If you’ve thought about signing up for Netflix, chances are you’ve read about the company’s increased prices and unhappy customers. It’s true that Netflix has made some major changes, but that might not effect your choice to become a member. Whether or not Netflix is still worth the price depends on what you’re looking for.
Price Changes
At one time, Netflix members could enjoy both instant streaming and mailed DVDs for one low price. However, members can now expect to pay $7.99 per month for instant streaming OR the same price to have one DVD out at a time. If you want both services it will cost $15.98. This is a huge increase to what members used to pay. In truth, the company even tried to separate the two services into two companies, but decided not to when their members complained and started jumping ship.
Competitors Prices
Netflix’s biggest competitor is Blockbuster. Blockbuster offers one disc at a time memberships for as low as $8.99. Another advantage is that the company also offers Blu-Ray discs for the same price (Netflix charges an additional fee for this service). Blockbuster also offers all of the latest releases, while Netflix members can expect to wait 30 days for some new releases. If you love video games, Blockbuster even offers those in your membership as well at no extra cost. Last, but certainly not least, Blockbuster offers in-store trade-ins. If you have a Blockbuster store nearby, you can quickly trade-in your movies and be watching more that very night. Oh, and if you’re concerned about instant streaming, Blockbuster offers that too. If you’re a Dish Network customer, you can get instant streaming of movies from Blockbuster for $10 per month. Not to mention that this $10 price includes one-at-a-time disc rentals through the mail as well.
If all you’re only looking for is instant streaming, Netflix is certainly a great option. However, if you want the best of both worlds, Blockbuster is certainly the way to go, especially if you’re a Dish Network customer. Just imagine being able to access thousands of great movies through your TV as well as get great new release through the mail on Blu-Ray. If you’re a movie lover, the choice is obvious. You’ll get the best bang for your buck by using Blockbuster. To get all these services at Netflix, you would have to pay over $20 a month, which just isn’t worth the cost. If you’re on the fence, it may be time to think about what you really want.
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Rob Arlington is a huge fan of technology and movies. When he’s not waiting for his next movie to arrive, he can often be found studying UFX Markets and the environment.