Netflix is the most popular video on demand platforms in recent times. There is no doubt that they have opened the way to a new model of consuming entertainment: all the important companies already have their own streaming service – and those that don’t, are already putting the batteries to catch part of the cake as soon as possible. Today we share the best alternatives to Netflix.
The key question then, would not be if there are alternatives to Netflix – which there are – but which ones are really worthwhile. In an industry where content oversaturation begins to be a problem for the consumer, you have to walk with lead feet, and it is no longer worth throwing into the pool with the first proposal that does not enter the eyes. What are the best alternatives to Netflix in 2019?
10 alternatives to Netflix: other streaming and on-demand video platforms
Some popular streaming video platforms are only available in certain countries, so if we are interested in hiring any of these services, such as Hulu, we would have to make use of a VPN.
Personally, I think it is best to opt for platforms that broadcast in our geographical region since, in addition to getting cheaper, it is easier to claim if you suffer any type of incident. That said, let’s get to the point …
Amazon Prime Video
The great Netflix competitor has a name and surname: Amazon Prime Video. Both in terms of quality, quantity, and price, Prime Video is a great alternative to Netflix. Here we find series of our own creations such as The Good Omens, The Boys, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Man in the High Castle, American Gods or the future series of The Lord of the Rings.
Although the interface is not as intuitive as that of Netflix and many films do not promote them as they should, it has many cult films and quality titles from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. If you look only at the price –36 euros per year, in Spain- the jump from Netflix to Prime is well worth it. Just do not have as many movies and series in 4K as Netflix.
HBO
Another of the great alternatives to Netflix is the video on demand (VOD) platform of the American channel HBO. Quality prevails here over quantity: there are fewer series and movies than in Prime Video or Netflix, but they are generally much better.
In its catalog, we find recent blockbusters, superhero movies, comedy, acclaimed series such as “The Maid’s Tale”, “Chernobyl”, “Game of Thrones”, “Big Little Lies”, “Silicon Valley”, “Veep” or ” The Sopranos ”and a good handful of documentaries more than interesting. Of course, there is absolutely nothing anime.
Crunchyroll
If what we want is to be well-stocked with Japanese animation series and movies and the offer of Netflix or Prime Video does not satisfy us, nothing better than taking a look at Crunchyroll. This streaming platform specialized in anime broadcasts episodes that will be broadcast in Japan just an hour later and has iconic titles such as One Piece, Hunter X Hunter, Naruto Shippuden, Boruto, Attack on Titan, One Punch Man or the new Dr. STONE
The monthly subscription has a cost of 4.99 euros per month, but best of all, there is also a free plan with which we can see the content of the platform – a little more restricted, yes – if we are willing to swallow any Another ad by the way. Perfect to try and decide if we are willing to make the leap.
Hulu
Hulu is one of the most important streaming platforms in the United States. For now, it can only be accessed with a VPN or residing in the country, so it is not one of the most viable options for the general public.
Anyway, it has a simply impressive catalog of series and movies, along with a lot of realities, talk shows, and contests. In total, it offers content from more than 200 networks and television studios. There are also packages available to add premium cable channels and live TV.
Movistar + Lite
Movistar + is the great Spanish streaming content service and the one that is most committed to creating its own content. Until now we had to be a Movistar customer to have access, but recently the company has launched Movistar + Lite, which does not require that we have any contracted line, thus becoming a service similar to that we can find on other platforms such as Netflix or HBO.
Currently, the platform offers original content of channels # 0 and #Vamos, Movistar Series, Movistar SeriesManía and sporting events. Programs like La Resistencia or Late Motiv and series like ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘Orange is the New Black’, ‘House of Cards’, ‘True Blood’ or ‘Mad Men’. As the name implies, it is a “light” version of the classic Movistar +: less content, but cheaper and accessible to everyone.
DC Universe
The Warner Bros and DC Entertainment digital platform offers both streaming series and movies as well as digital comics. If we are followers of Batman, Flash, Superman or true pro-deceases, this is the only streaming platform dedicated exclusively to superhero content, so it is worth checking out.
In addition to having the company’s classic catalog, it is also premiering original series such as Titans, Doom Patrol or the sadly canceled The Swamp Thing. Unfortunately, the service is not yet available in Spain (requires a VPN connection).
Rakuten TV
This Spanish platform, formerly known as Wuaki.tv, was acquired by the Japanese company Rakuten, thus changing its name to Rakuten TV. We are facing one of the proposals with more experience in the sector, being one of the first to offer streaming content on-demand.
The platform offers a wide range of series and movies (mainly aimed at young audiences), although its great flaw regarding Netflix, Movistar + or Prime Video, is that it does not have its own content, which means that it cannot stand out with material exclusive. On the other hand, one of its great advantages is that it has a video club section -which is paid separately-, where we can rent movies and watch them at home shortly after its premiere in cinemas. Therefore, it has some of the most current titles, which is also not bad.
Sky
Another streaming offer that has been playing the most in recent months is the Sky platform. The service offers series and movies, as well as 16 live television channels, such as FOX, MTV, Canal Historia, Nickelodeon or SyFy, among others.
Personally, after having tried it for several days I think it is one of the most scarce alternatives in terms of content since it basically limits itself to offering on-demand videos of what is broadcast on its TV channels along with the occasional movie. On the other hand, if we like the programs and series that broadcast these channels it can be a very viable option since its price is the lowest and allows up to 3 simultaneous reproductions.
SnagFilms
If we are looking for a free alternative to Netflix, we can also take a look at the Snag Films website. Here we will find a wide selection of alternative cut movies, some of them in HD and all without registration.
If we are lovers of independent cinema and we do not care too much about premieres and popcorn cinema, this is a place that we cannot miss.
Popcornflix
We finished the list with another free alternative to Netflix. In this case, we will need a VPN to view the content, but the truth is that to be a free and legal streaming platform is one of the most complete that we can find today.
The films and series that they emit are moderately old, although generally quite good (American Beauty, Star Trek), and even offer exclusive content of their own creation.