10 Greatest Apps for Streaming Movies on iPhone, iPad or Apple TV
Credit: Kaspars Grinvalds / ShutterstockMaybe you’re already purchasing digital content, or maybe you've never used a streaming service in your life! (Hey, it could happen.) Either way, many consumers are jumping in on the trend of streaming movies and TV from their iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs.
But there are always new streaming options to choose from. There are so many ways to find, purchase, download, and stream video content it's amazing to think we used to rent movies from a physical store (or red vending machines).
Let's take a look at ten of the top streaming choices available today. Use the right arrow to browse the 10 Greatest Apps for Streaming Movies and TV on iPhone, iPad or Apple TV.
10 Vudu
Vudu is to iTunes like Pepsi is to Coke. It’s okay, but it’s not iTunes. That being said, Vudu can be used on more platforms including Android and Roku.
The pricing model is similar as it’s controlled by the studios; however, Vudu has one thing iTunes doesn’t: The ability to add DVDs and Blu-ray discs to your digital library.
Users can scan the barcodes of their favorite movies, and if available, add the movie to their library for a small fee.
Vudu also offers some free content with no subscription or with limited commercials. Users can stream their movies on their Apple TV or iOS devices. And services like Disney’s Movies Anywhere allow some movies to be synced to iTunes and other media platforms.
Highlights and Features
- Easily purchase movies and TV shows to watch on a variety of devices
- Free movies with no subscription and with limited ads
- Available iPad and Apple TV apps
- Ability to scan some discs and port them into your digital library for a fee
9 Amazon Prime Video
Are you an Amazon Prime subscriber? Did you know your Amazon Prime subscription includes on-demand video streaming with a large selection of movies and TV shows? Amazon even has its own original content like the popular show “The Grand Tour” which is available exclusively to Prime members.
Amazon’s X-Ray feature uses IMDB so users can learn more about specific sections of a movie or TV episode. It will show actors or actresses, general trivia, music, and more in real time so that viewers don’t have to search the Web. Additionally, users can purchase digital content directly from Amazon.
Highlights and Features
- Both Movies and TV shows available along with a large selection for kids
- Amazon Original Content
- X-Ray feature to view IMDB information in real time
- iPad and Apple TV Apps Available
- Digital content store
- Get a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime Video here.
8 Sony Crackle
Did someone say “free”? It’s not often that you can stream video content for free, but Sony’s Crackle does just that. Users can choose from a select variety of free movies and TV shows. There’s even Sony’s original content such as the popular show “The Oath.”
The interface sorts movies by genre and has a spotlight section to provide user recommendations. Users can a free account for limited commercials, but no subscription is needed to use Crackle. There’s even a Watch Later section that allows users to save content.
Of course it’s often true that you get what you pay for. Crackle has a limited selection of content which is often underwhelming. Still, free is good.
Highlights and Features
- Original Content
- Free TV and movies
- No subscriptions
- Apple TV app available
- Watch Later feature lets users save content for, well… later
7 Google Play Movies & TV
If your a former Android user who’s finally seen the light, you’ll be happy to know Google Play Movies & TV content is available on iOS and Apple TV. This means any content you've purchased previously, isn’t limited to your old device. If you’re unsure what Google Play is, it’s essentially iTunes for Android peeps. Users can connect up to five family members for sharing your media library across devices.
Like iTunes, users can choose to stream content or download it for offline viewing. Some content can be synced between platforms using Movies Anywhere.
Highlights and Features
- Watch content purchased in Google Play on iOS devices and Apple TV
- A family library makes sharing content easy
- Movies can be downloaded for offline viewing
- Offers both iPhone and iPad apps
- Content can be streamed to an Apple TV
6 Fandango Now
Fandango isn’t just for buying movie tickets anymore. It’s 2018 and they’ve decided to get in on the streaming game. The Fandango Now service lets users purchase or rent movies and TV episodes similar to Amazon Prime Videos, Google Play, iTunes, and Vudu. Content can be streamed or downloaded so users can watch movies on-the-go. The watchlist makes it easy to find the content you want to watch; and, users can link their UltraViolet account for more content.
Highlights and Features
- Current and classic movies
- Steam or download movies and TV shows
- iPhone and iPad apps available
5 Movies Anywhere
With so many digital storefronts to choose from, there’s a good chance you’ve purchased content from more than one source. Disney’s new Movies Anywhere app allows you to sync most movies between multiple retailers, and find and play content from within the app itself.
Signing up is free and has at times included a free movie. It’s easy to enter and redeem digital download codes from DVDs and Blu-ray discs. And movies can be downloaded for offline viewing. Currently Fandango Now, Google Play, iTunes, Microsoft Movies & TV, Prime Video, and Vudu all support the ability to sync movies. While many do, certain studios do not allow their movies to be synced across platforms at this time.
Highlights and Features
- Sync with iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and more
- Combine all (or most of) your movies into one library
- iPad and Apple TV apps available
- Free to use
- Easy to redeem digital download codes
4 TV App and iTunes
Looking for the ultimate solution to digital content? Apple’s TV app and iTunes Store is a catch-all for your viewing experience. This stock app—on iOS and tvOS—integrates with multiple sources such as Amazon Prime Video, CBS, HBO, Hulu, FOX NOW, Freeform, Netflix, Showtime, Starz, and many, many more. Additionally there are more than 112,000 movies and about 200,000 TV episodes available to purchase or rent from iTunes.
The Watch Now section shows your latest purchases, recently watched movies and shows, and suggestions tailored to you. With iTunes Season Pass your most recent episodes of the shows you watch can appear as soon as they become available. And a search feature comes in handy when you’d like to see if a specific movie is available to stream, purchase, or rent.
You might be thinking ‘technically the TV app pulls from other sources’ or ‘digital purchases are expensive.’ But being able to find content all in one place can be a better experience than app-surfing. It still needs some work—and could benefit from live TV integration—but it’s off to a good start. As for purchases, digital is often less expensive than physical. Some movies are available as low as $4.99 and new movies are $19.99 or under. Most newly released content is over $20. And Apple constantly updates their movies to meet new standards, with many movies previously purchased in HD, now available in 4K (upgraded free of charge).
Perhaps the biggest benefit of purchasing content from iTunes is that it’s available across your Apple devices to stream or download. And with Disney’s new Movies Anywhere app users can sync content between various digital store fronts.
Highlights and Features
- All iTunes video purchases show up in one place
- Watch Now section with Up Next makes it easy to watch recent content and discover new content
- Allows you to choose content from multiple sources and display it right next to your iTunes purchases
3 Hulu
Missed your favorite TV show last night? There’s an app for that! Hulu allows you to catch up on recently aired shows and they’re available as early as 3 AM the following day. Channels include ABC, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, FOX, FX, NBC, and more.
Hulu is arguably the best option for users looking for a fresh, modern TV experience. Its app is well styled, yet somewhat cluttered. It makes up for its messy interface with an array of content, which—unlike many other streaming services—is made up of shows users actually want to watch.
In addition to current shows, users can choose from a wide variety of on-demand content including many current and past episodes, movies, and sports. Hulu is $7.99/month with limited commercials. Users can opt for a no commercial plan for $11.99 and a live TV plan with more than 50 channels starting at $39.99.
Highlights and Features
- View current TV shows one day after air
- Create six individual profiles including kids profiles
- Available commercial-free plan
- Available live TV plan
- Hulu Original Content
- On demand TV series, movies, and sports
- Recommended content catered to individual users
2 Netflix
If you don’t know what Netflix is, you might want to take a moment to peek out from under your rock. In many ways, Netflix is the original and ultimate on-demand media service. Originally, content was available on physical discs which were mailed to users. Now, content can be streamed across multiple devices and new content is added frequently.
Like Hulu, users can choose from movies or TV series. Netflix creates their own original content to choose from as well. As you watch, Netflix learns what kinds of movies and shows you enjoy and makes recommendations based on what it thinks you would like to watch next. Up to five user profiles can be created, including a kids profile to help promote a child-friendly viewing experience.
Users can sign up for Netflix for just $7.99/month and stream content on one screen in standard definition. Users can upgrade to an HD plan for $10.99 that allows streaming on up to two screens; or, a UHD (4K) plan for up to four screens at $13.99.
Create 5 individual user plans for family members including customizing kids account to keep their viewing experience kid friendly. Netflix Basic is $7.99/month and Premium is $13.99/month
Highlights and Features
- Up to five user profiles including kids profiles
- Recommendations based on your movie choices
- New content added regularly
- Large selection of documentaries
- UHD/4K streaming available in the $13.99 plan
1 YouTube
While Netflix may be the original on-demand service, YouTube is where all the streaming magic started. With over a billion users and countless videos, YouTube brings viewers and creators together to enjoy unique content. But now there’s more.
With YouTube Red, users can watch videos and listen to music without the ads for $11.99 per month. Content can also be saved so it can be played without a connection to the Internet. And now there’s YouTube TV which offers live TV streaming for $40 per month. YouTube TV offers more than 60 channels, unlimited DVR storage, and up to six accounts for users to customize to their liking.
Highlights and Features
- A huge selection of content
- Paid plan to remove ads and listen to music
- Live TV streaming with over 60 channels, unlimited DVR storage, and up to six user profiles.
What are your favorite services for streaming video? Let us know in the comments and on social media. Thanks for reading!