The DVD-by-mail service Netflix built its business on will soon be known as Qwikster. The rebranding follows Netflix’s decision to split its DVD rental business from its online streaming service, a move that raised the prices for customers who want both by as much as 60%.
Netflix and the newly-minted Qwikster have a growing list of competitors that offer movies and TV shows streamed online, on DVDs, or through on-demand cable TV. Choosing the right service will depend on your appetite for video. Do you want the latest movies or the greatest classics? Would you prefer cheap or better on-the-go access?
Of the online options, Netflix has the most content available for streaming over the Internet, though cable TV providers have pay-per-view options with a better selection of recent movies. Apple and Amazon, meanwhile, let you rent a la carte if you don’t want to commit to a monthly plan but want the latest movies.
Here’s a look at some of the options out there:
Amazon’s Instant Video
Amazon’s service offers thousands of movies and TV show episodes for online rental. Rental prices range from $1 to $5. There is no Netflix-like monthly subscription plan, so this option is best if you’re looking for an a la carte plan that lets you pick what you want to watch. You’ll have access to a video for one to seven days once you begin watching.
Apple iTunes
Renting movies through Apple’s iTunes is another pay-per-view option to access the latest dramas, comedies or TV shows. You can rent regular or high-definition flicks and watch them on an iPhone, iPad, computer or TV set using an Apple TV set-top box.
Blockbuster
Under the new ownership of Dish Network, Blockbuster has shifted to per-day pricing to better compete against Redbox and others. Just-released movies were lowered to $3 for the first day. Other new movies are $2 for the first day. Additional days are $1. These prices apply to DVD rentals as well as movies rented online.
Cable
For those who don’t want to cancel their cable service, cable TV providers such as Comcast and Time Warner offer on-demand options to their monthly subscribers.
Time Warner charges $5 for a new movie release and $2 for older movies. Other cable TV companies have similar pricing. Movies are sometimes free, including those that come with a subscription to HBO or other premium channels.
And many more.