Netflix vs. Amazon Prime Video: Which One Should You Choose in 2026?

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Marina

Updated on

August 28, 2026

Netflix vs. Amazon Prime Video: Which One Should You Choose in 2026?

Netflix or Amazon Prime Video: Which One Should You Choose?

Can't decide between Netflix and Prime Video? That makes sense: both services offer movies, TV shows, and exclusive content, but they work very differently.

Netflix focuses entirely on streaming. Prime Video is part of the Amazon Prime subscription and includes a rental store, purchase options, and pay-per-view channels in its catalog. So your choice depends not only on price, but also on the content you enjoy and how you use the platform. 🍿

Netflix vs. Prime Video: The Main Differences

Criterion|Netflix|Amazon Prime Video
Price|From €7.99 to €21.99 per month|€6.99 per month or €69.90 per year
Advertisement | As per the plan | Limited advertising by default
Highest Quality | 4K HDR with Premium | Up to 4K UHD
Simultaneous readings | 2 or 4 depending on the package | 3
Profiles | Up to 5 in the household | Up to 6 on the account
Downloads | 2 to 6 devices, depending on the plan | Compatible titles on up to 2 devices
Trial Period|No|30 days for eligible accounts
Rentals and Purchases|No|Yes
Additional Services|Few benefits beyond streaming|Delivery, Photos, Gaming, Reading, and Prime Music
Share on Spliiit| Netflix Invitation | Activation via TV Code

Which service is the least expensive?

Amazon Prime is cheaper than both ad-free Netflix plans. The subscription also includes fast shipping and several Amazon services.

Netflix offers more choices:

The "Standard with Ads " plan provides access to the catalog at a lower price
Standard removes the ad and offers two simultaneous readings
Premium adds 4K HDR and four simultaneous streams

Prime Video includes a limited number of ads in movies and TV shows. A monthly subscription option removes most of these interruptions, but some free programs, live streams, or events may still contain ads.

If price is your only priority, Prime Video has the edge. If you don't want any ads, you should compare Netflix Standard with Amazon Prime and its ad-free option.

Netflix and Prime Video do not organize their catalogs in the same way

The total number of movies and TV shows is constantly changing. It's more helpful to look at the nature of the catalog than to try to figure out which platform has the most titles.

Netflix offers a catalog that is fully included in the subscription

Netflix combines its movies, TV shows, documentaries, and children's programming into a single package. Once you've chosen your subscription plan, you don't have to pay to rent any additional movies.

The platform features several well-known productions, including:

Stranger Things
Wednesday
Black Mirror
Squid Game
The Bridgerton Chronicles
The Witcher

Netflix also regularly adds French movies, documentaries, and original productions. Recommendations vary depending on the profile used and the shows you've already watched.

Prime Video combines its included catalog with paid content

Prime Video offers its own series and exclusive content, including:

The Boys
Fallout
Reacher
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

The service also provides access to movies and TV shows from other studios. However, not everything that appears in the app is necessarily included with Amazon Prime.

You may encounter four different indications:

Included with Prime: The program is included in the subscription
Rent: You pay to watch the program for a limited time
Buy: The content is added to your library
Subscribe: The program is available on an additional paid channel

A recent new listing can therefore appear in search results while still being a paid listing.

Which catalog is the most interesting?

Netflix is often more convenient if you watch a lot of shows and want an app dedicated entirely to your subscription. Its recommendations also make it fairly easy to find shows that match your viewing habits.

Prime Video might be a better fit for you if you're drawn to its original content or if you like to rent a movie from time to time that isn't included in the catalog.

Which platform offers the best image quality?

Netflix adjusts the video quality based on the plan you choose:

Standard with ads: up to 1080p
Standard: up to 1080p
Premium: up to 4K HDR

Prime Video can stream certain content in 4K UHD without requiring you to upgrade to a more expensive video plan. However, the program and the device must be compatible.

In either case, the presence of a 4K logo does not guarantee that all movies will be streamed in that quality. Your TV, your player, your internet connection, and the title you choose also play a role 📺

On a phone or a small computer, Full HD is usually sufficient. The difference becomes more noticeable on a large 4K TV.

How many screens can you use at the same time?

Netflix allows two simultaneous streams with the Standard (with ads) and Standard plans. The Premium plan allows up to four simultaneous streams.

Prime Video lets you watch up to three videos at the same time with the same Amazon account. For a single title included in the subscription, the limit is generally two devices at a time.

Service|Number of profiles|Simultaneous users
Netflix Standard with Ads | Up to 5 | 2
Netflix Standard | Up to 5 | 2
Netflix Premium | Up to 5 | 4
Prime Video|Up to 6|3

A profile is not the same as an additional screen. It is used to maintain a separate history, list, and set of recommendations.

So you can create five profiles on Netflix Standard, but only two people can watch a show at the same time.

Downloads are available on both services

Netflix lets you download certain shows to watch them offline. The number of devices depends on your plan:

two devices with the Standard plan, including ads
two devices with Standard
six devices with Premium

Prime Video also allows you to download compatible titles. The same content included in your subscription can generally be downloaded on up to two devices.

Prime Video downloads must usually be started within 30 days. Once you start watching, you generally have 48 hours to finish the program. These time limits may vary depending on the rights associated with the title.

Whether you're on vacation, traveling, or dealing with an unstable connection, both apps are still handy. ✈️

Which interface is the most user-friendly?

Netflix gets right to the point. The app shows only the shows included in the subscription, with a home screen tailored to the user's profile.

Browsing relies heavily on recommendations, new releases, and shows you've already started watching. You can quickly resume watching an episode or find your list.

Prime Video brings together more services within a single interface. The included shows appear alongside rentals, purchases, additional channels, and select live streams.

This gives you more options, but the screen may seem a bit cluttered. Sometimes you have to open a detail page to find out whether the content is included in Prime or requires an additional payment.

Netflix is therefore simpler if you just want to pick a show and start watching. Prime Video is a good choice if you like having the catalog, store, and channels all in one app.

Do Amazon Prime's other benefits make a difference?

Prime Video is just one part of Amazon Prime. According to the terms of service, the subscription also includes:

Express shipping on eligible products
Storing Photos with Amazon Photos
Prime Gaming
Prime Reading
Amazon Music Prime
Offers available only to subscribers

If you're already taking advantage of several of these benefits, Prime Video becomes especially appealing. You're not just paying to watch movies and TV shows.

If you rarely order from Amazon and don’t use any other Prime services, this difference matters much less. In that case, your choice can be based solely on the catalog and the viewing experience.

Can you share a Netflix account on Spliiit ?

Yes, but Netflix requires you to use the " Additional Member " option for someone who doesn't live in the same household.

The options depend on your plan:

The standard plan with ads does not allow you to add an additional subscriber
Standard lets you add one
With Premium, you can add up to two

The invited person receives their own account, password, and profile. They can watch Netflix on one device at a time and must be in the same country as the account holder.

The guide to sharing a Netflix subscription on Spliiit explains all the steps for sharing your subscription.

Can you share Prime Video on Spliiit ?

Prime Video uses a different method. Sharing is done using a TV activation code, without sharing the Amazon password.

The process is simple:

The secondary subscriber opens Prime Video on their TV or connected device
He retrieves the code displayed on the screen
He sends this code to Owner via email Spliiit
The " Owner " registers the device through its Prime Video account
The co-subscriber creates their own profile

The Owner e must also set up a PIN and disable purchases. This precaution prevents a rental, purchase, or additional channel from being added through the co-subscriber's profile.

The Prime Video sharing guide on Spliiit explains how to share your subscription.

The number of simultaneous streams on Prime Video remains the same after activation.

Netflix or Prime Video: Which One Should You Choose Based on Your Viewing Habits?

Your Use | The Best Choice for You
Do you mostly watch Netflix original series? | Netflix
Want a simple interface?|Netflix
You've opted out of ads | Netflix Standard or Premium
You have a 4K TV | Prime Video or Netflix Premium
You're already using Amazon|Prime Video delivery
Want to watch three shows at once? | Prime Video
You need four simultaneous streams|Netflix Premium
Do you sometimes rent new movies? | Prime Video
Do you want to invite someone using their own login credentials | Netflix Standard or Premium

Netflix is a better choice if you're looking for simplicity

Netflix is still a pleasure to use when you want to open the app, pick a show, and start watching right away. The library is included with your subscription, and the recommendations are pretty easy to browse.

The platform is also the logical choice if its exclusive shows are the ones you watch most often.

Prime Video is a better fit if you use Amazon Prime

Prime Video becomes really appealing if you're already taking advantage of free shipping, Amazon Photos, or Prime Gaming.

The service also offers three simultaneous streams and 4K resolution for compatible titles. You simply need to accept the ads or add the option to remove most of the interruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Netflix and Prime Video

Is Prime Video cheaper than Netflix?

Amazon Prime costs less than Netflix Standard and Premium. The ad-supported Netflix plan is closer in price, but it doesn't include 4K or the Additional Member option.

Do Netflix and Prime Video offer the same movies?

No. Each platform has its own original content and its own distribution agreements. A movie may be included on one platform, available for rent on another, or not available on either platform.

Is 4K included with Prime Video?

Yes, on compatible shows and devices. Netflix requires a Premium subscription to access 4K HDR.

Why does Prime Video ask me to pay for certain movies?

Because the app includes the catalog that comes with Prime, a rental store, movies for purchase, and additional channels. Look for the "Included with Prime" label before playing any content.

Does Netflix offer a free trial?

No. Netflix does not currently offer a free trial.

Does Amazon Prime still offer a 30-day free trial?

Eligible accounts are offered a 30-day trial period. The subscription then becomes a paid service if it is not canceled before renewal.

Can we share both services on Spliiit ?

Yes, but there are two different methods. Netflix uses an "Additional Member" invitation. Prime Video requires activating a device with a TV code.

Should you share your password?

Not with the methods described here. The additional Netflix subscriber has their own login credentials. Prime Video sharing on Spliiit uses a TV activation code.