Netflix first created the platform for a video streaming subscription back in 2007. Now in 2019, almost every company or network has either already introduced their own version of the model, or is rushing to get one out to compete in the market. If you’re wondering the difference between each service and which ones are worth your money, this breakdown is for you.
Let's start with the original Blockbuster killer: Netflix. New and old subscribers can expect a price hike this month. The streaming service is raising their prices to the basic model being $8.99/month, the standard model $12.99/month, and the premium $15.99/month. The platform has been very successful with original content movies and TV series, in addition to their catalog of classic shows like Friends and Gilmore Girls. However, there is concern if Netflix will be able to compete with other networks beginning their own streaming services. Especially, once those networks start taking back titles to fill out their own streaming catalogs.
In particular, Disney+ has been identified as a major threat to Netflix. Disney’s streaming service is expected to release on November 12, 2019. The monthly subscription price will be $6.99/month. The service is expected to have classic Disney movies in addition to new shows created for the service. There is already a Star Wars original live action show, The Mandalorian, in development. This subscription will be a one-stop for all things Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel related.
Fighting to compete with these two mega-giants are Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. Hulu’s standard package starts at $5.99 a month with ads, or $11.99 without ads. There is also a Hulu + Live TV package available at $44.99/month. There is speculation that Disney+ may have a bundle package with Hulu, since the Walt Disney Company acquired it when it bought 20th Century Fox. The Handmaiden’s Tale and Killing Eve are some of the buzz worthy shows of the service.
Amazon Prime Video is free for Prime subscribers. However, if you just want to have access to the streaming service, it is $8.99/month. Amazon recently became successful with new original shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, which won 8 Emmys.
Other services worth mentioning are DC Universe, CBS All Access, and Apple TV Plus. DC Universe costs $7.99/month or $74.99 as an annual subscription. This service has full access to the DC Comics cinematic and comic universe. It has been successful with new shows like Titans and Doom Patrol, in addition to bringing back the fan favorite Young Justice which had been cancelled by Cartoon Network. Be careful which shows you let your kids watch however, because some of the shows can be very violent and contain obscenities.
CBS All Access has original content shows as well. Jordan Peele rebooted The Twilight Zone and a new Star Trek show can be found on the service. Subscribers also have access to other classic CBS shows like I Love Lucy. With limited commercials, it costs $5.99/month or commercial free is $9.99/month.
Apple TV Plus is set to launch in Fall 2019. There is no set release date or price for the platform yet. Although stars like Reese Witherspoon, Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey are already working on projects for the service.
Eventually, all of these subscriptions are going to add up to a large monthly fee. It will be interesting to see if consumers are willing to invest in all the different services, or if video pirating will become a popular practice again. Choose which service best lines up with your interests, or team up with friends and family to have access to all of them.