Redbox Review
Redbox is a free ad-supported video streaming service with dozens of live streaming channels and on demand movies. Users can also rent or buy movies through the platform.
Starting in 2002, Redbox began offering DVDs through its iconic kiosks. The company launched Redbox On Demand in 2018 to deliver a broader selection of movies and TV shows via video-on-demand.
Streaming rentals typically run $1.99-$5.99, though you can sometimes rent theatrical releases early for $19.99. Purchases are often $9.99-$19.99. Users can sometimes get a discount by purchasing movie bundles. Older films are usually less expensive than new releases.
Review
We tested Redbox and other subscription streaming services for more than 100 hours. Redbox is compatible with Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TV, iPhone/iPad, Android Phone/Tablet, Mac, Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, LG Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Sony Smart TV, and VIZIO Smart TV.
Content
Originals
In 2019, Redbox launched Redbox Entertainment, a new division to produce and distribute original content across its services. Through Redbox Entertainment, the company released “The Fanatic” and “Running with the Devil” through VOD and at the kiosk.
TV Shows
Users can access some titles on demand, like the first season of “3rd Rock from the Sun,” “The Weird Al Show,” and “Are We There Yet?”
Most TV available on the platform comes in the form of virtual channels.
Movies
While users can rent/buy many titles, there are many free films available. These are usually older titles or less popular contemporary movies. At the time of this writing, some movies available include “Halloween,” “Beverly Hills Ninja,” “Attack the Block,” “Blue Valentine,” “The Artist,” “Clerks II,” and “Train to Busan.”
There’s a nice section of classic films, including titles like “His Girl Friday,” “Metropolis,” and “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.”
Redbox offers some free faith-based movies as well.
Kids
Redbox offers a very limited number of free kids titles, including films like “The Hero of Color City,” “Dino King,” and “Sea Level.”
Features
No Parental Controls
There are no parental controls for Redbox.
Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+, Max, Hulu, Netflix, Paramount Plus, Peacock, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and STARZ have parental control features.
Up to 2 Devices
You can have up to five devices registered to your account. You can stream purchased titles on up to two devices simultaneously. Rentals can only be viewed on one device at a time.
Ads
Free channels, shows, and films include ads. Rentals and purchases do not.
Offline Downloads
Downloaded titles are available within the Redbox app.
Compatible Devices
Redbox is compatible with these devices:
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast
- Roku
- Android TV
- iPhone/iPad
- Android Phone/Tablet
- Mac
- Windows
- PlayStation
- Xbox
- LG Smart TV
- Samsung Smart TV
- Sony Smart TV
- VIZIO Smart TV
Redbox is not compatible with Amazon Fire TV or Nintendo devices.
TV App
If you have an Apple TV, you cannot rent or purchase movies or shows through that platform, but you can watch content you purchased on another device.
Channels
Like many free services, Redbox offers several free virtual channels of live TV. Users can access Newsy, CBC News, Game Show Network, Court TV, and channels dedicated to specific shows like “It’s Showtime at the Apollo,” “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” and “The Carol Burnett Show.”
There are small channel sections for children and music stations.
Local Channels
Redbox offers local news from several CMG stations:
- WHIO (Dayton)
- WJAX (Jacksonville)
- WSB (Atlanta)
- WSOC (Charlotte)
- WPXI (Pittsburgh)
- WFTV (Orlando)
- KIRO (Seattle)
- KOKI (Tulsa)
- WHBQ (Memphis)
- WFXT (Boston)
Sports Channels
Redbox does offer some sports channels like PAC 12 Insider, beIN Sports XTRA, ThrillOne Network, and Fight Network.
Tech Specs
Surround Sound
Surround sound is only available on certain devices.