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Netflix Alternatives for DVD Rental Now

Netflix ended its DVD rental service in September 2023 after 25 years. However, there are some good Netflix alternatives for DVD rentals you can use.

By Faye MillerPublished about a year ago 5 min read

Right now, everyone knows Netflix as a go-to place for streaming, offering tons of original films and shows. Most are unaware that Netflix's origins trace back to 1997 when it was created as a DVD rental company. And it was the very first company to rent DVDs by mail.

But something for the floppy-headed disc lovers: Netflix will at least get done with its physical discs service on September 29, 2023, simply unable to maintain that business model. There are several Netflix DVD alternatives to consider, and below are some of the Netflix alternative that you may want to try.

Things to Consider When Renting DVDs Online

When looking for Netflix alternatives for DVD rental services there are several things to consider to make it hassle-free. Here are some important considerations:

1. Return Policy and Rental Periods

The majority of DVD rental services offer rental periods and return policies that customers are expected to adhere to. Be aware of the time frame to return discs and any late fees or penalties for keeping discs for longer than the allotted time.

2. Website and Navigation

The rental service’s website should be easy to use so you can browse titles, update your queue and manage your account. A smooth site and robust search function can make the rental experience better.

3. Disc Condition and Shipping

Check the rental company’s policy on disc condition. Many providers guarantee rentals will be in good playable condition. Also, check the shipping times and methods to ensure timely delivery and returns.

4. Extra Fees and Plans

Next, you need to check for extra fees like Blu-ray rentals or premium title surcharges. Check the different subscription plans and pricing to find the one that fits your media consumption needs and budget.

By considering these factors you can choose a Netflix alternative that gives you the physical media experience you want with the reliability and convenience you expect. For the best experience, you can use any best Blu-ray burning software and create Blu-ray movies for personal use.

Netflix Alternatives for DVD Rental Now

Now let's introduce you to some of the best alternatives for Netflix DVD Rental services.

1. Redbox

Starring one of the largest DVD rental chains in the US, Redbox represents a low-cost, convenient Netflix rental DVD alternative. With approximately 38,000 kiosks distributed throughout retail outlets nationwide, Redbox makes it possible to rent DVDs almost anywhere near you for only $1.80 a night. Sure, each Redbox has a limited number of content options relative to the giant Netflix library, but they were dirt cheap and right next door, so Redbox is popular. Something to keep in mind is the returns policy. Generally, one is supposed to return the Redbox rentals by nine at night or else you will have to pay for one more day’s rental. Also, in order to have some time to appreciate your rentals, one can keep films for rent for about 17 days while video games can be kept for a maximum of 23 days.

2. GameFly

Although GameFly is mostly recognized as a video game rental place, they also have over a million subscribers to their DVD by mail service like Netflix offers. GameFly is ideal for people who love movies and like holding a DVD in their hands, since the store has about 292 different DVD titles available for rent, including the bestsellers that are not yet available for streaming.

The DVD rental service is available starting at $8.95/month and you can select from available options based on the needs you may have. In fact, there are one-month trials available for the Blu-ray/DVD/4K Elite plans and one one-month discount on plans for each of some plans.

3. Horrorpack

If you’re a horror movie fan, Horrorpack might be the Netflix alternative for you. This monthly DVD rental service delivers a mysterious bag of 4 horror films on DVD or Blu-ray each month for $29.99 (Blu-ray).

You can't order particular titles but the Horror Pack team handpicks the most relevant new and classic horror movies that will be included in each monthly box. The surprise can be part of the fun since it is not possible to know what gems you may or may not discover. And with the choice to upgrade to Blu-ray, Horrorpack is a choice to add to your horror movie inventory.

4. Cafe DVD

Cafe DVD is the biggest DVD collection around like Netflix. Located in San Francisco, this rental company boasts more than 60,000 DVDs, including movies of high standard that might be absent on Netflix's streaming application.

Cafe DVD has two rental options: subscription and pay-per-rental. The subscription plans start at $9.99 per month for 2 discs or $27.99 per month for 4 discs and the movies in your queue will be shipped to you. Alternatively, you can rent out each DVD or Blu-ray separately for 4 dollars depending on the disc and the maximum rental duration is allowed to last for no longer than 8 days. Afterwards, the late fee is $3 per week.

Extended: Netflix Alternatives to Rent Movies Online

When it comes to alternatives to Netflix’s DVD rental service several other online platforms offer digital rentals. Here are three to consider:

1. YouTube Rentals

YouTube, the leader in video sharing, also provides film rental services to its users. Although the selection might be smaller than that of a streaming service with specialised features, YouTube's offering includes a diverse range of mainstream movies in the new and old categories. The process of renting a movie on YouTube is straightforward and the rent price is from $5.99 per movie. The rental is for 48 hours, so it should not be a problem to see the film. YouTube’s user-friendly interface and the ability to rent across devices makes it a great alternative for those who want a digital movie experience.

2. Amazon Prime Video Rentals

Like one of the largest e-commerce websites, Amazon offers film rentals as a part of its Prime Video service. Prime members have access to an extensive movie library that can be downloaded for a small amount, usually $5.99 per title. The rental window for Amazon Prime Video is 48 hours, which means you have enough time to see the movie. What makes Amazon unique is the seamless interactions with the rest of the Amazon ecosystem so you can control all your rentals, purchases and streaming subscriptions all from the same place. That, and the sheer catalogue, is a decent Netflix substitute for anyone who wants to rent digitally.

3. Vudu Rentals

Another Netflix alternative for renting movies online is Vudu, the digital entertainment platform through Walmart. As for rentals, Vudu boasts an extensive library of new releases, popular titles, and genres. Vudu rentals start at $5.99, and most rental viewing periods are 48 hours long. One of Vudu's biggest advantages is device portability: You can view your rentals on dozens of smart TVs, streaming boxes, and mobile devices. Mix that with an easy-to-use interface and large catalogue of titles, and you have a solid option for when you want to rent a flick digitally.

Conclusion

As Netflix’s DVD rental service comes to an end, movie fans looking for alternatives for DVD rental services have plenty of options to choose from. From the budget-friendly Redbox kiosks to the niche offerings of Horror Pack there are several great alternatives to get your disc-based movie fix.

Gamers can get in on the action with GameFly’s DVD and Blu-ray rentals, cinephiles can explore Cafe DVD’s huge library of hard-to-find titles. Also, you can use a Blu-ray creator and burn videos to discs too. And for those who want the convenience of digital, YouTube, Amazon and Vudu have on-demand rentals. We hope you like one platform as your preferred way.

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About the Creator

Faye Miller

Entertainment serves life.

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