With Korean dramas, Chinese series, variety shows, and Asian films, Rakuten Viki has become a must-have for many. But one question often comes up before subscribing: how much does a Viki subscription cost, and more importantly, which plan should you choose between Viki Pass and Viki Pass Plus?
In this guide, we see:
- the differences between Viki Pass offers,
- what is included (advertising, video quality, catalog, TV, etc.),
- how to check the exact rate in your country (as it varies),
- and how to optimize your subscription budget if you use multiple platforms.
1) Viki: free or paid? (what a subscription changes)
Viki offers part of its catalog for free, often with:
- advertising,
- content-based restrictions (locked episodes, delayed access, etc.),
- and sometimes restrictions related to broadcasting rights depending on the country (we'll come back to this).
Upgrading to a paid subscription is mainly useful for:
- watch without ads,
- access restricted content,
- and, depending on the package, unlock more convenient uses (e.g., certain TV devices).
2) Available Viki Pass subscriptions: Viki Pass vs. Viki Pass Plus
According to the Viki Help Center, there are two types of plans:
2.1. Viki Pass
Viki Pass provides access to:
- exclusive content,
- an ad-free experience,
- HD (at least 720p) when available.
2.2. Viki Pass Plus
Viki Pass Plus is the most comprehensive package. Viki states, in particular:
- access to the entire library (Viki mentions 1,500+ series and movies),
- the ability to use Viki on certain connected TV devices (e.g., Chromecast, LG/Samsung TVs, depending on compatibility),
- Available in certain countries, including Europe and the United Kingdom (according to Viki support).
3) Viki subscription price: how much does it really cost?
3.1. Key point: prices vary depending on the country and payment platform
Viki has announced price changes that have been gradually rolled out since November 19, 2024 (PST) in certain countries, and recommends checking the subscriptions page or the app to see the current rates in your country.
👉 In short: to find out the exact price of Viki Rakuten in your country, you need to check the price displayed at the time of purchase (Viki website, App Store, Google Play, etc.).
3.2. Price benchmarks (Viki examples in USD)
In its help section, Viki provides examples of rates (for informational purposes only):
- Viki Pass Standard monthly: $7.99
- Viki Pass Standard Annual: $79.99
- Viki Pass Plus monthly: $11.99
These amounts are benchmarks based on billing examples; your actual price may vary depending on:
- your country,
- the motto,
- and the subscription channel (web vs. stores).
4) What the Viki subscription does not change: catalog restrictions (geoblocking)
This is a point that is often misunderstood: a Viki Pass subscription does not remove regional restrictions.
In other words, if a series is unavailable in your country for rights reasons, subscribing does not necessarily make it accessible.
5) Which formula should you choose based on your usage?
Choose Viki Pass if…
- you mainly view on mobile/tablet/computer,
- you want to remove the ad,
- you want access to a wider selection than is available for free.
Choose Viki Pass Plus if...
- you want the maximum catalog available in your country,
- you often watch on TV (Chromecast/TV compatible),
- You want a "main platform" experience for dramas.
6) How to pay less when you combine Viki with other subscriptions
Viki is rarely the only subscription: Netflix, Disney+, YouTube Premium, Spotify, Prime Video... the bill can add up very quickly.
A simple approach (and often more cost-effective than canceling a service you actually use) is to:
- list your current subscriptions,
- Identify those that offer multi-profile/family/multi-user options.
- share the costs rather than pay them all yourself.
That's exactly how co-subscription works: one person keeps the main subscription and others contribute to the bill in a structured way. On Spliiit, the platform connects owners and co-subscribers and secures payment management, avoiding manual transfers and forgotten payments.
FAQ – Viki subscription pricing
Is Viki's price the same everywhere?
No. Viki indicates that rates may vary depending on the country (and changes have been implemented since the end of 2024). The most reliable option is to check the price displayed when you subscribe.
Is Viki Pass Plus available in France?
Viki indicates that Viki Pass Plus is available in certain countries, including Europe and the United Kingdom, but exact availability depends on the country and local conditions.
Does a Viki subscription unlock the entire catalog?
No: the subscription does not remove regional restrictions related to broadcasting rights.
Why is Viki talking about price changes?
Viki mentions a gradual rollout of price changes starting November 19, 2024 (PST) in certain countries.
Key points to remember
- There are two main plans: Viki Pass and Viki Pass Plus, with different benefits (catalog, compatible TVs, etc.).
- The price of a Viki subscription depends on your country and may change: check the exact price when you subscribe.
- The subscription does not remove catalog restrictions related to country-specific rights.
- If you have multiple subscriptions, co-subscription can help reduce your overall bill without giving up your platforms.
Frequently asked questions
iQiyi
2,95
€/month
