Is Netflix better than Amazon Prime?

An evaluation of online streaming sites, Netflix and Amazon Prime, in their content, price, and audio/video quality.

Amazon Prime and Netflix launched their services together in Pakistan in 2016. However Netflix amassed a following while Amazon Prime is struggling. While the two competitive sites are unique in the content available for streaming, Netflix has somehow captured greater audiences in comparison to Amazon Prime.

Here we evaluate both the streaming sites, in terms of content available, subscription, services, and features available for users, to decide if Netflix really is the best of the two.

Content

Netflix has a range of Hollywood, Bollywood, and Lollywood movies, documentaries, and TV shows available for streaming. Their Netflix Originals have become quite popular with people, especially, Stranger Things, Queen's Gambit, Squid Game, Money Heist, Sacred Games, and House of Secrets: The Burari deaths. Such content is anticipated by viewers and has compelled many non-users to subscribe to the site and binge-watch all the popular content. The content quality of Netflix has only ever been beaten by HBO, which released the popular show Game of Thrones. Unfortunately, HBO Max has yet to launch in Pakistan. Netflix is also a bit slow in licensing content of new season releases and is usually a season behind.

While Netflix may have content in every genre, Amazon Prime has a much greater library of more than 24000 movies and 2100 TV shows. Most of Amazon's content is recognizable but older Hollywood films. Recently, however, the streaming site has acquired the franchise of other popular content like James Bond, Rocky, and the famous The Handmaid's Tale. Its Orignal production content is unique and has caught the eye of many audiences most notably, Fleabag, The Man in the High Castle, and Jack Ryan. Amazon lets you buy new episodes of shows right after its initial broadcast, a feature that Netflix clearly lacks. The site also provides access to some HBO content like The Wire, The Sopranos, and Succession.

Subscription Cost

Netflix reduced its monthly subscription charges in October this year by PKR 400. The standard plan is PKR 800 and the Premium plan is now Rs. 1100. The site's Mobile and the Basic plan is also PKR 250 and PKR 450. The standard plan allows two streaming screens, two devices to download content, unlimited access to movies and TV shows, streaming in HD, and access on all devices. The Premium plan has an addition of letting users access four screens at the same time, with four devices to download content and streaming in ultra HD, HDR, and Dolby Atmos.

Amazon Prime has a basic simple subscription fee of $5.99 which is around Rs. 1075 ($1=179.47), which is slightly pricey than Netflix. To subscribe you will need a Master or Visa card, but the plan will give you access to stream on three different devices. You can download your favorite content and stream offline on any device as well. Prime supports videos in 4K, Ultra HD, HDR, and Dolby Atmos. If you get an Amazon Prime membership, you can get access to Amazon Prime Video, access Amazon Music service, and earn some shopping benefits as well.

Device Support

Netflix allows support to most of all devices for streaming content including, web browsers on Mac or PC, Apple TV, Amazon's Fire TV, and its devices, iOS, Android, Windows phone, Xbox One, and Series X, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo 3DS Blue-ray players, smart TV, and Google's Chromecast.

Amazon Prime is supported on all of the devices like Netflix, except Windows phone and Nintendo 3DS.

Audio and Video experience

Netflix has a consistent interface with minor changes varying in different devices, while users get their own different profiles each with its own tailored recommendations, while the Kids profile, ensures all PG-rated content is not displayed. The video streaming site also adjusts the level of video compression according to user's internet connection speed.

Amazon Prime's interface is a bit difficult to navigate, different in each device in style and usability. If using the web, the site is presented as a section of the Amazon store. On Prime, users can add up to six profiles, though the recommendation window isn't as sophisticated as Netflix. Video quality is quite remarkable, allowing content to be streamed in 4K with HDR, and Dolby Atmos, when available and without an additional fee. Soundtracks are offered in Dolby 5.1 surround.

In terms of ease price and content, there is no doubt that Netflix has emerged as the winner. Amazon Prime will need to offer better content and provide much ease in the navigation of the app and better pricing plans, to be seen as a threat to Netflix.