While many streaming services require a subscription to access their content, some online stores allow you to rent a particular title for a limited time. Unlike subscription-based services, which require a monthly or annual fee, these platforms only ask for a one-time payment to enjoy the film or series for a specific period.
This article discusses the best services for renting movies or TV series, their prices, device compatibility, and quality.
Best Sites to Rent Your Favorite Movies – Quick List
Here’s a quick rundown of the 13 most popular sites to rent movies online:
- Amazon Prime Video: This popular streaming service lets you rent movies in SD and HD quality.
- Vudu: You will find numerous movies across several genres for your entertainment.
- Apple TV: Apple’s official streaming platform that allows users to rent and watch high-quality movies on their Apple devices.
- Redbox: An excellent option for anyone who prefers watching their favorite movies using a physical disc and won’t mind going out to get them.
- YouTube Movies: A video streaming platform that offers various titles ranging from the old classics to the latest releases.
- Google TV: A user-friendly platform that has a free section where you can find media content to stream for free.
- Row8: This website allows you to rent movies still playing in theatres.
- iTunes Store: Unlike Apple TV, it’s a digital store built for Apple users to rent and download any movie of their choice.
- Spectrum On Demand: A platform offering a wide selection of titles so that you can find your desired title.
- Microsoft Store: This tech giant offers a store where anyone with a Windows device can rent movies and TV shows.
- Spamflix: Discover unique titles spanning various languages and countries to rent.
- Neon TV: A New Zealand streaming platform that lets you access movies across various genres.
- BMS Stream: A budget-friendly platform offering blockbuster titles.
Top 13 Online Movie Rental Services – Detailed List
1. Amazon Prime Video
$3.59 to $7.99 per title
Offers original content
Some titles disappear after a period
Amazon Prime is a great video streaming service that grants you complete access to the thousands of titles in the Prime Video collection. If you already have a membership, you may not have to pay extra before renting old releases. However, titles that just got added and home premieres will ask you to pay an additional fee.
You can rent or purchase the movie in SD or HD quality. If you buy the film, the title will be stored permanently in your Amazon library as long as you don’t deactivate your account. If you choose to rent, you have 48 hours to watch the movie, as after this time lapses, the movie will no longer be available for you to watch.
Depending on your preference, you can stream your selected movie on any streaming media box that supports Amazon or your smart TV. You can view the film through your web browser or download the app on your iPhone or Android.
2. Vudu
$2.99 to $5.99 per title
Easy to navigate
Most rentals last for just 24 hours
Vudu (Now Fandango at Home) is another option that has a simple interface designed with a filter feature that makes it easy to navigate the site. This way, you can check out different titles based on their ratings or year produced. You will find numerous movies across several genres to rent, and if you love the movie, you can purchase it.
This platform has free content that you can watch without paying a fee. To see the titles available for free, click on the Free with ads filter or select the category Free Movies on Us. Regardless of which one you click on, you will find hundreds of titles to stream.
Vudu allows you to choose between HD and SD quality when renting, although some titles have the UHD quality option available. However, note that purchasing a higher definition will require more bandwidth to watch the movie. So, ensure you have stable internet and connect to a VPN so your ISP won’t throttle your bandwidth.
3. Apple TV
$3.99 to $6.99 per title
Offers exclusive content
Not compatible with Android devices
Apple TV is an excellent website that allows you to find home premiere content and watch recent releases. In addition to popular TV series and movies, you can enjoy exclusive originals that can only be found on this platform. However, compared to other websites on this list, it has a small collection of movies.
While some rental services charge different prices depending on the video quality you choose, Apple TV offers only one price point. The rented movie will play in the highest resolution available, be it 480p, 1080p, or 4K resolution. The website has a clean interface and offers easy-to-use features, making it a great option, especially for users who love Apple products.
As the name implies, you will enjoy Apple TV best if you are using an Apple device. Fun fact? If you use an iPhone, iPod, iPad, or MacBook, you automatically have the Apple TV app installed there. If you don’t find it, simply visit your app store and search for it.
4. Redbox
$1.99 to $3.99 per title
No sign-up is required
Con: Requires physical pick-up
Unlike other online rental services in this article, Redbox takes a unique approach to renting movies. This service has a website on which you can book a Blu-ray disc or an original DVD copy and collect it from the many kiosks it has available.
The site boasts a vast collection of old and new movies, and you can sort through its huge catalog by filtering by genre or entering the specific title or cast on its search bar.
It also includes a trailer for every movie selection so you can have an idea of what the movie is about before you rent. Once you know the movie you want to rent, you must choose your preferred disc type, Blu-ray or DVD.
You will have to select a pick-up location and check out. After you complete the payment, you must go to the kiosk in the selected location and pick up the disc, which you must return before a stated time. Failure to return the disk will incur extra charges. However, you can rent a disc for several days, although the maximum period allowed is 17 days.
5. YouTube Movies
$2.99 to $5.99 per title
User-friendly interface
Limited new releases
YouTube is one of the most popular free streaming platforms available today, hosting thousands of movies and TV shows to enjoy. But do you know it has a dedicated section that allows you to rent or buy movies online? To access it, simply visit YouTube on your browser. Then, from the left menu, scroll down to the “Explore” menu and select “Movies & TV.”
YouTube Movies offers high-definition titles that you can watch on any device, including your smart TV. Once you rent a movie, you must watch and complete it within 48 hours, as it will disappear from your queue once this time has elapsed.
You also have the option to buy the movie permanently, so you can watch the movie anytime you want without worrying about any limitations.
6. Google TV
$3.99 to $5.99 per title
Pro: Provides voice search for easy navigation
Not compatible with many third-party devices
Google TV / Google Play Movies hosts various movies and shows across multiple TV networks and production studios. The platform’s name depends on your device. If you are using an Android device, you can download the Google TV app, but if you are an Apple user, you can download the Google Play Movies app.
If you don’t want to spend a dime, you can search for Free Movies on Google TV and see a couple of options available. However, this list mainly contains documentaries or B-movies that may be boring.
Users can rent HD movies to watch on their smartphone, PC, Chromecast, and Roku. SD and UHD resolution is also available for some supported devices.
7. Row8
$3.99 to $5.99 per title
Offers the latest releases
Some content has bad audio quality
Row8 is another video rental website that grants you access to movies that are currently airing in theatres and unavailable online. As a platform that prioritizes quality over quantity, you will not find many titles in its library, but the few available are in high video quality.
One standout feature is its Movie Love Guarantee section, which lets you swap a movie you rented or bought for another title within 30 minutes of viewing it. This ensures that you have quality time with whatever movie you spend money on.
If you use this platform continuously, you will get $1 off any movie labeled as Home Cinema on your fourth rental or purchase.
8. iTunes Store
$3.99 to $6.99 per title
Convenient for iOS users
Requires an Apple ID
This is another option suitable for people who own Apple devices. While it may not have a huge movie catalog, it has enough to satisfy your entertainment needs. All the titles available here can be watched on playback on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
iTunes Store is a smart choice for Apple users as it offers a convenient way to enjoy exciting content from their devices. However, note that once you rent a movie here, you must watch it within a month and complete it within 24 hours once you press the Play button.
9. Spectrum On Demand
$3.99 to $6.99 per title
Vast content library
Requires sign-up
Suppose you are already a subscriber to Spectrum’s TV plans; you are automatically eligible to enjoy Spectrum On Demand. This platform offers thousands of on-demand films and TV shows that you can watch for free.
If you don’t see your beloved title in its free section, you can check out its pay-per-view store and rent it from there. Spectrum’s rent price ranges from $3.99 to $6.99 per title, depending on the film’s popularity and release date. If you rent a title, you have 24 hours to complete it before your rental period expires.
10. Microsoft Store
$3.99 to $5.99 per title
Offers theatre films
Only works on Windows devices
You must know this platform as a dedicated source for providing netizens with gaming services and applications to ease their digital lives. However, this tech corporation also has a movie streaming section.
Microsoft’s media store hosts movies and shows you can rent or buy for viewing. Some of the titles available on the service may be screening in theatres, and others are still being aired on network TV.
Microsoft often offers sales and discount specials, with prices slashed to half. You can enjoy most of these discounts if you have an Xbox Game Pass. Unfortunately, Microsoft only works on PCs and Xboxes that use Windows OS.
11. Spamflix
$1.99 to $4.99 per title
Contains unique titles
Limited content library
Spamflix is an amazing rental service that offers interesting movies, including avant-garde and offbeat titles. The platform boasts an exciting collection of titles that will surely meet to your entertainment needs. You will find movie genres that cut across different countries and languages worldwide.
Once you rent the movie you want to watch, you can watch and re-watch it within 72 hours after your purchase. Spamflix also offers online games, themed film packs, and a movie newsletter that is regularly updated.
12. Neon TV
$2.99 to $4.99 per title
Offers hit releases
Inaccessible in many regions
Neon TV is a New Zealand streaming platform with a section dedicated to anyone wanting to rent a movie. This website offers titles organized under various categories, including New Release and Most Popular. You can even browse for your preferred title according to its genre. However, you must create an account before you can rent any movie.
As this is a New Zealand platform, you must be in the country before you can rent any movie on this platform. However, you don’t necessarily have to be in the country to access the platform. All you have to do is connect to a New Zealand VPN server, and you can start browsing through this site’s catalog.
13. BMS Stream
$0.60 to $1.80 per title
Frequently updates its library
Limited original content
BMS Stream, also known as Book My Show Stream, offers hundreds of movies, from Hollywood blockbusters to Bollywood dramas. It regularly updates its library with the latest releases every Friday, so you are sure to catch up with the trending titles without delay.
You can purchase a movie to permanently download it to your device or rent it for 30 days. However, once you start watching the rented movie, you must complete it within two days. BMS Stream offers budget-friendly fees, so you can rent as many films as you want without worrying about cost.
BMS stream primarily works best for Indian users, and you may be unable to access it from your location. However, users outside India can use a VPN to mask their location and take advantage of the services this platform offers.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Best Platforms Online to Rent Movies (Updated 2024)
Check out this brief comparison with the important details you should know before you choose a movie rental service:
| Amazon Prime Video | Vudu | Apple TV | Redbox | YouTube Movies | Google TV | Row8 | iTunes Store | Spectrum On Demand | Microsoft Store | Spamflix | Neon TV | BMS Stream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | From $3.59 to $7.99 | From $2.99 to $5.99 | From $3.99 to $6.99 | From $1.99 to $3.99 | From $2.99 to $5.99 | From $3.99 to $5.99 | From $3.99 to $5.99 | From $3.99 to $6.99 | From $3.99 to $6.99 | From $3.99 to $5.99 | From $1.99 to $4.99 | From $2.99 to $4.99 | From $0.60 to $1.80 |
| Rental time | 24 hours | 24 hours | 24 hours | 24 hours | 48 hours | 24 hours | 48 hours | 24 hours | 48 hours | 48 hours | 72 hours | 48 hours | 48 hours |
| Video quality | HD, SD | HD, SD | HD, SD | DVD, Bluray | HD, SD | HD, SD | HD, SD | HD, SD | HD, SD | HD, SD | SD, HD | SD, HD | SD, HD |
| Extra data | Synopsis, trailer, cast list, duration, languages, comment | Synopsis, trailer, cast list, duration, languages, comment | Synopsis, trailer, cast list, duration, languages, comment | Synopsis, trailer, cast list, duration, languages, comment | Synopsis, trailer | Synopsis, trailer, cast list, duration, languages, comment | Synopsis, trailer, cast list, duration, languages, comment | Synopsis, trailer, cast list, duration, languages, comment | Synopsis, trailer, cast list, duration, languages, comment | Synopsis, trailer, cast list, duration, languages, comment | Synopsis, trailer, cast list, duration, languages, comment | Synopsis, trailer, cast list, duration, languages, comment | Synopsis, trailer, cast list, duration, languages, comment |
| Disc Digital service | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Mobile support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Offline download | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Note: Rental prices can vary across each platform based on the movie’s release date, popularity, and regional factors. Always check the current rates on each platform for the most accurate pricing.
Conclusion
The ideal movie rental platform depends significantly on your needs. For instance, if you already use iOS products, you may prefer Apple TV or the movie selections on Row8.
Sometimes, these sites offer discount codes and sales, and even license changes can lead to price changes. So, it’s a decent idea to search for deals before renting a particular title from the platform. Go through the sites and browse their libraries to ensure they have enough to satisfy your entertainment needs.
FAQs
