Disney+ is better for users seeking a vast library of popular, family-friendly content and franchise entertainment, while Apple TV+ is more suitable for those prioritizing ad-free viewing and critically acclaimed original series. The choice depends on individual content preferences and tolerance for ads.
| Attribute | Disney+ | Apple TV+ |
|---|---|---|
| Content library size and variety | Over 13,000 shows and movies, totaling over 8,000 hours of content. Focused on quality content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. | Smaller content library compared to other major streaming services, focusing primarily on original content. Catalog grew by 51% between June 2022 and June 2023, from approximately 130 to nearly 200 titles. |
| Original content quality and quantity | Initial goal was to include four to five original films and five TV shows with budgets between $25 2013100 million. | Focuses on high-quality original content, with many shows and movies helmed by major Hollywood stars and directors. Prioritizes quality over quantity. Standout original series include Ted Lasso, Severance, Foundation, and The Morning Show. Apple TV+ also won an Academy Award for Best Picture for CODA. |
| Subscription cost and plans | Disney+ Basic (With Ads): $9.99/month. Disney+ Premium (Ad-free): $15.99/month or $159.99/year. Bundles are available with Hulu and ESPN+. | $9.99 per month. Option to save 15% by paying an annual upfront fee of $99.99. |
| Ad-free viewing options | Disney+ Premium plan is ad-free. Ads are shown before and during movies and shows on ad-supported plans. Ads will be served in select live and linear content, regardless of the plan. | Entirely ad-free. |
| Offline download availability | Downloads are available on the Disney+ Premium plan on up to 10 devices. A maximum of 25 titles can be downloaded at a time. Downloaded content remains available for 30 days as long as you are an active subscriber and connect to the internet with your device at least once every 30 days. Once you begin watching a downloaded movie or episode, you have 48 hours to finish it before it expires. Downloads are only available on iOS and Android devices. | Allows downloads for offline viewing on iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches, and Macs. Downloads are not available on Apple TV devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, or the web. Downloaded content is available for up to 30 days, but some may expire sooner. There may also be limits on the number of titles that can be downloaded simultaneously. |
| Video and audio quality (4K, HDR, Dolby Atmos) | Up to 4K Ultra HD playback with Dolby Vision and HDR10 on supported devices for compatible content. Dolby Atmos audio is supported on select titles and devices. Disney+ Basic (With Ads) subscriptions do not support Dolby Atmos or IMAX Enhanced sound. Disney+ Standard with Ads and Disney+ Standard are available in up to Full HD (1080p). HDR10+ support is being rolled out, complementing existing HDR10 and Dolby Vision content. | Offers 4K HDR video with spatial audio. |
| Device compatibility and simultaneous streams | Supported on Apple TV, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, web browsers, tablets, and mobile devices. Standard with Ads and Standard plans allow streaming on two devices. Premium plan allows streaming on four devices. | Accessible on Apple devices, smart TVs, and streaming devices. Supports up to six simultaneous streams per subscription. |
| User interface and navigation | Navigation bar is located at the top of the screen on web browsers, on the left side on TV-connected devices, and at the bottom on mobile devices. The home screen showcases recommendations, and collections like Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. | Not available |
| Parental control features | Content ratings can be set for each profile. Junior Mode offers an easy-to-navigate interface. Profile PINs can be set to restrict access to profiles. Profile creation can be restricted. A setting to "Allow titles without ratings like live sports, news, and more" can be toggled. | Parental controls allow restricting content based on age ratings on iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TV devices, and the web. |
| Exclusive content and franchises | Offers exclusive content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. | Features exclusive Apple Original shows and movies. |
| Free trial availability | Disney+ does not offer a free trial. | New subscribers can get a 7-day free trial. New Apple device purchases may come with a 3-month free trial. |
| Bundling options with other services | Can be bundled with Hulu and ESPN+. | Included in Apple One bundles. Offered free with the Apple Music Student Plan. |