Table of contents
- Netflix Features
- Amazon Prime Features
- Pricing – How The Two Compare?
- Verdict!
Our sleep becomes our biggest enemy when a good show keeps us hooked all night, pushing us to watch that “one more episode”. Streaming services available on our smart TV, tablets, laptops, and phone screens have made it extremely easy and comfortable for us to get high-quality, original and entertaining content at our disposal.
However, amidst so many options, the big question is, “which is the best streaming platform?” Roughly, there are over 250 streaming services in the US alone. Out of these, Netflix and Amazon Prime stand out as the biggest platforms for all your streaming needs. So, rather than having your wallet run thin and not making the most out of your streaming subscription, pick any one platform that does it all for you. Here we have compared the two on the basis of their features, video quality, compatibility, and pricing.
Netflix Features
Netflix is a world-famous American streaming platform. With an internet-connected device, subscribers of Netflix can stream movies and shows without any commercial ads. The platform was first launched in 1997 but has only gained immense popularity in the last decade as the availability of smart devices and fast internet became normalized.
Netflix has a wide selection of shows and movies, some of which are Netflix-original content. It also streams classics such as Friends and movies like Indiana Jones and the Raiders of Lost Ark. It is a versatile platform that includes original content from different parts of the world with different languages and target audiences. Famous non-American Netflix original shows include Delhi Crime (Indian) and Money Heist (Spanish).
- Selection of content
Netflix features over of 4,000 movies. It is known for offering a limited number of movies, but this limited number includes only those that are of a higher caliber, good quality, and in short worth your time. As a result, most of them prove to be worth watching.
It has a great selection of TV shows, including a bunch of Netflix Originals. Some prime examples of excellent Netflix original shows include Stranger Things, Black Mirror, and Queen’s Gambit. Netflix originals have an average IMDb rating of 7.1/10, and several nominations and wins in Emmy and a few in Oscar. By 2019, Netflix was reported to have an average investment of $15 billion in producing original content, compared to $3 billion by Hulu and $6 billion by Amazon Prime.
The content shown on Netflix is different and unusual from what we see on traditional TV. It is the ultimate streaming experience and does not have any bad quality content on it as of yet.
- Video Quality
Video qualities vary, ranging from basic standard resolution (SD) to HD, to a premium plan of 4k UHD resolution. For 4K UHD or any other resolution, you will require good internet speed. Ideally, 4k UHD streaming on Netflix requires 25 Mbps download speed.
- Compatible Devices
Netflix supports most, if not all smart devices. You can stream it on smart TVs, gaming consoles, mobile devices, laptops, streaming media players, and Blue-Ray players too.
To name a few, you can use Netflix on:
- 2016 onward Sony, Samsung, and LG smart TVs
- Apple TV
- Roku
- Chromecast
- PlayStation 3 and 4
- Xbox One
- Dish
- Cable TV
- Suddenlink
- Panasonic Blu-Ray
Netflix application is readily available on iOS (iPhone and iPad), Android Google Play Store, and Amazon Fire Tablets.
- Simultaneous Screens
You can stream simultaneously on up to 4 screens, depending on which plan you are subscribed to. Other than screens, Netflix also allows you to create up to 5 profiles.
- Benefits
To start with, Netflix has an excellent recommendation system. You will be surprised to see how Netflix produces on-point recommendations based on your streaming history. Moreover, the top trending section is an excellent feature that helps you in deciding what to watch next. You also get a “Trending” section, particularly for your country and region.
The app and web version as well are very user friendly and simple. The “skip intro” feature is a big hit.
Another notable feature of this streaming platform is its download feature. You can use your home internet to download your favorite shows and movies and watch them while you are offline or do not have internet access.
Various membership plans, no commercials, and 4K video quality are some notable benefits of Netflix.
Amazon Prime Video Features
Prime Video gives off a very traditional TV-like feel. It is a better choice for people who are avid TV watchers and want an on-demand alternative with a huge selection and affordable plans.
Like Netflix, Amazon also has its original content some of which is also based in different countries and regions. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, One Mississippi, and Fleabag are some good examples of amazing Prime original shows.
This platform was first launched in 2006. Other than on-demand and online streaming services, it also offers content rental services.
- Selection of Content
Prime Video beats Netflix in terms of the number of movies, and shows the platform has. However, the selection of unfiltered content leads to poor quality and lots of unworthy content options. There are many B-rated and unrated movies on the platform, which just add up to the selection but don’t offer much value to a user.
The most binge-worthy Prime original series include The Man in the High Castle and Transparent. These are highly rated shows you can watch on this platform only. Prime originals have a rating of 7.49/10 on IMDb.
- Video Quality
The platform supports basic 480p resolution streaming, 1080p, 4K UHD streaming and an HDR resolution too! The quality will of course vary based on your subscribed plan.
- Compatible Platforms
Amazon Prime Video and Netflix have more or less the same compatibility levels. Prime might not be compatible with older versions of smart TVs but is readily compatible with gaming consoles, smartphone devices, laptops, PCs, media players, set-top boxes, and so on.
- Simultaneous Screens
With Amazon prime, you can stream on 3 devices simultaneously. It lets you make 6 profiles at a time, compared to Netflix’s limit of 5.
- Benefits
Some top tier benefits and perks you get with Prime Video subscriptions include, free shipping from Amazon Prime, free access to music service by Amazon, and unlimited kindle access.
Pricing – How the Two Compare?
Amazon Prime Video plans are as follows:
Basic: One screen, 4080p resolution, no commercials, $9 a month
Standard: Two simultaneous streaming devices, 1080p resolution, $14/month
Premium: 4K resolution simultaneous streaming on 4 screens, $18/month
Netflix plans include:
Basic: 1 simultaneous streaming, 480p resolution, $9 a month
Standard: 1080p resolution, 2 simultaneous screens, $14 a month
Premium: 4 simultaneous screens, 4K UHD resolution, $18/month
Verdict!
In terms of content quality and advanced online streaming experience, Netflix is clearly the winner here. A large selection of movies and shows does not necessarily mean good content, which is why Amazon Prime with its unrated and low-quality content does not take up the lead.
As our internet connections become faster and better, our streaming experience also gets enhanced. People all over the world now have excellent home internet services that can let them stream 4K quality content on a smartphone screen. In the US, reliable internet service providers such as AT&T internet home services can help you keep up with your streaming needs.
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