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.

How much does Showmax cost? Here is the Showmax pricing for different packages

Pricing for Showmax

What are Showmax packages and plans?

Check out Showmax's packages and plans, including Showmax Premier League. Find out more.

• Showmax Entertainment
  Watch Showmax Originals, hit international and local series, movies and kids' shows on TV & mobile devices.

• Showmax Entertainment Mobile
  Watch Showmax Originals, hit international and local series, movies and kids' shows on one mobile device only.

• Showmax Premier League
  Watch the Premier League live from SuperSport, plus all PSL games, and all-access content on your mobile device.

Showmax deals

Want to save on Showmax in South Africa? Capitec customers save 50% when they subscribe through the Capitec banking app, while MTN customers benefit from great deals that bundle entertainment and data. And of course, DStv customers benefit from discounts depending on package when they add Showmax to their DStv bill.

Vodacom customers in Tanzani also get great deals on data bundles when they subscribe to Showmax.

How to sign up

• Go to the Showmax.com website
• Select Sign Up
• Choose your plan
• Customise your plan
• Create your account with email, password and mobile number
• Verify your mobile number
• Enter your payment method
• Start watching

How can I pay for Showmax?

There are many convenient ways to pay for Showmax. Find out more »

• Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards 
• At a supermarket in South Africa
• 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

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 60MB/hr.

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.