With Netflix only recently launching in the UK, it looks like consumers will have to choose between the Amazon-backed LoveFilm and newcomer Netflix. Which is the best? Let me break it down for you, and let me tell you that there is a clear winner here.
This review is UK-focused and concerns the UK launch of the Netflix service, as well as the UK-exclusive LoveFilm service.
First I have to say that LoveFilm really is more like American Netflix. Which VPNs still work with Netflix? Which VPNs still work with Netflix? Netflix is cracking down on VPNs, but there are some that still work. Here are the best VPNs to use with Netflix. Read More In fact, they even rent games by mail, similar to the American GameFly service. However, LoveFilm does offer a streaming-only account tier, which is what I will be reviewing today, but should not be considered as their primary business model. Of course, if you're looking for a service that will mail you DVDs, Blu-Rays and console games, then your only real option in the UK remains LoveFilm.
Netflix, on the other hand, is a purely streaming service in its UK incarnation.
Although it varies by movie, Netflix will generally stream in HD quality. Cable Cancelled? 8 TV Streaming Apps To Fill The Canceled Cable? 8 Streaming TV Apps to Fill the Gap If you've canceled cable, you may be wondering what to watch next. These TV streaming apps may be the answer as they offer a traditional viewing experience. Read More This may not be noticeable on an iPhone-sized screen, but on a 50" plasma it makes a world of difference. Although I haven't done any extensive testing yet, it seems that many titles on Netflix have closed captioning, very useful for those with problems.audience (or with foreign wives).
Both Netflix and LoveFilm offer streaming clients on the following devices:
iOS: Both are quite similar functionally, the nature of the iPad and iPhones generally leading to simplistic interfaces that get the job done. However, I found fewer streaming issues with Netflix; And like all Netflix clients, your most recent movies are presented first so you can easily pick up where you left off.
The LoveFilm client is decidedly more complex, and always requires a hard reboot of the iPad before it can start without crashing.
Xbox 360: Both are well integrated with the new Metro-style control panel, although I lean a bit towards LoveFilm with its superior voice control (you can say the name of the movie instead of just “Play 3”)
Online: Not only does Netflix make a good attempt at suggesting movies I like, but it also presents them in an at-a-glance DVD cover gallery style. This is an interface to be proud of.
Unlike LoveFilm, which insists on listing multiple episodes of the same TV series and doesn't try to personalize the experience. The covers are small, the mountains of text/synopsis are unreadable, and it's not a fun experience.
PS3 and Wii customers: Also available, but not tested by me. Let us know in the comments if you have any thoughts on these clients, please.
LoveFilm shows me that there are around 3,000 movies in their streaming selection, but unfortunately Netflix refuses to give real numbers, so this judgment will be made on anecdote alone.
I've logged on to LoveFilm and Netflix to see if there's anything I'd like to watch. I'm a big fan of comedies, but in LoveFilm's latest selection of comedies, I honestly didn't find anything I wanted to see or haven't seen (outside of LoveFilm). On the other hand, Netflix:A Page Full of Fantastic Looking Movies The 100 Best Movies To Watch On Netflix Right Now The 100 Best Movies To Watch On Netflix Right Now There is so much content on Netflix that it's hard to separate the wheat from the chaff. This article offers a helping hand, counting down the top 100 movies you should be watching on Netflix right now. Read More
However, it's hard to judge in the long term, as it will inevitably depend on the amount of new content added each week. From what I can watch right now, there's enough on Netflix to last me a long time.
We have a winner. If cross-device movie streaming is what you're looking for, I can't give Netflix a more glowing recommendation. It's a more refined affair, with higher quality streaming, a much better selection, a personalized (and really good) recommendation engine, and just plain a joy to use. LoveFilm's streaming service has always felt like something of an add-on, while its core business remains the physical rental of console games and DVDs. Netflix is a little more expensive, but it's worth it, in this reviewer's opinion.
What is your experience? Have you tried both? Let us know in the comments!
