Amazon Prime Video vs. Netflix: Which is Better?

According to a Statista study published in September 2023, 83% of consumers in the U.S. are subscribed to a video on demand service. Between 2015 and 2021 there was a rather astronomical increase of about 25% in the number of Americans who pick an SVOD service to access entertainment. And as revealed by Nielson data, streaming accounted for 26% of all the time spent on TV.

No wonder the variety of streaming services available in the U.S. market nowadays is estimated to be anywhere between 200 and 300. And, this comprises of streaming giants like Netflix, Prime Video, and HBO MAX, as well as lesser known services like Pluto, Philo, Frndly TV, Vidgo, and more.

Whether you are considering cord-cutting, or a household that wants to complement a cable bundle like the Xfinity Choice double play, it is only prudent to weigh the pros and cons of your options before you reach a decision.

In this article, we will be comparing two of the most popular SVOD services: Amazon Prime vs Netflix. If you have had little experience with either until now, you are at the right place. Read on, and see which of the two can work better for you given your preferences.

Netflix vs Prime Video: Popularity

Netflix has become one of the most used on demand streaming platforms, since after 2007 it realized how vast the potential of video streaming technology was. Not long after the DVD-by-mail service transitioned into an SVOD platform it earned unprecedented popularity. By 2020 Netflix’s total revenue had grown to $25 billion from $1.67 billion. On top of that, its worldwide subscriber base had swelled enormously. All for good reason!

On the other hand, Amazon started off its internet-based video service called Unbox in 2006 which allowed users to download TV shows and movies from major studios like Fox, Paramount and Warner Bros. And it was not until 2011 that Prime Video became a part of the Amazon Prime subscription. In 2016, however, Amazon split Prime Video from Amazon Prime and made it available as a standalone SVOD service in the U.S.

The service is now accessible to everyone, and not just Amazon Prime members. In addition, during the next three years the total number of Prime Video subscribers in the U.S. rose to over 53 million.

Moreover, a study published in March 2020 revealed that 56.6% industry executives from around the world voted in favor of Netflix as the most influential in the global digital video market. Whereas, Prime Video could only acquire the favor of about 12%. Nonetheless each has its unique aspects that are likely to appeal to distinctive user preferences, so let’s take a look at each to help you choose the better one for your entertainment needs.

Netflix vs Prime Video: Price Comparison

Pricing is inevitably the biggest concern for household budget holders when subscribing to a streaming service. When it comes to Netflix, the streaming service has an easy-to-understand pricing model. There are three categories - Basic, Standard and Premium. Also, all price tiers have nearly the same content. You can stream its entire ad-free catalog of shows, movies, originals and specials.

Additionally, each plan allows you to download content onto your device for offline viewing. Each category, however, differs from the others based on the video quality offered, and the number of concurrent streams. Here are all of Netflix’s plans and pricing:

Amazon Prime Video’s subscription is also pretty straightforward. You have the option to go for the Amazon Prime membership - either an annual one or on a month-to-month basis. And you can also opt for Prime Video as a standalone service. With the Amazon Prime membership, however, you earn various shopping benefits alongside access to the complete Prime Video catalog.

There is no difference in the video quality regardless of which method of payment (yearly or monthly) you choose. You can view all videos in the highest quality offered. The subscription allows you three concurrent streams, however, if you are streaming the same title, only two devices are allowed.

Here are all of Amazon Prime plans and pricing:

Given the standalone Prime Video costs two dollars more than Netflix's standard with ads plan, allows more than 1 concurrent stream, and also lets you to watch in HD or UHD depending on what is available, Amazon’s Prime Video seems to come out on top. But, hold your breath until you have run a comparison of all other factors.  

Netflix vs Prime Video: Comparing Content Quality and Quantity 

The content on each streaming service differs significantly - both in terms of quality and quantity. The Netflix U.S. library is estimated to have been consistently around 6,000 titles over the past few years. It includes movies, TV shows, documentaries, mini-series, originals and specials. While with the emergence of Disney+, Netflix lost some of its popular Disney, Marvel and Star Wars titles, a shift toward original programming, fewer movies and more TV shows, was in the works anyway.

The increased popularity of Netflix in recent years is greatly owed to its original content. Titles such as The Queen’s Gambit, Bridgerton, and Stranger Things, have most definitely garnered ardent fan bases. No wonder, about 44% of titles in the Netflix library are now Originals, and from the looks of it very soon this ratio would hit a 50-50!

On the other hand, Prime Video beats Netflix when it comes to the size of the library. The Prime Video library offers around 24,000 movies and 2,100 TV shows to pick from. Plus, its more recent acquisition of MGM brings subscribers access to popular franchises such as the James Bond as well as shows like The Handmaid’s Tale. But size isn’t everything.

The Prime Video library may be a bigger size, and Amazon might consider increasing its investment in producing original titles such as Fleabag, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Jack Ryan, The Wheel of Time, and the upcoming Lord of the Rings TV series, the Prime Video library is quite a way from beating Netflix in terms of quality content. 

Netflix vs Prime Video: User Experience

Netflix offers a very similar interface across the range of devices it supports. There are a few changes you may notice, but each UI is essentially geared toward making better use of the platform it is designed to work on. Perhaps the best part is the Netflix application is able to adjust the level of video compression depending on your internet speed.

The Netflix app also gives you the ability to make separate profiles. It also offers recommendations based on viewing history. And there is a separate profile option for kids too, which allows parents to control the content their young ones can access.

As for Prime Video, the interface varies from one device to another in terms of style and usability. This tends to make it less user-friendly, as it takes getting used to each if you use multiple devices to stream content. Perhaps the most optimal experience of the Prime Video application is only possible with Amazon Fire devices. Also, when you access the service via the web, Prime Video appears as a section inside the Amazon online store.

While the search bar allows you to look for titles in the Prime Video library, it does tend to confuse the user at first. Another aspect where the Prime Video application falls short of Netflix’s is its ability to make recommendations based on your viewing preferences. 

On the upside, with Prime Video you can have up to six user profiles, and users also love the X-Ray feature which is available with thousands of titles. It allows you to access info about the cast complete with their bios and photos, identifies the soundtrack, and also displays other interesting bits and pieces of info at specific time markers as you watch.

All in all, when it comes to the user experience, Netflix has a clear edge over Prime Video.

Netflix vs Prime Video: Add-ons

Netflix does not limit your access to content based on the plan you are subscribed to, unless you subscribe to the Standard with Ads plan. With Netflix’s Standard or Premium plan, you can watch any title available in the Netflix library for your region. 

On the other hand, Prime Video offers additional content in different ways. You can rent or buy a title as an add-on, such as a new release or a classic. You can also add-on any of the select cable networks à la carte. Amazon Channels include SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax and more. This not only allows you access to live airings on these networks, but on demand.

So, if you wish to customize your SVOD, Prime Video gives you ways to do that, whereas with Netflix that is not an option. 

Netflix vs Prime Video: Device Compatibility

What Internet Speed Do You Need for Netflix and Prime Video?

One of the most important things necessary to enjoy your streaming service is a reliable high-speed internet connection. Without that neither of these streaming services will be any good.

If you wish to find a new internet option in your area, call 1-855-349-9328, and speak to our experts. They can help you figure out the available offers at your address and also walk you through the subscription process.

If you want to stream in 4K or UHD, you will need an internet connection that gives you at least 25 Mbps download speed. And if there are other users and devices that use the same network, you will have to get a higher bandwidth for your household, or an unlimited plan.

In Summary: Netflix or Prime Video?

Well, there you go!

We’ve covered almost all aspects of user concern in this article for you to be able to assess which one is a better option for you. At the end of the day your unique preferences are the true judge of which of these streaming giants is the right one for you.

If you have a set budget, you like to customize your subscription with add-ons, and use an Amazon Fire device to stream content on TV, we’d say go with Prime Video with or without an Amazon Prime membership.

But, if quality of content is what you want, or you don’t really care about watching live cable channels or renting/purchasing titles, but you are sensitive to the quality of user experience, don’t double guess and signup for Netflix! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the #1 best streaming service?

Although Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have a tight competition, Netflix is #1 best streaming services because of its quality content and the quantity of content available.

Do I need Netflix if I have Amazon Prime?

Amazon Prime offers amazing content alongside Prime originals; however, Netflix has a much more diverse content library. In other words, you might want to get Netflix, even if you have Amazon Prime.

Which is best Amazon Prime Video or Netflix??

Netflix is without a doubt the best streaming service, especially in comparison to Amazon Prime Video.