Streaming services: Netflix vs. Apple TV+

Quick Verdict

Netflix is a better choice for users seeking a large and diverse content library with multiple plan options, while Apple TV+ is ideal for those who prioritize high-quality original content and ad-free viewing, especially within the Apple ecosystem. The best choice depends on individual preferences and viewing habits.

Netflix offers a vast content library, while Apple TV+ focuses on high-quality original content.
Netflix has multiple subscription plans with varying features and prices, including ad-supported options, while Apple TV+ offers a single ad-free plan.
Apple TV+ allows more simultaneous streams (up to six) compared to Netflix's standard (2) and premium (4) plans.
Netflix has wider device compatibility, while Apple TV+ is more focused on Apple devices but also available on other platforms.
Both platforms offer family-friendly content and parental control options.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Netflix	Apple TV+
Content Library Size	Over 15,000 titles (2023)	Smaller compared to competitors, focusing on original content
Original Content Quality	High quantity and quality; cultural phenomena such as "Stranger Things" and "Wednesday"	High-quality, often receiving high ratings and awards
Subscription Cost	Standard with ads: $7.99 / month, Standard: $17.99 / month, Premium: $24.99 / month, Extra member (with ads): $6.99 / month, Extra member (no ads): $8.99 / month	$9.99 per month. Included in Apple One bundles, which start at $19.95 per month.
Ad-Free Viewing Option	Available on Standard and Premium plans; "Standard with ads" plan includes advertisements	Always commercial-free
Offline Download Availability	Android, iOS, Amazon Fire devices, and some Chromebooks. Ad-free plans: Up to 100 active downloads at a time per device. Ad-supported plans: Limited to 15 total downloads per device per calendar month. "Downloads For You" feature available.	Content can be downloaded for offline viewing on Apple devices. Downloads do not expire as long as your subscription is active and the content remains on the service.
Video Resolution (4K, HDR)	Available on the Premium plan	Supports 4K HDR video with Dolby Atmos sound
Number of Simultaneous Streams	Standard with Ads: 2 devices, Standard: 2 devices, Premium: 4 devices	Allows streaming on up to six devices simultaneously per subscription
Device Compatibility	TVs and streaming devices (Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast), Mobile phones and tablets (Android, iOS), Computers (Mac, Windows, Chromebook), Game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox), Cable boxes	Accessible through the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, etc.), and gaming consoles. Can also be accessed via web browsers.
User Interface and Experience	Seamless and intuitive, with autoplay, personalized recommendations, and interactive cover images. UI tailors to individual preferences using viewer behavior data.	Apple TV app has been redesigned to offer a simplified interface. Some users have found the website UI lacking features.
Content Genre Diversity	Variety of shows and movies across genres, from educational content to science fiction horror	Offers a mix of genres, including dramas, comedies, sci-fi, documentaries, and family-friendly content.
Family-Friendly Content	Parental control settings, allowing you to create profiles for kids with age-appropriate content. Maturity levels can be set for each profile.	Offers family-friendly content and parental control options.
Cancellation Policy	Easily change your plan or cancel online at any time.	Not available

Overall Comparison

Netflix: Over 15,000 titles, starting at $7.99/month. Apple TV+: Focus on original content, $9.99/month, up to 6 simultaneous streams.

Pros and Cons

Netflix

Pros:

Vast selection of content
User-friendly interface
Original programming
Diverse range of genres
Straightforward download process
Personalized recommendations
Parental control settings

Cons:

No major disadvantages reported.

Apple TV+

Pros:

High-quality original content
Ad-free viewing
4K HDR streaming with Dolby Atmos sound
Offline download availability on Apple devices
Up to six simultaneous streams
Family-friendly content and parental controls

Cons:

Smaller content library compared to competitors
Some users find the web interface lacking features
Cancellation policy details not available

User Experiences and Feedback

Netflix

What Users Love

Netflix is considered a leader in original content, with many critically acclaimed and popular series.
Netflix offers a diverse range of genres, including drama, comedy, reality TV, documentaries, and content for kids and families.
Netflix remains a favorite streaming platform due to its vast selection, user-friendly interface, and original programming.
The interface is designed for discovery, with personalized recommendations and browsing based on viewing trends.
4K and HDR streaming are available on the Premium plan, providing high-quality video, with more 4K content than most other streaming services.
Content can be downloaded for offline viewing on supported devices.
The download process is straightforward, and features like "Downloads For You" automate the process.
Netflix offers dedicated kids' profiles and parental control settings to manage content and restrict viewing based on maturity levels.
It is easy to cancel the subscription online at any time, without hidden fees.
Netflix updates its content library regularly, often weekly, with new releases typically occurring at 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

Apple TV+

What Users Love

High-quality original content
Ad-free viewing
4K HDR streaming
Family-friendly content
Intuitive Apple TV app interface

Common Complaints

Smaller content library
Web interface lacking features

Value Perception

Subscription price justified by the high-quality content and features
Ability to share with up to six family members

User Recommendations

Apple TV+ is often praised for prioritizing quality over quantity
Many consider its original content to be of higher quality than that of competitors
New movies and series are added every month, with new episodes typically released on Wednesdays and Fridays