If Netflix was missing something, it was definitely an offline mode, a feature often requested by users with slow internet speed. Their prayers have been heard, as the streaming service just stepped up and announced that you can now download content to watch offline later. However, this may hold unexpected complications, as ISPs see Netflix as a dangerous foe, thus they throttle downloads so you wouldn’t be using too much of your bandwidth.
Unfortunately, the computer version is still lacking this feature but when you access Netflix on Android or iOS devices, then you probably noticed the new download button next to the play button on some of the content. The current setout is quite meager at the moment, but a serious expansion can be expected in the future. The company is “working to get the rights”, adding more shows in order to make all of its content available offline. With this being said, you can download Netflix’s own hit shows like Stranger Things, The Crown, Narcos, Orange is the New Black, etc., some movies such as Boyhood, Pulp Fiction, Nightcrawler, and kids movies too, which can be a lifesaver for many parents that need to make that long family trip.
When pressing the download button you have two options: Standard Quality and Higher Quality. Although there are no specifications on the quality details, the first one takes less time to download and requires less storage space, while the second one obviously takes longer and occupies more space. But there are other factors affecting the download speed.
Even if your connection speed is up to par, you can still experience sluggish download times. In fact, we all know that using too much bandwidth by torrenting or streaming will trigger your ISP to calm your connection down. Furthermore, ISPs are particularly attentive to services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc. as many offer their own media streaming services. Verizon for instance has VerizonTV, Comcast owns Watchable and AT&T released DirecTV Now, just to name a few. Then, what better way to dissuade you from downloading a Netflix series to watch later than pushing your internet speed to the ground?
Fortunately, there is an easy solution for this problem that only requires a small but gained investment: a VPN. Virtual Private Networks hide your online data and traffic from snooping eyes, including your own ISP, who is now unable to throttle you since it can’t see what you’re up to. In addition, the vast majority of providers feature unlimited bandwidth and download speeds so you can boost up those Netflix offline downloads. In case you opt for a router configuration you can extend your VPN protection to devices that aren’t supported directly. This means that you can have VPNs running on gaming consoles, for instance, and access the best online unrestricted content from these, too. Last but not least, many VPNs also have their native mobile apps so you can use them in combination with Netflix’s one and enjoy unthrottled offline downloads of your favorite shows.
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