Netflix vs. Blockbuster Online

Since I love technology, I like to try new things that are considered to be on the cutting edge of technology. When Netflix launched its mail-based DVD rental service back in 1999, I heard about it and was interested. I was one of the first people I know of to try it in 2001, and was a member up until about a year ago. I loved the service, in fact I turned a lot of people that were notorious for paying a large amount in late fees onto using it instead of the local movie store. Actually, the only reason that I stopped using the service is that I began to travel more for my business, and my MBA was taking up the remainder of the spare time I had left.

About 2-3 months ago I heard about Blockbuster launching a similar service. This really didn't peak my interest, mainly because they were advertising at the same price as Netflix and didn't have as big of a selection. However, I did notice an advertisement that told me that they dropped the monthly price to and introductory rate of 14.99 per month for the first 3 months, with a recurring rate of $17.49 (for the 3 at a time plan.) This is cheaper than what I was paying when I was with Netflix (at the time around $20 per month.) Plus, I saw that they expanded their selection, and in addition they give you two in store rentals per month for free! So I gave it a try. Guess what? I love it. Even though they don't have as powerful of a website as Netflix, you can't beat the free in store rentals for when your movies are in transit in the mail to and from Blockbuster Online. But for all you people that want to draw your own conclusions, here is the breakdown:

Both Netflix and Blockblockbuster Online:
Both companies have a 2 week free trial. You can rent as many DVDs as you want for just and keep a revolving library of up to 3 DVDs at a time. You can exchange them for new available DVDs as often as you like, with the number of DVDs you rent depending on how quickly you watch and return each of your DVDs. Both have free shipping and postage. Select your movies at sign-up and they should arrive in your mailbox within 1 to 3 business days via first class mail. After you finish watching a movie, simply put it in its prepaid envelope and mail it back to them. As soon as they receive it, they'll send your next available movie. Shipping is always free both ways. Both of them claim to have Over 25,000 movies to choose from, but in my opinion Netflix's website offers an easier search and rating system and makes it easier to find movies.

The Final Breakdown

Netflix
3-at-a-time program is $17.99 (plus any applicable tax)
Turnaround - depending on your area 1 - 3 days. On their website they claim that they reach more than 85% of their subscribers with generally one-day delivery.
Click here for their Frequently Asked Questions

Blockbuster Online
3-at a time program is $17.49
Movie Turnaround - depending on your area 1 - 2 days (usually a day)
2 Free in store rentals per month (available by printing the coupons from the website)
Click here for their Frequently Asked Questions