UPDATED 12:49 EDT / JULY 29 2011

Netflix Trumps Hulu as Best Bet for TVs

Video streaming has revolutionized how people watch their favorite TV shows and movies, from computers to handheld devices, as the technology adapted to the fast-paced lives of its subscribers.  With Netflix, Hulu and now Amazon competing for the best video streaming service title, as a subscriber, you’d have to scrutinize, “Which one will you most benefit from?  Which one will give you your money’s worth?”   So, here’s a closer look as to what they really offer, and if you’re not a subscriber, or already are but dissatisfied, maybe this one can help you decide what direction to take.

As of now, Netflix’s subscriber break down consists of  53% movie watchers, 11% watching TV shows and 36% watch both.  Hulu viewers, on the other hand, have 9% movie watchers, 73% watching TV episodes and 18% that enjoy both.  Netflix has more movie watchers compared to Hulu because this is what they were known for, while Hulu is at its best providing TV series streaming.  Amazon is not yet considered in the part of the competition as it just started to invade this turf.

As for price, Netflix now charges $16 per  month, up from its previous price of $10 per month, which angered consumers and caused the video streaming service to anticipate slower customer adoption for the third quarter. That makes Hulu Plus prices a bit more competitive, charging only $7.99 for both the movie TV show services.  But what sets Netflix apart is that they deliver rented or bought DVD-copies of the movie to your home as well as the streaming services.  But really, who needs to rent or buy DVDs that take up physical space when you can have it online?

At any rate, Amazon seems to be the one charging the highest overall, considering they don’t have a plan for both services but rather they charge per movie or show, ranging from $1.99-$9.99 depending on how up-to-date the show or movie is.

Aside from this, Netflix also dominates in the console realm, as 25% Wii users use Netflix versus Hulu’s 3%.  On the PlayStation 3, Netflix has 13% versus Hulu’s 3%, and Xbox users have 12% to 2% ratio, Netflix being the dominator.  Additionally, portable device subscribers also prefer Netflix over Hulu as the latter charges extra if you want the option of watching it on your consoles or portable devices, like tablets and smartphones.  Amazon subscribers are now able to choose from their library of over 9,000 titles, a relatively wide array of media as the company recently partnered with CBS and NBC.

Though Netflix charges $16 for a monthly subscription, subscribers, though angered, are not about to give up, as it is still the best deal out in the market.


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