Which do you prefer, Netflix or Blockbuster Online?

Question

...and why? Let the debate begin! :)

Answer 1

A Side-by-Side Comparison and Conclusion

When comparing Netflix with Blockbuster Online, there are so many similarities that it may seem like a toss-up. The giants of the online DVD rental explosion are feeding off each other's ideas, spawning lawsuits and smearing campaigns that rival the cola wars of the mid-1980's.

Both programs allow us to pay a monthly fee, for which we receive DVD movies sent through the mail. When we return them in the postage paid envelopes, we receive more DVD's. It's an ongoing cycle that fits almost perfectly with the current American need to get the most out of the least -- more movies for less money, less effort, and less time.

Side by side, they are almost identical, but here is how they stack:

Speed of Delivery
Netflix used to have the clear edge here, but expansion to include more distribution stores has brought Blockbuster up to par. Still, for those who rent less, Netflix "ramps" the movies to these higher priority customers, pushing the heavier renters further down the list. To this, they have admitted. Blockbuster has not admitted to this practice, but their denials are not firm. Still, Netflix will have a higher overall percentage of 1 day turns on movies than Blockbuster.
Edge: Netflix

Cost
There is not a current difference in cost, though this seems to change every few months. When one lowers, the other matches. When one raises, the other follows. It is similar to airlines manipulating the markets towards their own unintended dooms. In the short run, Blockbuster offers a free month while Netflix offers 2-weeks. Blockbuster also has a customer service crew that offers discounts and "mishap compensation" more easily.
Edge: Blockbuster Online

Selection
Netflix is approaching 60,000, while Blockbuster is closing in on 55,000.
Edge: Netflix

Website
From talking to many users, it seems that while the concepts of listing movies on a queue and searching for movies in several different ways is the same for both, Netflix has the superior overall layout and useability. Its website seems smarter, though sometimes a bit slower during peak periods.
Edge: Netflix

Fringe Benefits
Netflix has none. What you see is what you get. The fact that Blockbuster offers a free in-store rental every week is extremely helpful in getting the newest releases. With both programs, you sometimes have to wait weeks to get the hottest titles, even if it is at the top of your queue. Being able to walk in and grab that week's best title is something that Netflix cannot touch.
Edge: Blockbuster Online

Intangibles
Netflix has more experience with online DVD renting, both in regards to time and sheer mass of customers. Blockbuster, as mentioned before, has superior and more responsive customer service. Having a human being available at the local store to help during problems is a big benefit. If there was a large enough gap in any of the above mentioned criteria, I would say that they supercede the intangibles. In this case, there is no substantial difference. The more human aspect of Blockbuster makes it the choice.
Edge: Blockbuster Online

When all is said and done, Blockbuster online seems to be the choice. Try it free:

www.blockbuster.com/trial

Promo Code: 40037

Answer 2

I prefer netflix. I used to work at Blockbuster and I realized that blockbuster online was screwing people over somehow. I don't remember how but it seemed like it at the time. It may have just been with what the promotion was.

That was it. When the store I worked at was promoting something to do with blockbuster online (lower price for the first month) our managers told us just to tell the customers what the first month's price was and not tell them it went up the next month. They also told us not to tell them it automatically took it out of their credit card each month.

So eventually a LOT of pissed off people started coming in yelling at us.



Oh yeah, I forgot you get free rentals with blockbuster online. I had netflix a few summers ago and loved it. But blockbuster online may actually be better.

Answer 3

I signed up for Blockbuster online a couple of months ago and I was actually surprised that we were receiving our movies so fast.Plus with Blockbuster you get an in store movie rental coupon every week that you print out on your computer.

Answer 4

Netflix, I request my movie say on Tuesday Morning, it arreives Wednesday or Thursday, I return my movie and get my next one in 2 days. However they do do a process if you watch and return movies to frequently they slow down the sednign process so that they can make their profit, blockbuster is hjust an evil empire and edit films to keep "aaceptable".

Answer 5

Blockbuster Online. I'm addicted to Blockbuster. I don't know why, though....

Answer 6

Based on personal experience, Netflix is awesome while you've got that free trial, ie. superfast shipping. But as soon as that expires and you join, it takes 1 week to get your video. then after you watch it, they won't send you another until they get it back, so its like a 2 week turnaround

Answer 7

Netflix. Had a great membership with them, no problems.

Answer 8

i don't use either one!