With the apps from Netflix and Co., series and films can be downloaded to a smartphone or tablet. The streaming services do not always offer such apps for the laptop. TECHBOOK looked at the different ways to stream in offline mode.
Especially commuters should know it. On the train, for example, it is relatively easy to connect to the WLAN and surf the Internet a little – albeit a little slowly. However, the connection is usually too weak for streaming. TECHBOOK looked at the individual streaming services and found out what options they offer for playing series and films in offline mode. It should be said in advance: With a laptop it is a bit trickier than with a smartphone or tablet.
Netflix – detour via third-party providers
The streaming service Netflix is still the market leader and basically offers its users a download function. With the mobile app for smartphones and tablets, films and series can be downloaded at home, for example, and then played comfortably without an internet connection.
Depending on what kind of laptop you’re using, it might work there as well. The Netflix app for Windows is available on newer devices (Windows 8 or later) and on computers running ChromeOS.
However, if you don’t meet the above requirements, you need to download the recorder software on the laptop to stream offline Active Presenter Free Edition download. This works a bit differently – and unfortunately much more complex than with the Netflix app. The desired content has to be played back on the laptop and recorded at the same time.
Amazon Prime Video – easy download
The video-on-demand offer from Amazon Prime Video can also be downloaded using the mobile apps.
There is no direct download option via the web browser, but there is a desktop app from Amazon Prime Video for Windows (from Windows 10) and now also one for macOS. This allows downloading and then offline streaming
Also interesting: All new films and series on Amazon Prime Video
RTL+ – no real offline mode
The RTL+ (formerly: TV NOW) app is only available for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. And even then a catch awaits you. An offline mode is reserved exclusively for users with a premium duo account (most subscribers have a “normal” premium account). In addition, the content available for download is not very numerous.
Also interesting: Is RTL+ worth it? The streaming service under review
Here, too, downloading via the browser onto the laptop is generally not possible. RTL+ does not have any apps for the PC.
Disney+ – Unable to stream offline on laptop
Disney+ makes virtually all of its content available for download, but only for mobile users.
There is no app for the PC, and Disney+ series and films cannot be downloaded via the browser either.
Apple TV+ – simple solution
With the Apple TV+ mobile app, streaming is possible in offline mode. You can download the content you want to your mobile devices.
Even downloading series and films to the PC works. The well-known “Download” symbol from Apple should appear when you mouse over the corresponding content.