Do you recall the era of video rental shops? For many years, the sole method to enjoy the latest movies in the comfort of your home was to rent a videocassette or DVD. In 1997, Netflix revolutionized this practice by starting to mail rentals directly to customers, and a decade later, altered the landscape of the industry once more by introducing streaming video services. 

Streaming video technology now enables you to enjoy your preferred films from the comfort of your sofa. For a long time, Netflix was the sole player in the streaming video market that it pioneered, but today it faces a myriad of rivals. If you are in search of a fresh method to stream films at home, here are seven alternatives to Netflix that you should consider. 

1. Starz

Starz, which was launched just three years before Netflix, is often viewed as an outdated cable television entity. Yet, this judgment is not quite justified. Initially, in 2012, Starz introduced its streaming service, StarzPlay, which necessitated a cable or satellite subscription. Today, however, all of Starz's streaming services can be accessed directly through Starz.com. 

For only $8.99 per month, Starz offers great value. It features hit original series such as Outlander, Spartacus, and Black Sails. Additionally, subscribers gain entrance to an extensive catalog of the latest movies from studios like Columbia and Sony Pictures Classic, plus classic films from Miramax, Fox, and Universal.

2. iTunes

The digital media platform, iTunes by Apple, is expansive yet it doesn't offer a subscription-based streaming option for TV and movies. This might benefit individuals who infrequently view television. On the other hand, for those who frequently indulge in TV series, the costs on iTunes can escalate rapidly. Take Game of Thrones, for instance. To buy individual episodes of the seventh season costs $28, whereas the whole season is available for $23.  

Nevertheless, numerous justifications exist for buying media instead of accessing it via a streaming subscription: 

• You want to take the movie or TV show to a location without a data connection.
• You plan on watching it over and over.
• You want to own it forever even if streaming services drop it.

Apple iTunes is designed to function smoothly with numerous Apple devices, meaning that if you possess either a MacBook or an iPhone, iTunes facilitates easy management and access of your media on various platforms. 

3. Vudu

Vudu stands out as one of the more versatile options featured here, and its closest rival is iTunes. Initially established as a hardware-producing company, it soon transitioned into the burgeoning arena of media streaming, where it started by offering a collection of several thousand movies. Presently, its library boasts upwards of 20,000 movies and TV series.

Vudu excels in two primary ways: there are no membership costs, and it provides a selection of titles at no cost. Platforms such as Amazon Prime Video also provide free rentals, although accessing them requires a paid membership. Should your current streaming services lack the title you seek, consider exploring Vudu prior to buying on platforms like iTunes or Amazon. 

4. HBO Go / HBO Now

While Netflix may lead in number of subscribers, HBO often reigns supreme in the realm of content creation. Annually, the network garners a multitude of Emmy nominations and victories. With over thirty years of unique productions available for streaming, viewers have the opportunity to explore The Sopranos again, as well as dive into modern epics like Game of Thrones and Westworld. 

HBO provides a range of news and analysis programming that is absent on many other streaming platforms. Real Time with Bill Maher, VICE News, and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver stand unmatched, not only among other streaming entities but also across all television broadcasters. 

Regrettably, HBO carries a high price tag. HBO Now, exclusively for streaming, is priced at $14.99 each month. This is the standard rate for acquiring HBO through most cable and satellite TV services, although occasionally you can locate a bundled offer where HBO is included at no extra charge.

5. Hulu

Hulu provides an unparalleled array of TV shows. Not long after launching, it featured some complimentary shows and films. Today, Hulu presents multiple subscription options that encompass all its content. 

The pricing is reasonable; however, there's a significant caveat. Hulu's most economical option includes advertisements. While a few might not object to the sporadic automobile or mobile phone advertisement, the majority find it bothersome. Indeed, this very factor deters many from sampling Hulu. Nonetheless, for those eager to keep up with 2018's hottest sitcoms, subscribing to Hulu provides access to a vast array of television programs. 

6. Amazon Prime Video

Everybody is aware of Amazon, yet the organization has not effectively marketed its Prime membership. A lot of individuals are familiar with the fact that Prime offers complimentary 2-day delivery on numerous products bought via Amazon.com, however, what they may not be aware of is that Prime additionally offers:

• Unlimited cloud photo storage
• Ad-free music and video streaming
• Grocery deliveries
• Kindle ebook rentals
• Free same-day shipping on select items

For just $12.99 a month, you're getting an enormous value. That's $2 cheaper than HBO! Additionally, if you choose the annual payment option at $119, it reduces your cost to merely $8.25 each month.  

This doesn’t mean that Amazon Prime is flawless. A significant number of films and series still necessitate a rental or purchase cost, and these fees are generally consistent across platforms like Vudu, iTunes, or Amazon. While Amazon's original content features notable successes like “The Man in the High Castle,” it has yet to reach the benchmark set by Netflix and HBO. 

7. Redbox

Perhaps you've noticed a Redbox kiosk, offering a modest range of movie rentals, at a nearby grocery store or Walmart. Lately, the firm has ventured into streaming services. While the selection might be basic, Redbox has carved a niche by including video game rentals as well. However, to rent a game for your PS4 or Xbox One, a trip to one of their physical stands is necessary. 

Enjoy Your Favorite Movies and TV Shows Right At Home

Interested in watching the newest episodes of “This Is Us” from the cozy confines of your abode? It's not necessary to own a Netflix membership to achieve this. Every streaming service or film company mentioned here provides an extensive assortment of diverse films and series that you can enjoy from literally any location, at any moment. Consider this list as a starting point and take the initiative to conduct additional research to identify the most suitable streaming platforms that align with your preferences.

As with any endeavor, staying informed about the newest studies is wise. It's advisable to evaluate a minimum of three to four alternatives prior to settling on your ultimate choice. Conducting an online search is usually the fastest and most comprehensive method to uncover all the advantages and disadvantages that should be considered.