When it comes to the latest and greatest TVs, we constantly find ourselves avoiding the general channels and switching to the more varied option of streaming platforms. When we’re not tuning in to our soaps or Live Saturday night TV, steaming platforms are our #1 choice for all our favourite shows.
There are numerous streaming services to choose from, so just how do you decide which one to invest in? Here we look at some of the pros and cons of three of the most popular platforms, so you can make your own informed decision!
Now TV Passes
Now TV is Sky’s very own streaming platform. Yes, there are already Sky packages and Sky Store, but these can rack up a hefty price tag. The Now TV box can instantly transform your average TV into a smart TV, providing you with the usual suspects such as iPlayer and ITV Hub, however, if you already have a fantastic Smart TV, you can just download the app and go.
Pros:
– Separate packages – this means you can choose the package for you. Like Sky’s normal box packages, you can choose between entertainment, movies, sports, and kids.
– Not that expensive – the entertainment package will only set you back £7.99 a month and the Movies pass only £9.99 a month.
– Various ways to watch – via app, through a Now TV box or with a NOW TV stick.
– No contract.
– Newest content.
– Easy to use.
Cons:
– Separate packages – If you prefer having a bit of everything to watch, you’ll have to buy all the packages.
– No original content – unlike Netflix and Amazon, there is no home-grown exclusive shows, which could make you feel like you are getting less for your money.
– Sports packages are expensive – £6.99 for only 24 hours!
Netflix
Perhaps the godfather of all streaming platforms, Netflix is still the most popular one currently. It provides unlimited streaming for a set price – meaning you get everything you see with no added cost for extras. No other service currently offers Netflix’s selection, performance, quality, and affordable fees.
Pros:
Add numerous profiles on a single account so you don’t mess up the tailor-made recommendations Netflix makes according to what you like to watch and have watched recently.
– Excellent and varied selection.
– Good recommendation service.
– Only one payment for everything a month, and it’s super cheap too!
– Great original, exclusive shows you won’t find anywhere else.
Cons:
– Titles come and go frequently, so you could lose a show you wanted to watch before you have the chance to do so.
– Limited brand-new content.
Amazon Video
Amazon Video is great for people who love quick and easy online shopping as well as entertainment content. Within their package you get quick two-day shipping for items purchased from their store, a free kindle book every month, unlimited photo storage, and unlimited access to Amazon Music and Amazon Prime instant videos. Is this a no-brainer? Like Netflix and Now-TV, Amazon has varied content, but unlike Now TV, it has its own original shows, which are quite popular. Some argue that it has a better selection of comedy and children’s entertainment than its competitors.
Pros:
– The access to all the other benefits such as shipping, music streaming, and unlimited photo storage.
– Original Amazon shows and programmes.
– A range of HD shows available.
– You can pay upfront for a year (£79) or monthly instalments (£7.99).
Cons:
– No multiple account system or recommendations.
– Some content you must pay extra for, not everything they have is available to their members.
– Not the best range of content, and the newest movies and shows are in their pay-extra section.