Which Streaming Service Should You Choose? Amazon Prime Video Or Netflix?

Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are two of the best streaming services on the market. At the moment, the number of global paid subscribers of Netflix is 155 mil while there are over 100 mil subscribers on Amazon Prime. Both are great and have their own audiences. But people are still debating which one is better. With this article, we will break down different criteria to compare the two streaming services, so you can decide for yourself, whether to go with Netflix or Amazon Prime.

1. Content

The first and foremost criterion. We will consider the two streaming sites’ catalog size as well as content diversity.

1.1 Originals

Netflix, hands down, has the best original content. The platform with its vast content of interesting series, films, documentaries, and comedy specials is miles ahead of its rival. Netflix is the one behind famous series like Stranger Things, Black Mirror, The Crown, Bojack Horseman, Wild Wild Country, Roma, and many more. The platform has taken home several awards like the Emmy, Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and Golden Globe.

Meanwhile, Amazon Prime Video has a decent collection of originals but some of them have great quality. Amazon Prime Video has produced popular shows including Bosch, Fleabag, Mozart in the Jungle, The Man in the High Castle, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and many more. Some have been nominated for the Emmy Awards.

It is clear that Netflix is better in creating original content with sharp writing, editing, and screenplay. So if original content is your thing, it’s better to go with Netflix.

1.2 Licensed Content

While Netflix may win in the original content criterion, for licensed content, it is Amazon which takes the lead. A 2018 report suggested that Amazon spent over $5 billion in exclusive streaming rights acquisition. Amazon’s $250 million spent on Lord of the Rings’ digital rights is the highest sum that has ever been paid for a TV show.

On Netflix, there are also many popular shows like Friends, Planet Earth, The Office, and more. Netflix houses a lot of anime content as well. The platform’s licensed content accounts for 60%. But that figure is going to shrink further since Disney is in the process of launching its own streaming platform this year. Netflix relies heavily on Warner Bros and Disney for its licensed content. So once the two giants are gone, things aren’t going to end well. For those who want mainstream movies and shows, Amazon Prime Video is for you.

1.3 Regional Content

Amazon Prime Video wins again with its regional content. Amazon has been offering mainstream content of several regional media studios in India on its platform. Subtitles are also available for global audiences.

Netflix meanwhile has been offering regional content like indie films, documentaries, anime from different countries. Just like Amazon, subtitles are also available on Netflix. The difference here is that those categories of Netflix are niche while Amazon Prime Video is offering mainstream content.

1.4 Live TV And Sports

While Netflix has no interest for live TV streaming, Amazon, on the other hand, is projecting itself as a traditional cable TV’s replacement. Just recently, Prime Video Channels were launched. With this new section, you get to watch live TV content like news, sports as well as channels NBA, HBO, Showtime, and many more. Amazon Prime Video is for you if you want live TV solution.

2. Video Quality

Video quality is the next thing we consider. Both platforms offer 4K Ultra with HDR streaming depending on users’ streaming plan and device. But, for the audio department, Netflix with its Dolby Atmos, is leading ahead. Amazon supports Dolby Digital Audio, however, it is limited to 1080p titles. The number of 4K HDR titles on Netflix is much higher.

In terms of bitrate, while 4K content is streamed at 15Mbps, Netflix streams content at 25Mbps. So you will get better quality with Netflix. But you have to take into account your internet bandwidth. With the low bitrate, videos are streamed faster on Amazon. Both platforms have the modern tech, but it all comes down to your own preferences.

3. User Experience

When compared with Amazon, Netflix has much more cohesive UI with awesome features like Skip Intro, Data Saver, Smart Downloads, and Credits. An option for stories is also added, with which you can get a sneak peek of personalized shows and movies. Moreover, Netflix’s recommendation engine works much better. New contents regularly show up on users’ homepage.

Having said that, the UI of Amazon Prime Video is not bad either. All the standard features are on Prime Video. You can even choose the video quality. Content can also be downloaded for offline viewing with no download limit.

All in all, the UI of Prime Video is simple and functional. However, the platform has a terrible search engine and is lack of personalized recommendation. For this criterion, Netflix wins.

4. Availability

Users can use Amazon Prime Video on a number of devices and platforms. Amazon Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube, and Fire TV 4K are some of the standalone devices built for Amazon Prime Video. Prime Video can be accessed from all major web browsers, iOS, and Android devices, smart TVs, Apple TV, Roku, gaming consoles and many more. Accessibility is not something that you need to worry about if you decide to go with Prime Video. The platform is also available in over 200 countries.

Netflix, on the other hand, does not have standalone hardware devices. But it is accessible from anywhere, web browsers, iOS, and Android devices, Apple TV, smart TVs, Roku, gaming consoles, etc. Moreover, users in over 190 countries can use Netflix.

5. Pricing

Pricing, for many people, is an important criterion. A single plan of Prime Video costs $8.99 per month but you only get to watch Prime Video. Meanwhile, if you get the Amazon Prime Member, you will get a bundle including Prime Video subscription, Prime Music, Amazon’s fast shipping, Twitch prime, access to Kindle as well as Audible, Whole Foods discount, and many more.

This bundled membership offers two plans: a $119 yearly subscription, and a $12.99 monthly subscription. The yearly plan cuts down the cost per month to only $10. The yearly is clearly much more cost-effective as you get to access different services. Under both membership plans, the video quality is not limited. However, you can simultaneously stream on 3 devices only.

Meanwhile, Netflix offers three monthly plans: a $9 basic plan with no HD streaming and simultaneous streaming, a $13 standard plan with HD support as well as two simultaneous streaming, and a $16 premium plan with 4K streaming support and four simultaneous streaming.