Streaming services have become the dominant way most people watch movies and TV shows today. With so many options out there, it can be tough to decide which service best fits your needs and budget. Two of the most popular services, Vudu and Netflix, have their own sets of pros and cons. This comprehensive guide examines the key differences to consider when choosing between Vudu and Netflix.
Overview of Vudu and Netflix
Vudu is a digital video store, allowing you to rent or buy movies and TV show episodes/seasons to stream instantly or download for offline viewing. Owned by Fandango, Vudu offers new release movies to rent or purchase the same day they come out on DVD and Blu-Ray.
Netflix operates on a subscription model, giving you unlimited access to stream from its library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and Netflix original programming. The library is continually updated with new content while some older content gets removed.
Below we’ll compare Vudu and Netflix across several categories to see how they stack up.
Content Libraries: Depth vs Breadth
The highlight of Vudu’s catalog is its selection of new release movies ready to rent or buy the same day they’re available physically. Vudu also allows you to convert eligible physical DVD/Blu-Ray movies into digital copies for a fee.
On the TV side, Vudu lacks full seasons of most shows. However, you can purchase episodes individually if you want to catch up on a particular series.
Netflix has a broader, deeper catalog of movies and especially TV shows. It’s focused more on full seasons of both classic shows and Netflix originals. Movies tend to be older titles rather than recent theatrical releases. The availability of titles changes regularly based on licensing agreements.
Both services offer family-friendly content. Genre fans may prefer Vudu for newer horror, action, or sci-fi movie releases. Netflix has more foreign films and docs.
Streaming Quality
Vudu tops the competition in streaming quality, supporting 4K Ultra HD, HDR, and Dolby Vision on select titles. Users report excellent streaming reliability without buffering or pixelation issues.
Netflix 4K streaming requires the Premium plan. Quality can be less consistent during peak usage times. Basic and Standard plan video quality maxes out at 1080p HD, which is still sufficient for most.
Original Programming
There’s no contest here: Netflix dominates with award-winning original series and films like Stranger Things, The Crown, Roma and many more. It earmarks billions of dollars annually for original content production.
Vudu recently announced its first original series, Legacy, a drama series produced by NBA star Dwyane Wade. More Vudu Originals are planned, but Netflix owns the category for now.
Offline Viewing
Both Vudu and Netflix offer offline downloading capabilities so you can watch without an internet connection. This is great for travel and commuting.
Vudu gives you 30 days to start watching once downloaded. Playback must be completed within 48 hours after starting. Offline viewing requires an internet connection initially for authentication.
Netflix also provides a 30-day viewing window but doesn’t impose a playback limitation once you’ve started watching a title. You can refresh offline licenses as needed by reconnecting online.
Cost and Payment Models
Vudu operates on a pay-per-title model. You pay only for the individual movies or TV episodes you want to own digitally or rent short-term. Current movie rentals start at $3.99, while older movies can be rented for as little as $0.99. Movie purchases range from $9.99-$19.99 for newer releases.
There are no subscriptions or monthly fees. You could use Vudu free of charge by just watching the ad-supported “Movies on Us” selections.
Netflix offers all-you-can-watch access for a flat monthly fee. Plans start at $6.99 for one non-HD stream. The Standard $15.49 plan offers HD streaming on 2 devices simultaneously. For 4K streaming on up to 4 devices at once, opt for the Premium $22.99 plan.
Over time, multiple Vudu rentals and purchases would likely exceed Netflix’s monthly fees. But Netflix requires paying every month whether you watch or not.
Availability and Supported Devices
You can access Vudu across many devices:
- Smart TVs (Samsung TVs)
- Streaming boxes like Roku and Apple TV
- Game consoles
- Desktop and mobile apps
Playback is available in web browsers on Windows and Mac PCs. Offline viewing requires mobile apps or certain supported devices.
Likewise, it’s easy to watch Netflix across platforms:
- Smart TVs and Blu-ray players
- Streaming boxes and sticks
- Game consoles
- Set top boxes like TiVo
- Desktop and mobile apps
Netflix also doesn’t support Linux PCs. Available device connections may also vary by Netflix subscription plan.
Both services are accessible from a wide array of current devices, so compatibility likely won’t impact your decision.
Key Differences Cheat Sheet
| Category | Vudu | Netflix |
|---|---|---|
| Content Model | A la carte rent/purchase | Unlimited subscription access |
| Payment Model | Per title fee | Monthly flat fee |
| Library Focus | New release movies | TV shows & originals |
| Streaming Quality | 4K HDR on select titles | 4K requires Premium plan |
| Original Content | Some planned | Massive slate, well-established |
| Offline Viewing | 30 days/48 hrs max per playback | 30 days, unlimited playback |
| Availability | Apps, mobile, TVs, consoles | Apps, mobile, TVs, consoles |
As the chart shows, Vudu and Netflix have some distinct pros and cons. For more perspective, read this Vudu review assessment from Smart TVs.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
Vudu shines for on-demand access to new release theatrical movies. The a la carte model gives more control over spending without recurring fees. Vudu is continuing to ramp up its device support and plans some original content down the road.
Netflix remains the streaming king when it comes to its unmatched library of TV series content – both licensed shows and acclaimed original programming. The subscription plan gives unlimited access, though you don’t control what content remains available month-to-month.
Casual movie viewers on a budget may prefer Vudu for cost savings and ownership of purchases. TV/series fans are better served by Netflix’s comprehensive catalog. Many households opt to subscribe to both services to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Key Takeaways:
- Vudu excels for on-demand new movie releases, while Netflix offers a much broader catalog of TV series. See how Vudu compares to another popular movie rental service, Redbox, here.
- Netflix invests billions in premium original content; Vudu just recently started funding some Originals.
- Vudu supports premium 4K HDR quality on select titles. Netflix requires the high-end Premium plan for 4K.
- Offline viewing capabilities make both services convenient entertainment options while traveling or commuting.
- Vudu’s a la carte model grants title ownership and cost savings potential over recurring Netflix fees.
FAQ About Vudu and Netflix
Do Vudu purchases transfer to Netflix or other services?
No. Movies and TV episodes bought or rented on Vudu stay within the Vudu ecosystem. They don’t port over to Netflix or other streaming platforms.
Can I watch Vudu on my TV without a streaming device?
Yes, Vudu comes pre-installed on many smart TVs from brands like LG, Samsung and Sony. Check your smart TV app library to see if you already have access.
Does Netflix have newer movies like Vudu?
Vudu focuses mainly on providing on-demand access to major movie releases at the same time as the DVD/Blu-Ray release date. Netflix prioritizes breadth of catalog rather than new theatrical releases when it comes to movies.
Which has more 4K content, Vudu or Netflix?
Vudu offers more movies in 4K resolution with HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Dolby Vision advanced imaging technologies. A portion of Netflix content is available in 4K but requires the Premium plan tier.
Can I watch Vudu offline without Wifi/data?
Yes. On mobile apps and select supported devices, Vudu titles can be downloaded to watch offline later, much like how Netflix downloads work. You need to connect online every 30 days to reverify licenses.
What happens to my Netflix viewing history if I cancel?
Your entire Netflix viewing history, My List, and personalized recommendations will be saved for 10 months after cancellation. Everything will be restored if you resubscribe within this period. After 10 months, your account data is erased.
Can I access Vudu if I don’t live in the United States?
At this time Vudu is only available to customers with a U.S. billing address. Certain U.S. territories may also be able to access the service. International expansion is expected in the future pending digital distribution rights.
How does Vudu compare to other streaming platforms?
In addition to Netflix, Vudu faces competition from services like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and others. This overview of Vudu alternatives compares several other options.
Hopefully this guide has helped illuminate the major points of difference and equivalencies between Vudu and Netflix. Both deliver quality entertainment experiences, so your preference depends most on budget, types of content desired, and quantity versus cost tradeoffs. Evaluate your personal viewing tendencies to decide if one service – or even both in tandem – makes sense for your needs.
