Watching movies and series offline: 5 apps that allow downloading
With a good Wi-Fi, 4G, or 5G signal, you can easily watch your favorite movies and series, but what if there’s no fast internet connection available? Luckily, with the following five streaming platforms you can also watch offline.
There's more than just Netflix
When you’re traveling or waiting in a long line, it’s great to dive into a movie or your favorite series. It’s even better if you can watch those videos offline. You'll save data and give your phone’s battery a break by not using Wi-Fi. And you won’t be bothered by times without coverage (like in tunnels, behind thick walls, while traveling fast in a car or train, or in a location in the middle of nowhere).
With Netflix ( Android and iPhone ) you can watch unlimited series like Stranger Things and Squid Game starting from €8.99 per month. You’ll also find movie classics like The Matrix and The Shawshank Redemption, and plenty of documentaries. Netflix can also be watched offline. How long the content stays available offline depends on the agreements made with the producers.
We all know Netflix, of course, but which other streaming services also offer the option of offline viewing?
Watching HBO series offline
Home Box Office (HBO) is the TV channel of WarnerMedia. On the HBO Max app, you can watch world-famous series such as Game of Thrones and Curb Your Enthusiasm, and movies like Speak No Evil and Dunkirk. You can download them to your iPhone or Android device and enjoy your favorites on the go. Tap the download icon, which looks like a downward arrow, to download a movie or series. Make sure it has been fully downloaded, otherwise you won't be able to watch it.
Prime Video: affordable and with a bonus
Amazon Prime is a membership that gives you free shipping on many products on Amazon. It also comes with a bonus: Prime Video (Android and iPhone). From € 4.99 per month, you get access to a huge collection, ranging from series like Downton Abbey to the Harry Potter movies. Special are the Amazon Originals. These are shows made exclusively for Amazon, such as The Boys and Fleabag.
Next to the play button, you’ll also find a download button, which lets you download the videos to your phone. Your download remains available for 30 days. Once you start playback, you have two days to finish the title.
Magical series and movies with Disney+
With Disney+ ( Android and iPhone ) you can watch many Disney productions for € 5.99 a month (with ads, € 9.99 without). Whether it's Disney cartoons and series, new movies like Frozen and Moana, or spectacular productions such as The Mandalorian: there's something for everyone. Next to the play button is a button to download the series or films.
Each download stays on your phone for 30 days. If you connect to Disney+ within that period, the 30-day timer is reset.
Dutch series and international films
Videoland ( Android and iPhone ) claims to have the largest and most varied collection of series and films in the Netherlands. You can watch Dutch shows such as Mocro Maffia as well as Hollywood films like The Gentleman. Downloading is possible for many series and movies, but you do need a Plus or Premium subscription (from €10.99 per month).
Tap the green download icon to start. Each download is stored for 30 days. Once you start watching a film or series, it disappears from your device after 48 hours.
Want to download a movie without a subscription?
With the streaming platforms mentioned above, you take out a subscription, where you can binge-watch as much as you like. But if you prefer to just watch a movie, you can also rent or buy it online.
On Google Play Movies ( Android and iPhone ), you’ll find many movies to download, starting at €3.99 per download. Note: you need to do this via the website, after which you can use the app to view the rented or purchased videos. If you choose to rent, you have 30 days to start watching. Once you open a rented film, you have 48 hours to finish it. Price: from €3.99 per download.
Also, on YouTube ( Android and iPhone ) you can rent or buy movies starting from €2.99 per download. Since YouTube is owned by Google, your downloads are interchangeable between both apps. The same applies to starting and finishing your rented movie: you have 30 days and need to finish it in 48 hours.
Dutch television on your smartphone
Want to watch Dutch television offline? Most Dutch TV programs, can't be downloaded. This is due to the broadcast rights. However, with the apps of TV broadcasters and cable providers such as NPO Start, RTL XL, and KIJK you can rewatch programs for a few days after broadcast. For this, you will need to be connected to the internet.
