But choosing the right streaming service for you and your family can be challenging. Each service has its own strengths and weaknesses, not to mention the exclusive movies and shows you can’t find anywhere else, that it takes a bit of research to nail down the best streaming service for you.
Netflix and Prime Video Showdown
1. Pricing
Netflix Currently, Netflix has three plans to choose from. Depending on your streaming quality needs and the number of simultaneous screen access, you might prefer one plan for another. $7.99 for Basic – This is Netflix’s no-frills plan. One screen access and no HD, all streams are in Standard Definition/DVD quality only. $10.99 for Standard – For most people, Netflix’s Standard plan is the best choice. You get two simultaneous streams and up to 1080p HD video quality. $13.99 for Premium – Netflix’s most expensive plan allows 4K HDR Ultra HD quality streams and up to four simultaneous screens. Unless you absolutely want to see your favorite shows in 4K, this is overkill for most people. Personally, I want to see more in-between plans and price points like a four-screen HD-only plan or a two-screen 4K plan but that will probably just complicate Netflix’s pricing scheme. If you are not a Prime member, you can subscribe to Prime Video for a flat rate of $8.99 a month.
2. Device support
Netflix It’s safe to say that Netflix is everywhere! That’s pretty much the goal of Netflix when it started its video streaming service, to get it into as many platforms as possible. You can stream Netflix from smartphones (iOS, Android, and even Windows phones), tablets (including Fire tablets), desktops, browsers, game consoles, connected Blu-ray players and virtually every Smart TV and streaming box (Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV) out there. For more flexibility, you can also cast Netflix content from a smartphone to a Chromecast or Airplay it to an Apple TV. My pick: Netflix
3. Interface
Netflix Across platforms, Netflix’s interface is clean, simple and easy to navigate and searching through its library is a breeze. Popular Shows, New Releases, Top Picks, Genres and Continue Watching sections all have their own easy-to-find carousels so whenever you open any Netflix app, it seems like there’s always some specific curated content waiting just for you. You can also set multiple profiles on a single Netflix account so you can personalize your Netflix content even further. Within a show or movie’s page, you get a short summary, cast/director, episodes and related content. Plus, you get buttons for bookmarking it to “My List,” “Like,” sharing it and downloading it for offline viewing on supported platforms. Once you start playing content, Netflix is simple as it can be. You get your usual play/pause control, rewind/fast forward slider, and audio/subtitles options. All in all, if you’re just looking for something to watch to pass the night away, Netflix’s interface and algorithm do a great job of simplifying things for you. In a show or movie’s page, you also get a short summary, cast/director information, “Add to Watchlist” button, download option for supported gadgets plus tons of other details you may or you may not be interested in. My pick: Netflix
4. Content
Netflix Because of contracts and studio agreements, third-party content within each streaming service is always in flux. What’s available now may be gone from month to month. But Netflix is the granddaddy of streaming videos and it has a leg up on knowing what its subscribers want. The service may have lost a lot of third-party content through the years, but each month, Netflix still manages to bring a solid library of old classics, recent blockbusters and hit TV shows plus niche and quirky content. Although excellent in figuring out what you might like, try going beyond Netflix’s personalized algorithms and browse through specific genres instead. You’ll be surprised by what you’ll find. Click here to discover Netflix’s secret categories. I’m also starting to see plenty of cult favorites and old-school B-movies in Prime Video and those are always welcome additions to any streaming service. My pick: Draw
5. Original Programming
Netflix A few years back, Netflix adroitly recognized that original programming is the future of streaming services. Instead of relying on third-party studios to provide content, the company decided to produce its own content. In fact, the company is reportedly spending $8 billion to produce original content in 2018 alone. This move is paying dividends for Netflix, both commercially and critically, forcing other streaming services to follow suit. Netflix is the home of quality content and fan favorites such as “Stranger Things,” “House of Cards,” “Orange is the New Black,” “The Crown,” Marvel’s “Defenders” shows (“Daredevil,” “Jessica Jones,” “Luke Cage” and “Iron Fist”), “Narcos,” “Altered Carbon” and “Bright.” Netflix is also busy acquiring older TV shows like “Black Mirror,” “Arrested Development,” “Full House,” “Voltron” and “Gilmore Girls,” churning out new episodes to the delight of old and newer fans alike. And the Netflix content train will not stop anytime soon and we’re expecting even more original content moving forward. My pick: Netflix
So what’s our verdict?
If you absolutely have to choose only one, then Netflix is still the king of streaming services. Even just for the amount of quality original content it regularly puts out, it is totally worth it. Want to decide for yourself? Both services have month-long trials so test drive them and see their offerings before you finally sign up.
How to load up with free movies to watch while traveling
Planning for a long road trip? Here’s how you download content from your favorite streaming service and play it even while you’re offline.
