As a frequent traveler, I find offline viewing especially useful while in flight mode, in transit with spotty Wi-Fi, or when trying to preserve my mobile data. However, not all streaming services are equal in this regard, and each has unique strengths and drawbacks.
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Netflix: Still the Gold Standard for Offline Viewing
Netflix was the first streaming service I subscribed to, and it remains the most user-friendly and slick platform for offline features. The Download option is prominently displayed on its interface, right next to the Play button, encouraging users to consider storing titles for offline use. Most Netflix originals and a significant portion of its licensed material are available for offline viewing, and I like to filter my search to display only downloadable content when compiling a selection of shows and movies before a big trip.
A highlight of Netflix’s offline features is its Smart Downloads function, which automatically updates your download list by deleting watched content and replacing it with the next in the series, where applicable. Not only does this keep things organized, but it also saves storage space on your devices. On top of this is the Downloads For You feature, which uses Netflix’s (highly accurate) impression of my viewing preferences to source and download content that it thinks I’ll like. This comes in very handy on those occasions that I forget to save any entertainment before I travel.
Netflix appears to prioritize flexibility, and multiple users can download shows across several devices on most plans. The platform also features one of the most extensive libraries of original and licensed material available, with download durations varying according to licensing agreements. However, Netflix does a good job of letting me know whenever one of my stored titles is soon to disappear from my devices.
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How to Download Netflix Videos for Offline Viewing
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Disney+: The Best Downloads for Families and Kids
If you travel with a young family, Disney+ can be a lifesaver. As a top contender for family-friendly entertainment, the platform offers blockbusters from franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and, of course, Disney’s vast catalog of animated classics. If there’s a delay on your flight, a long trip from A to B, or you can only receive foreign TV channels in your hotel room, your Disney+ downloads library can be the difference between your kids’ peace of mind and all-out armageddon.
I like Disney+ for its clean, straightforward UI, which includes a “Junior Mode” with simplified controls designed for kids to navigate. Each family member can create their own profile, meaning that your algorithm isn’t swamped by episodes of SpongeBob, and there’s plenty for adults here, including a large National Geographic selection and R-rated movies and shows.
You can download Disney+ content to an unlimited number of devices, provided they are all registered to your user account. Overall, you can squeeze a lot of value from the platform, and there is no limit to the amount of content you can store, as long as your devices have sufficient free memory.
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Amazon Prime Video: Generous Storage and Flexibility
There’s much to recommend Amazon Prime Video for, not least the fact that it’s bundled with Amazon Prime membership. Despite the ubiquity of the Amazon ecosystem, its native streaming service appears to fly under the radar compared to its established competitors, such as Netflix. However, it remains one of the most generous platforms, especially when it comes to offline services.
I like Amazon Prime Video for its flexibility. It offers downloads in a choice of three qualities: Good (480p), Better (720p), and Best (Full HD). It allows you to tailor your library to suit the size of your device and the amount of data used for downloads, which is particularly handy when storage is limited or when on the go and Wi-Fi is unavailable. Another flexible feature when traveling is the option to download content to storage devices, including external hard drives and SD cards, which sets Amazon Prime Video apart from other streaming services.
Amazon Prime Video users are allowed to download content on up to four devices, which has always proved more than sufficient for my purposes, but might be limiting for larger families traveling together. As another limitation, you typically have up to 30 days to watch your content after downloading it; however, once you start watching, you have 48 hours to complete the movie or episode before it disappears from your device.
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HBO Max and Hulu: Strong on Content, but With Limits
HBO Max is hands-down my favorite streaming service, and likely my most-used platform for offline viewing. If you are already subscribed to Hulu, it offers similar offline services and, for an additional fee, includes an HBO Max add-on, enabling you to download all HBO’s original series and recent movie releases directly within the app.
HBO Max users can download content on all its paid plans, but they are limited to a maximum of 30 titles at a time, which can be downloaded to an unlimited number of devices. These are available for 30 days, after which you must connect to the internet to renew your selection. The app itself is less user-friendly than its big studio counterparts, Netflix and Disney+, and there are more restrictions on the amount of downloadable content, especially that which is licensed from third parties.
Hulu has an even more limited download selection than HBO, and you can store your content on up to five devices only. Like HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video, titles remain available for 30 days, but will be removed from your downloads library 48 hours after you start watching. Despite these restrictions, both platforms offer access to premium content and high-quality box sets, which are ideal for passing the time while in transit.
Being able to store a large amount of content on my devices before I leave home has revolutionized my travel experience. I also feel like offline modes help me maximize the value of my streaming apps. As a subscriber to multiple platforms, the monthly entertainment bills add up, and knowing that I can use their services anytime, anywhere, and without interruption makes me feel like I’m getting more bang for my buck.
Gone are the days of trying to read a novel, surrounded by the noise, hustle, and bustle of busy transport hubs. I reach for my wireless headphones, and the wait becomes effortless and enjoyable as I immerse myself in a movie or show.
