Vudu is a popular streaming service that offers a wide range of movies and TV shows for rent or purchase. But does Vudu TV cost money? In this article, we’ll delve into Vudu’s pricing model, features, and content offerings to help you decide if it’s the right streaming service for you.
What is Vudu?
Vudu is a streaming service owned by Fandango, a leading online movie ticketing service. Launched in 2004, Vudu allows users to rent or buy movies and TV shows, with a focus on new releases and popular titles. Vudu is available on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast.
Vudu’s Pricing Model
So, does Vudu TV cost money? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. Vudu offers a mix of free and paid content, with different pricing models depending on the type of content and the device you’re using.
- Rentals: Vudu offers a wide range of movies and TV shows for rent, with prices starting at $0.99 for standard definition (SD) and $1.99 for high definition (HD). New releases typically cost $5.99 for SD and $6.99 for HD.
- Purchases: You can also buy movies and TV shows on Vudu, with prices starting at $4.99 for SD and $9.99 for HD. New releases typically cost $14.99 for SD and $19.99 for HD.
- Free Content: Vudu also offers a selection of free movies and TV shows with ads. These titles are typically older or less popular, but can still be a great way to find something to watch without spending any money.
Vudu’s Ad-Supported Model
In 2020, Vudu launched an ad-supported streaming service called Vudu Movies On Us. This service offers a selection of free movies with ads, with no rental or purchase fees. Vudu Movies On Us is available on all Vudu devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Vudu’s Features and Content Offerings
So, what sets Vudu apart from other streaming services? Here are some of the key features and content offerings that make Vudu worth considering:
- New Releases: Vudu offers a wide range of new releases, often on the same day as the DVD or Blu-ray release. This makes it a great option for movie buffs who want to stay up-to-date with the latest films.
- 4K and HDR: Vudu supports 4K and HDR (high dynamic range) streaming on select devices, offering a premium viewing experience for users with compatible hardware.
- User Profiles: Vudu allows users to create up to six individual profiles, making it easy to manage multiple accounts and recommendations.
- Parental Controls: Vudu offers robust parental controls, including the ability to restrict access to certain types of content and set spending limits.
Vudu’s Content Partnerships
Vudu has partnered with several major studios and networks to offer a wide range of content, including:
- Warner Bros.: Vudu has a long-standing partnership with Warner Bros., offering a wide range of movies and TV shows from the studio’s catalog.
- Universal Pictures: Vudu also has a partnership with Universal Pictures, offering a selection of movies and TV shows from the studio’s catalog.
- HBO: Vudu offers a selection of HBO content, including popular TV shows like Game of Thrones and Westworld.
Vudu’s Original Content
While Vudu doesn’t produce as much original content as some other streaming services, it has started to invest in exclusive titles and series. Some examples include:
- Mr. Mom: A comedy series based on the 1983 film of the same name, starring Bryan Cranston and Patricia Heaton.
- Albedo: A sci-fi series based on the comic book series of the same name, starring Evangeline Lilly and Ike Barinholtz.
Is Vudu Worth the Cost?
So, is Vudu worth the cost? The answer depends on your individual viewing habits and preferences. If you’re a movie buff who wants access to new releases and a wide range of content, Vudu may be a good option for you. However, if you’re looking for a streaming service with a large library of original content, you may want to consider other options like Netflix or Amazon Prime.
Vudu vs. Other Streaming Services
Here’s a comparison of Vudu’s pricing and features with some other popular streaming services:
| Service | Pricing | Features |
| — | — | — |
| Vudu | Rentals: $0.99-$6.99, Purchases: $4.99-$19.99 | New releases, 4K and HDR support, user profiles, parental controls |
| Netflix | $8.99-$17.99 per month | Large library of original content, user profiles, parental controls |
| Amazon Prime | $8.99-$14.99 per month | Large library of original content, user profiles, parental controls, additional benefits like free shipping and music streaming |
| Hulu | $5.99-$11.99 per month | Large library of TV shows and movies, user profiles, parental controls, ad-supported option |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vudu TV does cost money, but it offers a unique combination of new releases, 4K and HDR support, and user-friendly features that make it worth considering. While it may not be the best option for everyone, Vudu is a great choice for movie buffs who want access to the latest films and a wide range of content.
Is Vudu TV completely free to use?
Vudu TV is not completely free to use, but it does offer some free content with ads. The platform has a selection of free movies and TV shows that users can watch without paying a fee. However, these free titles are limited and often include ads to support the service.
To access Vudu’s full library of content, users need to rent or buy individual titles or purchase a subscription to Vudu’s ad-free service. Rentals and purchases are available in various price points, depending on the title and quality of the video. Users can also sign up for Vudu’s ad-free service, which offers additional perks like 4K Ultra HD and HDR.
How much does it cost to rent a movie on Vudu?
The cost to rent a movie on Vudu varies depending on the title and quality of the video. SD (standard definition) rentals typically start at $0.99, while HD (high definition) rentals start at $1.99. New releases and 4K Ultra HD titles may cost more, up to $5.99 or $6.99.
Rental prices may also vary depending on the studio or distributor of the movie. Some titles may be available for rent at a lower price point, while others may be more expensive. Users can check the rental price of a specific title on Vudu’s website or mobile app.
Can I buy movies and TV shows on Vudu?
Yes, users can buy movies and TV shows on Vudu. The platform offers a wide selection of titles for purchase, including new releases and classic films. Prices for purchases vary depending on the title and quality of the video.
SD purchases typically start at $4.99, while HD purchases start at $9.99. 4K Ultra HD purchases may cost more, up to $19.99 or $29.99. Users can also purchase TV shows by the episode or by the season, with prices varying depending on the show and quality of the video.
Does Vudu offer any discounts or promotions?
Yes, Vudu occasionally offers discounts and promotions on rentals and purchases. Users can check Vudu’s website or mobile app for current deals and discounts. The platform also offers a “Deals” section where users can find discounted titles and promotions.
Vudu also offers a loyalty program called “Vudu Rewards” that rewards users with points for every rental or purchase they make. Users can redeem these points for discounts on future rentals and purchases. Additionally, Vudu sometimes offers exclusive discounts to users who link their Walmart account or use a specific payment method.
Can I watch Vudu on multiple devices?
Yes, Vudu allows users to watch their content on multiple devices. Users can access their Vudu account on up to 8 different devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast.
Vudu also offers a feature called “Vudu Movies On Us” that allows users to download movies and TV shows for offline viewing on mobile devices. This feature is available on both iOS and Android devices, and allows users to watch their content even without an internet connection.
Is Vudu available on all streaming devices?
Vudu is available on many popular streaming devices, including Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. However, it’s not available on all streaming devices. Users should check their device’s app store to see if Vudu is available.
Vudu is also available on many smart TVs, including models from Samsung, LG, and Vizio. Users can check their TV’s app store to see if Vudu is available. If Vudu is not available on a user’s device, they can still access the platform through the Vudu website on a computer or mobile device.
Can I cancel my Vudu subscription at any time?
Yes, users can cancel their Vudu subscription at any time. Vudu offers a month-to-month subscription service, so users can cancel their subscription without penalty. Users can cancel their subscription through the Vudu website or mobile app.
If a user cancels their subscription, they will still be able to access their purchased content and any rentals they have made. However, they will no longer have access to Vudu’s ad-free service or other subscription benefits. Users can restart their subscription at any time if they change their mind.