I write a lot about the reasons to embrace DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4K discs as the superior format for watching movies and TV. Thus, it might seem fair to assume that I eschew streaming services.

That’s not necessarily the case. While I may ultimately prefer to watch content on a physical format, I still keep my streaming platform subscriptions active. Although I might feel that discs are inherently “better,” that doesn’t change the fact that there are circumstances in which a streaming platform might offer greater convenience. Consider the following examples.

Streaming platforms are ideal for watching content on vacation

You don’t want to pack your discs for a long trip

I like to stay active when I travel. There’s no point in visiting a new destination if you’re going to spend all your time there just lounging. However, even an activity-crazed tourist like myself enjoys chilling around the hotel room or Airbnb watching movies or shows at the end of a long day. Rather than channel-surfing for hours, only to find nothing good on, I want to relax and watch content that I believe suits the setting I’m visiting.

Bringing my own discs to ensure I have access to said content is simply not an option. First, there’s the strong possibility that the place I’m staying at won’t have the hardware needed to play said discs. Second, I obviously can’t justify taking up limited luggage space with DVDs and Blu-rays, all of which I might worry about getting damaged in transit.

Luckily, the TVs in many of today’s hotel rooms and Airbnbs do allow guests to access their own streaming accounts. That’s one reason I don’t cancel my subscriptions. When I’m away from home, they guarantee I can still watch the content I want to watch.

Streaming services are helpful for travel in general

Watching content on-the-go is practically impossible with physical media

Again, as a physical media fan, I’m thoroughly convinced of the advantages physical media offers over other formats. One of those advantages is superior audio and video quality. Because I prioritize how my content looks and sounds, you may think I’d consider it blasphemy to watch a movie or show on a mobile device.

The problem is, sometimes a mobile device is the only option. This may be the case during a long train ride. Yes, I can read a book, but sometimes I’d just prefer to pass the time with some casual viewing.

I don’t need to explain why it would basically be impossible for me to watch a DVD or Blu-ray while traveling. That’s another reason I won’t ditch streaming services. When I’m in a situation like a train ride or a waiting room, they let me access hours of entertainment via a small mobile device.

Streaming platforms help you plan themed viewing sessions

Streaming services offer access to a large volume of content that’s ideal for themed binging

While I can’t justify rotting on the couch and binging content for hours most of the time, every now and then, the opportunity to devote an afternoon to watching movies and shows arises. I often like to use this time to build a viewing session around a theme.

For example, I’m writing this a few days before Halloween. Obviously, a horror movie marathon is one way to watch a lot of similar content in one sitting. However, maybe I want to mix things up a bit. Maybe I want a couple of horror movies, as well as a couple of Halloween episodes from TV shows. Maybe I want to watch some comfort content I’ve seen more often than my own reflection, as well as new shows and films I’ve yet to experience.

This is another instance in which having streaming platform subscriptions is very helpful. It’s unlikely I’ll own physical copies of all the content I might want to watch during one of these themed viewing sessions. Luckily, with the right streaming service accounts, that doesn’t limit how I curate these sessions.

Streaming platforms let you easily introduce new content to friends

You likely won’t always have a disc on hand when you want to make a friend watch something

Say you’re spending a night with friends and family. Maybe you all decide you want to watch a movie or show. Perhaps it’s one you’ve personally recommended. Unless you planned ahead of time, odds are good you won’t have a disc of that show or movie available at the moment.

This may have prevented you from watching the content you wanted to watch in the past. These days, that’s not an issue. All you have to do is access your streaming accounts, and you can share any content you like with those in your presence.

Don’t get me wrong: If I was forced to choose between the two options, it wouldn’t even be a choice. Physical media would obviously win out. Fortunately, I don’t have to choose. That’s ideal, because as these examples demonstrate, there are certainly occasions when streaming platforms still prove their worth.