Netflix is the better fit if you want a choice of ad-supported and ad-free plans, while Apple TV+—now branded Apple TV—is worth considering if its Apple Originals, ad-free viewing, or included U.S. sports match what you watch. There is no universal winner: compare the specific shows and sports you want, then choose the plan whose price, ads, quality, and household rules work for you.
Netflix vs. Apple TV: plans and monthly prices
For U.S. subscribers, Netflix offers three monthly tiers. Apple’s current U.S. product page lists Apple TV at $14.99 per month after a seven-day trial. Prices below are before applicable taxes; plan details and eligibility can vary by location or package.
| Plan | Monthly price | Ads and video | Simultaneous viewing | Downloads | Sharing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix Standard with ads | $8.99 | Ads; 1080p Full HD. Some titles may be unavailable. | 2 supported devices at a time | 2 supported devices | No extra-member slot listed for this plan |
| Netflix Standard | $19.99 | Ad-free; 1080p Full HD | 2 supported devices at a time | 2 supported devices | 1 paid extra-member slot |
| Netflix Premium | $26.99 | Ad-free; 4K Ultra HD, HDR, and Netflix spatial audio | 4 supported devices at a time | 6 supported devices | Up to 2 paid extra-member slots |
| Apple TV subscription | $14.99 | Apple says Apple Originals are commercial-free; no video-resolution or download-device limit is specified on the cited product page | Not stated on the cited product page | Not stated on the cited product page | Share with up to 5 other family members through Family Sharing |
Netflix’s official U.S. plans page lists these prices and features and says its Basic plan has been discontinued. Apple’s current U.S. Apple TV product page lists $14.99 per month, but Apple’s subscription page has also reported $12.99. Check Apple’s checkout price before subscribing because the company’s pages conflict.
At the entry level, Netflix costs less per month than Apple TV but includes ads and may omit some titles. Netflix Standard costs more than Apple TV’s listed standalone price, and Premium costs more still. Apple’s ad-free offer is not a direct substitute for Netflix’s entire range of plans, since Netflix lets you choose between a lower-priced ad-supported option and higher-priced ad-free tiers.
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- 4K High Dynamic Range (Dolby Vision and HDR10) for stunning picture quality
- Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound
- A10X Fusion chip for ultra-fast graphics and performance
- Voice search by asking the Siri Remote
Which service has the shows and films you want?
The best value depends on what you will actually watch. Apple positions its service around hundreds of exclusive Apple Originals, with new releases weekly. Netflix has its own varied lineup and multiple plan levels, but the official plan pages do not establish which service has the larger or better catalog. Compare the titles you care about—including whether the current season is available—rather than assuming one service wins on quantity.
Apple TV is also the name of Apple’s app, which includes access to content beyond the subscription. The Apple TV subscription does not automatically include third-party subscription services or titles available to rent or buy through the app. Check whether a title is included before signing up or pressing play.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Ads, video quality, downloads, and household use
Ads and picture quality
Netflix Standard with ads is the least expensive listed Netflix plan, but it includes ads and some titles may not be available. Netflix Standard removes ads and provides 1080p Full HD; Premium adds 4K Ultra HD and HDR. Choose among them based on whether the specific content you watch supports the quality you want and whether your display and connection can use it.
Apple says Apple Originals are commercial-free. The cited Apple product information does not specify a comparable resolution, simultaneous-device, or download-device limit, so those details should be checked for the specific device and account before subscribing if they are essential to your decision.
Rank #3
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Downloads and simultaneous viewing
Netflix states device limits for simultaneous viewing and downloads by plan: Standard with ads and Standard support two devices, while Premium supports four simultaneous devices and downloads on six. These are supported-device limits, not a promise that every title is downloadable on every device.
Sharing outside your home
Netflix defines an account household around devices connected to the internet at the main residence. People outside that household may be added as paid extra members, subject to the plan’s slot limits and eligibility. Apple says an Apple TV subscription can be shared with up to five other family members through Family Sharing. If the people watching do not live together, check each service’s current sharing terms before choosing.
Rank #4
- Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
Does Apple TV include live sports?
Apple says its U.S. subscription includes Friday Night Baseball and, starting in 2026, every MLS match and Formula 1 Grand Prix in the United States. Sports rights and availability depend on geography and can change, so confirm that the events you follow are available where you live. Sports are a meaningful reason to consider Apple TV only if those particular leagues and events are relevant to you.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can Apple One change the value?
Apple One bundles Apple TV with other Apple services. Apple says Family and Premier subscribers can share included subscriptions through Family Sharing; Apple TV and Apple Arcade can also be shared on the Individual Apple One plan. A bundle may suit someone who already wants its other included services, but it is not automatically a saving if you would not use them.
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Best Value
- Dolby Atmos for immersive, room-filling sound - 4K High Frame Rate HDR with Dolby Vision for fluid, crisp video
- A12 Bionic chip gives a big boost to audio, video, and graphics, for even better game and app experiences than ever before
- The new Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad - Use AirPlay to share photos, videos, and more from your device on your TV
- Apple Original shows and movies from Apple TV+ - Watch the latest hits from Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and more
- More ways to enjoy your TV with Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, and Apple Music - Private listening using up to two sets of AirPods
How to choose based on your viewing habits
- Choose Netflix Standard with ads if keeping the monthly bill low matters most, you accept ads, and the titles you want are available on that tier.
- Choose Netflix Standard if you want Netflix without ads and 1080p viewing, and its lineup is worth the higher monthly price to you.
- Choose Netflix Premium if you will use 4K Ultra HD and HDR, need more simultaneous viewing or download-device capacity, or want its listed extra-member flexibility.
- Choose Apple TV if its Apple Originals or included U.S. sports are what you want and its ad-free offer suits your household.
- Subscribe to both only if you have specific titles or sports on each service that justify paying for both. You do not need both simply because their catalogs differ.
For the most practical comparison, make a short list of the shows, films, or events you would watch in the next month. Verify they are included in the subscription and available in your region, then compare the relevant monthly plan—not just the cheapest advertised price.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
