Netflix vs. iTunes movie rentals

January 27, 2008 / Filed under: iTunes, Movies, Netflix

I've brought my Netflix membership back to life, and it's a good time because Netflix recently announced unlimited streaming for all members on an "unlimited plan." The cheapest "unlimited plan" starts at $8.99, which consists of one disc out at a time.

What makes the $8.99 plan a lot more valuable is the unlimited streaming. Forget the one physical disc sitting in your living room - focus on the streaming, and that $8.99 monthly fee seems like pocket change. Unlimited streaming has just skyrocketed the value of a Netflix membership.

Compare, if you will, to iTunes movie rentals:

Netflix unlimited streaming iTunes movie rentals
Cost Cheapest plan starts at $9 per month $3/$4 per rental
Selection Over 6,000 titles Over 1,000 titles
Interoperability Only available via streaming through a browser Can be downloaded and watched on computer, iPod/iPhone, and Apple TV

If you don't mind watching movies solely on your computer, Netflix is clearly the way to go.

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