Are you also one of those Gen Z binge-watchers? If yes, do you wish to have a comparison between Netflix vs Amazon Prime?
Both the OTT platforms are amazing but have different libraries, features, and subscription rates. Netflix’s content is more original and highly rated, while Amazon Prime features an extensive collection of your favorite shows and movies from different genres.
If you wish to purchase a subscription plan but are confused between the two, this blog post is for you. We will give you a comparison between Netflix and Amazon Prime to help you make the right choice.
This article will introduce you to the features, popular shows, and subscription plans of each of them. But first, let us have a brief description of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Netflix
In this blog on Netflix vs Amazon Prime, we will start by learning a few things about Netflix:-
About
Netflix is an American media streaming and video rental company founded in 1997. Two entrepreneurs, Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph, founded it in Scotts Valley, California. Currently, it is headquartered in Los Gatos, California, United States.
History
Though it is one of the biggest streaming services in today’s age, it did not begin that way. Initially, Netflix operated as a mail-order service.
In 1998, Netflix launched its own website with around 900 titles to choose from. On the first day of the launch, the website crashed because of an unusual amount of web traffic. They even got orders for 137 shows.
Back in that time, customers were required to pay a fixed monthly fee of $19.95. They were allowed to rent unlimited movies throughout the month with no due date or late fees. However, the number of movies depended on the subscription plan they selected.
Success
By 1999, Netflix had over 239,000 subscribers. At this point, the company had a great expansion due to the rising speed of internet all over the country.
Year by year, the subscribers increased from one million to 6.3 million till 2006. The company made some of its shows and movies available through internet streaming in the following years. It was in 2010 when Netflix launched its first streaming-only plan.
Its worldwide expansion began in 2010. Netflix made its reach to more than 190 countries by 2016.
Best Shows on Netflix
Before a Netflix vs Amazon Prime comparison, we would like to recommend some of the most popular shows on Netflix:-
Top Ten most-watched English language shows:
- Stranger Things, Season 4
- Wednesday, Season 1
- DAHMER, a limited series
- Bridgerton, Season 2
- The Night Agent, Season 1
- Bridgerton, Season 1
- Stranger Things, Season 3
- Lucifer, Season 5
- The Witcher, Season 1
- Inventing Anna, a limited series
Top Ten non-English-language shows:
- Squid Game, Season 1
- Money Heist, Part 5
- Money Heist, Part 4
- All of Us Are Dead, Season 1
- The Glory, Season 1
- Money Heist, Part 3
- Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Season 1
- Cafe Con Aroma de Mujer, Season 1
- Lupin, Part 1
- Elite, Season 3
Amazon Prime Video
Moving further, we would like to discuss some things about Amazon Prime to help you have a more comprehensive comparison of Netflix vs Amazon Prime.
About
Amazon Prime is the biggest competitor of Netflix. It is the original Amazon company franchise that features other services as well. Founded in 2005, the company has served its customers with premium subscription services. It was also created by Jeff Bezos–the founder of Amazon. The company is currently headquartered in Seattle, US.
History
Jeff Bezos created Amazon Prime Video as a plus-one service to Amazon Prime. It made its first debut in 2006. You can enjoy it as a standalone service or as part of the Amazon Prime package.
It was then known as Amazon Unbox in the United States and rapidly grew due to its expanding library. After the development of the Prime subscription, it was renamed Amazon Instant Video.
It grew its footprints in the UK-based streaming and DVD-by-mail service LoveFilm in 2011. Later, it reached the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, and the rest of the world.
Success
After significance popularity, the company started giving its subscription plan for just $99. Till 2018, the company included various features and increased its price to $118. In 2021, Amazon Prime had over 147 million subscribers in the US. It raised its annual Prime subscription from $119 to $139.
Furthermore, the company added payment options, including Venmo on Amazon.com and on the Amazon mobile app.
Best Shows on Amazon Prime Video
To have a better understanding of Netflix vs Amazon Prime comparison, here is a list of the top 10 shows:-
Top Ten most-watched English language shows:
- The Wheel of Time
- The Boys
- Gen V
- Carnival Row
- The Lord Of The Rings
- The Devil’s Hour
- Sherlock
- The Peripheral
- Citadel
- The Terminal List
Top Ten non-English-language shows:
- My Fault (Spain, June 2023)
- Medellin (France, June 2023)
- Sayen (March 2023)
- A Private Affair (Spain, September 2022)
- The Gryphon (Germany, May 2023)
- Overdose (November, 2022)
- The Head of Joaquín Murrieta (Mexico, February 2023)
- Fakes (Farzi, India, February 2023)
- Gangs of Lagos (Nigeria, April 2023)
- Argentina 1985 ( Argentina, October 2022)
Netflix vs Amazon Prime
Now, let us dig into the real deal: Netflix vs Amazon Prime to help you get the most budget-friendly deal.
| Feature | Netflix | Amazon Prime |
| Pros | High-quality original contentExcellent apps and featuresOffline downloads on mobileFree mobile games | Excellent original contentLive Thursday Night Football and WNBA gamesMultiple viewer profilesRent or buy movies and TV shows |
| Cons | Ad-based tier doesn’t include a full library Little to no information about changes to the availability of content. | Continues to lose third-party content to other services Not as many high-quality TV shows as competitors. |
| Plan Price | $6.99 per month | $8.99 per month |
| Supported Platforms | Media Streaming Devices (Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku) Microsoft Store Mobile (Android and iOS), Game Consoles (PlayStation and Xbox) Smart TVs and Web | Media Streaming Devices (Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku) Microsoft Store Mobile (Android and iOS) Game Consoles (PlayStation and Xbox) Smart TVs and Web |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Concurrent Streams | 2 or 4 | 3 |
| Offline Download | Yes | Yes |
| 4k Streaming | Requires Premium Plan | Yes |
| Netflix vs Amazon Prime subscribers | 247.2 million paid subscribers | 220 million paid subscribers |
Netflix vs Amazon Prime Library
There is no comparison between Netflix vs Amazon Prime when it comes to their libraries. Both of them basically cover all genres and age groups.
However, Amazon has recently bought MGM, which gives it more Hollywood credibility. Unlike Netflix, Amazon also features live Thursday Night Football deals.
Still, Netflix wins here because of original mainstream streaming entertainment. Some of its best genres include stylish anime, awards-worthy dramas, and documentaries.
Netflix vs Amazon Prime Price
The tough competition all these years between Netflix vs Amazon Prime prices has subsequently taught that both platforms increase or decrease their plan rates depending on the market.
Netflix has recently launched an ad-supported tier of just $6.99. However, this is not the best deal as it lacks many features. You may choose the $15.49 per month for the Standard tier.
On the other hand, Amazon Prime Video costs $8.99 monthly and comes with many services that too without ads. Amazon Prime vs Netflix India provides subscription plans for Rs 149 per month and Rs 299 per month, respectively.
Netflix vs Amazon Prime: Streaming Quality
One of the most important things that almost every streamer wants is high-quality video and audio. In this article on Netflix vs Amazon Prime, we shall discuss this in detail:-
In short, both platforms go hand in hand regarding video and audio quality. Each of them supports 4k streaming. However, it requires purchasing a premium plan on Netflix, whereas you may stream 4k on Amazon Prime even on a base plan.
Amazon Prime vs Netflix India
Amazon Prime and Netflix India are both the leading OTT platforms. They have different libraries, covering shows and genres for different age groups and both genders.
If you are looking to purchase a plan in India, we suggest you go for Prime Video as it is more parental-oriented and comes at lower rates than Netflix.
Generally, the Prime Video plan starts at Rs 149 per month, whereas the Netflix plan goes up to Rs 500-800 per month.
You can purchase Disney Plus Hotstar with Amazon Prime Video at this price, giving you access to a wide range of libraries.
Which Is Best?
Amazon Prime Video is one of the most renowned names in the OTT industry. But Netflix earns its name as the original streaming platform that features innovative elements, controls, streaming quality, library, shows, anime, and much more.
Because of these reasons, many people like to purchase a Netflix subscription, even if it is a little costly. Its content and versatility make Netflix win this battle for now. But you should not underestimate the growing popularity of Amazon Prime Video as well.
Free Alternatives To Netflix And Amazon Prime
Here is a list of free alternatives to Netflix and Amazon Prime to help you stream high-quality videos without purchasing any subscription:-
- Free Movies and Free Series Online
- SFlix | Watch HD Movies Online Free | TV Series & Stream Live
- Tubi
- Plex
- MX Player
To access more free sites, you can visit: Best Netflix Alternatives To Watch TV Series And Movies
FAQs
- Netflix vs Amazon Prime: which is better?
In our opinion, Netflix provides a better service when it comes to online streaming. Amazon Prime, on the other hand, is a budget-friendly option.
- How much is Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime subscription plan starts at just $8.99 per month and Rs 149 per month in India.
- How much does Netflix cost?
Netflix costs around Rs 500- Rs 800 per month in India and about $6.99 per month in the US.
