Are you a fan of Asian dramas and movies? If so, you’ve probably heard of iQIYI. This platform has a vast library of C-Dramas, K-Dramas, Thai Dramas, and Dorama, covering genres like romance, historical, fantasy, and more. But is the VIP membership worth it? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the perks of being an iQIYI VIP member and help you decide if it’s the right choice.
What is iQiyi, and What Makes It Special?
iQIYI is a Chinese streaming platform that provides a vast library of Asian entertainment, ranging from dramas and movies to anime and variety shows. For those who enjoy Asian dramas, like Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, and Thai series, iQIYI is the perfect place to binge-watch. It’s often compared to Netflix and has become known as the “Netflix of China”.
Launched in 2010 by Chinese tech giant Baidu, iQIYI has experienced remarkable growth and established itself as a significant player in the Asian streaming industry. In June 2019, iQIYI expanded its global reach by launching iQ.com, an international website that provides Asian film and television content.
The company also introduced a standalone international iQIYI app to complement the website. This expansion made iQIYI content accessible in 191 countries and regions.
As of December 31, 2023, iQIYI boasts a massive user base of 530 million monthly active users and 111.9 million paying subscribers, according to Statista.
What Makes iQIYI Special?
Here are some of iQIYI’s key advantages that make it special and become a favorite among users:
- iQIYI caters to its users with an expansive content library featuring over 8,000 dramas, variety shows, animations, and 500+ films.
- Like other streaming services, iQIYI offers exclusive content that is unavailable anywhere else. Popular titles such as “My Journey to You” and “Mistaken Love” have gained significant attention on the platform.
- Immerse yourself in a cinematic experience with iQIYI’s high-quality streaming, featuring up to 4K resolution.
- With AI-powered recommendations, iQIYI suggests titles that match your unique taste based on your viewing history.
- With iQIYI, you can download your favorite shows and movies to watch offline, perfect for when you’re on the go and don’t have an internet connection.
- iQIYI can be accessed on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, Smart TVs, and PCs.
- You can watch dramas or movies for free without a subscription, but there will be ads.
A Comparison of iQIYI’s Free and VIP Plan
iQIYI provides both Free and VIP membership options. The VIP plan comes in two tiers: Standard and Premium. Let’s break down the perks of each.
What You Can Watch
- Free: A limited collection of shows and movies.
- VIP: Full access to iQIYI’s entire library, including exclusive content, the latest movies, and early episode drops.
Multi-Device Streaming
- Free: Limited to one device per stream.
- VIP: Enjoy the freedom to watch on multiple devices. Standard VIP supports two simultaneous streams, while Premium VIP offers up to four.
Ad-Free Viewing
- Free: You will encounter ads while watching videos, including pre-roll and mid-roll ads.
- VIP: Both Standard and Premium VIP members can skip pre-roll ads, but mid-roll and other ads may still appear.
Video Resolution
- Free: Content is available in standard definition (SD) or 720p HD.
- VIP: Depending on the supported device and content, you can experience a more immersive viewing experience with higher resolutions, including Full HD (1080p) and 4K.
Audio Quality
- Free: Standard audio quality.
- VIP: Experience cinematic sound with Dolby Atmos
Downloads Options
- Free: Unable to download any content.
- VIP: Download as many shows and movies as you want to watch offline.
Differences Between iQIYI Web and iQIYI App
iQIYI offers two primary ways to enjoy its content: through the iQIYI Web and the iQIYI App. iQIYI Web can be accessed through your browser, while the app is available on mobile devices, Windows PCs, and Smart TVs. Let’s break down the differences!
iQIYI Web
iQIYI Web offers a convenient and straightforward way to enjoy your favorite Asian dramas. Simply open your preferred web browser and you’re ready to start streaming. Its minimalistic design ensures a smooth and uninterrupted viewing experience, making it a great choice for those who prioritize ease of use.
The homepage is thoughtfully designed with a “Recommendations” section to help you discover new titles. And you can easily navigate through the “More” tab if you prefer to explore different genres.
iQIYI App
The iQIYI app requires installation on your device (Android, iOS, Smart TV). A Windows client app is also available on PCs and offers a better visual experience. This provides a more interactive and personalized viewing experience, with features like new episode notifications and a watch history.
However, the app requires installation, which can be a drawback for users with limited storage space. Additionally, devices with low RAM may experience slower loading times.
So, Is iQIYI VIP Worth the Subscription?
The decision to subscribe to iQIYI VIP is highly subjective and depends on your preferences and needs. If you’re a big fan of Asian dramas and want to enhance your viewing experience with exclusive content, then a VIP subscription might be worth it.
To make an informed decision, carefully evaluate your budget, how often you watch iQIYI, the compatibility of your devices, and the specific shows or movies you want to access.
How much does an iQIYI VIP cost? The Standard VIP plan costs $6.99 monthly, while the Premium VIP plan costs $9.00 monthly. If you’re seeking a more budget-friendly alternative, Toolabs provides unlimited access to iQIYI Web for a monthly fee of just Rp49,900 (USD $3,14). This secure and trustworthy platform offers a cost-effective solution for iQIYI enthusiasts.
Even better, you’ll get access to other streaming platforms, including Netflix Premium and Viu Premium, all in one subscription.
Enjoying iQIYI VIP via Toolabs is incredibly easy. First, install the Toolabs extension on your Google Chrome browser. Don’t worry, it’s completely safe. Once installed, activate the extension and select iQIYI from the list of available premium accounts. You’ll be automatically redirected to a fresh iQIYI web tab where you can search for and watch your favorite shows.
To sum it up, iQIYI is your one-stop destination for a vast library of popular Asian dramas, anime and reality shows. For an uninterrupted viewing experience, an iQIYI VIP plan membership is the ideal choice. To save on subscription charges, subscribe to Toolabs and enjoy iQIYI VIP Premium access at a lower cost. Click here to download Toolabs!