One of my top ten videos that still gets watched several times a day, the throwdown of Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon is still the most popular of my videos. What’s more amazing is that people still ask “Which one should I get”? Lots of changes since I first did this review, so I thought it was time to update it and see what these services have to offer!

 

What Platforms Can Access Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime?

Before we go forward, let’s get this out of the way – All three services can be used on laptop, desktop, Roku, XBox One, PS4, Fire TV, and finally, Apple TV. You can get all three services on certain Smart TV systems, but keep in mind, this can change at any time depending on contractual agreements.

The Good and Bad of Netflix

Since 2014, Netflix service has not really changed too much, well, except for their prices. You can still watch movies, TV shows, and Netflix originals. Of course, this is a simple subscription service. Content will come and go, and the only thing you can do is watch what’s on the service.

There have been a lot more originals added to the lineup, from reboot shows like Fuller House, to new originals such as Stranger Things. Netflix also has beefed up original movies like “Bright”, Naked, iBoy, Pee Wee’s Big Holiday, XOXO, and more. They have also beefed up their comedian specials, and a series called “The Standups”, which highlight new comedians.

Netflix does have an offline option on your iOS or Android app. This is perfect for long flights where there is no in-flight entertainment.

Prices start at $7.99 a month for a simple SD video feed, and $10.99 for HD video. Since I have own a 4K TV, I look toward the premium, which is $13.99 a month, but I can watch up to 4 screens at a time.

If you have the T-Mobile service, basic Netflix is a perk for you. You can also use Netflix through your Dish TV DVR service – although you still have to pay for it.

Now back in 2014, I was stymied as to why Netflix didn’t have a “Buy it now” feature, or other ways to bring extra revenues to the service. I still think Netflix is missing on this boat, and need to find a way to bring people in for more. The reality is, if they lose a majority of studio labels, the only thing they can do is counter with powerful originals and buy up older movies.

The Good and Bad of Amazon Prime

Let’s look at Amazon’s offerings since 2014. They also let you subscribe to HBO and Showtime. You can also get Starz, Britbox – which is a range of TV shows from BBC and ITV in England (Including the first 25 seasons of Doctor Who), PBS, Sundance, and a lot more.

You have new original TV like Red Oaks, Mozart in the Jungle, Goliath, the Grand Tour, and Transparent. Original movies like the Big Sick, the Lost City of Z, Crown Heights, and more coming soon.

Amazon Prime also has 2-day shipping, Whole Foods discounts, unlimited video streaming, the ability to download to phone or tablet to watch offline, some music streaming, unlimited photo storage, Amazon Elements for new parents – a series of baby products that meet many standards.

Not done just yet. You also get Dash buttons, one e-book a month, free books and magazines, audio books, ad-free Twitch – the video gaming channel, and a ton of other stuff.

And there is still more. There have been rumors that Amazon is poising to compete with YouTube on original VLOGS and content like the Geekazine channel. It makes sense, since they have Fire TV and their popular Kindle tablets.

Add in the Echo line of hardware, you can control your content through simple voice commands.

Prime is charged yearly at $99 – or $8.25 a month. Be on the lookout for possible Prime discount subscription days where in years past you can get the service for $20 less.