Best On-Demand Streaming options in 2021

Who needs to surf through countless pages of listings, like TV Guide NZ, when you have Video-On-Demand (VOD) streaming services that offer much better? In this pandemic, VOD services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc., became the talk of the town. Out of the many that gained popularity, which one would you go for?

We have compiled some of the top options in VOD services for you to decide this. We will define each by their price structures, features, and a list of their original productions. By the end, you’ll be able to decide which works best for you so that you can jump from cable TV to VOD streaming.

1.     Netflix

The reigning giant of the VOD streaming industry is, no doubt, Netflix. Netflix has over 74 million paying users worldwide, and one of its best features is availability. Most of the many streaming services we list here are exclusively for US audiences, but that is not the case with Netflix.

Netflix is regionally divided, and each region gets different recommendations and features (Netflix US, UK, Australia, etc.). Netflix offers three packages in streaming experience, from basic to premium (starting price is 9$/month). It also offers simultaneous streaming on 1-4 devices, houses a library of over 16,000+ features, and has greater compatibility.

Netflix is a no-brainer pick, and 2021’s top-rated features are mostly Netflix productions. If you’re opting for Netflix, you deserve to start by streaming their production’s best features like:

1. Roma (2018)
2. The Irishman (2019)
3. Birdbox (2018)
4. Red Notice (2021)
5. Narcos (2015)
6. Sense8 (2015-2018)
7. House of Cards (2018)
8. Witcher (2019-Present)
9. Stranger Things (2016-Present)
10. Money Heist (2017-Present)

2.     Hulu

Founded in 2007, Hulu is the neck-to-neck competitor of Netflix that is more than just a VOD service. But speaking of VOD, it has a library of films and TV series from popular networks like ABC, NBC, FX, etc. It has over 40 million subscribers and offers live TV streaming as an add-on.

The add-on makes it an impressive choice for cable cutters. Hulu has a basic and premium package when it comes to VOD service. The basic version has ads, but it is priced at 6.99$/month, making it an affordable option.

However, one drawback of Hulu is that it does not have a DVR feature. Also, the number of screens that can stream Hulu simultaneously is just two, upgraded on an additional charge. But if you do opt for Hulu, we suggest breaking out the service by streaming the following Hulu Originals:

1. Nine Perfect Strangers (2021)
2. PEN15 (2019-Present)
3. Ramy (2019-Present)
4. Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi (2020-Present)
5. Wu-Tang: An American Saga (2019-Present)
6. Shrill (2019-2021)
7. Catch-22 (2019-Present)
8. Future Man (2017)
9. Dollface (2019)
10. The Hotwives (2014)

3.     Amazon Prime Video

The next VOD streaming service comes from the E-commerce giant Amazon. Starting in 2006, Amazon Prime Video has surpassed over 170 million subscribers. If we could sum up the description of this service, it’d be called ‘Rich people streaming service.’

While it is pricey (9$/month) compared to other services, it has features that make it stand out. For instance, if you’re into Bollywood, Amazon Prime houses the biggest library of Indian content. It is also the only platform that gives you the option to buy individual features and create your library.

Some of the best Amazon Originals are:

1. Solo (2021)
2. The Dangerous Book for Boys (2018)
3. Mad Dogs (2015-2016)
4. Hand of God (2014-2017)
5. The Last Tycoon (2016-2017)
6. The Man in High Castle (2015-2019)
7. Bosch (2014-2021)
8. Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (2018-Present)
9. Homecoming (2018-Present)
10. Carnival Row (2019)

4.     HBO Max

HBO Max is relatively new (started in 2020) and is making its way to the big leagues. It has over 60+ million users, and the numbers keep growing, with HBO producing amazing content month after month. One amazing thing about HBO Max is its exclusive partnerships with other production houses, which allows them to release content at the same date as the production.

HBO has exclusive rights to feature the content from DC Universe, so if you’re a fan, you now know what’s best. The only downside to HBO Max is that it does not have 4K content. The highest resolution you can get is 1080p.

HBO Max is priced at 9.99$/month, which still has ads. The real cherry on top of this VOD service is you get to stream HBO Originals like:

1. WestWord (2016)
2. My Brilliant Friend (2018)
3. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
4. Gentlemen Jack (2019)
5. His Dark Materials (2019)
6. Chernobyl (2019)
7. Industry (2020)
8. Succession (2020)
9. Watchmen (2019)
10. Gossip Girl (2021)

5.     Disney Plus

Launched in 2019, Disney Plus is an up-and-coming streaming service having over 70 million subscribers. The platform houses the best of family-friendly content, and every title on the service is PG-13. It only costs around 8$/month (ad-free).

It also has a live TV service which allows you to watch channels. You can opt for add-ons according to your desires based on your choice. Knowing that Disney is the genius of owning Marvel and Pixar Studios, you’ll find all their content on the platform.

If you do opt for Disney Plus, don’t forget to check out their original features like:

1. Hawkeye (2021-Present)
2. Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2021)
3. Welcome to Earth (2021-Present)
4. Home Sweet Home Alone (2021)
5. The Mandalorian (2019-Present)
6. Big Shot (2021)
7. Be Our Chef (2020)
8. Muppets Now (2020)
9. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2020)
10. Secrets of the Whales (2021)

Conclusion

We hope you have all the information to decide which streaming option to go for. Read, research, try, and then commit to a subscription that can provide you with the best entertainment options. Also, check out Freeviewcan on-demand service after TVNZ.