While Netflix is undoubtedly one of the top streaming platforms online, the media giant discovered a drop in sales towards the end of 2021. Many people share accounts with friends and family. The feature is made easy with the ability to add profiles on the main screen.
To ensure that it still made enough funds to support all its expenses, Netflix cracked down on account sharing. That shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the best experience in online streaming. Read further to see the best alternatives to Netflix if you’re not happy with the new limitations.
Why did Netflix stop account sharing?
Technically, Netflix isn’t removing account sharing altogether. The feature of adding another profile to your account still exists, but you’ll just need to pay more for anyone else you want to add. You don’t need to worry about anyone living in the same house as you. They can still share without any additional charge.
The system works by detecting the I.P. address used to stream the movies and TV shows on Netflix. There’s no issue as long as everyone uses the same network. As soon as it sees there’s someone outside your household using your account, you can expect your monthly installments to increase.
Best alternatives to Netflix to stream shows
Fortunately, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to alternatives to Netflix. There are plenty of other streaming services waiting for you to join them instead. Here are our top selections.
HBO Max
Besides the standard movies available for streaming on most platforms, HBO Max has several original films and shows. Some of the top names include The Sex Lives of College Girls, Doom Patrol, and The Flight Attendant. That final one stars Kaley Cuoco, a face you may recognize from the popular TV series, The Big Bang Theory.
You can stream on up to three simultaneous devices, which is lower than Netflix’s limit of four. The platform is available for most operating systems on computers, mobile, TVs, and gaming consoles. The one downside is that content changes more frequently than on Netflix. You’ll need to binge seasons a lot faster.
Disney+
With the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars under the same umbrella, many streamers are signing up for Disney+. New original series and movies arrive on the platform monthly, including new content for children. Since it’s more family-oriented, it’s ideal for parents who worry about what their kids are watching on Netflix despite parental controls.
While Netflix is mostly universal in its distribution, Disney+ restricts which countries can access the content. May 2022 finally sees it open its virtual doors to South Africa, but it’s been primarily available in the United States and the U.K. since its inception. Still, it’s a delightful alternative to Netflix if you want a different line-up of shows. There are also several movies with Oscar awards jam-packed with famous stars.
Amazon Prime Video
Here’s another broadcasting service that loves to produce its own series and movies. One of the latest to arrive on Amazon Prime Video is The Wheel of Time, based on the bestselling books by Robert Jordan. Of course, if you already have an Amazon Prime account, you won’t even need to pay more than your current monthly subscription to see movies and listen to music.
Sadly, it’s not available on as many platforms as Netflix. Also, you can’t download content on Amazon Prime. You’ll need to rent or purchase the titles if you want to own them. Still, it’s a valid alternative to Netflix if you also plan on using your account for shopping online.
Hulu
If you’re fond of cable television, we recommend you turn to Hulu. It has most networks available, so you can binge shows all day and night long. There’s also a live streaming option if you want to watch channels like CBS. While it may not appear as often, there’s a small selection of original shows.
As with cable TV, Hulu is hounded with adverts between shows and episodes. We still prefer Netflix, but it’s a viable alternative if you’re unhappy with paying more for extra accounts.
SlingTV
One aspect that Netflix lacks is live streaming. SlingTV is ideal if that’s what you’re after when it comes to online streaming. Many people moving from cable television switch to this platform to ensure they don’t miss any live sports or TV shows.
There are two reasons why you may not want to change from Netflix to SlingTV just yet. Firstly, the subscription becomes incredibly costly when you want to add other features and packages. It also suffers from buffering issues if you don’t have a strong internet connection. We know from experience that Netflix has never had this issue.
Peacock
This streaming service combines the best of several worlds. You can watch original movies or switch to one of the live shows. There are plenty of sports, including WWE, which is an aspect that Netflix missed out on entirely. The best you’ll get is an interactive movie where you make decisions to escape the Undertaker.
If you’re an Xfinity customer, you can already watch Peacock shows for free. Where Netflix outshines Peacock is its ability to recommend shows based on your tastes and show you what’s trending. It’s also available on more platforms than Peacock.
Should you switch from Netflix?
All is not doom and gloom. It’s a small price to pay if you want to add family or friends to share your Netflix account. They’re already testing a subscription model in Chile, Peru, and Costa Rica where Netflix adds an extra cost for any additional members outside your household.
On the flip side, Netflix is busy looking into placing adverts on the platform for cheaper payment plans. It means you’ll need to put up with commercials, but at least you won’t need to pay as much to view the content.
Also, we’re not just talking about movies and TV shows. With the new gaming division, Netflix is looking to have more than 50 games on its platform by the end of the year. We suggest sticking around a little bit longer to see what else they have to offer.
