Ask Engadget HD: Netflix or Blockbuster -- best by-mail rental service?
"I'm looking to subscribe to either Netflix or Blockbuster for movie rentals, but I wanted some input from current users first. Which service is superior? Has anyone used both? I'm talking about the by-mail option, there aren't enough new releases available online for me to worry about. A little guidance, please?"
We know, it'll be difficult to quell your fanboyism here, but let's try to stick with facts and figures, okay? Has Blockbuster and / or Netflix treated you right / wrong? Let's hear it!
Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
adamd @ Feb 18th 2009 3:01PM
Not even a question.
Netflix is way better hands down.
I used Blockbuster before with no success. They never had anything in that I wanted. Just like the stores.
Hashim @ Feb 18th 2009 3:05PM
My experience was the opposite. Constantly throttled whenever I wanted something from Netflix on blu-ray. I say blockbuster hands down.
Trump card: If you really want a new release, you can make the exchange in store Tuesday morning.
Joshua @ Feb 18th 2009 3:04PM
I've tried both services and I think I ultimately lean towards Netflix, but here's my pro/con list:
Netflix
+ They are really good at suggesting movies you might like compared to blockbuster
+ They have multiple sub accounts if you have family members who have different preferences than yours.
+ They're customer service was generally good, I didn't have many issues to call them about though.
- Compared to Blockbuster it can seem like less of a value since they don't have the in-store rentals when you return them.
Blockbuster
+ They have the great option to return the movies to the store and then instantly send out your next selection of movies.
+ You get free rentals when you return your movies to the store
+ Good speed if you return them to the store
+ The value for the amount of rentals (the current checkout amount plus the free in store rents)
- They're website is subpar. If you have friends on netflix you can share movie recommendations and see what kind of movies they like, which is pretty cool
- Below average customer service. Not awful, but not really helpful.
- They don't seem to have as many offbeat type movies to rent.
- Netflix has a lot of cool technical things (rss feeds, streaming) and blockbuster has none of this.
+/- They used to offer a free video game rental with their service which made it a win with me, but now it's just some lame coupon to get a certain amount off.
Mike @ Feb 19th 2009 12:57AM
But if you return to the store and pick up the next movie on your rental from the store, I believe normal return policies apply.
WilliamLove1978 @ Mar 1st 2009 5:30PM
Agreed.
burndive @ Feb 18th 2009 3:08PM
I've only used Netflix myself. I have found their user interface and service to be good and reliable, and I on occasions when a disc I have received was damaged or a disc I mailed was never received, there is a simple web interface to report and rectify the situation in a straightforward, factual manner.
There have been a few times when a lot of the Blu-ray discs had "Long Wait" on them, but that seems to be resolved for the most part.
Exchanging movies in-store doesn't hold much value to me, mostly because Blockbuster would be a bit out of the way from my normal commute, not to mention that it's one more stop to make.
One thing that might make me switch would be if Blockbuster started renting video games (specifically, for the Wii, since that's what I have) at a reasonable price. There was an article here a while ago saying that they were planning to do just that. They didn't mention what the price would be to add it to the lower-priced plans.
Reggie @ Feb 18th 2009 3:10PM
I've had great luck with Netflix and I almost always get a first release blu-ray disc each week.
Justin @ Feb 18th 2009 3:13PM
I have used both services.
I prefer Netlix as a whole, as I don't like going to the store. Netflix does charge $1 extra for Blu Ray access, and Blockbuster doesn't, but that is not a show stopper.
Both services get me my discs to my home in 1 day, so I can't complain there. I had a serious issue with Blockbuster having Blu Ray's readily available. I had 20+ blu rays' in my BB queue, and 16 were long wait, I cancelled and went back to Netflix and haven't looked back.
Netflix also has "Watch Immediately", which you can use a Roku box, or PS3 + Playon Media or watch on your computer. I like to have the media in my hand as you get the best playback material that way.
Ordeith @ Feb 18th 2009 7:30PM
Or natively on an Xbox 360
Dan @ Feb 19th 2009 1:42AM
And TiVos
ChadT84 @ Feb 18th 2009 3:11PM
I have also used both services. I finally went with Netflix. Both services had long waits with Blurays, so that didn't persuade my decision any. What did was the fact that it was a 5 day turn around on movies with BB, and only a 3 day turn around for Netflix. I know I could have taken the video back to BB to swap right there, but they were always out of the movie I wanted.
burndive @ Feb 18th 2009 3:13PM
Oh, yeah, and I forgot to mention:
Netflix has:
RSS feeds and friend features, as well as a good recommendation and scoring system.
Streaming movies: the selection is so-so (and changes over time), but it's a nice bonus, and at any given time my instant queue has something worth watching.
Tom @ Feb 18th 2009 3:14PM
I've had both and Netflix is much quicker with shipping and I've had extremely better luck with wait time using Netflix. The returning to store with Blockbuster I never really liked because I dont want to go to the store at all so it wasnt a selling point to me, but I can see how if someone lived right by a store that it would be a huge advantage. One thing that I did love about Blockbuster is the rating system used to rate movies. It made more sense and you could rate movies how you really wanted to.
kevin @ Feb 18th 2009 3:17PM
I've been on Netflix for years, and occasionally gave Blockbuster a shot. Every time I sign up for a trial, I was horrified at how bad it was. Most movies I wanted were listed as unavailable, and the ones that finally did ship would take three or four days, unlike the one day wait from Netflix. Blockbuster did nothing to convince me to switch, so I've stuck with Netflix.
Will @ Feb 18th 2009 3:24PM
Used both of them with similar results. New hot movies take longer to be available. BB had faster mail response probably because they had local processing while NF didn't. Check for NF local processing! Ended up with BB because of the convenience of going to the store and swapping the title for another. Don't use either one now, Video on demand from the cable co. and Apple TV cover my needs.
Tim @ Feb 18th 2009 3:29PM
I would definitely go with Netflix. I have used both services, and Netflix has, by far, the better feature list.
I used to be a Blockbuster employee (about 2 years ago), and while I can't say for certain if they still do this, they used to route a lot of the movies through the stores. While most of the movies would come from distribution centers, many of the higher volume stores also did order fulfillment. Unfortunately, this didn't count towards the store's rental numbers. This meant that the Blockbuster Online shipping requests we received (sometimes up to 250 a day) were the absolute last priority since there was no incentive to get them out on time. I'm sure this depends on your location, but if you end up with a store like mine that didn't care about online rentals, you could end up waiting up to a week before your movie even leaves the store.
Miggity @ Feb 18th 2009 3:37PM
NETFLIX!
No question.
I have had both here in Portland, OR and Netflix was DAYS faster, had a way better selection, and with Watch Instantly its like the cherry on top!
Jahkure @ Feb 18th 2009 3:48PM
Had both, shipping time was the same(next day). Both services was comparable to me. Blockbuster has the advantage with Total Access. I wound up keeping Blockbuster because of the store benefits.
Essefgy @ Feb 18th 2009 4:00PM
I use both. The best reason, for me, to continue using Blockbuster is that NetFlix has this boneheaded penny-pinching policy of only buying the original release of a movie.
Case in point, "True Romance". NetFlix only stocks the original, single-disc, non-anamorphic DVD; while Blockbuster stocks the original plus the 2-disc special edition DVD released later.
J. @ Feb 18th 2009 4:05PM
I've tried both and Netflix won out for me for the following reasons:
-Netflix has Watch Now which as of now may not offer many new movies but that will probably change.
-Faster turn around times (though that varies for everyone)
-Although I could return movies to the store with Blockbuster, it takes away from the convenience of having a mail DVD service to begin with. If I wanted to go to the store, I would not have Netflix
-Great recommendation system
-Easy to manage queue
Duke @ Feb 18th 2009 4:08PM
I use Netflix and have not had any problems with them of note. However, when I wanted a new release the other day I saw that I would have to put it in my queue for a while and wait for demand to slow. This forced me to go rent it at the store. Yet, I love being able to use the service over my 360 as well as get movies in the mail.
Duke @ Feb 18th 2009 4:18PM
I forgot to say that Netflix mails really fast. I have seen turnaround on a returned disc in 2 days after I dropped mine in the mailbox to them. That isn't long to wait to have another movie in hand.
Bob @ Feb 18th 2009 4:13PM
Blockbuster - $22/mo for 3 movies with unlimited in store trade and a free game rental every month. I can't imagine how netflix would even begin to compete. I've never called them so I don't know how awful the customer service is.
dhc82 @ Feb 18th 2009 4:30PM
Well the Netflix 3 at a time plan is only $16.99/mo.. so I'd say that's pretty competitive saving 5 bucks a month. If I have 3 movies at a time I never feel the need to go to the store to get a new once, since the Netflix turn around time is so fast (mail it on Mon, get a new DVD on Wed). Plus I can hook my laptop up to my tv to watch a lot of movies and tv shows streaming, the picture quality is actually really good.
JG @ Feb 18th 2009 5:08PM
Umm, 3 movies for $22 with unlimited exchanges?
Try 2 movies with unlimited for $30 and no coupon.
Mitchell @ Feb 18th 2009 4:16PM
Netflix for me but honestly I dont like Netflix web site. They always "hide" the new releases for the week. I am a new release renter and i dont want all the old moves that are not on BD.
I hit up EHD BD release post and imdb and rent out of there.
Mitchell
MCW @ Feb 18th 2009 4:43PM
In case you or someone else didn't know:
http://www.netflix.com/AllNewReleases?lnkctr=NavAllNewReleases
(Where they hide them).
RY @ Feb 18th 2009 4:27PM
I've used blockbuster then netflix then back to blockbuster. Netflix was great, but i did not have the option of going to a store and renting a movie. I have 3 free exchanges at the blockbuster store and i always go to the store on Sunday to exchange my movies so that on Monday they would ship my New release movies. WOOOP WOOOP!!! Never fails!!! Both services are great, BUT BB all the way!!!
rrdmxjedah @ Feb 18th 2009 4:30PM
I used both for a couple years and I've stuck with blockbuster for their in store exchanges. Even if I can't get a new release Blu-ray online I could get it at the store.
Don @ Feb 18th 2009 4:35PM
As with all these decisions it comes down to personal/family reasons. My recommendation is to try both of them - there is no long term commitment so you have nothing to lose.
For my family (me and two teenage daughters) the decision to move from NF to BB was easy. For many years we were a NF customers but when BB started the in store program we tried it and fell in love with it. Why you may ask - Compare BB to NF +/- for us are:
+ While I don't mind the online movie selection, my kids prefer the store; it also helps since we have very different movie tastes. Since the local BB is on the way to the food store its no big deal to exchange. If you really want new releases in store, go there on Tuesday afternoon. Given that we exchange every week, the actual cost per movie is a wash compared to NF.
+ My kids enjoy the two coupons we get each month which they use for Xbox 360 games
-/+ Delivery is all about geography, and I personally did not notice any difference between the two, I generally get movies in 1 day. If you try both of these for a few months each you will get a good idea about delivery times.
- NF clearly has a much deeper library, though I have noticed an improvement in BB lately, they are still behind. My queue is about 100 so obviously this is not a major problem for us.
+/- I have not noticed any big different about long waits for new movies between the two; though with in store exchange I can't think of anytime we did not get to see a new movie since we could just as easily get it in store. So this would be a + if you live near a BB store.
- Clearly NF is light years ahead of BB in VOD though this has to be down played for us, lack of a large library and crappy audio keeps me from moving back. I did try a NF trial recently and I liked it a lot but; call me a snob if you wish but to me, audio is just as important as video for most of the types of movies I watch and in this case NF has some technology stuff to get this sorted out. I will say that if NF finds a way to dramatically improve VOD library and fix the audio and BB does not follow this inevitable trend I would likely go back to NF since this would essentially eliminate the in store exchange advantage the my family loves.
MCW @ Feb 18th 2009 4:41PM
Netflix. Easy to use, easy to change your plan on a month-to-month basis to suit your needs, there is an option for Blu-ray rentals, and a 1-Day turnaround time in most areas.
Galley @ Feb 18th 2009 4:41PM
Blockbuster has better envelopes.
Matt @ Feb 18th 2009 4:48PM
I had Netflix for a long time but switched to Blockbuster about a year ago. The in-store exchanges can't be beat, particularly with kids. The wait times appear to be about the same, but again, even when something is queued up with a wait, I've had great luck getting it in-store that day with a free exchange.
I've also read that Netflix is going to start charging a premium to enable Blu-Ray on your account. I hope BB doesn't start something similar.
Last, Blockbuster just announced they are going to add games to the online rental service. Another win for those with kids!
Ernie @ Feb 18th 2009 10:12PM
I have had both Netflix and Blockbuster. Started with blockbuster for 5 months. At first, they send out the movies at the top of my queue but after a couple of months, the only movies they would send me were #16 or worse. I switched to Blockbuster and have had them for the last 2.5 months. They continue to send me movies at the top of my list even though it may list the movie as a long wait.
Xyzzy @ Feb 18th 2009 10:28PM
You started with Blockbuster and then switched to Blockbuster.....? :D
Might want to correct that :)
Marshall @ Feb 18th 2009 4:52PM
How about a tougher question like "What's a better drink: Beer or Diet Shasta?"
This is Netflix FTW by a mile. I've tried them both, and Netflix has faster turn-around, better selection, a better website, streaming video, and a vision that's looking towards the future, not back into history when you could charge $4 a rental at a physical store and have people lined up like sheep.
phrozen1one @ Feb 18th 2009 4:57PM
I use both ... Netflix One at a time (unlimited streaming) and Blockbuster for "new releases", Netflix throttled me long ago.
Wryker @ Feb 18th 2009 5:05PM
This is my 3rd CONSECUTIVE day with my 3-plan from Netflix pushing out until TOMORROW them 'expecting' to ship anything. Since they've gone to Blu-Ray and that's my 'default' for movies they have come to a 'crawl' for shipping me anything - VERY frustrated.
raccoon @ Feb 18th 2009 6:30PM
Blockbuster is having a tough time in the market. Conversely, Netflix just gained it's 10,000,000th subscriber last month.
Frankly, I went with Netflix long before BB had rental options available. I liked the whole "no late fees" deal. Don't forget, most rental companies back in the day made their money on late fees. And BOTH companies have "lied" about rental services (Netflix and the throttling fiasco and BB and the "no late fees*" *except there are late fees scandal).
Also, perhaps the biggest thing, if you have super fast broadband and/or an XBOX, you can get streaming movies from Netflix.
I think this can spiral easily into a Mac vs. PC fanboy debate, and I don't think asking fanboys is going to yield you a proper answer. There's no contract with either, so try one, then try the other, and go with whoNETFLIXever you liked best.
James @ Feb 18th 2009 7:41PM
Had Netflix for a long time but decided to try Blockbuster's Total Access. Man was I disappointed. After the first month, I was out of movies I wanted to put in my queue. I canceled my blockbuster account and went back to Netflix. Haven't regretted it once.
I've had no problems getting blu-rays from Netflix. The clincher has been the watch instantly feature. I love my Roku.
I did however go to Blockbuster and sign up for the 2 out at a time, unlimited in store rentals. I use this to get new releases and blu-rays on the one day I am without a Netflix movie because of shipping.
deadrody @ Feb 19th 2009 11:53PM
You are OUT of movies on BB ? Really ? Is that even possible ? Right now I have 248 movies in my BB queue.
I suppose if you have no life at all, then maybe Netflix has enough movies for you so you don't ever have to leave the house. Otherwise, I think BB has plenty for any normal person.
James @ Feb 20th 2009 10:51AM
What I said was "I was out of movies I wanted".
Blockbuster doesn't come close to matching the selection Netflix offers.
I don't get new releases in the mail, never did. I use my queue for harder to find titles. If I want to get a new release movie, I go to my local blockbuster and get it.
I should also note that Netflix NEVER delayed shipping because a movie with a wait was sitting at the top of my queue. I can't say the same about Blockbuster.
Tomc990 @ Feb 18th 2009 5:50PM
Blockbuster is the best value - Hands down! Whether you want your movies from the store, via mail or downloaded onto your computer, Blockbuster Total Access offers the best of all worlds. I have been using the Two Out with trade-ins at the store for over a year and they always have what I want, when I want it. Even if you don't trade you movies in at the store but drop them off for return rather than through the mail, you get your next movies on the way to you the same day (most times).
Now, Blockbuster is adding games by mail and they added a set-top box for On-demand service during the holidays last year. Netflix doesn't offer anything close to the value that Blockbuster provides.
m1stert1m @ Feb 18th 2009 5:56PM
Netflix by a mile. Blockbuster has no value to me because the 3 stores in a 20 mile radius to me all went out of business...I wonder why??? So there goes the trade-in at store option. Besides, the whole point of online mail renting is to not get off the couch. Not to mention Xbox 360 streaming and better selection and shipping time, and I do not see how it is even close.
JB @ Feb 18th 2009 6:28PM
I have had Netflix since November 2008 and I am switching to Blockbuster at the end of the month. Either Netflix has begun to throttle me or their Blu-ray inventory for new titles is woefully inadquate (or both). Either way, it's extremely frustrating. All of the relatively new Blu-ray titles I queued up have "Long Waits" or "Very Long Waits" on Netflix, and they sat at the top of my queue for weeks without ever getting sent. I waited over a month for Pineapple Express and never got it. Netflix would keep passing them over and sending the next "Available" movie.
I signed up for a free trial of Blockbuster at the beginning of the month and at least half of the movies that were "Very Long Wait" at Netflix were immediately available at Blockbuster. The other half still has a wait at Blockbuster but so far they have pretty good about sending them to me anyway. I don't know if my experience is in line with everyone else's, but for the movies I was interested in (mostly new release Blu-rays), I would definitely give Blockbuster the edge for title availability.
One thing that I have noticed about Blockbuster is that they will hold up your queue for a few days if the movies at the top have a wait. In this situation, Netflix just passes over the movies that have waits and sends you the next one that's available. Hard to say which approach I prefer. On the one hand, it sucks not to have any movies coming to you because your queue is being blocked by something that has a wait. But on the other hand, it seems like this gives you a better chance of getting the movies you really want if you're willing to wait an extra day or so.
The in-store exchange is kind of nice. I found several movies that I was going to have to wait for via mail available in my local store. However, I'm not big on driving to the store since it's not exactly on my way to anything. If you're not interested, you can choose a plan without in store exchanges, at which point Blockbuster's plans become a few dollars cheaper than the equivalent Netflix plan, especially taking into account Netflix's $1 Blu-ray tax.
Netflix's "Watch Instantly" streaming service isn't really a plus for me because I don't want to watch movies on my computer, and I don't have a Tivo, Xbox, or Roku player. I tried to use Netflix on my PS3 with PlayOn, but this combination is just not ready for prime time. Movies will frequently stop playing half way in, and since fast forwarding doesn't work, you have to watch the whole thing from the beginning (assuming it will even start playing again). Talk about frustrating! It's so bad that I've basically given up on trying to use streaming. Maybe if I get another device that supports streaming directly to my TV, it would be more appealing, but frankly, their streaming catalog still leaves a lot to be desired.
Finally, on the subject of websites, I have to say that I really prefer Netflix's. Blockbuster's website is not nearly as nice, nor is the community of users nearly as vibrant (or, it would seem, intelligent). Blockbuster's implementation of AJAX queue re-ordering is completely unusable on Safari, and even on Firefox or Internet Explorer, it seems to be pretty hit-or-miss. Add to this the fact that Netflix has an open web service API, so you can manage your queue on the go from several free iPhone Apps. I haven't seen anything similar for Blockbuster.
G-house @ Feb 18th 2009 6:31PM
Netflix has been flawless with their service. Streaming on xbox 360 is amazing too.
Jeff @ Feb 18th 2009 6:37PM
I have had BOTH, go with Netflix, I am a guy guy they support mac's on the streaming, plus I have the box on my tv it is great.
instate @ Feb 18th 2009 6:47PM
I think that answered your question Brendan. Arart from the in-store return there is nothing more to BB.
I have a friend who uses BB and I have been with NF always. No problems at all. Customer service is fantastic. With local processing center, turnaround time is minimal. Almost all pros have been listed above for NF (I dont have any con to add).
One thing that has not been covered here is that there are new releases on starzplay (which unfortunately is not very "visible". All movies on starz are available for instantplay
http://www.netflix.com/WiContentPage?csid=1
(HD streaming with silverlight). I didnt like the starzlive though, buffer issues).
http://www.netflix.com/StarzLive
Phil @ Feb 18th 2009 6:53PM
If you are ONLY looking for the by mail options then Netflix would have it.
When you go beyond just the basic premise then things get trickier.
I personally like having the ability to get a new video right away. I have 3 Blockbuster stores nearby and I have never had an instance of wanting to watch something that they were out of. It generally take 2-3 days for turn around which was the same for Netflix when I was using them. With the in-store exchange that makes the turn around quicker since it is scanned as being received at the store PLUS you get the exchange.
I didn't really like the streaming option for Netflix. Then again I don't own an XBox360 and I hear that it is much better on the XBox than on a PC.
As far as selection goes i hear alot of people complaining about the limited selection from Blockbuster Online, but I honestly don't see it. There have been few movies that BB doesn't have but to be fair, Netflix didn't have them either. The one place that BB falls short is... more... Ah.... mature movies? So, if that's your thing then maybe you should go with Netflix.
One complaint that spans BOTH providers is the condition of the discs. I swear that both companies must rent to people that have sandpaper in their DVD players.
So, all in all, I prefer Blockbuster Online. The in-store exchange and the identical turn around time for mail in cinches it for me. If you don't live near a BB store, or have more mature tasts in movies, then maybe Netflix might be better for you.
Mike @ Feb 18th 2009 6:56PM
I have blockbuster and love it. Was one of the early adopters for their online so, we have 3 at a time w/unlimited in-store exchanges for $19.99. Being about 2 blocks from the store definitely makes this worth it. I typically exchange on Tuesdays for new releases, then get more in Thursday that I can swap again or hold till the next DVDuesday. Being able to get Blu-Ray with no extra charge is also brilliant. That being said, if Netflix ever comes to the PS3, I'm probably gonna be convinced to change. Also, for the same plan we have new members will be charged $34.99 so, not sure that's worth it. But, for me it's amazing and I'll only switch if I can stream Netflix to my PS3.