Acorn TV Review UK: Cost, Shows and Is It Worth It?
If you’re struggling to find something new to watch without taking out yet another expensive subscription, Acorn TV is one of those services that keeps popping up. It’s cheap, very specific in what it offers, and either perfect for you… or completely pointless.
I’ve tried it on and off over the years, usually when I’ve hit that stage where Netflix is asking if I’m “still watching” because I’m scrolling more than I’m actually watching. Here’s what Acorn TV actually is, how much it costs now, what’s on it, and whether it deserves a spot alongside your other subscriptions.
Acorn TV review
A very niche streaming service focused almost entirely on crime and mystery dramas. Cheap and easy to cancel, but the limited catalogue means most people will lose interest quickly unless they already enjoy this type of content.
Pros
- Cheap compared to major streaming services
- Strong selection of British and international crime dramas
- No adverts and easy cancellation
Cons
- Extremely niche content
- Very limited variety outside crime and mystery
- Poor value for most households
Reviewed by Household Money SavingWhat is Acorn TV?
Acorn TV is a subscription streaming service that focuses on British, Irish, Australian and international TV shows, with a heavy emphasis on crime, mystery and drama. Think detectives, cosy whodunnits, slow-burn thrillers and literary adaptations.
There’s no sport, no reality TV, no Marvel films and no constant stream of big-budget originals. That’s not an accident. Acorn TV knows exactly who it’s for.
How can you watch Acorn TV?
You can watch Acorn TV on most mainstream streaming devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Chromecast. It also works in a web browser and has apps for phones and tablets.
If you’ve got a Samsung or LG smart TV, there still isn’t a native Acorn TV app, so you’ll need to use one of the devices above to get it onto your TV screen.
How much does Acorn TV cost in the UK?
Acorn TV currently costs £4.99 per month or £49.99 per year in the UK. The annual plan works out cheaper if you know you’ll actually use it, but most people are better off paying monthly and cancelling when they’re done.
There is usually a 7-day free trial, sometimes extended to 14 days depending on where you sign up (for example via Amazon Channels). The old one-month free trial no longer exists, so be wary of outdated reviews.
You can cancel at any time if you’re on the monthly plan.
Is Acorn TV free?
No. Aside from the short free trial, Acorn TV is a paid subscription. There’s no free tier and no ad-supported version.
Also worth reading
If you’re looking for better viewing options, take a look at my post on the best alternatives to Sky
What’s on Acorn TV?
This is where Acorn TV either clicks instantly or doesn’t at all.
The catalogue is much smaller than Netflix or Prime, but far more focused. If you enjoy crime dramas and mysteries, especially British or international ones, there’s plenty to get stuck into.
Some of the most popular and well-reviewed shows include:
• My Life Is Murder – A light, bingeable murder mystery starring Lucy Lawless
• Jack Irish – A darker crime drama starring Guy Pearce
• Agatha Raisin – Cosy crime set in the Cotswolds
• Queens of Mystery – A quirky, tongue-in-cheek whodunnit
• Dalgliesh – A more serious adaptation of the P.D. James novels
There are also some films and documentaries, but they’re limited and shouldn’t be the main reason you sign up.
Using the service
The app and website are simple and easy to use. Nothing flashy, but nothing frustrating either. Searching works well, categories make sense, and streaming quality has always been reliable when I’ve used it.
If you’ve ever used Netflix or Amazon Prime, you won’t need any instructions.
Is Acorn TV worth it?
Here’s the straight answer.
Acorn TV is not a Netflix replacement. If you want constant new releases, family content, big-budget films or variety, you’ll be disappointed.
If you like crime dramas and mysteries, it can be excellent value for money. The trick is not to leave it running in the background “just in case”. Sign up, binge a couple of series, then cancel. Come back later when more content has built up.
That’s how Acorn TV makes sense financially.
If you’re actively trying to cut down on subscriptions, this is one I’d rotate rather than keep permanently.
(How to cancel unused subscriptions and save money)
How to cancel Acorn TV
Cancelling Acorn TV is refreshingly straightforward:
• Log in to your account
• Go to “My Acorn TV”
• Select “Manage Account”
• Choose “Cancel Membership”
• Confirm
If you signed up via Amazon or Apple, you’ll need to cancel through your Amazon or Apple subscriptions instead.
FAQs
Is Acorn TV cheaper than Netflix?
Yes. Acorn TV is significantly cheaper than Netflix, but it also offers far less content.
Does Acorn TV have new shows?
New series are added regularly, but not at the pace of larger streaming services.
Can you watch Acorn TV on multiple devices?
Yes, although simultaneous streams are limited.
Is Acorn TV worth paying for?
It is if you enjoy crime and mystery dramas. If not, it’s money you won’t get value from.
Amazon Prime is now teasing Acorn series to get you to add the channel. That probably means that you no longer need a device (e.g., Roku, androidtv, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, or Chromecast) besides a smart-TV to watch. You might want to check on that.