About Vudu
Vudu is a leading digital video-on-demand platform, offering a unique blend of pay-per-view rentals, digital purchases, and a robust free ad-supported streaming library[3][5][7][9]. Founded in 2007 and now owned by Fandango, Vudu stands out by letting users rent or buy the latest movies and TV shows—often available the same day as DVD release—without any monthly subscription fees[3][7][8].
Vudu’s hybrid model means you only pay for what you want to watch, or you can enjoy a rotating selection of free, ad-supported movies and TV shows. With a vast catalog, 4K UHD streaming, offline downloads, and family-friendly features, Vudu is a flexible and accessible choice for movie lovers, families, and collectors[3][5][7][9].
Key Features of Vudu
- Rent or Buy, No Subscription: Pay only for what you watch—rent or buy movies and TV shows, with no monthly fee[3][7][9].
- Free, Ad-Supported Content: Stream a large selection of movies and TV shows for free with ads, with new titles added regularly[3][5][7][9].
- Extensive Catalog: Over 15,000 movies and 2,000 TV series, including new releases, classics, and indie gems[7][9].
- 4K UHD & HDR Streaming: Many titles available in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos sound[3][5][7][8].
- Offline Viewing: Download select titles on mobile for offline watching (limits apply)[5][9].
- Multi-Device Support: Stream on smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, mobile, web, and more[3][5][7][9].
- Movies Anywhere Integration: Link your account to centralize your digital movie collection[3].
- UltraViolet Support: Upload eligible DVDs/Blu-rays to the cloud and watch anywhere[7][8].
- Family Features: Kids profiles, parental controls, purchase PINs, and content filtering[5].
- Rotten Tomatoes Integration: See ratings and reviews directly in the Vudu interface[4][5].
- Playlists & Watchlists: Bookmark titles, create playlists, and manage your digital library[9].
How to Use Vudu
- Sign up for a free Vudu account with your email and password[5][7].
- Browse or search for movies and TV shows by title, genre, rating, or popularity[3][5][9].
- Choose to rent, buy, or watch free with ads. Rentals typically last 30 days to start and 24-48 hours to finish[3][5][7].
- Stream instantly on your chosen device, or download select titles for offline viewing[5][9].
- Link your Movies Anywhere account to unify your digital movie collection[3].
- Set up Kids profiles and parental controls for family-friendly streaming[5].
Vudu is optimized for all browsers and devices. For the best experience, use the latest app or a modern browser and a stable internet connection.
Vudu Catalog: Movies & TV Shows
- New Releases: Get movies as soon as they hit DVD, often before other streaming platforms[3][7].
- Blockbusters & Classics: From the latest hits to old favorites, Vudu’s library is vast and diverse[3][9].
- TV Series: Buy or rent by episode or season, with a wide range of genres and networks[3][9].
- Free With Ads: Rotating selection of movies and shows, including action, comedy, drama, family, horror, and more[3][5][7][9].
- Indie & Foreign Films: Discover hidden gems and international cinema[9].
- Family & Kids: Extensive kids’ section, with parental controls and curated content[5].
Supported Devices
- Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Vizio, Sony
- Streaming Devices: Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Nvidia Shield
- Game Consoles: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Mobile: iOS, Android, Windows 10
- Web Browsers: Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox
- Blu-ray Players, Cable Boxes, and more[3][5][7][9].
Streaming Quality & Features
- SD, HD, HDX (1080p), and 4K UHD options[3][5][7][8].
- Dolby Digital Plus 5.1/7.1 and Dolby Atmos surround sound[5].
- HDR10 and Dolby Vision support for select titles[5][8].
- Offline downloads on mobile (limits apply)[5][9].
- No late fees—rentals auto-expire[3][5][7].
Family & Parental Controls
- Create Kids profiles to filter out mature content[5].
- Set purchase PINs to prevent unauthorized rentals or purchases[5].
- Filter content by age rating or genre[5].
- Family-friendly interface and curated kids’ section[5].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Vudu really subscription-free?
Yes, Vudu has no monthly subscription. Pay only for rentals, purchases, or watch free content with ads[3][5][7][9].
Can I watch Vudu for free?
Yes, Vudu offers a rotating library of free ad-supported movies and TV shows[3][5][7][9].
How long do I have to watch a rental?
Rentals are typically available for 30 days to start, and 24-48 hours to finish once started[3][5][7].
Does Vudu support 4K UHD?
Yes, many titles are available in 4K Ultra HD with HDR and Dolby Atmos on compatible devices[3][5][7][8].
Can I download movies for offline viewing?
Yes, select titles can be downloaded on mobile devices for offline viewing (limits apply)[5][9].
Is Vudu available internationally?
Vudu is primarily available in the U.S., but Movies Anywhere integration may help access your collection abroad[3].
Does Vudu offer live TV?
No, Vudu does not offer live TV or sports—only on-demand movies and TV[7].
How does Vudu compare to Netflix or Hulu?
Vudu is pay-per-view, not subscription-based. You only pay for what you watch, or use the free ad-supported section[3][5][7][9].
Vudu’s Business Model
Vudu operates as a transactional video-on-demand (TVOD) and ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) service. There are no monthly fees; revenue comes from rentals, purchases, and advertising on free content[3][5][7][9]. Vudu’s Movies Anywhere and UltraViolet integration allow users to centralize digital collections and access them across platforms[3][7][8].
Top Alternatives to Vudu
- Amazon Prime Video
- Google TV / YouTube Movies
- Apple TV / iTunes
- Redbox On Demand
- Fandango at Home
- Peacock Free
- Tubi
- Pluto TV
- Sling Freestream
- Crackle
Vudu vs. Other Streaming Services
| Feature | Vudu | Amazon Prime Video | Google TV | Redbox |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subscription Needed | No | Yes (Prime), No (rent/buy) | No | No |
| Pay-Per-View | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free With Ads | Yes | Limited | No | Yes |
| 4K UHD | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Offline Downloads | Yes (mobile) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Movies Anywhere | Yes | No | No | No |
Vudu is ideal for pay-per-view, ad-supported free streaming, and digital movie collectors, while other services focus on subscriptions or bundled content[3][5][7][9].
Contact & Support
For help, visit the Vudu Help Center or use in-app support. For business or advertising, see the official website. For troubleshooting, check online guides or community forums.