In today's digital age, streaming platforms have become an essential part of our entertainment landscape. From binge-watching the latest TV shows to catching up on classic movies, there's no denying the convenience and variety that these platforms offer. But with so many options available, it can be tough to choose which streaming service is right for you.
In this article, we'll take a deep dive into four of the most popular streaming platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and Neon. We'll compare their features, content offerings, and pricing, so you can make an informed decision on which one best suits your needs. Whether you're a die-hard movie buff or a TV show fanatic, we've got you covered with all the information you need to choose your perfect streaming platform. So sit back, relax, and let's dive in!
Netflix
If you haven't heard of Netflix, you might be living under a rock! Netflix is probably the largest TV streaming platform in NZ. It offers a wide range of TV shows, movies, and documentaries, with something out there to suit everyone's preferences.
With such extensive variety, including original shows and movies that are not available on other streaming services, Netflix is a tough TV streaming giant to beat. It’s also convenient in the sense that it’s available on pretty much all devices and consoles allowing you to watch your favourite shows anytime, anywhere. It’s also free of ads, so no interruptions when you’re at the climax of your crime docuseries.
Pricing
Basic plan $12.99/month
Standard plan $18.49/month
Premium plan $24.99/month
Cons for Netflix: Lack of key movies and TV shows
Despite having a vast library of content, some TV shows and movies are not available on Netflix, which can be frustrating for some users. While there are many great and original watches, Netflix does lack some blockbusters people want to see. Essentially, where is the Harry Potter franchise?
Geographic restrictions:
A lot of content on Netflix is geographically locked, which means it may not be available in New Zealand due to licensing restrictions. This can be particularly annoying for some users who have seen movies and shows out on Netflix in the US, expecting it to be the same in NZ, only to find it’s not.
Expiring content:
Some TV shows and movies on Netflix have an expiration date, which means they may be removed from the service after a certain period, limiting your viewing options. This is often the case with blockbusters and popular shows and is typically the most frustrating part about Netflix for users.
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My Sky
Sky is a leading pay television provider in New Zealand. It offers a wide range of entertainment channels, including sports, movies, and TV shows. In addition to Sky, you can add on My Sky, which is an extension that allows you to record and store TV shows and movies to watch later.
It's a great option which prevents you from missing out on TV shows and movies you may not be able to watch when they are airing, but can then go back and watch in your own time. Another great feature is that you can pause and rewind live TV. Super handy for live sports in particular!
Pricing
Sky plans alone start from $25/month
My Sky comes in at an additional cost of $15/month
My Sky+ is $20/month
Cons for My Sky: Pricing
My Sky is the most expensive amongst the streaming platforms. When you consider how much you are paying for Sky alone (upwards of $25), plus an additional $15-20 for My Sky, you are paying significantly more than the typical price for an entertainment subscription.
Commitment
There is a 12 month commitment when you get a Sky subscription making it a lot less flexible than other platforms.
No on-demand content
Another big disadvantage of My Sky, is that even at an additional cost, there is no on-demand content, which can be a drawback for those that prefer to pick their own content and watch at their own convenience. There is ‘Sky On Demand’ which has the capacity for this but again, it comes at an additional cost.
Limited storage
It's all very well that you can record shows and movies, but like your laptop and phone, My Sky also has a certain amount of storage capacity. This means that in order to keep recording new things, you will have to eventually delete old things.
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TVNZ On Demand
TVNZ On Demand offers a range of free content to viewers in New Zealand. It provides access to a wide range of TV shows, movies, and other programs, with new content added regularly. With seasoned classics as well as local favourites, there's always something new to sink your teeth into.
Pricing
TVNZ On Demand is completely free to sign up and stream
Cons for TVNZ On Demand: Ads
Free content comes at the cost of having to sit through ads. This can be pretty annoying for viewers that prefer an ad-free experience, but then again, it is a free service. You win some, you lose some.
Limited international content
While TVNZ On Demand does offer some free international content, the selection is limited, which may be a downside for viewers looking for a wider range of shows and movies.
Neon
With a wide variety of hit TV shows, movies and blockbuster movie rentals, it’s no surprise that the completely Kiwi-owned entertainment service, Neon, has gained such high popularity. It is also the only place you can currently access HBO productions, making it particularly appealing to customers. Big hits like Euphoria, White Lotus, Game of Thrones and the Harry Potter franchise can all be found on the platform.
Pricing
Basic $12.99/month
Standard $17.99/month
Annual $179.99/month
Cons for Neon: Quality
Unlike Netflix, and other streaming platforms alike, Neon does not offer 4K viewing on any plan, but rather HD, which can be irritating for customers considering the availability out there for better quality.
Amazon Prime
Similarly to Netflix, Amazon Prime produces a significant amount of original TV shows and movies, and is also accompanied by many movies and TV shows produced by other companies. Though it may not be quite as popular yet in comparison to other streaming platforms, it has made a significant impression on Kiwis and continues to grow as a leader in entertainment.
Pricing
$8/month
Cons for Amazon Prime: Lack of popular content
While there is a lot of original content, Amazon Prime lacks a lot of cult favourites and popular shows that can be accessed by other streaming platforms which can be a drawback for some.
Quality
The video quality on Amazon Prime TV can be inconsistent, depending on the user's internet connection and the quality of the original source.
Disney+
Disney+ is a key player in streaming services and has made a big impression since its launch in 2019. It offers a wide range of movies and TV shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and other content partners. It started off as a hit for young kids and young adults as it provided a single platform to access early 2000s TV shows and movies, which are hard to find anywhere else. Now, it’s a platform for newer programs and movies too. Disney+ has since expanded its horizons catering to almost every demographic and providing more content and movies targeted at mature audiences as well.
Pricing
$14.99/month
$149.99/annual
Cons for Disney+
Disney+ has a library of classic and well known programmes to cater to everyone's tastes, and, in all truth, it's hard to pinpoint many cons on the platform, when comparing it to features and standards of its competitors. However, for people who like more independent films and TV shows, Disney+ may fall short at providing content in this department.
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Apple TV
Apple TV is a commonly known streaming device/platform. However, whether or not it is a big player amongst its competitors is debatable. Apple TV is a digital media player and microconsole developed and sold by Apple. It allows users to stream high quality videos, music, and photos from their Apple devices to their televisions, as well as access various streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu (subject to region), and Amazon Prime Video.
Pricing
The console is a one-off cost retailing for upwards $229, depending what model you get.
Cons for Apple TV: Pricing
The obvious drawback of this console would be the price, which in comparison to other streaming platforms is pretty expensive. It could be considered a hub for other streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon, but you would still have to pay for subscriptions to those streaming platforms on top of purchasing this console.
Summary of prices and features available on each platform
Netflix | My Sky | TVNZ | Neon | Amazon Prime | Disney+ | Apple TV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $12.99-$24.99 | *$15-$20 | Free | $12.99-$17.99 Or annual $179.99 | $8 | $14.99 Or annual 149.99 | *$229-$319 |
Profiles | 1-5 | 1 | 1 | 1-5 | 1-6 | 1-7 | 1 |
Multiple households on same account | Yes (extra cost) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Offline streaming | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Commitment | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
*NB: Some of the features listed as ‘Yes’ might be included, subject to which plan you are on. Number of profiles allowed per account is also plan dependent. For My Sky, you need to be subscribed to Sky first so total would be upwards of $35. For apple TV you still have to purchase additional streaming platforms to fully utilize the console
Avid user of streaming platforms? Consider the importance of contents insurance.
If you frequently use streaming platforms on your TV, laptop or phone, it may be important to have contents insurance to protect these items in case of loss or damage.
These are likely valuable possessions that you use on a daily basis, and they may be at risk of theft, loss, or damage due to accidents or other unforeseen events. If, for example, you rely on your phone or laptop to access streaming platforms and other important apps and information, losing or damaging it could be especially disruptive and costly.
Contents insurance can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your phone in case of damage, loss, or theft. This can provide you with the financial protection you need to continue enjoying your favourite streaming platforms without interruption.
So, if you frequently use one of these devices to watch Netflix, Disney+ and other streaming platforms, it may be important to consider personal property insurance as a way to protect your device and ensure that you can continue to access your favourite content wherever you go.
