This post may contain affiliate links.
As a member of the Verizon Moms Voices program, I was able to sit in on a webinar recently that detailed Redbox Instant by Verizon. Don’t let the name fool you though. You can use the app on any service provider (I have it on my Sprint phone as my Verizon phone through the program will be turned off soon). Let me tell you a bit about what I have been doing with this awesome app and service.
I downloaded the Redbox Instant app onto my phone first. I immediately noticed a ton of movies that are available for streaming. When we stopped our cable subscription, we knew that we had to still have access to movies and shows the kids would love. While we do use other streaming services, I find that Redbox Instant offers some different movies than those and I have been able to find several that interest me. I have bookmarked those for later, another feature that I really enjoy.
But, there is more! With the subscription service, that can be cancelled at any time, you also get movie credits that can be used at the kiosk. I have actually really enjoyed this feature, more than I thought I would! I have 4 credits (one credit is one night) a month to rent DVDs at a kiosk. I simply go on the app (or online) through my Redbox Instant account and reserve the movie. You can search by movie or location! When I pick them up at the kiosk, I use the same credit card that is registered to my account. I do have a temporary hold on my account (of $1.30) but it is reversed after a few days. As long as I return the movie on time (9pm the next night), I am not required to pay any more money for the rental. If I am late, the credits will be used first, if there are any, and then my credit card will be charged the amount of fees upon return.
These credits don’t carry over from month to month so you have to use them or lose them. But, we have had no problem finding movies that we want to watch that aren’t available for streaming yet. The kids are even getting in on some of the DVD rental fun! As I am typing this post, they are watching a movie that I picked up from the kiosk last night!
One more thing that you can do with your Redbox Instant account is that you can also rent movies right on your device. Many movies have that option plus several have the option for you to buy it right from your device! Prices vary depending on the film.
I was not given this subscription but I did want to test it out and I was able to for a month for free. You can too! Head over to the Redbox Instant site (or download the app on Play Store or iTunes) and click on the try for free banner. Have a Roku, Xbox, Smart TV, Windows Phone, Play Station, or Google TV? Kindle Fire maybe? They can all work. You can see the full list of supported devices and how to get the app HERE.
After a month, you will be charged depending on what plan you choose. For just streaming, you pay $6/month. For 4 DVD credits a month, you pay $8/month. Blu-ray is $9/month.
We have been so happy with the service that we will be continuing after the trial period. It sure beats paying for cable each month and we love being able to rent new DVD releases!
Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Moms Voices program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.
Bethany Delk says
We went without cable for 5 years and just recently got cable. If we weren’t locked in a contract we might try this too!
Amethyst Moon says
I’ve been thinking about trying this. I’m glad to hear it’s worked well for you. I’ll have to check out the free trial.
Stefani says
I cancelled the cable finally in October. We have been using the Netflix and Hulu for watching shows and movies. I have been eager to see an app for Redbox to appear on my SmartTv to download. 🙂
Cassie @ Southeast by Midwest says
My husband and I signed up for Redbox Instant when it was first introduced and we have not disappointed. As a matter of fact we recently cancelled Netflix once Redbox Instant started getting a bigger selection.
Kathy Balman says
We ditched cable over 10 years ago and haven’t looked back. We have a roku box and get Redbox, Netflix and Hulu!
Chrishelle says
We are seriously thinking about doing away with the cost of our satellite. My girls use Netflix a lot. Verizon Red Box sounds like another wonderful on demand choice. Thanks for the tip.
Janeane Davis says
It i nice to find a good substitute for cable. Being able to pick and chooe what to watch rather than being stuck with what is being broadcasted is nice.
Ashley M says
We aslo gave up cable. It’s so just ridiculously expensive. We switched to Netflix but as Verizon Customers and Redbox users we really love the idea of Redbox Instant.
Amy Desrosiers says
I tried to give up cable so many times, and always end up sadly crawling back!
Angela says
I don’t think I’m anywhere near giving up cable, but this does sound like a great alternative.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
I honestly had no idea they even had a Redbox instant option. Totally checking it out especially since you said you get kiosk credits!
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
So many people are ditching cable! As soon as Hubs can figure out how to otherwise get his sports, we’ll go cableless too!
Karen Hartzell (@InTheKitchenkKP) says
We have been tossing around the idea of dropping cable. This is another check on the pro side. I’m already a Verizon fan.
Chelsea says
I actually didn’t know Redbox had an on-demand program like this. Thanks for sharing!
brett says
we keep waffling about unplugging from cable. its the red sox games and uconn games that we’d miss!
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy says
Wow I’ve never heard of this! I’m definitely going to check it out! Can’t beat a free trial!
Ellen Christian says
I’ve never heard of Redbox Instant. I need to check it out to get our expenses under control for 2014.
Virginia @thatbaldchick says
Looks like a great service, thanks for sharing. We don’t have cable, so we’re always looking for ways to view great content.
Melissa says
Oh wow, this is really neat! Very reasonable price too. I keep thinking we just need to give up cable too.
Jennifer @TheRebelChick says
Sometimes I wonder why I even still have cable! Services like Redbox Instant make it so easy to still watch stuff that you love without the monthly cable bill!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I hadn’t heard about this yet, so I think we will have to check this out. We have Netflix and rent movies from Redbox a lot, so this is a good option.
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
This is very interesting. I have never even heard of Redbox Instant. We’ve toyed with getting rid of cable; perhaps this is something I will have to check out. Thanks!
Jennifer Bullock {mommybknowsbest.com} says
We are actually talking about unplugging from cable too. Thanks for the info on this option, so many different things out there.