Netflix and Vudu are two streaming platforms where people can access some of their favourite TV shows and movies either by following up with a monthly subscription plan or a one-time transaction payment respectively. As much as these two streaming platforms have some similarities, they have unique differences which cause people to prefer one over the other. These differences between Netflix and Vudu are what we will focus on to help you make the right choice.
Netflix vs Vudu
Netflix
Netflix, a subscription streaming service, was founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph to serve millions of people worldwide bringing them their favourite movies right in the comfort of their homes.
When the company started, it did not offer video streaming services at first but sold and rented DVDs. It was not until 2007 that Netflix decided to introduce video-on-demand and streaming services for people to hop on and enjoy. The service in the market was welcomed as it did not take too long for people to sign up and subscribe.
Vudu
Vudu offers streaming services but in a much different way. Membership is free on Vudu with a charge that comes if you wish to rent a particular movie or purchase a copy.
Alain Rossman and Tony Miraz founded Vudu in 2004 with its headquarters in Beverly Hills, California, United States. It is owned by Fandango Media after previously being owned by Walmart.
Differences Between Netflix and Vudu
The difference between Netflix and Vudu is more than the similarities. Here are some factors to consider that point out the differences between Netflix and Vudu, making it easier to choose which you prefer best.
- User Interface
The first thing users see when they sign up is important because first impressions influence one’s decision to stay or skip to another streaming platform. Netflix’s user interface is topnotch with descriptions to select membership for DVD or streaming.
Vudu’s user interface is not terrible either as membership has been made free. It allows you the freedom to scroll through and select the film you want to stream or if you intend to purchase it.
- Content
The kind of movies and shows you will find on Netflix and Vudu vary. You will find some interesting movies on Vudu that you will not find on Netflix. When it comes to numbers, there are over a hundred thousand movies and shows on Netflix while Vudu has just over twenty thousand movies.
- Pricing
To many, people consider pricing to be the major deciding factor when considering if they should stick to a particular streaming platform or not. Netflix offers a monthly subscription fee which ranges from $8 to $12 depending on the number of screens it is available to stream on.
The downside of paying this monthly fee on Netflix is that one will have to pay for a whole catalogue of movies including those that they will never find interesting to watch at all.
On Vudu, you do not have to pay a monthly fee to have access to all the movies there. Here, you have the option to rent a single movie or stream it with close friends and family. For renting, prices tend to range between 99 cents and $6 while purchasing costs $5 to $25.
- Availability
Availability here means in what areas exactly can these streaming platforms work. Netflix except for four countries is available worldwide for streaming which is a great feature that not all applications offer.
Vudu has only been made available to residents in the United States which makes it impossible for people outside of the US to rent or purchase a movie from it.
- Account Sharing
Netflix introducing the possibility of sharing an account with one to three people was one feature that thousands worldwide love. It makes the cost of a monthly subscription way cheaper than it is.
Vudu allows you to share your library with up to five people by clicking on the Share option listed in the Main Menu. It is an easy and faster way to include your friends in the fun.
- How Long Before it is Released
New movies are rarely updated on Netflix’s catalogue until after certain days or years have passed. With Vudu, you can watch a newly released film on that same day for a fee without having to go to the cinema.
Conclusion
Netflix’s success and popularity as a company are the results of a well-designed platform that is user-friendly and affordable. Vudu is a great streaming platform that deserves consideration as well because of the many interesting features it has such as one-time payment.
Choosing between Netflix and Vudu does not have to be the only option as you can also choose to sign up for both streaming platforms. Both have their pros and cons, so be sure to consider them all.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Vudu Share Account?
Yes, it is possible to grant access to five other people when you own a Vudu account.
- Is Netflix Better than Vudu?
In terms of having a wider movie coverage, you should go for Netflix but when talking about recent movies, Vudu is the better choice.
