(Credit: Amazon/PCMag)
Which Video Streaming Service Has a Better Library, Netflix or Amazon?Netflix and Amazon Prime Video both want to be the only streaming service you need. Their libraries cover basically all genres and age groups, even if more niche services dive deeper into their respective categories. Judging existing catalogs can be a little tricky as those catalogs change over time. New movies enter and old shows leave as licensing deals expire or get renewed.Amazon’s purchase of MGM gives it a lot more Hollywood credibility. Unlike Netflix, Amazon also has live sports thanks to its exclusive Thursday Night Football deal and rights to NBA games during the 2025-26 season. And with its deep pockets, Amazon has funded many original shows and movies, including Bosch, The Boys, Catastrophe, Electric Dreams, Fleabag, Good Omens, Hanna, Homecoming, Hunters, Jack Ryan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Patriot, Tales From The Loop, Undone, Upload, and Utopia.
(Credit: Netflix/PCmag)
Still, Netflix is the one to beat when it comes to original mainstream streaming entertainment. Its library includes stylish anime, awards-worthy dramas and documentaries, and the trashiest reality shows you’ve ever seen. Netflix’s lineup has Black Mirror, Bojack Horseman, The Crown, Dead to Me, Locke and Key, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Never Have I Ever, Orange Is the New Black, Ozark, The Queen’s Gambit, Russian Doll, Stranger Things, The Umbrella Academy, and The Witcher. If anything, Netflix now has too much content, forcing the service to cancel shows at an alarming rate to rein in spending. Winner: Netflix Netflix vs. Amazon Prime Video: Pricing and PlatformsAfter years of price increases, Netflix recently introduced a lower-priced, ad-supported tier. Costing just $6.99, this base plan lets Netflix compete with cheaper services. However, this isn’t the best deal. As expected, this tier doesn’t give you all of Netflix’s features and doesn’t let you watch the company’s entire library. If you want the real Netflix experience, get ready to pay $15.49 per month for the Standard tier.Meanwhile, Amazon Prime Video costs $8.99 per month and comes with everything you want from the service. However, to remove ads, you must pay $11.99 per month. You can expand your viewing options by renting or buying content in a la carte fashion, or by subscribing to add-on channels (like the no-cost Amazon Freevee). Prime Video also comes included with an Amazon Prime subscription.
(Credit: Amazon/PCMag)
Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are on nearly every platform you would want, including media streaming devices (Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku), the Microsoft Store, mobile (Android and iOS), game consoles (PlayStation and Xbox), Smart TVs, and the web.Winner: Amazon Prime VideoNetflix vs. Amazon Prime Video: Streaming QualityAs top-tier streaming services, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are similar when it comes to the viewing experience. Want to stream in 4K video quality? You got it. Offline mobile downloads let you watch content on the go. Parental controls prevent children from streaming anything inappropriate. In addition, both services let you simultaneously stream on a comparable number of devices, though Netflix’s limit depends on the tier. They also include audio descriptions, which is an especially useful accessibility feature. Winner: Tie
(Credit: Netflix/PCMag)
Netflix and Amazon Prime Video both offer alternative ways to view content that may not be available in the streaming library. Amazon offers digital rentals and purchases, which is even more appealing now that Netflix has shut down its DVD mail rental service. Prime Video’s coolest feature, X-Ray, uses the IMDB information to give you behind-the-scenes tidbits on cast and crew whenever you pause what you’re watching.Prime Video is a major part of a larger tech company, but Netflix is a streaming company first and foremost. As a result, Netflix has community blogs to support its fanbases and a finely tuned recommendation algorithm that suggests what to watch with frightening specificity. Want to indulge in something new? The Play Something feature lets Netflix launch a random program. Heck, a Netflix subscription now comes with access to surprisingly high-quality mobile video games. Winner: Netflix
Video Streaming Services: What You Should Know
Netflix vs. Amazon Prime Video: Which Is Best?Amazon Prime Video is a worthwhile video service due to its add-on channels and live sports, but Netflix earns its title as the biggest name in streaming thanks to innovative features and awesome originals that should serve every audience. For its content and versatility, Netflix emerges from this battle as the champ, and reigns as our Editors’ Choice winner for mainstream streaming video services.
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