Want to cut cable costs but still watch popular movies and shows? Free streaming services like Vudu and Redbox offer attractive alternatives with large content libraries and minimal subscription fees.
This comprehensive guide compares Vudu and Redbox across key categories to help you decide the best option based on your preferences.
Introduction
Both Vudu and Redbox operate ad-supported free streaming tiers allowing you to watch select movies and shows at no cost. They also offer rental/purchase options for newer releases.
While Vudu focuses exclusively on à la carte streaming, Redbox maintains its legacy kiosk business while expanding into free ad-supported TV (FAST). Redbox also owns the ad-supported streaming service Crackle after acquiring it in 2022.
Below we break down how the services stack up across factors like content selection, streaming quality, device compatibility, unique features and pricing models.
Content Libraries: Size and Quality
When choosing a streaming provider, you likely care most about available titles. Here’s how Vudu and Redbox streaming services compare based on library size and quality:
Library Size
- Vudu claims over 150,000 titles across movies and shows. Selection focuses more heavily on movies spanning major studios and independents.
- Redbox’s free streaming tier currently offers around 7,500 titles. Crackle claims over 30,000 movies and shows additionally.
- For rental/purchase, Vudu again wins based on its 200,000 titles from major studios due to its Walmart ownership.
- Redbox streaming cannot compete on library size. Its value lies in the free viewing tier.
Content Quality
- Vudu offers 4K, HDR and Dolby Atmos quality on select titles for premium streaming.
- Redbox maxes out at regular HD, with no 4K or HDR. Visual quality lags due to compression from ad inserts.
- Both services provide mostly older catalogue content on free tiers. Vudu has some newer releases for rental/purchase.
- Redbox claims select exclusive titles like Weird Al biopic, while Vudu focuses on wider studio deals.
Key Takeaways
- Vudu easily bests Redbox streaming on sheer volume of titles spanning movies and shows
- Visual quality on Vudu also surpasses Redbox, with 4K and Dolby Atmos on premium purchases
- Redbox streaming makes sense mainly for its free ad-supported tier
Streaming Device Compatibility
A streaming service means little if you cannot easily access it across devices. Here is how Vudu and Redbox stack up on platform availability:
Vudu Device Compatibility
- Apps for iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, Xbox, PlayStation, Smart TVs and more. Vudu also has apps for Firestick and Samsung smart TVs specifically.
- Access via desktop browser on Mac and Windows
- Playback quality depends on device. Only select devices handle 4K and HDR
- Offline downloads available on Android and iOS
- Walmart partnership improves distribution
Redbox Device Compatibility
- Apps for iOS, Android, Web, Roku, Vizio SmartCast, with more platforms coming
- Lacks support for game consoles or ability to cast from mobile
- No offline viewing capability
- Builds on existing Redbox kiosk user base
- Partnership with Chicken Soup for the Soul distribution
Key Takeaways
- Vudu is more mature, with expansive device support including game consoles and 4K playback
- Redbox still rolling out apps across platforms like smart TVs and games consoles
- Offline downloads available only on Vudu
Unique Features
Beyond just streaming movies and shows, services offer special features that set them apart:
Vudu Unique Features
- Disc-to-digital scans physical DVDs/Blu-Rays for a fee to get digital access
- Digital copies included with select Walmart movie purchases
- Family Play parental controls and family media collection
- Vanity URLs for shared viewing parties
Redbox Unique Features
- Maintains physical kiosk rentals at retail locations
- Free live TV through the Redbox app, including some exclusives
- List sharing for group watch queues
Key Takeaways
- Vudu disc-to-digital conversion useful for accessing existing DVD libraries
- Redbox retains the legacy kiosk rental model along with new streaming
- Both offer parental controls, shared viewing and group queuing abilities
Advertising Model
As ad-supported platforms, the amount, positioning and targeting of ads matters for comfort of viewing:
Vudu Ads
- 5-6 minutes of commercials per hour of content
- 30 to 60-second ads similar to regular cable TV
- Targeted ads enabled by Walmart data and Vudu Mobile ID
Redbox Ads
- 10 minutes of ads per hour; each ad break lasts over 90 seconds
- Commonly plays same 2-3 ads repeatedly
- More frequent shorter ads compared to Vudu
Key Takeaways
- Vudu offers less frequent ad breaks similar to cable TV
- Redbox crammed with shorter repetitive ads making viewing more disruptive
Pricing and Plans
Of course, cost plays a pivotal role in service selection. Here is how Vudu and Redbox break down in terms of subscription fees:
Vudu Pricing
- Free ad-supported tier with limited content
- Rental pricing from $0.99 up to $5.99 for newer releases
- Movie/TV purchases from $4.99 up to $24.99
Redbox Pricing
- Free ad-supported streaming tier
- $1.75 to $3.99 for physical kiosk movie rentals
- New release rentals higher than Vudu at $6.99
Key Takeaways
- Vudu free tier and kiosk rentals wider, but expensive for new release digital rentals
- Redbox physical rentals still cheaper than streaming for new releases
Final Verdict
Vudu clearly beats Redbox across important categories like library depth, streaming quality, device support and ad targeting.
However, Redbox remains appealing for its free streaming tier. Combining services maximizes your viewing options across new and old content while minimizing subscription costs.
Focus your efforts based on factors like recent releases, exclusives, or specialty content like 4K. Choose Vudu for premium quality and flexible à la carte pricing, while Redbox works to cut streaming expenses.
If you still can’t decide, check out our full comparisons of Vudu vs Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu and other Vudu alternatives to find the right service for your needs.
FAQ
Still have questions about Vudu, Redbox and other free streaming services? Check out answers to frequently asked questions:
Does Vudu have a free streaming service?
Yes, Vudu offers an ad-supported free streaming tier with a limited selection of movies and shows. You can access it by creating a free account, no payment details needed.
What devices support Redbox streaming?
Redbox has apps for iOS, Android, Roku, Vizio Smart TVs and web streaming. Support for more smart TVs, game consoles and Chromecast is rolling out.
Can you download movies on Vudu or Redbox?
Vudu enables offline downloads with an HDX account on mobile apps. Redbox currently does not support offline viewing or downloads.
Is the free version of Redbox limited?
Yes, the free Redbox streaming tier has a smaller catalogue, lower video quality without 4K or HDR and more repetitive ads. But it’s still decent for free viewing.
What internet speed do I need for Vudu or Redbox?
Redbox requires only 2 Mbps since its max resolution is HD. For 4K on Vudu, you need a 25 Mbps high-speed connection on a compatible device.
Can I rent new movies on Vudu or Redbox streaming?
You cannot digitally rent major recent theater releases on either platform. But you can still get new movies via Redbox’s physical $1.75 kiosk rentals.
