One of my favorite past-times is watching a movie or a good TV show. With the way that entertainment media has been shifting to the internet, I decided a while ago to cut my cable TV as an experiment. I’m usually a late adopter and I don’t feel the need to always stay current with TV shows. I also try to avoid spoilers as much as possible.

I’ve been without cable TV for approximately six years. To fill the void, I started subscribing to various internet video streaming services. I like that I am able to have more choices and flexibility. If you want to explore the options out there, then this list of comparisons may help you decide which service is best for you.

Netflix:

• Available on: iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, Nook, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii and Wii U (Click here for a complete list of devices),
• Original Netflix programs such as Arrested Development (Click here for a list of original programming),
• Multiple profiles are one of Netflix’s newest features. You can have up to five profiles. Each profile user can share what they are watching on Facebook and they can also get suggestions from friends. (Click here for more info on how to do this.)
• Costs $7.99 a month!

Drawbacks: It can take a long time for current episodes of shows to be added to their library.

Amazon Prime Instant Video:

• Available on: Kindle Fire, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, iOS (Click here for the full list),
• Includes other Amazon Prime benefits (i.e. free two-day shipping),
• $79/year (which is broken down to roughly $6.50 per month).

Drawbacks: Must commit to a year subscription. The iOS app is currently lacking an Apple AirPlay feature.

Redbox Instant:

• Available on: Android, iOS, Roku, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 (in the fall),
• $8 per month (this includes streaming and four DVD rental credits per month).

Drawbacks: Newer to the game; very small streaming catalogue

Hulu Plus:

• Available on: Wii & Wii U, 3DS, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Android, iOS devices, Nook, Roku (More on the devices here),
• Some popular television show episodes are added next-day after airing,
• $7.99 per month.

Drawbacks: Very limited movie selection; even though it is a paid subscription, there are still some advertisements.

Crackle:

• Available on: iOS, Android, PlayStation 3 (click here to see more about the devices Crackle is available on),
• You can share your watchlist and what you’ve watched with your Facebook log-in,
• Free (with advertisements).

Drawbacks: Movies are unavailable in high definition. It may not have the shows and movies you are looking for (well, it is free).

One way to help you decide which service will satisfy your needs is take them for a test drive. All of the paid streaming video services mentioned above offer free trials for new sign-ups. Now pull up a chair, a healthy snack and get ready to binge-watch.

Isaac Wong
Project Manager

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