Remember when your biggest streaming issue was choosing whether or not you should share your Netflix password with your co-worker?
We are beyond the days when only a handful of people you knew were using streaming services – these companies have put video rental stores out of business, nearly destroyed the physical home media market and started a war that movie theaters are still fighting.
If you are like me, every month you peruse the bill and see that the number of streaming services you subscribe to are growing and growing and growing. You NEED to have access to as many original programs as possible. You HAVE to use whatever service currently has all of ‘The Office’ available to stream. You FORGOT that the 30 day free trial ended…6 months ago.
So here is one man’s opinion on the breakdown of Cost v. Content v. Convenience between the major streaming services and a look at what is quickly approaching.
NETFLIX
The grand daddy of all streaming services. They were the first major streaming service that started getting big name movies and television shows. Not to mention that they seem to be the benchmark for any television, gaming system or streaming device. You would be hard pressed to find a “smart” media device that doesn’t include Netflix.
COST:
3 Streaming Specific Plan Types
$8.99 – “Basic” Watch on 1 screen at a time, download onto 1 tablet/phone. Standard definition
$12.99 – “Standard” Watch on 2 screens at a time, download onto 2 tablets/phones. Full HD.
$15.99 – “Premium” Watch on 4 screens at a time, download onto 4 tablets/phones. Full HD and Ultra HD.
CONTENT:
Netflix has a deep bench of titles from classic genre films all the way up to seasons of television shows that are still airing. There is a lot to find. Unfortunately, Netflix seems to push what they think you will enjoy. Based on viewing and review habits, Netflix will suggest things you might like. You probably will like them. But they are not piled on top of some other things you might like as well. I find myself getting an itch to watch something like Back to the Future and having to search. If it is not there, I find it somewhere else. Netflix was also at the forefront of original content. Their offerings include major Hollywood stars in movies, episodic series (a fancy way of saying TV shows that don’t air on TVs) and content taped live (like comedians). You could watch Netflix 24 hours a day for a full month and not even scratch the surface of everything they have. As more individual services grow, their content will start draining. It’s no surprise that the loss of fan favorites like The Office or Friends will hurt subscribers. All in all, this is at the top when it comes to whats available…for now.
CONVENIENCE:
This app is everywhere. I like how you can access their website and stream from there or use the app on your smartphone/device. Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo, Roku, Firestick, major smart tv brands and more and more. This app is available or already pre-loaded on so many systems. The real proof in the pudding is that I own three different brands of televisions with three different remotes that all have a “Netflix” button on them. Another key point – Netflix travels with you. During vacations outside the country, I have been able to access Netflix easily. A reliable internet connection is all I need. Oh yeah, one more thing. The content tracking that Netflix does is amazing. I can be four episodes deep in Mad Men and then come back six months later to pick up directly where I left off. Splitting the users was also a good move. Each person in your home can have an independent setup. No spoilers or lost places when Hubby-Wifey-Kiddo are all watching different user profiles!
HULU
The original star on Hulu’s homework was making television shows that are currently airing a part of their platform. A new episode of Brooklyn 99 on Sunday night is available to stream Monday morning (they have even closed the gap on some of these). In addition, they offered a TV-lite experience. You could have a free or less expensive account and just have to sit through some ads. They sold nationally and locally – so your favorite politician might pop up or an ad for Skittles. Luckily, Hulu has taken off enough that I am no longer being forced to watch the same credit card commercial 5 times during a show.
COST:
4 Plans – two focused on just streaming and two that include a Live TV option. Unfortunately, Hulu has moved on from their traditional TV format of having a free service supplemented by ads.
$5.99 – “Hulu” – Includes access to all of Hulu’s content both original and sourced, requires watching ads
$11.99 – “Hulu (No Ads)” – Includes access to all of Hulu’s content both original and sourced, no ad content
$54.99 – “Hulu + Live TV” – All of Hulu (with ads) and access to Live TV streams
$60.99 – “Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV” – No ads on Hulu and access to Live TV Streams
CONTENT:
This is probably the trickiest of all the streaming services. There is some amazing original content on Hulu and using their services makes cutting the cable cord seamless. You can still watch your major network shows in a reasonable amount of time from when they air. For those dealing with DVR withdrawal, Hulu seems like an easy fit. You don’t get nearly the amount of content that you do with Netflix and you are paying more for a similar experience. The ads are the killer. More than anything else, Hulu should just split the difference and force all users to pay $8.99 per month and everyone gets ad free content. That being said, Hulu is also brilliant in the fact that they treat their customers like cable companies treated their customers. They give them ADD-ON options! Yes! You can add Showtime or HBO to your Hulu account.
CONVENIENCE:
The add ons are the major convenience factor in wondering about whether or not to get Hulu. No need to manage multiple passwords – the shows and movies from these premium channels can all be found in one place. You can also double down by adding Disney+ access or ESPN to these packages as well. In one swoop you could be paying as much as you did for cable tv…but have the ability to watch it on your tablet, television, phone or at home or in Houston or wherever you would like! Hulu is right behind Netflix and Amazon Prime Video as one of the most common apps built directly into smart devices. Note – I have more connection issues with Hulu than anything else, but hardly a problem. A little work could also be done to the app, like adding “Continuous Play (for 2 hours)” so instead of waking up to Bob’s Burgers at 4am, it simply would turn itself off after going back to the menu. Small gripes. I have been a Hulu subscriber for over 10 years and this streamer has given me some of the best TV/Movies at the tip of my fingers.
AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
Amazon has been in the digital movie realm for quite some time and when they announced they would be launching a streaming service it was met with “Yeah, seems right…” And then they said, it is actually part of the Amazon Prime subscription, meaning you get 2-day delivery, music, deals, etc AND Prime Video. Game changer. If your family is already using Amazon for diapers or dish soap, you get the added benefit of being able to enjoy a slew of movies, tv and original content. Win – Win.
COST:
$12.99 – Monthly
$119.00 – Yearly
CONTENT:
Amazon Prime Video is like walking into a Blockbuster circa 2001. There are almost endless options for streaming delights. The catch, some is included and other parts are not. Amazon adds a nifty little corner onto content that is included, but sometimes you just can’t seem to find something you want. I will be the first to admit that I get frustrated clicking through Prime Video. It is a destination (I know what I want to watch) and not a Journey (clicking to find something interesting). Something tells me they had a tough time negotiating the streaming rights to certain content already gobbled up by the first comers. That being said, I really like the interface and I am over-the-moon with the fact that my purchased digital content is right there waiting for me! I own Schitt’s Creek on Amazon, so I can watch that within the app and then switch to another show that is available as part of their package. Very nice for the home that is building a digital library. Plus you can rent as well. Amazon Prime is where someone ends up who MUST WATCH A PARTICULAR JOHN WAYNE MOVIE TODAY and hasn’t been successful finding it on other services.
CONVENIENCE:
If you use any of Amazon’s smart products – Echo, tvs, fire sticks, tablets, etc. They are built around the suite of offerings you get. One of the jewels in the crown is Amazon Prime. The best of the best is being able to purchase or rent content right beside the content included in your membership. If you watch Fast and the Furious and want to rev up for another…other streaming services might not carry the whole bundle, but 99% of the time Amazon will offer you the chance to rent or buy that additional content. It can be a slippery slope, but sometimes you gotta Tokyo Drift your way into a marathon. Just like the others, Amazon Prime Video is found virtually everywhere and on all the major devices. As Amazon continues putting their shoulder into the streaming service marketplace, you can rest assured that they will be taking more of the market every year.
DISNEY+
A newbie to the streaming circuit, which is very surprising. Disney has been a leader in technology for decades and has a DEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP bench of content. Decades upon decades of movies, television, live events and more should have been the push to get into the streaming world right away. Of course, you could make an argument that streaming is against Disney’s proven track record of keeping content locked away in “the vault” for years and getting us to pay each time a new type of media is re-released. Even so, when it came time to launch their own service (they own the bulk of Hulu, btw) they arrived into the market like a jumbo jet and became a MUST HAVE for many families or those seeking nostalgia.
COST:
Several price tiers and options
$6.99 – Monthly, Up to 4 screens at a time, unlimited downloads on 10 tablets/smartphones
$69.99 – Yearly, Up to 4 screens at a time, unlimited downloads on 1o tablets/smartphones
$12.99 – Monthly (You get Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+) with options above.
CONTENT:
Think of all the movies, television shows and specials Disney has produced over the last (almost) 100 years. There are film favorites like Mary Poppins or Pixar hits like The Incredibles. Television shows like Darkwing Duck or Good Luck Charlie. Then…Disney goes and buys Fox. So not only do we get Disney content, but also every season of The Simpsons, other television shows and generations of film content. The content is there already. Then…Disney goes and adds original content. The Mandalorian was a huge hit, The Imagineering Story has inspired thousands to dream. The bench keeps getting deeper. This is the all-star game of content. There is a rollout and certain titles are absent. Disney has quite a bit to keep tempting us – but for the family with young ones who just want to watch The Mighty Ducks every afternoon, they are already happy. And the price makes this streaming service a piece of juice worth the squeeze.
CONVENIENCE:
The app is alright. Glitches are present and sometimes you can get frustrated with the lack of features, but this is not the type of thing that should sway you in any way. The app isn’t native to any device, as of right now, but you can get it on any device that allows you to add apps. You can also stream from their website, so if you are visiting grandma – you can still log in and watch that episode of Gummi Bears that helps put you to sleep. Personally, I have seen kids holding tablets in coffee shops, on planes, in the backseat of vans and just about anywhere consuming what Disney+ has to offer. In fact, I know a parents who registered with a single use email address and password that kids as young as 6 have already memorized. Relive your childhood through nostalgia, introduce younger generations to the Disney that made your youth or laugh your way through 3 decades of The Simpsons!
HBONOW / HBOGO
COST:
$14.99 – Monthly, watch on up to three devices at the same time
Included – If you already receive HBO channels through your cable provider, you get access to the app
CONTENT:
Anything that HBO is showing as far as movie content, which rotates month to month. Major highlight is the recent releases. You can get access to some of the hottest Hollywood blockbusters months (or years) before they arrive on other services. You also get sporting events like HBO’s signature boxing series. Oh yeah, HBO original content like The Sopranos or Barry. The original content is great…but also available (to an extent) on the other streaming services. HBO spreads the wealth across multiple platforms meaning that you can still watch all of Curb Your Enthusiasm if you are patient for it to arrive on Amazon Prime or Hulu.
CONVENIENCE:
HBO is the only service beyond the streaming giants that is most commonly found as a native app on TVs. Remember that remote that has a “Netflix” button on it, there is an HBO button as well. The creative minds at HBO are credited with launching the most successful pay cable network, making TV a rival to movies and getting in on the streaming aspect early on. I will also mention that there was a story that the CEO of HBO was asked about password sharing and the response was something to the tune of “Let them. We trust that users will like our product so much, they will sign up themselves.” That got my attention and loyalty early on. Even when I cut the cable, I immediately added HBONow. Note – HBONow is a stand alone app OR an add-on to services like Amazon Prime or Hulu.
Additional Options
APPLE TV +
$4.99 per month, free with certain services. A lot of hype and not much on delivery. Apple will need to grow their content to be a real player in the market. With the tremendous amount of talent and A list celebrities working on exclusive films and series, it will take just one really well received piece of content to elevate Apple to the next level. Unfortunately, we are still waiting to see what that is.
CBS ALL ACCESS
$5.99 with ads, $9.99 ad free. You get all the great CBS series plus online specials like the revamp of The Twilight Zone or the Star Trek series Picard. You can get the stand alone app, but most people will add this into another app like Amazon Prime. Adding this “channel” onto Amazon, for example, allows you to easily stream off your smart TV or device.
PREMIUM MOVIE CHANNELS
$8 to $19. Showtime, Starz, Cinemax, etc. You can download an app and watch these, but just like CBS All Access, it makes more sense to add this into another of the larger services. Getting more bang for your buck and allows you to see less individual charges on your credit card bill. The nice thing about doing add-ons is you can usually still download the app and use it singly OR use it on a major streaming service. Hulu does an excellent job bringing these elements together into an individualized app experience.
CRACKLE
Free with ads. Some really great movie options and a nice interface. If you don’t mind a few commercials mixed into your watching experience, this is the lowest cost option!
IMDBTV
Free with ads. IMDB has been a staple of ending arguments about WHO was actually in Captain Ron for decades. Their streaming service is a baby compared to others, but they have some wonderful and exclusive streaming deals. Movies, tv shows and more are all available. Integrated into Amazon Prime makes for easy use. Big fan of what IMDB is doing. If they added something like commentaries or “pop-up” info, I would like it even more.
VUDU
Like a mini version of Amazon Prime with a touch of IMDBTV. You can buy and rent content (including a stellar UPC to Digital option), there are no monthly subscription rates BUT you can watch a lot of great content with ads. VUDU is found on quite a few devices and have a rotating selection of movies that are really great. Recently, their “bundled” options make for a very cheap way to build a digital library.
Upcoming Options
HBO MAX
Warner Brothers, which owns HBO, will be launching their new streaming service on May 27th, 2020. Just like Disney+ this streaming service has a deep bench of content. Shows they have produced for all the major TV networks, movie content that spans decades and original content. This…is…gonna…be…huge. $15 a month for a cost is an easy choice for those who already subscribed to HBONow. Ditch that app and get HBO Max. Everything from the service you already pay the same amount for PLUS a ton of other content. I already paid for a year upfront.
PEACOCK
NBC Universal saw how many people were watching The Office, Friends and other NBC programming on the other services…so they brought the series home to an NBC owned streaming service. It makes sense. Similar to Disney+, this group has a massive amount of content to launch on Day 1. Add in a Friends Reunion Special and numerous other online exclusives, Peacock (the name needs work) is going to be a scrappy fighter that will definitely get some attention. $9.99 for an ads free version, $4.99 with ads and a free version with limited content and ad supported. There has been a soft release already with a full release on July 15th.
Additional Content by JJ Gordon:
KFGO Blog – 50 of My Favorite Saturday Night Live Sketches!
KFGO Blog – Virtual Monopoly?!?! Yes, please!
KFGO Blog – How I Learned the States and Their Capitals
KFGO Blog – The Most Embarrassing Picture From My Youth
KFGO Blog – The Blenders Release New Cover of “Lean On Me”
KFGO Blog – A Tale of Two Murders
KFGO Blog – The Three R’s of Remembering My Father
(Listen to JJ Gordon every weekday from 11am to 2pm on It Takes 2 with Amy and JJ . On the Mighty 790AM KFGO or on our app!)
