Battling within your mind over Netflix and Amazon Prime Video? Look no further; this guide will answer all your queries!
Deciding between Amazon Prime and Netflix has been a struggle for many due to the established popularity of both streaming platforms. For years, they have been competing against each other, each developing their fanbase of users.
When considering the differences between Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, one must remember that they offer gripping originals and foreign-sourced programs. But you can find not all shows or movies on both, so it is wise to research before subscribing.
When abroad, one needs a VPN to access American streaming platforms such as Netflix or Disney Plus. ExpressVPN is the ideal choice, offering high speeds and secure servers.
Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are two of the most popular streaming services in the world. Both offer many movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original content. However, some differences between the two services set them apart.
Weighing the pros and cons of both Netflix and Amazon Prime can be difficult without looking into the finer details. To make the correct decision, this guide provides an extensive review of both platforms. We compare the cost of each and their video quality to give a comprehensive breakdown of which streaming service will be best for you.
Netflix vs. Amazon Prime Video: Quick comparison
Features | Netflix | Amazon Prime Video |
---|---|---|
Website | www.netflix.com | www.amazon.com/prime |
Introduction | Netflix is a streaming platform that offers a vast collection of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and a growing library of original content. It was founded in 1997 and has since become the world’s leading streaming service, with over 74.3 million subscribers in more than 190 countries. Netflix is known for its user-friendly interface, personalized recommendations, and popular original series. | Amazon Prime Video is a streaming service that offers a broad range of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original content. It is part of the Amazon Prime subscription, including free shipping, music streaming, and exclusive deals. Amazon Prime Video launched in 2006 and has grown to become a significant player in the streaming industry. |
Launched | 1997 | 2006 |
Content library | 100,000 TV shows and movies/ 40,000 hours of content. | 40,000 streaming TV shows and movies/ 26,500 hours of content. |
Pricing | SD (480p): up to1 GB; HD (720p): up to 3 GB; Full HD (1080p): up to 4.5 GB; Ultra HD (4K): up to 7 GB | Yearly Amazon Prime membership costs $99 (includes one free Kindle book per month, unlimited free 2-day delivery, and free same-day shipping on some products and orders over $35). |
Streaming quality | SD (480p): 0.7 GB/hour; HD (720p): 1 to 2.5 GB/hour; Full HD (1080p): 1.5 to 3 GB /hour; UHD (4K): 8 GB/hour. | SD (480p): 0.7 GB/hour; HD (720p): 1 to 2.5 GB/hour;Full HD (1080p): 1.5 to 3 GB /hour; UHD (4K): 8 GB/hour. |
Advertisements | No | No |
User experience | Intuitive and easy to navigate, even for first-time users. | Simplified navigation menu. |
Original content | Yes, including Stranger Things, The Crown, Narcos, Orange Is the New Black, The Witcher, The Umbrella Academy, Ozark, House of Cards, Bridgerton, Bird Box, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, The Irishman, Roma, Mank, and Da 5 Bloods. | Yes, including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Jack Ryan, The Boys, Transparent, Mozart in the Jungle, The Man in the High Castle, Hanna, Bosch, Good Omens, Upload, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, Coming 2 America, Sound of Metal, One Night in Miami, and The Big Sick. |
Subscribers | 230.7 million subscribers. | 161.7 million subscribers. |
Audio quality | 5.1 surround sound or Dolby Atmos. | Stereo or Dolby Digital 5.1. |
Additional features | Do not offer live sports or live TV channels. | Includes access to Amazon Prime’s other services, such as free shipping, music streaming, and exclusive deals, and offers live sports and live TV channels. |
Netflix or Amazon: Which has the best library video streaming service
Both Netflix and Amazon offer a wide range of content for their subscribers, but which service has the better library is subjective and depends on individual preferences.
Netflix has a vast library of original content, including hit shows like Stranger Things, The Crown, and Narcos and many movies and TV shows from other studios. The service is known for its innovative programming and has won numerous awards for its original productions.
Amazon Prime Video also offers a wide range of content, including original shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Jack Ryan, The Man in the High Castle, and many movies and TV shows from other studios. Also, Amazon offers a pay-per-view service allowing users to rent or buy new releases.
Regarding streaming content, Netflix reigns supreme, with various captivating original productions from diverse genres. Its impressive library of content features series like Black Mirror, The Crown, Bojack Horseman, Locke and Key, Dead to Me, Never Have I Ever, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Umbrella Academy, Ozark, Russian Doll, Orange Is the New Black, Stranger Things, The Queen’s Gambit, and The Witcher. Despite the breadth of its content, Netflix is now compelled to discontinue shows to keep costs down. In the end, Netflix is the service with the best collection.
Netflix vs. Amazon Prime Video: Pricing and plans
Netflix offers Basic, Standard, and Premium plans. The Basic plan costs $8.99 monthly and allows you to stream on one screen in high definition. You may watch in full high definition on two screens simultaneously with the $13.99 Standard package. The Premium package costs $17.99 monthly, enabling 4K Ultra HD streaming across four screens.
One thing to remember is that Netflix does not offer live TV, so you won’t be able to watch live sports or news events through the service. However, plenty of original shows, movies, and popular titles from other studios exist.
An Amazon Prime subscription, which costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year, includes access to Amazon Prime Video. Free two-day delivery, access to Prime Music and Reading, and special prices on some goods are all included with this subscription. At $8.99 a month, you may get a solo subscription if you only want Amazon Prime Video.
Users can simultaneously use three streams from the same Amazon account and two distinct streams of the same content. The service does not, however, provide as many original titles as Netflix, and your region may affect the availability of some films and TV episodes. Live sports and news events are another key pull Amazon Prime Video provides for certain users.
Netflix has an advantage over Amazon Prime Video because of its various plans. You may choose a more expensive plan from Netflix if you view many videos.
Netflix vs. Amazon Prime Video: Overall experience
With it now evident that there is a disparity between Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, it is important to understand their respective natures. The following is an in-depth comparison of the two streaming platforms and their distinct user interfaces.
User experience
It is evident to anyone who has utilized both platforms that there is a great disparity in the user experience. Netflix has garnered a reputation for its user-friendly interface and smooth navigation.
In contrast, Amazon Prime Video can be rather complex to comprehend. For individuals unfamiliar with technology, Netflix immediately emerges as the superior option. User experience is key in comparing Netflix and Amazon Prime Video and between HBO Max and Netflix or Hulu or Peacock.
App usage
Netflix has a more positive user experience than Amazon Prime Video, but the latter’s app is simply outstanding. Prime Video app can run efficiently with various gadgets, notably with devices from Amazon like Echo and Alexa speakers, which run at remarkable speeds. Unlike Netflix, the Amazon Prime Video app provides an uninterrupted experience with no feature-related flaws.
Device compatibility
To assist you in finding the right streaming service, here is a list of devices compatible with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Identify if either of the two streaming giants supports your device and make your choice between the two accordingly.
Compatible devices | Netflix | Amazon Prime Video |
---|---|---|
Smart TVs | Many modern smart TVs come with a pre-installed Netflix app, including models from Samsung, LG, Sony, and others. | Many smart TVs come with a pre-installed Amazon Prime Video app, including models from Samsung, LG, Sony, and others. |
Streaming media players | Popular streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV all support Netflix. | Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and other popular streaming devices all support Amazon Prime Video. |
Game consoles | Netflix is available on popular gaming consoles like Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. | Amazon Prime Video is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. |
Mobile devices | You can access Netflix on iOS and Android smartphones and tablets through the Netflix app. | The Amazon Prime Video app is available for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. |
Computers | You can access Netflix through a web browser on Windows and macOS computers. | You can access Amazon Prime Video through a web browser on Windows and macOS computers. |
Set-top boxes | Devices like the TiVo and Virgin Media set-top boxes also support Netflix. | Some set-top boxes, including TiVo and Virgin Media, support Amazon Prime Video. |
Blu-ray players | Some Blu-ray players from manufacturers like Sony, Samsung, and LG also support Netflix. | Some Blu-ray players from manufacturers like Sony, Samsung, and LG also support Amazon Prime Video. |
Cable or satellite boxes | Some cable and satellite providers also offer access to Netflix through their set-top boxes. | Some cable and satellite providers offer access to Amazon Prime Video through their set-top boxes. |
Personalization
When comparing Netflix vs. Amazon Prime subscribers, many agree that Netflix offers the best experience with its fully customizable platform. In addition to setting parental controls and restrictions on viewing options, you can use the same account to create up to five individual profiles.
Configuring Amazon Prime Video requires an official agreement with Amazon Household, which may be slightly challenging.
While it’s easy to assume Netflix will win the battle against Amazon Prime Video, the latter does offer several perks. The Amazon marketplace allows buying additional channels for your account, and their settings option is quite accessible. To access the Netflix settings, you must log into your account.
Features
Neither of these platforms can store content compared to the plethora of other streaming options. Netflix allows users to download shows and movies, whereas Amazon Prime Video fails to deliver the same capability – a notable shortcoming.
In comparison to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video offers a standard fee for HD streaming quality, making it more advantageous than subscribing to one of Netflix’s more costly advanced plans for the same quality.
Amazon Prime Video is compatible with multiple devices, yet it restricts viewers to the same content on any other device. In contrast, Netflix allows subscribers to enjoy various content across devices on the same subscription.
Simultaneous streams
For households with more than one viewer, the capability to stream simultaneously across multiple devices is a must.
If you’re a Netflix enthusiast, you must pay for at least the Standard package to watch movies and shows on multiple gadgets. If more than two devices are to be utilized for streaming, you must invest in the Premium plan, which costs $19.99.
Streaming on several devices is possible with many of Amazon Video’s solutions. In particular, three devices can show different materials simultaneously, whereas only two can show the same thing.
Netflix vs. Amazon Video content
The rivalry between Netflix and Amazon Prime Video has nothing to do with the material they offer. You may choose whichever streaming service best suits you from the great selection of movies and TV series they offer.
Compared to Amazon Prime Video, Netflix is renowned for its wide range of original programming. But acquiring the rights to stream existing shows can take quite a long time. Thus, Amazon Prime Video has the advantage regarding official season releases.
With an expansive library of unique titles, Amazon Prime Video is your best bet if you search for your favorite show but can’t locate it online.
This platform offers a unique feature that other streaming services, like Netflix, don’t have: you can buy or rent individual episodes before the official broadcast.
It is essential to note that content selection varies depending on the region for both platforms. If you want to watch shows and movies such as Tin Star Season 3, which are not available in the United States but can be accessed in other countries, you can use a VPN.
ExpressVPN stands out among other VPNs as the most reliable option for accessing Netflix content, with the ability to quickly switch regions and remedy any error codes encountered with Disney Plus and Netflix.
Netflix vs. Amazon Prime Video: Offline viewing
Both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are similar in terms of their offline viewing capability. However, the only difference is the number of devices to which you can download the content, irrespective of your chosen plan.
Regarding Netflix, the number of devices one can stream and download to is predetermined by the type of plan chosen; Basic plans limit customers to one device. In contrast, with Amazon Prime Video, users can achieve multiple device downloads without additional cost.
Compared to Netflix, which allows up to 100 simultaneous downloads, Prime Video only allows 25 downloads. Regardless of which service is used, the expiration window for unwatched content is 30 days, while users must complete a watched download within 48 hours before it vanishes.
Netflix vs. Amazon Prime Video: Movies and TV shows
Movies
Categorizing the material on both sites is difficult due to their great diversity. With Amazon Prime Video, subscribers can access exclusive movies such as Thirteen Lives, Anything’s Possible, Emergency, Lucy and Desi, Being the Ricardos, I Want You Back, and The Electrical Life of Louis Wain.
Among Netflix’s originals are What Happened to Mr. Cha?, Tribhanga – Tedhi Medhi Crazy, The Last Paradiso, Finding ʻOhana, Pieces of a Woman, and The White Tiger.
TV shows
For a riveting experience, check out Netflix’s collection of Oggy and the Cockroaches: Next Generation, We Can Be Heroes, Cuphead Show, Man Vs. Bee, Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight, and The Sea Beast! All these titles guarantee a fun time.
Amazon Prime’s list of featured shows includes Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Reacher, Judy Justice, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Outer Range, and The Wheel of Time.
Netflix vs. Amazon Prime Video: Pros and cons
Netflix
Pros:
- Offers a vast library of content, including a large selection of original content
- Offers a user-friendly interface with personalized recommendations
- Supports multiple user profiles for personalized viewing experiences
- Offers multiple pricing plans to fit different budgets and needs
- Available on a wide range of devices
Cons:
- Does not offer live TV or sports
- The content library may vary depending on the location
- Original content is only available on Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Pros:
- Offers a wide selection of content, including movies, TV shows, and live sports events
- Includes additional Amazon Prime services like free two-day shipping on Amazon purchases and Prime Music
- Supports multiple user profiles with parental controls
- Available on a wide range of devices
- Allows users to rent or purchase additional movies and TV shows not available in the included library
Cons:
- It can clutter the interface with additional Amazon services
- Original content selection is not as extensive as Netflix
- Some content may require additional payment even with a Prime membership
- It may include advertisements for Amazon products and services in the viewing experience
Netflix vs. Amazon Prime Video: Which one is best
Amazon Prime Video certainly holds its own due to its unique offerings, including add-on channels and live sports, yet Netflix still stands as the top streaming service. It is due to its revolutionary features and the diverse range of content available, from original titles to selections to appeal to every type of viewer. For its extensive library and versatility, Netflix earns the title of Editors’ Choice for mainstream streaming services.
Netflix or Amazon Prime Video: Which one should you choose
Deciding between Netflix and Amazon Prime can be difficult, but this case study can offer you guidance to help you make a clear choice. Amazon Prime Video has an advantage over Netflix due to its 30-day free trial, enabling users to assess the platform and decide whether to stay or try it. For those who prefer more diverse plans, Netflix is the ideal choice.
Conclusion
Netflix has an undisputed advantage over its competitors in the streaming industry, holding the majority of the market share at 80%, while Amazon Prime Video follows at 16%.
Deciding between Amazon Prime and Netflix is not easy due to their position as giants in the industry, as each platform has its benefits and drawbacks. However, if you decide you no longer want one or both services, canceling them is straightforward.
With all that you now know, it’s easy to understand how a VPN can help you watch geo-restricted content while traveling. If you want to watch US Netflix on Apple TV or Japanese Netflix on PS4 or PS5, ExpressVPN is a great option.
After thoroughly examining every element of the competition between Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, it is hoped that a decision has been reached. We wish you an enjoyable streaming experience ahead!
FAQs
While Netflix does not feature live sports, Amazon Prime Video has some available, such as NFL games during football season and AVP pro volleyball during summer, without additional cost. To access live NBA games, you can add NBA TV for a fee of $6.99 per month, purchase the NBA League Pass for $28.99 per month for access to all teams, or $17.99 per month for a single-team pass.
Netflix boasts around 5,000 films per month, only a third of Prime Video’s whopping 25,000-title selection. Nevertheless, Netflix’s catalog stands out with many original and international films unavailable on Prime Video.
Prime Video allows users to rent a selection of old and recent movies and TV series, while Netflix does not offer this feature. The prices of recent theatrical-release movies on Prime Video are typical $3.99 to $19.99, with a rental period of 30 days.