Over the past few years, video streaming services have become more and more popular. Today, it’s difficult to find someone who doesn’t use a streaming service, such as Netflix or Amazon Prime, on a regular basis.
Seeing how there are so many options out there, which services are actually worth subscribing to? The truth is that each video-on-demand service comes with its own upsides and downsides. This means that you should examine what you want out of streaming before subscribing to a particular provider. For instance, you’ll need to determine your budget – after all, some popular streaming services are pricier than others. The amount and type of content on each service can vary as well.
Amazon Prime and Netflix are two of the most popular streaming subscription services out there. Although many people use both, you shouldn’t spend more monthly than you truly need to. If you’re looking to stick to the services that you’ll get the most use out of, here’s what you can expect from Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Can You Watch Original Shows and Movies?
Both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video produce their own shows and movies, which are available on their respective streaming service. Additionally, both services have won awards for the content that they create.
Although this is an attribute of both streaming services, the specific programs you’ll have access to will differ. If you’re interested in signing up for a streaming subscription service to view original content, it’s a good idea to review what’s on each service first.
What Subscription Plans Are Available?
Amazon Prime Video and Netflix offer their own selection of subscription plans – however, Netflix has a wider variety to choose from, which some viewers may view as either a perk or a downside, depending on your outlook.
Anyone with an Amazon Prime subscription will have access to Prime Video. Still, if you’re looking to subscribe, even though you don’t have a Prime account, you’ll need to pay $8.99 per month. This is the only plan that the service offers.
On the other hand, Netflix offers three separate subscription plans: Basic, Standard, and Premium. These plans cost $8.99, $13.99, and $17.99 per month, respectively.
If you prefer to watch HD or Ultra HD videos, you’ll need to subscribe to Netflix’s Standard or Premium plans. Also, depending on the plan you choose, the number of device screens you can watch from simultaneously will vary. Those with a Basic plan are limited to just one screen at a time, although users with a Standard plan can watch from 2 screens and Premium users can watch from 4 at the same time.
While some users may appreciate that Netflix gives users more options, others might dislike that you need to pay a higher price to receive all the possible features. When you pay the $8.99/month fee with Amazon Prime, you’ll receive any features that the service offers.
How Much Content Is on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video?
In terms of sheer quantity, which streaming service provides more TV shows and movies to its users? The answer is Amazon Prime Video, and it’s by a pretty large margin.
When you subscribe to Netflix (at any subscription tier), you’ll be granted access to over 8,000 titles. However, if you purchase a Prime Video subscription, you’ll instead have access to over 40,000 titles. So, if you’re looking to receive the most content for the cost, Amazon Prime is the way to go. (Still, it’s a good idea to dig deeper and make sure you’re selecting the streaming service that offers the shows or movies that you’re personally interested in.)
What Is the User Experience Like on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix?
For some streaming service viewers, the interface is important when they’re determining who they should subscribe to. Some streaming interfaces are going to be more user-friendly and easier to navigate than others, and this can impact your overall experience with the service.
Netflix stands out because of its nicely optimized, sleek interface. Not only that, but this interface is also available on a range of devices, all of which are optimized for the best user experience.
Although Amazon Prime Video isn’t extremely complicated, it certainly isn’t as user-friendly as Netflix. While Netflix devotes its entire site and service to streaming, Prime Video is just a part of Amazon Marketplace. Browsing programs in Prime Video, as well as navigating in general, is more complex and less integrated.
The Bottom Line: Amazon Prime Video Vs. Netflix
Depending on what you’re looking for in a streaming service, whether you should subscribe to Netflix or Amazon Prime can differ. Both of these video-on-demand streaming providers offer original content, although Prime Video offers a larger selection of TV shows and movies overall.
Amazon Prime also offers a single subscription plan, although Netflix users can choose from three potential plans. Some plans offer more features than others, including HD or Ultra HD video.
Finally, many users appreciate Netflix’s easy-to-navigate interface. The interface you’ll find on Amazon Prime is a bit more complicated, although not impossible to figure out.
Most of us are subscribed to at least one streaming service – still, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t put thought into the specific services we use. Everyone has unique streaming needs and preferences, so keep those in mind when you’re deciding between Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
