Netfl ix versus NOW TV: how do options compare?
THE lockdown may have eased but our TV will remain our main source of evening entertainment for a while yet.
Many of us are looking at bumping up our viewing options. But should we pick, or stick with, Netflix or rival streaming service NOWTV?
‘It can be a tricky choice. Both streaming services share a lot of characteristics,’ says Rob Flynn of TV comparison site Bonkers.ie.
‘While Netflix’s catalogue is much more substantial and varied, it’s beginning to focus more on developing original content so will continue to draw a consistent following for that reason, not to mention those who choose to auto-renew monthly for convenience’s sake. Netflix can also be easier for those with small children, with a wealth of great content for all the family to enjoy, and all in the one place.
‘With NOWTV, consumers opt to buy individual “passes” depending on the type of content or shows they’d like to watch.’ I’ll leave our entertainment pages to review what’s on (Pages
46-47) But I was impressed with the box set offerings on NOW’s entertainment package, especially Das Boot and Catherine the Great.
I am on Virgin’s TV package and miss Sky Atlantic. So combining Virgin Media’s platform and NOWTV – which gives you Sky Atlantic’s offerings and Sky boxsets – is a great way to get the best of both Sky and Virgin.
NOWTV tends to offer lighter and more conventional entertainment.
Netflix is seeking plaudits as a movie and original series producer and tends to the ‘dark side’. It won’t keep you supplied with blockbusters or recent hit movies but there are plenty of Irish films, art-house hits and
movies you may have missed.
Eoin Clarke, boss of comparison site Switcher.ie, reckons that NOWTV is best for sports, movies and reality shows.
‘It offers a few different passes across entertainment, movies, kids, reality and sports for you to choose from. You pay monthly for access to these passes,’ he explains.
However, Netflix is the most popular streaming service by a long way, he says. ‘You’ll find Netflix on pretty much every single smart TV you buy right now,’ he said.
This makes access very handy. But NOWTV also offers a smart stick or box for easyviewing too (instead of logging in online or via an app).
‘NOWTV really differentiates itself from Netflix when it comes to access to live sports,’ says Bonkers’ Mr Flynn. ‘With NOWTV, sports fans can sign up to any one of its daily, weekly or monthly passes to Sky Sports or Sky Sports extra.
‘Its daily pass for €10, or even its weekly pass for €15 can be invaluable for people who only want to watch a particular match or tournament.’
When it comes to cost, both of our experts agree that Netflix’s €7.99 a month gets you a wealth of film, documentary and kids’ TV options. However, NOWTV has the edge when it comes to content.
But if, like me, you’ve burned through everything you’d want to watch on Netflix (for now) why not cancel Netflix for a while to binge on NOWTV’s movies and/or box sets?
Then, when you’ve had your fill, switch back to Netflix, which should have plenty of new material by then.