12 Alternatives to Netflix

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Philodina

September 23, 2011 at 2:14am

Nice article and great comments. While Netflix is getting VERY annoying, none of the other services combine both streaming and DVD's, convenience and price. By convenience I mean not requiring travel (excludes Redbox) and streaming service being available through either my Apple TV or Blueray player (excludes Vudu).

Most movies are not available streaming (right now) so I still need DVD's.

HBOGo isn't really an alternative since you should use it if you're an HBO subscriber and your local cable company (Damn you, Time Warner!) supports it. Faebook, is, well, Facebook and GamePlay only offers games.

Hulu+ makes sense for TV shows in particular since they do have shows not available through NF.

Yes, props for mentioning the public library (although selection is usually very limited) and also GreenCine which is a class operation.

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Adrian Hoppel

September 23, 2011 at 1:39pm

Thanks Philodina! I have to say I agree with your summary. Personally, I continue to use Netflix streaming, but I have shifted my budget toward purchasing films through Apple TV... and grabbing free ones at the library. I find I handle less and less physical DVDs each month.

- Adrian

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Roger Workman

September 21, 2011 at 2:36pm

Props for mentioning the library as a viable option.

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Adrian Hoppel

September 23, 2011 at 1:40pm

Thanks Roger! I think most public libraries are working hard to fit into today's media space, and in a lot of cases, they are a resource that many people overlook.

- Adrian

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mortond

September 20, 2011 at 5:37pm

Instead of joining in with all the childish whining how about a comparison of all these supposed alternatives. In a list format:

8 DVDs per month (2 at home x 4 weeks)
Unlimited streaming
Delivery & taxes

With limits noted to all exclusions to the above

That would then provide something that would be useful!

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Adrian Hoppel

September 20, 2011 at 6:38pm

Thanks for the comment, mortond!

That is a very specific set of features you listed; I am not sure everyone wants all of that, though. I think Netflix really opened a can of worms by splitting up DVDs and streaming, because it just give people cause to consider what they need. Personally, I really don't need a physical DVD anymore, but I would probably still be paying for it if the pricing hadn't changed.

What I wanted to do was just present a number of options readers could look at if they wanted to know what else was out there.

- Adrian

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chirpity

September 21, 2011 at 4:37pm

I kind of agree with mort. It would be REALLY nice to have a chart with all the services showing their prices, formats, etc.

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mortond

September 21, 2011 at 2:28pm

I understand people have various needs and preferences, however:
Your piece was entitled "NetFix Alternatives"
Well an Aston Martin is an alternative choice for a daily run-about, but hardly cost effective!
A tabulation showing all the companies you list would highlight the abilities of each company to provide ones individual need.
Under 'services provided' state the available options, DVDs how many, streaming, etc, size of library available, censored content etc. N?A would also become a valid column entry

Granted a consumer could construct such a list with a pencil and paper but, after all, you are the journalist publishing something, hopefully, of use to your readers.
If readers have to do all the work you become superfluous, especially as your posting was a reproduction of one posted a while back on your site with no changes, that I could see.

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MacAddict4Life

September 20, 2011 at 5:33pm

I think that, if you mentioned Redbox, Blockbuster Express also deserves a mention. They are essentially the same service, and they (under their previous name of DVD play) actually started the $1 rental box BEFORE Redbox (and their boxes were red first).

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