Netflix versus Amazon Prime Video are two of the biggest names in the world of streaming, each with millions of subscribers and a massive selection of shows, movies, and original content. Netflix, the global leader, is known for its vast library and groundbreaking original series. Meanwhile, Amazon Prime Video, a strong competitor, offers not only not only a wide variety of entertainment but also additional benefits for Amazon Prime members.
Choosing between these two platforms can be tricky because both offer unique benefits. Our blog post will compare Netflix vs. Amazon Prime Video in 2024, looking at content libraries, pricing, user experience, and more.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix dominates with 260.28 million subscribers globally, reflecting higher user satisfaction compared to Amazon Prime Video’s 200 million subscribers.
- Amazon Prime Video offers a more budget-friendly option while Netflix’s equivalent features require a more expensive Premium plan.
- TurisVPN is essential for travelers who want to keep watching their favorite shows while abroad, without any regional content restrictions
Netflix vs Amazon Prime: Overview
Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are two giants that offer a wide range of content, each with its own unique features and benefits:
About Netflix
Netflix, founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph, began as a DVD rental service by mail before transitioning to streaming in 2007. It quickly grew to become the world’s largest streaming platform.
With hit series like Stranger Things, The Witcher, and Bridgerton, Netflix continuously expands its catalog with new releases every week. The service is known for high-quality original programming, making it a go-to platform for binge-worthy series and exclusive films.
About Amazon
Amazon Prime Video is another top-tier streaming service. It was launched in 2006 as Amazon Unbox, and is part of the larger Amazon Prime subscription service.
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, introduced Prime Video as a way to offer digital video content to Amazon customers, eventually rebranding it as Amazon Instant Video before settling on Prime Video in 2015.
Prime Video stands out by offering not only a vast library of movies and TV shows but also exclusive Amazon Originals like The Boys and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. In addition, as part of the Amazon Prime membership, subscribers also enjoy benefits like free shipping, access to Amazon Music, and more.
Netflix vs Amazon Prime: Detailed Comparison
In this detailed comparison, we decided to focus on a few key factors influencing the viewers’ experience: pricing plans, library size, original content, streaming experience, device compatitability, popularity and community.
This will help you determine whether Netflix or Amazon Prime Video is the best fit for your entertainment needs in 2024.
Netflix vs Amazon Prime Video: Pricing plans
When comparing Netflix versus Amazon Prime Video, pricing is one of the most important factors to consider.
Both platforms suggest a variety of plans, but there are key differences that could influence your decision based on your budget and streaming needs.
Netflix
Netflix offers several plans to cater to different viewing preferences and budgets:
- Basic with Ads: $6.99/month – This plan is Netflix’s most affordable option, but it comes with ads and only supports streaming in 720p (HD) quality. Moreover, it does not give access to the full Netflix catalog or features.
- Basic: $9.99/month – This plan removes ads and maintains the 720p video quality. However, it still limits the number of simultaneous streams to one and doesn’t support higher video resolutions.
- Standard: $15.49/month – This plan increases the video quality to 1080p (HD) and allows for two simultaneous streams, making it a better option for families or those who prefer higher resolution.
- Premium: $19.99/month – The most expensive Netflix plan offers 4K Ultra HD quality and allows for four simultaneous streams, which is ideal for households with multiple users or those with 4K TVs.
Netflix does not have a free trial, which could be a drawback for new users who want to try the service before subscribing.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video’s pricing plan is a bit different:
- Prime Video Standalone: $8.99 per month – This plan gives you access to Amazon Prime Video’s entire library, including 4K Ultra HD content, without any ads. It’s a straightforward option for those who only want video streaming without the additional benefits of a full Amazon Prime membership.
- Amazon Prime Membership: $14.99 per month or $139 per year – This includes all the benefits of Amazon Prime Video along with other perks like free shipping on Amazon orders, Amazon Music, Prime Reading, and more. This makes the full Amazon Prime membership a great value if you already use Amazon’s services regularly.
- Add-Ons: Amazon Prime Video also offers additional channels and services, such as HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz, which can be added to your subscription for an extra fee.
Amazon Prime Video has a 30-day free trial, which allows users to explore its offerings before making a decision. This trial period could be a significant advantage for those still on the fence.
Verdict: Amazon Prime Video takes the cake!
When it comes to budget-friendly options, Amazon Prime Video might be the better deal overall due to its lower cost and additional benefits. The standalone Prime Video plan is cheaper than Netflix’s ad-free Basic plan, and it includes 4K streaming without requiring a premium tier subscription.
However, if you’re focused on streaming and want the best viewing quality with no ads, Netflix’s Premium plan offers the highest resolution and multiple user profiles, despite being at a higher price.
Netflix vs Amazon Prime Video: Library size
Netflix
Globally, a Netflix user can expect access to around 7,000 to 7,500 titles in their local catalog on average. But the availability of these titles varies by country due to licensing agreements.
For example, Netflix UK offers around 7,599 titles, covering a wide range of genres, including drama, comedy, documentaries, anime, and reality TV.
Netflix is also famous for its original content, which includes popular series like Stranger Things, The Crown, Ozark, and The Witcher. However, one downside is that Netflix frequently cancels shows to manage its budget, sometimes leaving fans without closure on their favorite series.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video also has a large content library that rivals Netflix in terms of quantity and variety. The platform provides access to between 7,500 and 9,500 titles, depending on the region, with Prime Video US offering over 5,000 movies and 2,300 TV shows.
In addition to a wide selection of movies and shows, Amazon Prime Video stands out by offering live sports events, such as NFL Thursday Night Football, making it a unique choice for sports fans. Amazon’s acquisition of MGM has also expanded its library, adding more classic Hollywood films and franchises.
Verdict: It’s a tie.
There isn’t a clear winner. Both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have vast libraries, with Amazon Prime Video slightly edging out Netflix in some regions.
Netflix excels in high-quality original series and a wide variety of genres, while Amazon Prime Video provides a comparable selection of movies and shows, plus the added benefit of live sports and other Amazon Prime perks.
Netflix vs Amazon Prime Video: Original content
Netflix
Netflix is widely recognized for its massive investment in original programming. As of 2024, Netflix has produced over 3,700 original movies and TV series across various genres.
Some of its original content has become cultural phenomena, with series like Stranger Things, Money Heist, Squid Game, and Wednesday drawing millions of viewers worldwide.
Netflix’s commitment to producing diverse and high-quality content has also paid off in terms of critical acclaim, with the platform earning 135 Emmys and 22 Oscars to date.
Furthermore, Netflix plans to make 75% of its content library either Original or Exclusive by the end of 2024, solidifying its position as a leader in streaming content.
Amazon Prime Video
Since it started, Amazon Prime Video has produced about 350 original titles. Despite having a smaller library, Amazon has created popular and critically acclaimed series like The Boys, Fleabag, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
Amazon’s strategy focuses on producing fewer but highly impactful shows, which has helped it stand out in the streaming market.
Verdict: Netflix wins!
Netflix is far ahead of Amazon Prime Video with its large and varied library of original content.. However, Amazon Prime Video offers a smaller but carefully chosen selection of high-quality shows that have also resonated well with audiences.
Netflix vs Amazon Prime Video: Streaming experience
Netflix
Netflix provides a range of streaming quality options depending on the subscription plan:
- The Basic plan provides streaming in 720p HD, which is suitable for users with slower internet connections or those watching on smaller screens.
- The Standard plan upgrades this to 1080p Full HD, offering a sharper image quality for most users.
- For those who want the best possible experience, the Premium plan allows streaming in 4K Ultra HD with HDR, ideal for large screens and home theater setups.
Netflix also supports offline viewing, allowing you to download content to watch later without an internet connection. This feature is particularly useful for travelers or anyone who wants to watch movies and shows on the go. However, this offline viewing feature is not available on macOS devices.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video provides a similar streaming experience but with a few key differences.
All Prime Video subscribers can access 4K Ultra HD content at no additional cost, making it more accessible compared to Netflix’s tiered approach. The platform also supports 1080p Full HD and 720p HD streaming, ensuring a range of options for different devices and internet speeds.
Offline viewing is another feature Amazon Prime Video offers, allowing users to download movies and TV shows for later viewing on any device that supports the Prime Video app. This makes it easy to enjoy your favorite content even without a steady internet connection.
Verdict: Amazon Prime Video secures the win.
Amazon Prime Video offers 4K streaming without extra costs, which makes it a huge advantage over Netflix. Amazon’s approach to providing high-quality streaming to all users without charging more makes it the better choice in this category.
Netflix vs Amazon Prime Video: Devices compatibility
Netflix
Netflix is highly versatile and works on almost any device you can think of. It’s available on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, streaming devices and even basic web browsers on your computer.
You can connect multiple devices to your Netflix account, with the number of devices depending on your subscription plan (1 device for Basic, 2 for Standard, and 4 for Premium).
However, one limitation for Mac users is that Netflix doesn’t offer a dedicated app for macOS. You’ll need to stream through a web browser, which means you can’t download content for offline viewing.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is also compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. It’s especially well-integrated with Amazon’s own Fire TV devices and Fire tablets.
One unique advantage is that Amazon Prime Video offers a dedicated app for macOS, which allows Mac users to download content for offline viewing—something Netflix doesn’t provide.
Who wins: Amazon Prime Video!
Amazon Prime Video comes out on top because it offers an app for Mac users, allowing offline viewing, and integrates well with Fire TV devices. Both platforms work on most devices, but Amazon’s small advantages make it a bit more flexible.
Netflix vs Amazon Prime Video: Community & popularity
Netflix
Netflix remains the most popular streaming service globally, with 260.28 million subscribers. This is no surprise, as Netflix has been a pioneer in the streaming industry since its inception in 1998. According to surveys, 36% of users report Netflix as their favorite streaming platform, thanks to its intuitive interface and consistent quality.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video isn’t far behind with nearly 200 million subscribers. It’s grown a lot because it’s part of the larger Amazon ecosystem, offering perks like free shipping and exclusive deals along with video streaming.
However, only 14% of users consider it their favorite platform, which shows Netflix is still preferred by more people.
Verdict: Netflix is the clear winner!
Netflix comes out on top in community and popularity due to having more subscribers and higher user satisfaction. Amazon Prime Video is a strong contender but doesn’t quite match Netflix’s level of engagement and preference among users.
Here’s a brief summary table to help you compare Netflix versus Amazon Prime Video:
| Feature | Netflix | Amazon Prime Video |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Plans | $6.99 to $19.99/month, 4K only on Premium. | $8.99/month with 4K included, free trial available. |
| Library Size | 7,000-7,500 titles globally, strong originals. | 7,500-9,500 titles, including live sports. |
| Original Content | Over 3,700 original titles, widely acclaimed. | About 350 originals, focused on quality over quantity. |
| Streaming Experience | 4K on Premium plan; offline viewing (no macOS app). | 4K included in the base plan; offline viewing with macOS app. |
| Device Compatibility | Works on most devices, lacks macOS offline viewing app. | Compatible with most devices, includes macOS app for offline viewing. |
| Community & Popularity | 260.28 million subscribers, high user satisfaction. | Nearly 200 million subscribers |
Final Verdict:
Netflix wins in original content and popularity. Amazon Prime Video offers better pricing, streaming experience, and device compatibility. So it’s up to your priorities (content variety vs. streaming quality and cost), either platform could be the better fit for your needs.
Stream Your Favorite Shows Non-stop With TurisVPN
Nothing is more frustrating than running into regional restrictions or slow connections when streaming your favorite shows on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.
Whether you’re traveling abroad and can’t access your usual content, or you’re dealing with network blocks at school or work, TurisVPN is your solution.
Why You Need TurisVPN for Streaming Netflix or Amazon Prime Video
- Access content anywhere: Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have different libraries depending on your location. With TurisVPN, you can easily switch your virtual location to access your home country’s content, no matter where you are.
- Bypass network restrictions: Sometimes, public Wi-Fi or school/work networks block streaming services. TurisVPN’s encryption hides your activity, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted streaming.
- Secure your data: Streaming on public Wi-Fi can expose you to cyber threats. TurisVPN secures your connection, keeping your personal information safe from prying eyes.
How to Stream Smoothly on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video with TurisVPN
- Step 1: Signing up for TurisVPN, download and install the app on your device.
- Step 2: Open the TurisVPN app and choose a server in the country whose content library you want to access, or simply select the fastest server for smooth streaming.
- Step 3: With TurisVPN running in the background, you can now watch your favorite shows on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video without any issues.
FAQs
Q1. Which is better, Amazon Prime Video or Netflix?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Netflix excels with its vast library of original and exclusive content, making it ideal for binge-watchers and fans of unique shows. Amazon Prime Video, on the other hand, offers more value with its competitive pricing and additional perks like free shipping, music streaming, and more.
Q2. Do Amazon Prime members get Netflix for free?
No, Netflix and Amazon Prime are separate platforms. While Amazon Prime includes access to Amazon Prime Video, it doesn’t provide a free Netflix subscription. To watch Netflix, you need a separate Netflix account.
