Netflix vs. Amazon Prime: Which is better?
Fact Box
- Netflix was started in 1997 by business partners Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph and was originally a DVD mailing service. Streaming services became available from the company in 2007.
- Amazon Prime Video was originally called Amazon Unbox and was started in 2006.
- Statista reports that, as of the third quarter of 2022, Netflix had approximately 223 million paid subscribers worldwide. In comparison, Amazon Prime Video had about 117 million globally.
- In 2021, Amazon Prime Video spent approximately $2.71 billion on original programming, while Netflix spent over $6 billion.
Maria (Netflix)
Netflix produces quality over quantity. Prime may have more content in general, but Netflix has released more originally produced content than Amazon. And that content is consistently more acclaimed by audiences, and 'some of the most popular programs of the past decade,' including 'Squid Game, Bridgerton, Stranger Things, The Witcher, Black Mirror, Tiger King, The Queen's Gambit, and many more.' Netflix even holds 15 Academy Awards, plus over a hundred nominations.
Furthermore, the reputed user experience on Netflix draws streamers in and creates a more vivid and relaxing atmosphere to binge your favorite TV and movies. This may be attributable to their extensive design processes. Conversely, with Amazon, UX was notoriously unsatisfying before a 2022 experience makeover. For additional aesthetics, Netflix supports 4K Ultra HD on all its content with a premium subscription, but Prime's 4K options only extend to some of its content, particularly older titles.
Many would agree that Netflix's content is also more enjoyable. Streamers have noticed that Prime's large selection of free movies is comprised primarily of older or obscure films, while Netflix consistently keeps its content fresh and relevant.
It's true that both Netflix and Amazon's lower-tiered subscription plans are about $9 per month. Yet, when comparing their second-tier subscriptions, Netflix offers award-winning titles, exceptional UX, and superior content for only a dollar more than their competitor. They even offer a tier above for only five dollars extra if you're looking for that premium experience that only Netflix can provide.
Samir (Amazon Prime)
Amazon Prime Video is better than Netflix most notably because of the bundle of services that comes along with it. For $14.99, you get to enjoy all the content that Amazon offers and additional benefits like Prime Gaming, Music, free shipping, and more. For the same price, Netflix only offers 4K HDR quality streams for four people at once.
With Amazon Prime Video, you can also add more channels to your streaming service, such as STARZ and Showtime. Netflix does not have a similar feature and there are no plans to add it down the road. This fact was confirmed as Netflix turned down Russia’s request to carry its local channels under a state-sponsored law.
Netflix also needs to catch up on bringing out the latest seasons from licensed intellectual property. In comparison, Amazon typically gives you the option to rent or buy shows and new episodes immediately after they air. In some cases, you can rent new movies that are also playing in theaters as part of its Prime Video Cinema Hub offering!
For the budget-conscious customer, Amazon Prime Video presents a better deal. The streaming service by itself is $8.99, which makes it cheaper than Netflix’s Basic Plan at $9.99.
Amazon also features more classic content (such as hit HBO shows) than Netflix, which prefers original programming.
Lastly, new users can try out Amazon Prime Video for 30 days for free, an option that’s still not available on Netflix, giving consumers a choice in sampling a streamer’s content library.
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