CBC Gem
CBC Gem: CBC Gem pairs live CBC channels with on-demand Canadian programming and news. Ranked #9 of 63 in Video Streaming Services by our editors (8.5/10); pricing: Free plan · 7-day trial; best for canadian viewers seeking CBC programming and news.
At a glance
- Editor score8.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan · 7-day trial
- Best forCanadian viewers seeking CBC programming and news
- Free planYes
- Ad-supported tierYes
- Facts checked3 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Live streams of CBC TV channels from across Canada
- On-demand episodes, full seasons, films, documentaries, and sports
- Closed captions and described video
Where it doesn't
- Programming is available only in Canada
- Free-account viewing includes ads on on-demand episodes
- Premium is required for ad-free on-demand viewing and the News Network stream
Our verdict on CBC Gem
CBC Gem is the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s streaming service for viewers who want CBC television, news, and on-demand programming in one place. A free CBC Account includes live CBC TV channels, on-demand episodes and seasons, and the ability to resume watching across devices. Its catalogue also includes Canadian feature films, documentaries, live sports, and children’s content, making it relevant to households looking beyond series alone. Programming is available only in Canada, so it is not a fit for viewers who need access elsewhere.
The distinction between the free account and Premium is straightforward: the free tier provides live CBC TV and on-demand programming, while Premium removes ads from on-demand episodes and adds a live CBC News Network stream and surround sound. CBC Gem also offers CBC News Explore streaming. A one-week free trial is listed for Premium. This structure makes the service easier to assess than a broad bundle if CBC programming is the main draw, but viewers seeking ad-free on-demand playback need the paid tier.
CBC Gem is available on the web, iOS, and Android, with cloud and mobile access listed. Accessibility features include closed captions and described video. Those features, together with live news and CBC channel streams, give the service a clear role for viewers who want Canadian public-broadcast programming and news. Choose it if CBC shows, films, sports, and news are central to what you watch; look elsewhere if you need programming outside Canada or prefer an ad-free experience without a paid subscription.
CBC Gem pricing
All 2 CBC Gem plans and prices →
CBC Gem fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Ad-supported tier | Yes |
| Offline downloads | Not verified |
| Simultaneous streams | Not verified |
| Max video quality | Not verified |
| Supported devices | Web, iOS, Android |
| Included bundles | CBC News Network live stream and surround sound on Premium |
| Free trial | 7 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan · 7-day trial (source) |
| Website | gem.cbc.ca |
| Facts checked | 3 Oct 2026 |
Alternatives to CBC Gem
- Prime VideoA broad mix of streaming, rentals, live sports, and optional channel subscriptions.9.4
- PlexPlex pairs free ad-supported streaming with tools for organizing and watching personal media.9.2
- Disney+A family-focused streaming subscription with broad catalogs, shared viewing and Vision Pro features.9.1
See all CBC Gem alternatives →
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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used CBC Gem for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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