Acorn TV Review
Acorn TV is an excellent choice for viewing television programming (and the occasional film) produced outside the United States, primarily content from the United Kingdom. The service also creates original content and has a library of hundreds of TV shows. Of particular note are their award-winning mysteries and dramas. Popular hits include “Happy Valley,” “Line of Duty,” “Murdoch Mysteries,” “MIdsomer Murders,” and “Poldark.”
Easy on the wallet, a monthly subscription allows for simultaneous streams from up to four devices, all commercial-free. There are no options for offline download, however, and the service only allows for one profile. While Acorn TV is largely safe for all ages, there is no content geared specifically for children. As such, the service does not provide any parental controls.
Review
We tested Acorn TV and other subscription streaming services for more than 100 hours. Acorn TV is compatible with Apple TV and iOS, Android, Roku, Windows, Mac, Chromecast, Amazon Fire, and Samsung Smart TV.
Content
Originals
Acorn TV does produce original programming exclusive to the service. There are around 15 shows that cannot be viewed anywhere else, including Manhunt (2019), Detectorists (2014), The Nest (2020), and Keeping Faith (2017).
TV Shows
In addition to their original content Acorn TV is also most known for their documentaries, mysteries, and especially their crime/investigation dramas such as Midsomer Murders (1997), Queens of Mystery (2019), or Line of Duty (2012). Other award-winning dramas include The Hour (2011) and George Gently (2007).
Movies
There aren’t nearly as many feature films on Acorn TV as there are TV shows, but their award-winning movies promise quality over quantity. Star-studded casts include Michael Caine, David Tennant, and Rebecca Hall. Some of the most notable are United (2011), The Black Velvet Gown (1993), and Last Love (2013).
Features
No Parental Controls
There are no parental controls for Acorn TV.
Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+, Max, Hulu, Netflix, Paramount Plus, Peacock, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and STARZ have parental control features.
Up to 4 Devices
Acorn TV allows you to stream on up to 4 devices simultaneously.
International Access
Acorn TV allows you to watch certain content when traveling internationally.
Compatible Devices
Acorn TV is compatible with these devices:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast (Google Cast)
- Roku
- Android TV
- iPhone/iPad (iOS 10.0+)
- Android Phone/Tablet (4.4+)
- Mac
- Windows
- LG Smart TV (AirPlay)
- Samsung Smart TV
- Sony Smart TV
- VIZIO Smart TV (AirPlay/Google Cast)
Acorn TV is not compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo devices.
Phone & Tablet Apps
If you have an Apple TV, you can use AirPlay on your iPhone or iPad to cast to your television. If you’re a Chromecast user, you can download the free Google Home app in order to cast Acorn TV to your television.
Computer
If watching on web browser, Google Chrome is highly recommended.
Tech Specs
1080p HD
Most video streams are in 1080p HD.
30 FPS
Video streams in 30 FPS.
Stereo Sound
Content has stereo audio.