While Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ are the best-known streaming services, they also cost money. But there are alternatives that allow you to stream films and series legally and completely free of charge. One of them is rlaxx TV.
Ad-supported streaming services are becoming increasingly popular. In addition to the ViacomCBS subsidiary Pluto TV, the Japanese mail order company Rakuten has also been represented on the German market for a long time. With rlaxx TV, another competitor is entering the ring. What does the streamer from Kiel do better than its competition and where is there still room for improvement? We looked at the service in detail and clarify whether the offer can measure up to the strong competitors.
The difference between rlaxx TV and the competition
rlaxx TV differs from comparable offers in one important respect. For example, while ViacomCBS, a large US media group with its own content, is behind Pluto TV, rlaxx TV is mainly an aggregator that provides content from other media partners. Included are, among others, Spiegel TV, Netzkino, Filmrise, Deluxe Music and Goldstar TV. However, there are also separate sections with “rlaxx series”, “rlaxx documentaries” and “rlaxx kids”. Much of the content is available both as a curated live stream and on demand. This means that the service can be compared to Pluto TV in many respects, with US content in particular being found there.
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Mainly niche program
In terms of content, rlaxx TV relies heavily on niche programs and special interest channels. For example, “Classical Harmony” is a channel that shows works of art with background music around the clock. The Boat Show regularly features luxury yachts owned by the rich and famous, while New KFOOD showcases Korean delicacies and mukbangs. However, the channels are not linear live streaming channels, but, as already mentioned, their own compilations, as can also be found on Pluto TV, among other things. The channels are therefore exclusive in identical form on rlaxx TV. All in all, rlaxx TV appeals more to television viewers than fans of streaming services, because the on-demand content is more in the background.
Intrusive advertising
Since there are no monthly subscription fees, rlaxx TV finances itself through advertising. However, we found this to be relatively intrusive, as there were very often interruptions in the running program in a comparatively short time. In addition, these are Internet ads and not conventional advertising breaks, as known from private free TV broadcasters, among other things. Furthermore, it was not possible to connect to the Chromecast dongle on our Android test device. Such a function should not be missing in a streaming app, because it is not uncommon for many users to do without additional hardware and stream content directly from their smartphone.
No replacement for Netflix and Co.
rlaxx TV offers at least a small selection of well-known international series and films, including, for example, the drama series “River” with Stellan Skarsgard. This also ran on Netflix in the past. In the catalog we also found “The Secret Diary of a Call Girl” with “Dr. Who” actress Billie Piper. However, anyone who is looking for the latest blockbusters will not find the right content on rlaxx TV. In any case, US films come from third-party providers such as Netzkino, which you can also use via your own app or, for example, via Joyn. Nevertheless, it always remains to be borne in mind that there are no additional costs, while Netflix calls up to 20 euros per month, at least in the USA. Incidentally, HD streams are also included with rlaxx TV on some channels.
The major streaming services regularly release new films and series. Read what’s new on Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and Sky.
For whom is rlaxx TV worthwhile?
In our opinion, rlaxx TV is not a replacement for paid streaming subscriptions from Netflix and Prime Video, but it is definitely a suitable addition for viewers who are interested in lifestyle content, culture, documentaries and music. In these areas, rlaxx TV sometimes even offers significantly more than the well-known and large US streamers. However, rlaxx TV seems less suitable for viewers who use the service very frequently. In our opinion, there were relatively few updates in the library. In addition, the catalog was also relatively manageable compared to paid offers. But this is understandable, because without a large US license partner it is generally difficult to get hold of the relevant material at all. And behind rlaxx TV is not ViacomCBS or Disney.
possible alternatives
Those who prefer to watch US series or films and still want to save the monthly fee for a streaming service could possibly take a look at the “Pluto TV” offer, which we have also already tested. There is a lot of content from the US studio ViacomCBS, including brand new episodes of the Star Trek series “Discovery”. The streaming service also relies on a mix of curated live channels and an SVoD offering. Free films and series can also be found at Netzkino and Rakuten TV. Netzkino and Pluto TV, like rlaxx TV, can be conveniently streamed on Amazon’s Fire TV.