Right now, choosing a streaming service is becoming more challenging with all the platforms popping up here and there. It can be really hard to keep track of what’s worth subscribing to. We all know Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and HBO Max. However, not all of us have the money to subscribe to them all at once or have the time to watch everything these platforms offer. If you’re still deciding on your first platform, you’ve come to the right place.
In this blog post, we’ll be sharing several commonly overlooked factors when choosing streaming services for your home. Let’s start!
1. Simultaneous Streams
This is one of the most important factors you need to consider when choosing a streaming service because if you’re subscribing for a family or sharing an account with other people, you need to know how many simultaneous streams are allowed. Otherwise, you might experience screen limit often, which could turn to frustrations if you all watch at the same time. The number of streams usually depend on the plan you purchase.
2. Audio and Subtitle
Next up, the audio and subtitles. Streaming is universal, and if you’re living in a place that doesn’t speak English, it can be hard to watch movies and TV series if you can’t understand a thing the actors are saying. Major streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu often have audio and subtitle options for different languages.
It’s also great for those who are learning a new language. For example, you subscrited to a Spanish TV service and you’re a native English speaker. If you’re trying to learn the language, having an English subtitle can help you understand the show or movie you’re watching until you become confident without the help of subtitles.
3. Budget
Of course, your budget is another important consideration. Most major streaming platforms are within the same range, but some are really expensive than others. The package and the optional add-ons you’ll choose will also influence the final cost of your streaming service. If you have a tight budget, it can be hard to choose based on your content preferences. However, if you’re okay with ad-supported plans or base plans, you should be fine.
4. Content Availability
The place where you live must also be considered, but it’s mostly for the part where you may subscribe to a streaming platform exclusive to a different region. For example, DISH TV is only available in the United States. If you are outside the US, you won’t be able to access it without VPN. And if you don’t have VPN and you’re just planning to purchase it for the sake of watching DISH, it can get heavy on your pocket in the long run. That’s why it’s best to subscribe to streaming platforms that are readily available in your country.
5. Device Compatibility
Most people nowadays have multiple devices — smart phones, tables, laptops, PCs, TVs, and gaming consoles. If you’re planning to watch your favorite content on multiple devices, make sure to check the device compatibility. Some streaming platforms aren’t available on specific devices, while others, you may need to purchase a higher-tier plan. That’s why it’s important to check the compatibility whenever you’re choosing a streaming service.
Wrapping Up
Choosing a streaming service is a decision that must be thought carefully. You don’t want to waste money into something you can’t even use because it doesn’t work on your device, it’s not available in your country, or you simply don’t like what it offers. Just take your time, do you research, and ask for recommendations from your friends/family. Good luck!