Probably one of the most frequently asked questions I get on my national radio show is, “Which streaming service has A&E, FoxNews, HGTV, or fill-in-the-blank?” It’s complicated. To simplify things, I created a streaming service chart. Using it, you can see which service has the channel or network you want to watch. Click or tap here now for an easy way to find a service based on specific shows you want to watch.
Netflix
Price: $10.99 per month for HD streaming Netflix also reneged on its promise never to allow downloaded films, and now you can quickly stack your tablet with an incredible range of movies and shows. Netflix has mastered its format, and with acclaimed original series like “Glow” and “Stranger Things,” you can access a myriad of exclusive material. Price: $119 per year
Hulu
Price: $7.99 per month Hulu has been making steady progress in attracting subscribers. It isn’t as big as Netflix, but has gotten a boost from a move into original television shows, including an upcoming Stephen King-based series called “Castle Rock” and “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Hulu also has the most economical basic plan, at $7.99 per month. Like Prime Video and Netflix, Hulu has its app, and the streaming quality holds its own. Hulu is also trying to cash in on the “offline” viewing market, allowing subscribers to download their content.
Vudu
Price: Per rental/purchase Vudu is a dark-horse candidate when it comes to streaming. It’s owned by Walmart and operates more like iTunes: you pay for what you want to watch. Rentals start at under a buck. There’s no monthly fee, and Vudu boasts that it gets access to movies even earlier than services like Netflix and Redbox. Vudu also offers a selection of movies that are free with the inclusion of ads. It’s hard to beat the price, but for content with commercials, Vudu’s appeal depends on your tolerance for interruptions.
So which service wins?
Like most service comparisons, there is no definite winner, because the “best” service depends on your interests. Netflix is insanely popular because it offers a broad mix of programming alongside an ever-growing slate of original shows and movies. If you want access to Marvel superheroes in TV shows, this is the place to go. If you’re only looking to subscribe to one streaming service, then Netflix is probably your best bet. Hulu doesn’t quite have the depth of Netflix, but it’s still the go-to place to catch up on recent network shows. If that’s important to you, then take a close look at Hulu. The $7.99 plan, while cheaper than Netflix, comes with commercials. To dump the ads, you’ll need to move up to the $11.99 plan.
Pick and choose
There’s a reason why many people subscribe to more than one service. You may have Prime mainly for the shipping and other perks but also subscribe to Netflix for the wider range of programming. Alternatively, perhaps you’re a fan of a particular hit show on Hulu, but get the rest of your streaming fix from another source. Just be sure to reevaluate your streaming subscriptions from time to time. If you’re not getting much use out of it, then cancel it and save yourself the money. What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call my national radio show and click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to the Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet or computer. From buying advice to digital life issues, click here for my free podcasts.
