Apple TV+ vs. Netflix in 2023

When it comes to streaming services, Netflix has been one of the top dogs for many years, but other options, like Apple TV+, are starting to build up their own loyal followings. And if you’re thinking about signing up to a new service, you might hesitate between these two options.

Well, Netflix has a much larger library and wider device compatibility, but Apple TV+ has some of the best-rated shows of any service. So, which platform should you choose? Read on to find out how these two services compare in our detailed Apple TV+ vs Netflix guide.

Apple TV+ and Hulu + Live TV compared

Pricing and Plans

One of the main areas in which Netflix and Apple TV+ differ is in terms of their pricing. Apple TV+ is significantly cheaper. It only has one pricing plan, costing just $4.99 for full access to the entire streaming library. There aren’t any ads with Apple TV+, nor are there any hidden fees or optional add-ons for subscribers to pay for.

Netflix, meanwhile, has multiple pricing plans. The Basic plan is priced at $9.99. This is twice as much as Apple TV+, and the Basic plan is also quite limited, as you can only watch in 720p, with no simultaneous streams. There are also Standard and Premium plans, priced at $15.49 and $19.99, respectively. The cheapest plan, Basic with Ads, costs $6.99 and, as the name suggests, features advertisements in between shows and films.

Channels Compared: Apple TV+ vs Netflix

If you like the idea of watching live TV channels, you may have to choose a different service. Neither Apple TV+ nor Netflix have any kind of live content, apart from a small selection of live sports on Apple TV+, as these platforms are primarily oriented around on-demand content.

Local Channels Compared

There are no local channels on either Apple TV+ or Netflix.

Sports Channels Compared

Apple TV+ and Netflix don’t have any sports channels, either. However, it is possible to watch some live sports on Apple TV+. This service shows Friday Night Baseball games, as well as select MLS soccer games, too.

Which has the better on-demand library?

You won’t find any live channels on Apple TV+ or Netflix, but you will find plenty of on-demand content. Both of these platforms have on-demand libraries with some excellent shows, although one is significantly larger than the other.

At Apple TV+, the focus is on quality over quantity. In fact, one study even showed that the shows and movies on this service have the highest average ratings when compared to other major streaming platforms, like Netflix. Shows like Ted Lasso, Severance, and The Morning Show are some of Apple TV+’s big TV hits, and the service also has some super films like CODA and On The Rocks.

Netflix is also the home of plenty of big original hits, like Stranger Things and Wednesday. The service has also proven to be a great place to watch shows from around the world, like South Korea’s Squid Game, Japan’s Alice in Borderland, and Spain’s Money Heist. Netflix has also produced some big budget movies like Glass Onion and The Power of the Dog.

When we compare the two, Netflix has a much bigger library than Apple TV+, giving users many more things to watch. Although, in our experience, there’s a lot of content on Netflix that won’t interest most people and isn’t necessarily worth watching, while Apple TV+’s content is more consistently impressive.

Do both services have a free trial?

Free trials can be really helpful when you want to test out a service before deciding if it’s right for you. Netflix used to offer 30-day trials, but that’s not the case anymore. Now, there isn’t any kind of free trial offer for Netflix newbies. However, Apple TV+ does have a 7-day free trial.

Other features compared

Leading streaming services also offer various other features to their users, and Netflix and Apple TV+ are no different. Here’s how these two services compare in terms of things like DVR support and simultaneous streaming.

Cloud DVR

Since Apple TV+ and Netflix are both on-demand platforms, without any live channels, neither of these services has any kind of DVR function.

Simultaneous Streams

If you want to stream on multiple devices at the same time, Apple TV+ will allow this on up to six separate devices. This is one of the most generous allowances of simultaneous streaming from any major streaming provider, and it’s ideal for large families.

Over on Netflix, the number of simultaneous streams you get will depend on how much you’re willing to pay. Basic subscribers only get to watch on one device at a time, while Standard subscribers get two simultaneous streams and Premium users get up to four.

Supported Devices

When it comes to device compatibility, Netflix has the edge. Both Apple TV+ and Netflix are available on lots of devices, like smart TVs and Roku boxes, but Netflix has a much wider range of options. For now, Apple TV+ doesn’t work on any Android devices, which severely limits its accessibility, especially for people who like to watch shows on their phones or tablets.

Our Verdict: Netflix is better than Apple TV+

Out of these two options, we have to give the edge to Netflix. It may no longer have a monopoly over the streaming world, but Netflix is still a huge force with tons of content to watch, lots of new original shows and movies on the horizon, and excellent device compatibility.

You can use Netflix as your one and only streaming service and still have lots to watch each day. This isn’t the case with Apple TV+, due to its small library. However, as a budget-friendly option with some truly super content, Apple TV+ is still worth considering.