Tony Black with five alternatives to Netflix…
Remember the days when to watch a movie you either had to trek over to the multiplex or wait almost a year for a VHS or DVD release? Oh, how times have changed. With the advent of smartphones and tablets, you can now stream movies from anywhere on your way to work, while at the gym, waiting at the airport – practically anywhere you’re on the move (and if you cannot stream movies on your mobile, perhaps is time for you to start looking for a new device!). Usually the one word associated with streaming that pops up is Netflix, but they’re not the only kid on the block, you know?
Here are five alternatives providing a range of diverse content you can watch on the go!
The big hitter and main challenger these days to Netflix. Prime is a subscription based model so for a yearly fee of £79, you not only get free shipping on all orders but access to a brace of content through the Prime service including recent movies and TV shows, and you can rent newer content for 48 hours or buy them as yours to own (or for £5.99 a month you can get access to Instant Video, without the free shipping). Plus you can stream content through computers, gaming platforms and Apple smart phone applications.
The old standard. iTunes feels like it’s been around since the dawn of time and probably has the most comprehensive online library of content in the world to stream. It doesn’t have a subscription option for movies or TV, unlike music, but allows you to rent content for up to 30 days and purchase movies and TV digitally for a fee. You can access through the Apple TV box, every Apple device you can think of, and limited PC compatibility. Movies to rent range between £3.49-£4.49 depending on definition, and up to £13.99 to purchase forever.
The latest innovation from the all-dominant Google, Play also doesn’t have a subscription option but allows you to stream a range of movies and TV shows at competitive prices. It’s also primarily accessible on Android devices, meaning if you are an Apple devotee the content may be harder to reach, but it has a growing library of titles to enjoy. You can rent films from £3.49 and to purchase as your own up to £11.99.
CINEMANOW
Born out of originally the KnowHow movies label, CinemaNow operates a service allowing you to rent or pay for movies outright, much like iTunes and Google Play, storing them in a digital locker for you to access from whatever device or platform you prefer to watch, and it supports a range from consoles to Apple and Android smartphone devices. It also offers Ultraviolet support meaning you can unlock your purchased DVD or Blu-ray content to stream at will. Prices range between £3.99-£4.99 to rent movies, and £2.99-£16.99 to buy them outright.
An interesting alternative for perhaps the more discerning film fan, Mubi offers cult, classic and independent movies that you may not find on Netflix or the other sites, such as Seven Samurai, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest or the wonderful animation of Studio Ghibli. Priced cheaper than other streaming platforms at just £4.99, it’s available on a range of platforms including Apple and Android devices, gaming platforms and home computers. This could be for you if you’re the more eclectic cinephile.
So the next time you’re on the bus or waiting for a train, and you want to kill the time watching a brand new or classic movie, why not look these services up? Chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for, and a great deal more!
Tony Black
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https://youtu.be/b7Ozs5mj5ao?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng
Originally published April 30, 2016. Updated November 12, 2018.
