Media subscription services: Netflix Premium vs. Amazon Prime Video
Quick Verdict
Both platforms offer compelling content libraries and features, with Amazon Prime Video providing better value if you're already an Amazon Prime member, while Netflix Premium offers a more straightforward ad-free experience with higher streaming quality.
- Amazon Prime Video offers a larger movie library and bundled benefits with Amazon Prime, but ad-free viewing requires an extra payment.
- Netflix Premium provides ad-free viewing and supports more simultaneous devices, but at a higher price point.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Netflix Premium | Amazon Prime Video |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Quality | 4K Ultra HD, HD, SD | SD, HD, UHD/4K, HDR (HDR10(+) encoding not great, Dolby Vision is fine) |
| Number of Devices Supported Simultaneously | Up to four devices | Up to three devices logged in, simultaneous streaming limited to two devices |
| Offline Viewing Availability and Download Limits | Downloads on up to six supported devices, up to 100 active downloads per device, downloads last for 7-30 days | Content can be downloaded for offline viewing on compatible devices. Titles can be downloaded on up to two devices at the same time. There's a limit to the number of active downloads. |
| Original Content Library | Large library of original content, half of library in the United States by 2022 | Features exclusive original content, including movies and TV shows. Growing slate of in-house original TV shows and movies. |
| Movie Library Size | 3,000 to 5,000+ movies | Over 25,000 movies and TV shows. |
| Price | $24.99 per month | $14.99/month or $139.00/year (with Amazon Prime membership), $8.99/month (standalone), $6.99/month (Prime Access), $69/year or $7.49/month (Prime for Young Adults), +$2.99/month for ad-free viewing |
| Ad-free Viewing | Ad-free | Requires extra payment |
Overall Comparison
Content: Amazon larger, Quality: Netflix better, Price: Amazon cheaper (with Prime), Devices: Netflix more
Pros and Cons
Netflix Premium
Pros:
- High-quality original programs
- Easy-to-navigate interface
- Solid recommendation system
- Various parental control features
- Extensive 4K content
Cons:
- Buffering can occur due to slow internet speed
- Content libraries vary by region
Amazon Prime Video
Pros:
- Vast library of movies and TV shows
- Exclusive original content
- Offline viewing availability
- Parental control features
- Device compatibility
- Bundled benefits with Amazon Prime membership
Cons:
- Ad-free viewing requires extra payment
- Download limits and restrictions
- Content availability varies by region
- HDR10(+) encoding is not great
- Buffering issues can occur
User Experiences and Feedback
Netflix Premium
What Users Love
- Netflix has more 4K content than most other streaming platforms
- The Premium plan allows for streaming on up to four devices simultaneously
- Netflix is known for its high-quality original programs
- Netflix is consistent in quantity and quality and has 'something for everyone'
- Netflix has an easy-to-navigate interface and a solid recommendation system
- Netflix offers various parental control features, such as Kids profiles and content restrictions
Common Complaints
- Buffering can occur due to slow internet speed, high traffic on Netflix servers, or issues with your device
- Clearing the cache and data for the Netflix app can resolve playback issues
Value Perception
- Netflix's ad-supported plan delivers excellent value
Amazon Prime Video
What Users Love
- Some users find Amazon's 4K content better than Netflix
- Highly satisfied with the quality of Amazon's original content
- Considered a strong value, especially when bundled with an Amazon Prime membership
Common Complaints
- Some users have noticed superior 4K UHD picture quality on Netflix
- Amazon's HDR10(+) is considered by some to be poorly encoded
- Some users still find the search functionality and user interface to be lacking compared to other services
- Some users have reported buffering issues
Value Perception
- Considered a strong value, especially when bundled with an Amazon Prime membership