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8 Premium Movie Streaming Services

When it comes watching movies online, you have two main choices: Download pirated movies that are low in picture and sound quality, or sign up for one of the many movie streaming services that are now conveniently (and legally) available.When it comes watching movies online, you have two main choices: Download pirated movies that are low in picture and sound quality, or sign up for one of the many movie streaming services that are now conveniently (and legally) available.

If you can't be bothered to scour the web for a specific movie that only results in something blurry and muffled, your best bet is to pay the small fee it takes to use a streaming service.

Here are eight that are worth checking out.
01of 08NetflixNetflix on iPad connected to Apple EarPods next to a cup and saucer of coffee on a wood floorKaspars Grinvalds / 
What We LikeUnlimited movies and TV shows with no commercials.

No commitment. Can cancel online at any time.
Content can be downloaded for offline viewing.
What We Don't LikeBasic subscription (of three plans) doesn't include HD.

Current episodes of TV shows aren't immediately available.
Slow to update content.

Netflix is by far the No. 1 most-used online streaming service not only for movies but for many popular TV shows as well. With thousands of titles to choose from and new ones added every month, it's hard to say no to this kind of variety, especially with absolutely zero ads or commercials. If you're a big movie buff, in particular, Netflix is definitely the streaming service to try first.
Free trial period: One month
Subscription fee: From $7.99 a month

Visit Netflix
02of 08HuluHulu logo on Samsung mobile phone screenTed Soqui/Corbis News/Getty Images
What We LikeFeatures current and past episodes of TV shows.
Contains lots of original content.
Streams on many devices including smartphones, tablets, Xbox and Apple TV.

What We Don't LikeLimited and no commercial plans cost more.
You can't watch movies and TV offline.
Movie selection isn't as good as TV selection.

Hulu is one of Netflix's main competitors, offering similarly good variety in popular shows and movies to watch. In comparison to Netflix, some say it has a better selection of content. Unlike Netflix, however, Hulu integrates some advertising into the viewing experience. In addition to Hulu's free and much more limited membership, you can sign up for two different premium memberships — one of which offers limited commercials and another that removes commercials completely.

Free trial period: One month
Subscription fee: From $7.99 a month
Visit Hulu
03of 08Amazon Prime VideoAmazon Prime Video interface on RokuRoku/Amazon
What We LikeIncluded with Amazon Prime subscription.
No commercials.
Runs on computers, mobile devices, game consoles, and streaming media players.

What We Don't LikeDoesn't include most recent episodes of current TV shows.
Some recent movies are available only for rent or buy.
Not supported on Chromecast.
You can get almost anything from Amazon, even the latest and greatest movies to watch. Amazon Prime Video is a service included in an Amazon Prime membership. It gives you access to thousands of titles without any added rental or purchase fees, although some movies include purchase options along with the free streaming option.

Prime Video is also available as a separate service for people who don't have an Amazon Prime account.
Free trial period: One month
Subscription fee: From $8.99 a month or included in Amazon Prime membership.

Visit Amazon
04of 08Apple iTunesApple iTunes with the Wonder Woman movie at the topWhat We LikeIncludes newly released movies and TV shows.
Season passes for individual TV shows available.
No commercials.
Listings include detailed synopsis, trailers, cast information, and reviews.

What We Don't LikePay per title to rent or buy.
Compatibility limited to Apple devices and Windows computers.
4K movies only 4K when played on an Apple TV 4K with suitable hardware and internet connection.

If you own any Apple devices, you probably already know about iTunes for music and app downloads. It's also one of the most popular ways to enjoy your favorite shows or movies. Rent or buy to view in standard or high definition, and watch the content on your laptop, your phone, or any device that works with iTunes.
Rent/buy fees: As low as $0.99 for a 30-day rental, three-day start-to-finish watch period and up to $19.99 to buy

Visit iTunes
05of 08Google PlayGoogle Play main interface for Movies & TVWhat We LikeOfferings include new-release movies and current episodes of TV shows.
Filter by genre, top charts, and new releases.
Search for family-only fare or for specific networks.
No commercials.

What We Don't LikeSome new content is expensive.
You pay per movie or show, so it's not a good financial choice for heavy users.
Can't purchase shows from mobile devices, only view shows you bought on the computer.

Even Google offers its own selection of movies and episodes. If you're an Android user, Google Play is your version of Apple users' iTunes. And like iTunes, there are options to buy all sorts of popular show episodes, complete seasons, and movies in standard or HD that you can watch on the web or on your device. Browse by movies, TV, studios, or even networks.