Snuggle up in a blanket and binge-watch some quality entertainment! Before you commit to monthly fee, we have done the research for you, so that you can choose which video service is right for you.
Netflix is the gold-standard of streaming video. It seems like everyone has an account, or knows the password to a friend’s account. Just because everyone you know seems to watch Netflix, that doesn’t mean it’s the best service for you.
PRO: Netflix has a massive library of content from which you can choose: TV shows, classic movies, stand-up comedy, documentaries, and more.
CON: Because of the way programs are licensed, Netflix’s content is constantly changing. There’s nothing more frustrating than starting a new series at the end of the month, and finding out that show has been deleted shortly after.
PRO: Netflix’s exclusive content and Netflix Original programming is stellar. Nowhere else can you find award-winning Netflix exclusive content such as Orange is The New Black.
CON: New movies take quite a while to reach Netflix. Most titles are available via RedBox before they are available on Netflix.
PRO: Netflix has a fairly sophisticated recommendation formula and will suggest new programming based on what you have watched in the past.
CON: Finding new content on your own can be frustrating. Unless you know exactly what you would like to watch, surfing for interesting content will take you into a labyrinth of available videos.
PRO: Netflix works on multiple platforms and in multiple countries. Netflix is now available in over 190 countries around the world.
For years, HBO viewers had been clamouring for a stand-alone streaming service, and HBO delivered. HBO NOW is unsurprisingly the most expensive video streaming service (they still want some people to subscribe via cable), but they offer content that no other service can.
PRO: HBO NOW is the only service to offer HBO exclusive content. Want Game of Thrones? WestWorld? True Detective? You have to have HBO NOW.
CON: The video library overall is noticeably smaller than other video streaming services.
PRO: HBO content is available live. No more avoiding social media to keep from having the latest Thrones episode spoiled by people with a premium cable package. The minute the episodes air on TV, they air on HBO NOW.
CON: Millions of viewers all queuing up their HBO NOW accounts to watch the season premiere of a popular show sometimes causes the streaming service to crash. The horror!
PRO: HBO NOW’s monthly subscription fee is less expensive than adding a premium package to your monthly cable bill. Plus, you can sign up for a month, binge your favorite show and then cancel.
CON: Even though it is less expensive than premium cable, it is still easily the most expensive streaming service of the four we are comparing in this article.
PRO: Payments can be made directly through your iTunes or Google Play accounts.
CON: Paying via Roku can be problematic.
HULU began as a collaboration between several big media groups, as a way to offer streaming television and to prevent against piracy. Because of this unique beginning, the service has pros and cons that other streaming services do not.
PRO: HULU Plus has a huge selection of past and current television series. This was the original intention of the service, and the selection has only increased over time.
CON: HULU Plus’ selection of movies is limited.
PRO: You can stream current TV show episodes 24 hours after they air. If you are willing to try to avoid spoilers for a full day, HULU Plus can easily replace standard cable. Not sure whether you are ready to cut cable? Check out ForRent’s article on the topic.
CON: HULU Plus has very limited original content. If you do still have cable TV, HULU Plus does not have a lot extra to offer you.
PRO: HULU Plus is the least expensive streaming service that we are comparing today.
CON: As a holdover from its television roots, HULU Plus is the only service to include commercial interruptions during your viewing experience. You can pay and extra $4 a month to limit the commercials, but it still doesn’t get rid of them completely.
PRO: Some recorded sporting events are available for streaming.
CON: None of the programming is available in surround-sound, and some content is not available in HD.
Prime Video is a video streaming secret that many people do not know exists. The streaming service is part of Amazon’s amazingly popular Prime subscription, along with Prime Music and Prime Reading.
PRO: Prime Video has an impressive selection of TV shows and movies from which you can choose.
CON: For some TV series, not every season is available for free streaming. This means you could get four seasons deep into The Good Wife, and then have to either wait for it to become available, or pay for the additional seasons.
PRO: Like Netflix, Amazon Prime has begun producing award-winning original content. These shows are available only on Prime Video.
CON: Like Netflix, most of their other content is dated. You can watch newer movies or television shows, but you must pay a rental fee or purchase a digital copy to do so.
PRO: The service is included with your Amazon Prime membership! If you were only using your Prime membership for video, it breaks down to slightly less than $9 a month, but you know you are also using your membership for sweet, sweet two-day shipping.
CON: You need to be cautious of what shows you are choosing to watch because free Prime Video content is displayed right alongside content that costs extra. This is especially important to know if you have kids. You might end up with a hefty monthly bill if you are indiscriminately streaming content.
PRO: You might already have access to this service. If you are a Prime member, you can start streaming content this minute for no extra money.
CON: The interface for finding content you would like to watch is not very user-friendly.
[tweetthis]Cut the cord on #cable? Check out this in-depth comparison of streaming services![/tweetthis]
Armed with all this information, you can decide which of these streaming services is going to be your best friend during the cold winter months ahead!