With a love for media, Americans are constantly on the hunt for new and innovative ways to gain access to television, movies, and music. The following takes a look at the top five streaming services companies in the U.S. for 2015, in no particular order:
1. Vudu
Much like other streaming giants, Vudu has made a big splash on the online video world. Services include converting DVDs, instant viewing capabilities, streaming Disney Movies, sharing movies, and more. Offering some of the latest movies available — as well as some old goodies — movies and TV can be watched at a cost of $.99 to $5.99 to rent, or $4.99 to $24.99 to purchase. While the benefits of Vudu include that the quality of the videos may be the best of all streaming services, the extent of options is limited, and the price can be steep.
2. Netflix
Netflix continues to be one of the top five streaming service companies in the U.S., and for good reason: for only $9 a month, users can watch an unlimited number of TV shows and movies, documentaries and foreign films. What’s more, Netflix often offers new releases for a limited amount of time that members have instant access to. One of the problems with Netflix, though — as well as other U.S.-based streaming services — is that users can’t access Netflix outside of the U.S. A Smart DNS Proxy, however, can remedy this. As Efe Cakinberk, Director of Smart DNS Proxy, stated, a smart proxy “will hide, mask, or change your IP Address,” making Netflix accessible even when you’re abroad.
3. Amazon Prime Instant Video
A new contender in the online streaming world is Amazon Prime Instant Video/Amazon On Demand. For Prime members — the membership costs $99 a year and comes with a plethora of other benefits, too — the majority of videos and TV shows are offered at no additional cost. For non-Prime members, and for certain movies, prices start at $2.99 for a rental.
4. Hulu Plus
With Hulu Plus, members can instantly stream current hit TV shows and movies through a variety of devices, including an Xbox, Wii, PS3, and more. Hulu is well priced at only $7.99 per month, and offers new members a free week to get started.
5. iTunes
Tried and true with a huge library and the advantage of being able to connect to all Apple devices, iTunes continues to reign as one of the best streaming services in the U.S. and other parts of the world. Plus, iTunes offers a wide array of media, including instant access to TV shows, acclaimed movies, and the latest music.
