Online Streaming – What’s Free & What’s for Sale

Earlier this month, we described how dedicated servers enable sites like Netflix and Amazon to stream TV and movies with ease. With online streaming becoming increasingly popular one might ask; To pay or not to pay? New sites like Crackle offer free streaming to its users, but are they better off paying for it?

Dedicated streaming servers aren’t exactly a popular conversational topic, but TV and movie streaming usually is. Especially if the word FREE is tossed around. Crackle, a new site that lets users stream their favorite TV and movies, has made its way into the marketplace. Crackle is ad-driven, which is how they manage to keep it free. Although we have nothing against free streaming, it’s plausible to note that sites like Crackle are at a disadvantage when compared to Netflix or Amazon. Here’s the rundown:

HD Streaming – Or Lack of

Crackle keeps it old school, by offering streams only in standard definition. While this may seem like a small sacrifice, the lack of selection counts as yet another strike against Crackle. Users may only be able to find older syndicated movies and not new releases. Certain episodes of television series you know and love may also not be available. There are limits to keeping things free, so what would be a healthy alternative? Though sites like Netflix and Amazon cost money, they’re still a worthwhile investment if you wish to stay on top of all your favorite Television and movies. No reason you can’t use both right?

Crackle for Android / IOS Users

For android or Apple users, Crackle has an app you can download and use on your phone. It’s a familiar layout that you will find easy to use while successfully avoiding eye contact with strangers while sitting at your local cafe . Sorting through movies is simple, with recently watched or added content conveniently displayed in your peripheries. So, despite Crackle’s obvious disadvantages what’s not to love? I mean it’s free isn’t it?

If you wish to stay connected to your Netflix or Amazon account, both streaming services offer a mobile app as well. If you already have an account, you may as well stick with it and simply give Crackle a try if you get bored. Or perhaps you’ve grown disgruntled at your service with Netflix – as we did notice their stuck plunge 16% this week. While we’re not sure if that is an indicator of bad service, one things for sure, the streaming market is getting really competitive. Free sites like Crackle may not stack up completely, but are another reason why you should ditch the cable box and embrace the streaming revolution.