Redbox Versus Netflix

Redbox began in 2002 with only 12 kiosks at participating McDonalds’ locations, and now has over 23,000 kiosks nationwide and rented its one billionth DVD on September 5^th, 2010 according to redboxpressroom.com. 

According to Wikipedia, Netflix started their subscription services in 1999 and by 2009 they had 100,000 DVD titles available and over 10 million subscribers.  

Now both companies have proven to be very successful, but which one would is the better deal? How do you choose between the two? They both have their pros and cons, which I will explain through this article and help you with making your choice. 

Let’s begin with Redbox, it’s pretty simple. There are numerous locations in the USA, and very easy to rent. All it requires is a valid credit or debit card and with one swipe you check out that DVD for only one dollar. However, if you don’t return it to its kiosk by 9pm the next day, you will be charged another dollar. A nice thing about Redbox, you can return it to absolutely any Redbox kiosk. Say someone rents a DVD at their local Redbox, pretend it’s at McDonalds’, and the next day they go to a Redbox kiosk at Wal-Mart, it’s perfectly okay to return it there! Even if there are plans for going out of town the next day, the DVD can be returned it to any kiosk you find. On Redbox.com, you can check out what DVDs are available at the different locations or if you have an iPhone or iTouch you can download the Redbox app for free. The Redbox application allows people to locate kiosks, check movie availabilities, and gives access to Redbox promo codes that can get you free rentals.  

Now, Redbox is sounding pretty sweet, right?  Well, like anything else, it definitely has its flaws. Most Redboxes I have seen, have few good movies and new releases but, several random movies you may have never heard of. It’s also pretty hard to get a hold of new rentals, especially if there is a line of people, because the people before you are going to grab the last of the new releases. Keep in mind, you are being charged a dollar a day, and if you keep the rental for longer than a 25 days, they stop charging you and you now own that DVD for 25 dollars. Overall, the selection is pretty slim and not a very wide variety as compared to Netflix and even Blockbuster. 

Next, we have Netflix. For an $8.99 subscription, get 3 rentals to be mailed to you, unlimited streamed TV series and movies on your TV, computer or gaming system, such as Xbox 360, PS3 or Wii. You also benefit from no due dates or late fees. Netflix has a huge selection of titles to chose from, new releases and old. Another good thing about it, is the ability to cancel the subscription at anytime, online, 24/7 and no charges or cancellation fee either.  

The flaws of Netflix consist of having to wait for your rentals in the mail. Yes, you can still have movies streamed to your game system, computer, or TV, but it isn’t so nice if you don’t have a good internet connection. You’re actually wasting your money if you don’t rent several movies a month.

The choice between Redbox and Netflix is more of a personal preference. If you find yourself renting more than four to five movies a month or enjoy television series, get Netflix. It will definitely be worth the $8.99 a month, a great deal for that little amount of money. Now, if you don’t rent more than four to five movies a month, my opinion is to stick with Redbox. You can’t go wrong with only a dollar a day for a new release. Decide on which on is best for you and either way, I guarantee satisfaction.  

Also, take this promo code, DVDONME, and you get one day free on your next Redbox rental.