Place member only content hereIn recent years, small screen viewing has moved online. We are so spoilt for choice when it comes to readily available content that it can, at times, feel overwhelming. The Best You looks at some of the best services.
Netflix
At the moment, Netflix reigns supreme when it comes to streaming services. It has the widest selection of movies and TV shows, a highly usable interface, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Your options will vary depending on where you are – Netflix boasts a wider selection in some countries than it does in others. Even if you’re at the shallow end of the variety pool, though, there is still more than any person with a semblance of a social life can possibly consume. You can enjoy the classics, new releases, as well as some shows that are exclusive to Netflix. Price tag: £5.99 per month
[upme_private]LoveFilm
Amazon’s LoveFilm, with its wide selection of movies and TV shows, is Netflix’s biggest competitor. The one you decide on will depend on what you want out of your viewing experience. Netflix has most of the Hollywood blockbusters and commercially accessible films; LoveFilm has a wider selection of indie and art house films. If packaging is important to you, you’ll probably notice that LoveFilm’s interface is not as attractive or usable as that of Netflix, so that is something to consider. Price tag: £5.99 per month
Hulu
Hulu is working in partnership with US Networks, such as NBC, Fox, ABC, TBS, WWE, and many others, which means that the viewer has access to the latest shows as well as behind-the-scenes footage. If you, like so may, believe that we are living in the Golden Age of television, then this is probably the service for you. Sadly it is only available in the United States, its overseas territories, and Japan, so if you don’t live in any of these areas, it’s not an option. It is doing well though, so expansion is a possibility. Price tag: $7.99 per month
Chromecast
Have you always wanted to subscribe to Netflix or LoveFilm, but don’t have a gaming console or Smart TV? Chromecast is the latest in streaming technology from Google. It makes watching things from most streaming channels on your TV an absolute joy. No longer will you have to get tangled in HDMI cables. Chromecast is a totally wireless service that allows you to stream practically anything from your phone, tablet, or laptop to your TV. All you have to do is get the Chromecast dongle, download the Chromecast app to your device, connect to the Internet, and start streaming. Price tag: £30
Now TV
Signing up for a bundled cable service when you are really only interested in watching one or two shows that it offers really takes its toll on your bank balance. Now TV is a great service from Sky that allows you to stream the most popular and current shows for a fraction of the price of a full Sky TV subscription. You can watch these popular and current shows on your phone, tablet, computer, or stream them to your TV using the Now TV box. The only downside to this service is that it’s not compatible with Chromecast, so you have to get the Now TV box if you want to watch on a bigger screen. Price tag: £4.99 per month plus £9.99 for the Now TV box
BBC iPlayer
Fancy something a bit more highbrow and educational? Then this is the service for you. The BBC iPlayer allows the user to play all the traditional BBC content on demand, making this content available on a variety of platforms. You can activate it on your gaming console or Smart TV, download the app onto your phone or tablet, watch it straight from the website on your computer, use it in conjunction with Chromecast and stream it to your TV, or click the BBC iPlayer option on Now TV. The iPlayer is probably the most accessible streaming app, and it’s totally free, but the shows don’t stick around forever, so you need to keep up. Price tag: Free
YouTube
The king of free streaming, YouTube is where it all began, and it continues to be a great – and free – source of information and entertainment. YouTube makes nearly every kind of content – music videos, stand up comedy, online tutorials, documentaries, and much more – accessible from everywhere. All you need to do is search for what you want to watch and press play. The comments section can also be a great source of entertainment as it serves as the meeting place for Internet users from all over the world. Also works in conjunction with Chromecast, so you can enjoy these videos on a bigger screen. Price tag: Free [/upme_private]