Netflix and Amazon Prime Video lead the video-on-demand (VOD) streaming market in the number one and two positions of active users. Both services produce original shows and movies, have won awards for their content, and provide access to popular licensed programs that cycle through their catalogs.
Unlike some other streaming services, Amazon Prime Video only has one plan. Its one-size-fits-all offering comes with a Prime membership and includes plenty of perks, such as standard 4K Ultra HD video quality. Netflix, on the other hand, offers a three-tier model, with Basic, Standard, and Premium options.
Plans and pricing for Amazon Prime Video and Netflix
Amazon Prime Video comes with an Amazon Prime membership. But you can opt to purchase a standalone video membership for $8.99/mo. With Netflix, there are three different plan options – Basic ($8.99/mo.), Standard ($13.99/mo.), Premium ($17.99). The main differences between the tiers are that the higher levels offer HD and/or Ultra HD, plus additional screens that you can watch on simultaneously ( 1 for Basic, 2 for Standard, 4 with Premium).
| Amazon Prime Video | Netflix Basic | |
| Monthly price | 8.99/mo. | $8.99/mo. |
| Free trial length | 30 days | N/A |
| Number of titles | 40,000+ | 8,000+ |
| Original content available? | Yes | Yes |
| Streaming quality | 4K | SD |
Comparing the Amazon Prime vs. Netflix experience
As two of the leading VOD streaming services in the US, Amazon Prime Video and Netflix share several functionalities, such as multiple profiles and personalization options.
User experience
Netflix has a sleek, nicely-optimized user interface that is easy to use on several different devices. Amazon’s interfaces are more complicated and less integrated — making browsing and overall navigation a bit more difficult. This may be because Prime Video is one of the numerous services housed within the Amazon marketplace, while Netflix is 100% vested in your VOD experience.
App usage
Even though Amazon’s user interface falls short compared to Netflix’s, its app actually works quite well with Amazon devices, like Alexa and the Echo speaker. Whether you are casting through an Amazon Fire TV Stick or watching with a mobile device, Amazon manages your other streaming services, like CBS All Access, HBO GO, Netflix, and more. Netflix offers continuity across devices, while Amazon Prime Video, on the other hand, does not. Amazon’s interface shines when it comes to the company’s own content, but the platform is also a viable interface for other apps. And one of the best parts of the Amazon Prime Video app is the number of channels and apps that are available.
Device compatibility
Amazon Prime Video:
- Amazon devices
- Amazon Fire TV
- Android devices
- Android TV
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast
- iOS devices
- Nintendo
- Roku
- Smart TVs
- Web browsers
- Xbox
Netflix:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Android devices
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast
- iOS devices
- Nintendo
- Nvidia Shield
- PlayStation
- Roku
- Smart TVs
- Wii
- Web browsers
- Xbox
Personalization
Netflix allows you to customize up to five profiles on one account. You can set parental controls on each profile. The service also permits you to limit available viewing options by requiring a special code to access certain types of content. Creating profiles with Amazon Prime Video is a little more complicated. If you are a Prime member, you can link your membership with that of your significant other — Amazon Household lets you share your digital library and wallet.
When it comes to add-on features, Amazon Prime knocks it out of the park. It surpasses Netflix in this area because it does what Amazon does best — it functions as a marketplace. The service offers several add-on channels you can purchase to further customize your experience, like Showtime and STARZ.
The setting controls for Amazon Prime Video are accessible on Android and iOS devices by navigating to My Stuff at the bottom of your screen and then hitting the Settings icon. Netflix requires you to click on the Account menu option to access your settings.
Features
As a premium streaming service, Amazon Prime Video does not have DVR storage like Sling TV. Instead, you can download videos as you wish. Netflix may not have DVR storage either, but similar to Amazon Prime Video, you can download shows and movies for offline viewing.
Netflix offers simultaneous streaming — the number of devices depends on your plan. The Basic plan only lets you stream one device at a time. The Standard option gives you two streams, and the Premium offering provides four. With Amazon Prime Video, you can stream up to three videos simultaneously, but you can only watch one title on two devices at the same time.
Amazon Video vs. Netflix content
Amazon Prime Video and Netflix diverge when it comes to content. Amazon Prime Video offers more titles, while Netflix shines when it comes to original programming. Both streaming services have won awards for their original shows and movies. With Amazon Studios, you have Manchester by the Sea, The Salesman, and Paterson. Netflix features titles such as Icarus, Roma, The Irishman, Stranger Things, The Crown, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
Netflix tends to be a bit slow when it comes to licensing shows — it is typically a season behind. Amazon, on the other hand, gives you the option to rent or buy episodes of new content following initial broadcast — an option not provided by Netflix. Amazon is a good bet if you enjoy watching hard-to-find shows and movies. Amazon Prime Video also provides access to several HBO shows like Deadwood, Succession, The Sopranos, and The Wire.
The Final Cut
Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are two of the best VOD streaming services on the market. Amazon Prime Video offers an incredibly large content library, and Netflix excels when it comes to original programming. While both are great options, if you are already part of the Amazon universe, you might prefer Amazon Prime Video. Amazon Prime Video offers a 30-day free trial period. This will give you plenty of time to give that service a try and see how it compares to Netflix.