Transactional VOD

Pay-per-view video rental and purchase services.

Rankings

  1. 1. Apple TV app (Apple TV)

    Pay-per-view movies and TV via Apple’s award-winning TV app.

    Apple TV app (often just called Apple TV) is the pay-per-view storefront integrated into the broader Apple ecosystem. Users can rent or buy individual titles from the iTunes Store within the Apple TV app and watch them across Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac) and compatible non-Apple TVs. Rentals typically give you a 30-day window to start watching; once you begin, you usually have 48 hours to finish. The service supports high-quality video options (4K HDR where available) and keeps a watch history synced across devices tied to your Apple ID. What sets it apart is the seamless integration with Apple’s hardware lineup, the ability to combine rentals with purchases in a single library, and the consistent, ad-free viewing experience. It’s especially attractive for people already invested in Apple hardware and those who want a broad catalog without a subscription commitment. The main differentiator vs. subscription streaming is the per-title model and deep ecosystem coherence with iTunes/Apple TV channels.

    Rated 4.6

  2. 2. Google Play Movies & TV

    Global store for renting or buying movies and TV shows.

    Google Play Movies & TV is Google’s global storefront for transactional video, accessible via the Google Play interface and via Google TV devices, Android, and web. Users can rent or purchase titles on a per-item basis, with a catalog spanning new releases to catalog titles from major studios. Prices vary by title and region, and Google Play content can typically be watched on Google TV, Android devices, and the web, with HD/UHD options where available. The platform benefits from broad cross-device compatibility and tight integration with the Google ecosystem, making it convenient for people already using Google services. While pricing is title-driven, the availability of rentals and purchases across multiple devices keeps it competitive for those who want flexibility without a fixed subscription.

    Rated 4.0

  3. 3. YouTube Movies

    YouTube’s built-in storefront for renting or buying films and shows.

    YouTube Movies is YouTube’s on-platform storefront for renting and buying films and television titles. Users sign in with a Google account and can rent or purchase per title, with access across devices via the YouTube app and web. Prices depend on the title, release window, and region, ranging typically from a few dollars for rentals to higher prices for new releases or catalog titles. YouTube’s model has long tied into Google’s broader ecosystem, offering familiar payment flows and device-agnostic playback. While not all territories see the same catalog, the service remains a familiar option for those who want a device-agnostic, ad-free, pay-per-view experience without a fixed subscription. Over time, Google has adjusted how purchases from Google Play and YouTube integrate with other services, which users should monitor in their region.

    Rated 3.8

  4. 4. Amazon Prime Video

    Prime Video: included library with Prime, plus rent/buy options.

    Amazon Prime Video combines a broad streaming library with transactional options. Prime Video content is available via a standard Prime membership (which includes access to many titles and live sports in some regions) or via a standalone Prime Video subscription. In addition to the included library, users can rent or buy newer releases and popular titles on a per-title basis. Add-on channels (HBO, Starz, etc.) can expand the catalog further. Pricing for rentals and purchases varies by region and title, with typical rental prices ranging a few dollars and purchases often higher for new releases. The service is deeply integrated with Amazon’s ecosystem, enabling easy watch-list integration, cross-device access, anda familiar payment workflow tied to your Amazon account.

    Rated 4.5

  5. 5. Rakuten TV

    European-focused TVOD: rent or buy titles individually.

    Rakuten TV is a global transactional video-on-demand platform with a strong footprint in Europe (43 countries). It offers a pay-per-view model for new releases and catalog titles without requiring a subscription. Rentals typically grant 28 days to start watching and 48 hours once playback begins; purchases grant permanent digital ownership. The service supports multiple payment methods, including PayPal and Rakuten Super Points in supported regions. The catalog spans Hollywood blockbusters, local films, and series from major studios. Availability and pricing vary by country due to rights, so users should check their local Rakuten TV store. The platform differentiates itself with a clear, subscription-free model and a robust European catalog accessible on a wide range of devices, including smart TVs and streaming devices.

    Rated 4.0

  6. 6. CHILI

    Italy-born pay-per-view storefront with European reach.

    CHILI is a transactional video-on-demand platform that originated in Italy in 2012 and expanded across Europe (Germany, UK, Poland, Austria, and more). It offers renters and buyers a non-subscription model and a robust catalog of new releases, catalog titles, and premieres. Rentals typically grant 28 days to start watching, with a 48-hour viewing window after first playback; purchases provide permanent ownership. CHILI supports streaming and offline downloads on mobile and tablets, with some platform-specific limitations. It also operates an AVOD layer in some markets. CHILI differentiates itself by offering a straightforward, pay-per-view experience with major studio titles, frequent promotions, and a global intent to reduce subscription fatigue for cinephiles who prefer to pay only for what they watch.

    Rated 3.8

  7. 7. Fandango at Home (Vudu)

    Vudu rebranded to Fandango at Home; extensive catalog on demand.

    Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu) is Fandango Media’s pay-per-view store for renting and buying movies and TV shows. It operates without a subscription, letting users purchase or rent per title and watch across a broad set of devices. The catalog is large, with frequent promotions and bundled deals; some titles are offered at reduced prices during sales. The service integrates with Locker/UltraViolet-era ecosystems and supports offline downloads where allowed. As a cross-brand option, FAH often competes with iTunes, Google Play, and Prime Video on price and catalog, and is commonly used by households that want a no-subscription model with flexible purchasing options.

    Rated 4.1

  8. 8. LG Movies & TV (Rakuten TV app on LG devices)

    LG TV app delivering Rakuten TV’s pay-per-view library on LG hardware.

    LG Movies & TV is LG’s on-device VOD experience that taps Rakuten TV’s catalog for rent/buy transactions on LG smart TVs and connected devices. The app enables users to browse new releases and catalog titles without a subscription, paying per title. Rentals follow standard DRM rules, with typical 28-day windows to start and 48 hours to finish playback after starting. The service benefits from deep integration with LG hardware, broad device support, and a catalog that aligns with Rakuten TV’s European emphasis. Availability and pricing vary by country/region, and some titles may require product- or device-specific downloads. For international travelers and households with LG TVs, LG Movies & TV offers a convenient, regional gateway to Rakuten TV’s pay-per-view library.

    Rated 3.9