When it comes to watching movies online, you have two main choices: download pirated movies that are low in picture and sound quality, or sign up for one of the many movie streaming services that are now conveniently (and legally) available.

Don’t settle for blurry and muffled movies; pay the small fee it takes to use a premium streaming service. Here are eight that are worth checking out.

Netflix

Netflix is by far the No. 1 most-used online streaming service, not only for movies but for many popular TV shows as well. With thousands of titles to choose from and new ones added every month, it’s hard to say no to this kind of variety, especially with absolutely zero ads or commercials. If you’re a big movie buff, in particular, Netflix is definitely the streaming service to try first.

  • Unlimited movies and TV shows with no commercials.

  • No commitment. Cancel online at any time.

  • Download content for offline viewing.

  • Basic subscription (of three plans) doesn’t include HD.

  • Current episodes of TV shows aren’t immediately available.

  • Slow to update content.

Free trial period: One month

Subscription fee: From $7.99 a month

Hulu

Hulu is one of Netflix’s main competitors, offering similarly good variety in popular shows and movies to watch. Some say it has a better selection of content. Unlike Netflix, however, Hulu integrates some advertising into the viewing experience. In addition to Hulu’s free and much more limited membership, you can sign up for two different premium memberships—one of which offers limited commercials and another that removes commercials completely.

  • Features current and past episodes of TV shows.

  • Contains lots of original content.

  • Streams on many devices including smartphones, tablets, Xbox, and Apple TV.

  • Limited and no commercial plans cost more.

  • Can’t watch movies and TV offline.

  • Movie selection isn’t as good as TV selection.

Free trial period: One month

  • Doesn’t include most recent episodes of current TV shows.
  • Some recent movies are available only to rent or buy.
  • Not supported on Chromecast.

Google Play

Even Google offers its own selection of movies and episodes. If you’re an Android user, Google Play is your version of Apple users’ iTunes. Like iTunes, there are options to buy all sorts of popular TV show episodes, complete seasons, and movies in standard or HD formats that you can watch on the web or on your mobile devices. Browse by movies, TV, studios, or even networks.

  • Offerings include new-release movies and current episodes of TV shows.

  • Filter by genre, top charts, and new releases.

  • Search for family-only fare or for specific networks.

  • No commercials.

  • Some new content is expensive.

  • Pay per movie or show, so it’s not a good financial choice for heavy users.

  • Can’t purchase shows from mobile devices, can only view shows bought from a computer.

Rent/buy fees: As low as $3.99 for a 30-day rental / 48-hour start-to-finish watch period and up to $39.99 to buy.

Vudu

  • Vast selection includes current TV seasons.

  • Includes a large section of movies that are free with ads.

  • Playable on a wide variety of devices including PC and Mac, Chromcast, Roku, video game consoles, Apple TV, and more.

  • Frequent users find Vudu expensive when they venture out of the free section.

  • The free movies come with advertisements.

Rent/buy fees: As low as $0.10 for rentals and up to $29.99 to buy.

YouTube Movies & Shows

Everyone knows YouTube is one of the premier places to go for watching all sorts of videos. If you’re lucky, you could type in a movie title and be able to watch it for free on YouTube, but you may get a pirated version that was uploaded recently. These videos are often low in quality, though, and YouTube eventually takes them down. YouTube offers a Movies & Shows section where you can browse through high movies and many current television shows.

  • Movies include new releases, modern, and classic films for rent or purchase.

  • Solid selection of movies that are free with advertisements.

  • Purchase current and vintage TV shows by individual episode or season.

  • Other services offer higher-quality video.

  • Not many filtering options.

  • Requires browsing in categories.

Buy fees: As low as $3.99, and up to $32.99 to buy.

Vimeo

Next to YouTube, Vimeo is another popular video sharing platform that’s best known for supporting independent filmmakers. When you select a film to buy and watch, ninety percent of the revenue after transaction costs goes toward the creators. While you won’t find any big-name Hollywood titles here, you’ll certainly find many gems from up-and-coming filmmakers who are just trying to share their work with an audience.

  • Vimeo is easy to use.

  • Many movie entries include trailers and synopses.

  • Supports the works of lesser-known filmmakers.

  • Don’t look for newly released blockbusters here.

  • Relatively small user base.

Buy fees: As low as $1.00 to rent and upward of about $25.00 to buy.

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