
- DStv Add to Bill (not available in all markets)
- In South Africa:
- Vodacom Add to Bill
- MTN Add to Bill
- In Kenya:
- M-Pesa via USSD
How to add Showmax to your DStv bill
DStv Add to Bill is available in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Botswana, Ghana, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Here’s how to add Showmax to your DStv bill.
Which devices support Showmax?
Showmax is available on a variety of smart TVs, mobile devices, web browsers, gaming consoles, the DStv Explora Ultra and Streama and more. For the full list of available devices, go to the Showmax FAQs. (Supported devices may differ from country to country.)
Showmax Entertainment allows two streams at once, and multiple devices, while the mobile plans, including Showmax Entertainment Mobile and Showmax Premier League, allow one stream on one mobile device.
The new Showmax app means better technology and a better experience, but it also means that some older devices won’t be able to support the new tech. We’re sorry for any inconvenience. Read more about alternative ways to connect.
How much data does Showmax use?
Get maximum entertainment for minimum data. Showmax has different settings for streaming on your smart TV or web, or on your mobile device, that go as low as 40MB/hr. That means a 2GB bundle will get you 50 hours of streaming entertainment.
Also, remember to download shows to watch offline. When you’re in a Wi-Fi zone, download episodes or movies on the Showmax app on your tablet or phone, and watch them offline later. Choose between four different download quality settings with specific file sizes – the lower the quality, the less data you will use for the download, and the less space the show will take up on your device.
How do I get help with Showmax?
If you have any problems with Showmax, please check Showmax Stories and the Showmax FAQ page for answers. If you don’t find the answers you need, there are a few ways to get in touch:
- The Showmax Help Site: Find troubleshooting articles, as well as Showmax Live Chat and other contact information.
- Showmax Live Chat: Chat live with a customer care agent for immediate assistance. Check if the FAQs answer your questions, and if not, scroll to Still Need Help? Clicking on Sign In or Problems Signing In will bring up the Live Chat box.
- Email Showmax: help@showmax.com will get you help in all countries.
- Social media: Join the conversation on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
What is there to watch on Showmax?
What sets Showmax apart is that you can watch whatever you like, whenever you like. There are no ads, no interruptions and no limits (except your self-control).
Now all you have to do is sign up to Showmax.
Original African stories by local talent
Empini S1
Stream the Showmax Original drama series Empini from 23 May 2024.
Original Sin: My Son The Killer
Original Sin: My Son The Killer follows the murder of Andrea Venter by Gerhard Jansen van Vuuren, who then went on the run from South Africa to Brazil.
Tracking Thabo Bester
From the makers of Devilsdorp and the director of Convict Conman comes the true-crime documentary South Africa has been waiting for. All the episodes are streaming on Showmax.
The Illuminated
The Showmax Original docuseries The Illuminated explores different religious movements in South Africa. Stream now, with new episodes every Wednesday.
Koek S1
The crime comedy Koek, starring Cindy Swanepoel, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Thursday.
Ekhaya Backpackers S1
Stream the Showmax Original comedy series Ekhaya Backpackers. All the episodes are now streaming.
Cheta M
Cheta M explores the love story between Adanna and Nnanna, young lovers who battle the spiritual and political forces in their way. Stream now, with new episodes Wednesday to Friday.
Youngins S1
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins, with three new episodes every week.
Showmax Originals to stream
MaBlerh to host The Real Housewives of Durban reunion for the second year in a row
MaBlerh to host The Real Housewives of Durban reunion for the second year in a row, featuring eight of Durban’s most ambitious and glamorous women. The reunion will air in two parts on 15 May and 22 May 2024.
Your initiation into the cool, chaotic world of Wyfie
Feel like we’re almost at midterms but you stopped going to class after you skipped a couple of lectures? Let’s swot up on Episodes 1-24 of Showmax Original Wyfie.
Must-watch trailer for The Showmax Roast of Minnie Dlamini
See the trailer for The Showmax Roast of Minnie Dlamini, premiering on Showmax this Friday, 26 April 2024.
Nambitha Ben-Mazwi stars in Showmax Original Empini
Multi-award winner Nambitha Ben-Mazwi leads new Showmax Original Empini. The action-packed drama series premieres on Showmax 23 May 2024.