Amazon vs Netflix the Streaming Debate

Amazon vs Netflix the Streaming Debate

“Amazon vs. Netflix. Which would you choose for #streaming?”

Amazon

The Big Bang Theory!  Amazon was the place to go to get all the back seasons.   However, not being a  Prime member,  Amazon is starting  to  restrict sales of some items to its members.  Will shows like the Big Bang Theory be one of them?

Creating another level  within Amazon, will not  increase their sales. The Prime-exclusive membership is just a copy cat of what Netflix has been doing all along.   Except Netflix doesn’t have all the hidden costs.

The restricting of the non-Amazon produced items is troubling.  Since other online outlets have the non-Amazon items, why would Amazon want to resist them?  It makes me think of the quote “if it isn’t broke – don’t fit it”. 

Netflix

Being able to watch as many movies as I want, and the ability to share with up to three people –  Netflix got my attention.  With busy lives, and kids going here and there – it has saved me more than once.  The truth however is, that Netflix doesn’t have the latest and greatest hits rolling out as fast as some of their competitors  (neither does Amazon), but Netflix is at least consistent, and there are no restrictions.   Netflix still has their DVD options to buy, but it is easier to go to Google Play, or a host of other locations  if you want to augment your viewing on demand preferences.

Unlimited Data

As someone who uses their mobile data for everything, streaming is important to me.  It doesn’t matter if it is checking my mail, watching the news, downloading/streaming movies, or making a purchase -I want my online experience to be seamless.  The whole opt in/opt out, or become a member / super-prime-mega-star member  scenario is just bad mojo to me.  I don’t want to deal with a business marketing strategy that is built on a copy cat system made up by your competitor, except yours includes hidden fees you added as some kind of bonus.

Sign up here NOW for a full year!  Other fees and charges may apply!

Amazon might be cutting off its own foot despite itself.  Amazon doesn’t  control  non-Amazon products.  That is a serious turnoff to a buyer like myself.  The non-Amazon producers should also consider this when they allow someone to lock-up their product.  Or at least have the good sense to list in a variety of other online locations.

• The Amazon list of movies isn’t any different than Netflix.  They are basically the same, except for their own in-house developed programming.
• You have to pay for a full year up front with Amazon.
• Amazon also makes you pay extra for prime shows.   Why, when you can view them elsewhere without a prime membership?
• Amazon’s recent and popular TV episodes run you an additional  $1.99 to $2.99 per episode.

With  the upfront  yearly fee, and the addition prime charges, that doesn’t equate to a bargain Amazon.

Both services allow for watching as many movies as you want , on any number of devices.  Just about the only good thing about Amazon is you can download a movie for later viewing offline, and you get a two-day free shipping on some items.  Which neither are relevant to me.

One Stop Shopping

I like one-stop shopping as well as the next person, but I would say buyer beware if Amazon thinks they can control all the markets by shutting out potential buyers.

There are a host of other online streaming services, like Hulu, and iTunes and HBO,  but they all have some quirky setups and costs that haven’t proved to be of much value to me.

Getting back to Netflix, I do have some issues with their service.  Netflix could use an upgrade to more current movies and shows.  To be honest I’m not much into the shows they have developed on their own.  Same with Amazon, the shows aren’t all that good.

Netflix probably has my vote as far as streaming entertainment. You can watch as many movies as you like and you can do that on a host of different devices in your home.

• Netflix’s new releases for TV are a bit outdated (about a year).  But you can view them without having to have a Prime membership.
• There is no yearly membership.  It’s monthly and you can easily drop or add service as your budget allows.

I don’t want to pay an upfront yearly fee to join a service like Amazon  (who also has hidden prime costs).  I will continue to utilize Netflix who has the same shows, but allows me to cancel and re-subscribe anytime I like, and has NO hidden prime costs.

Television – what’s that?

For those who don’t watch a lot of television, or do not subscribe to a paid television service,   Netflix does a better job of speaking to these online buyers.  More people are going the route of not subscribing to a paid television service – if  for no other reason than to escape the crappy ads.  If people aren’t watching television, they aren’t going to appreciate the hard sales coming from Amazon, Netflix, or anyone else for that matter.

The turnoff from high pressured sales  and ads are  just too much for this group of viewers.  They don’t get into to politically run media talking point programs, nor the constant deluge of negative ads about the sick and dying.  That is one reason  why many are dropping out of paying for television services – “it is depressing”.

While my vote does go to Netflix for offering a steady and solid product, nothing will ever replace a night out at the movies.  Yes, it costs more to go out and see a show, and the popcorn isn’t cheap either – but the benefits are a plus.

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The “As Usual” series

Content creator & writer, blogger, social and digital media advocate. JB was born with a passion for writing and instructional design. JB is the owner of Radcliff Design.