You go online to either Blockbuster or Netflix, and search for the movies you want to watch or browse through categories. When you find what you want, you add the movie to your queue. The movies at the top of your list are sent to you, and when you are done, you mail them back. Once the company receives it, they send you the next movies on your list (you can rearrange, add or delete from your queue whenever you want). Your monthly fee is automatically deducted from your credit/debit card (which begins on the day you sign-up).
Both Blockbuster Total Access and Netflix have no due dates or late fees, and provide free shipping both ways. Once your DVD is returned in a pre-addressed, stamped envelope, you receive a new DVD within one to two days, depending on where you live (applicable to 90 percent of Blockbuster members and 95 percent of Netflix members). Both services offer two-week free trials. You can also cancel either service at any time, with no cancellation fees, but do not offer partial month refunds. Both Blockbuster and Netflix have customer reviews of the movies, and both offer the option of connecting with friends who use their service. You can check out what your friends have in their queues and what they recommend.
The key difference is Blockbuster Total Access offers in-store DVD exchanges (rather than mailing). You can return your DVD to most Blockbuster locations and exchange it at their store for any DVD, or a discounted game rental (which do not count towards DVDs you rent in your plan). Netflix does not have this option, but it does offer something Blockbuster does not: instant online viewing of movies and TV shows (including the current season). They have more than 17,000 online choices. Blockbuster has more than 95,000 movies, and Netflix has more than 100,000, although both are continually adding to their selections.
Blockbuster also sends emails with coupons and discounts to use in-store. Another difference is that although both services offer customer reviews, Netflix also shows professional movie critics' reviews.
Blockbuster Total Access is slightly more expensive than Netflix. But Netflix charges an extra fee for Blu-ray movies and Blockbuster does not. (One thing to note: Blockbuster offers two different rental programs: Blockbuster Total Access has in-store returns and Blockbuster by Mail does not. Blockbuster by Mail is the same price as Netflix.)
There are many theories over whether Blockbuster or Netflix is better. Some believe one is faster, or has a better selection, but this really depends on where you live and what you like to watch. If you have Blu-ray or live near a Blockbuster, they might be a better choice. But Netflix also offers immediate online viewing, and many speculate they have a better independent movie selection. Both offer free trials, so it does not hurt to try both and see for yourself.