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Netflix is the straightforward pick if its shows are your priority; Max is compelling for its HBO-led lineup and included live sports; Prime Video makes the most sense when you already use Amazon Prime and are comfortable checking whether a title is included or costs extra. There is no universal catalog winner: availability changes by country and over time. For a fair comparison, check the exact titles and sports you want, then compare the plan’s full cost, ads, household rules, simultaneous viewing, downloads, and device support.
The US plan prices below are those listed on the services’ official pages when checked on October 4, 2026. They can change, and taxes, bundles, billing channel, and eligibility may affect the amount you pay. Prime Video’s current US price was not established here, so verify the price of your Prime membership or standalone option, along with any ad-free or channel charge, before comparing totals.
Compare the US plans by price and features
Start with the tier that meets your needs rather than comparing the cheapest advertised price from one service with an ad-free or higher-resolution plan from another. A low-cost tier may have ads, fewer streams, or title restrictions; an upgrade can change the real monthly cost.
| Service and tier | Listed US price | Streams and picture quality | Downloads and other features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix Standard with ads | $8.99/month | 2 supported devices at a time; 1080p | Downloads on 2 supported devices. Some titles are unavailable because of licensing restrictions. |
| Netflix Standard | $19.99/month | 2 supported devices at a time; 1080p | Ad-free; downloads on 2 supported devices; option for 1 extra member. |
| Netflix Premium | $26.99/month | 4 supported devices at a time; 4K UHD + HDR | Downloads on 6 supported devices; up to 2 extra members; spatial audio. |
| Max Basic with Ads | $9.99/month or $99.99/year | 2 simultaneous streams; Full HD 1080p | Includes ads. |
| Max Standard | $16.99/month or $169.99/year | 2 simultaneous streams; 1080p | 30 downloads; live sports included. |
| Max Premium | $20.99/month or $209.99/year | 4 simultaneous streams; 4K where available | 100 downloads; live sports included; Dolby Atmos where available. |
| Prime Video / Amazon Prime | Not established here; check Amazon’s current US pricing | Usage limits depend on title, plan, device, and region | Some titles are included; rentals, purchases, and channel subscriptions may cost extra. Ad-free option and exceptions vary. |
Max says its annual prices represent 16% savings compared with paying monthly for a year. That saving only applies if you want the service for the full year and the plan and price remain suitable.
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- 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.
Netflix and Max figures are listed on their official US plan pages as checked October 4, 2026. Plan terms and prices can change; the Max amounts should be reconfirmed on Max’s current page before subscribing. Sources: Netflix plans and pricing and Max plans and prices.
Choose based on what you want to watch
Catalog size alone will not tell you which service is best. Rights change, catalogs differ by country, and a program visible in a service’s search may not be included in its subscription.
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
- Choose Netflix if the specific Netflix series, films, or specials you want are the deciding factor. Search for those titles in your region before signing up, particularly if you are considering Standard with ads, where some titles are unavailable because of licensing restrictions.
- Choose Max if the HBO and Max programming you want, or its included live sports, makes it a better fit. Sports availability and schedules are not a substitute for checking that the events you follow are covered.
- Consider Prime Video if you already use Amazon Prime and its included titles match your watchlist. Treat rentals, purchases, and paid channel subscriptions as separate costs—not as part of the included catalog.
Make a short list of must-watch series, films, and sporting events, then search each service in your country. For Prime Video, verify that each result is included with your membership rather than available only to rent, buy, or watch through an added channel. Amazon describes these separate payment categories in its Prime Video help page on renting and buying additional titles.
Work out the total cost, including ads and add-ons
The lowest listed tier is not necessarily the least expensive way to get the experience you want. Compare the plan that actually meets your needs, and add any required ad-free upgrade, channel subscription, or membership fee. If a bundle or different billing channel is involved, check its terms and price directly.
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- 4K 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
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design 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.
Prime Video is a mixed storefront and subscription, not a single all-included catalog: some programming is included with Prime, while other titles require a rental or purchase, and third-party channel subscriptions cost extra. The included catalog changes over time. Current US Prime membership or standalone Prime Video pricing was not established here; look up the option available to you rather than assuming a price.
Amazon’s ad-free option and advertising rules vary by country and content type. An ad-free subscription does not necessarily remove ads from free ad-supported programming, live TV, sports, or promotional trailers. Check the current local price and exceptions on Prime Video’s ad-free help page and usage rules before treating it as equivalent to an ad-free Netflix or Max tier.
Rank #4
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision 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
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Check how many people can watch at once
Concurrent viewing limits matter if people in your household often watch different programs at the same time. The terms are not identical across services, so do not assume that a stated number of devices or streams means the same thing in every situation.
- Netflix: Standard with ads and Standard allow 2 supported devices to watch at once; Premium allows 4.
- Max: Basic with Ads and Standard allow 2 simultaneous streams; Premium allows 4.
- Prime Video: Its usage rules allow up to 3 different titles to play at once in many subscription cases, with limits on watching the same title and regional variation. This is not a directly equivalent stream allowance to the Netflix or Max plan figures.
Netflix also frames account use around a household at the main residence: “A Netflix Household is a collection of devices connected to the internet at the main place where you watch Netflix.” Its household policy is not unrestricted sharing with people outside that household. Extra-member options are available on eligible plans; check the plan terms for eligibility and current options. Sources: Netflix Household help and Netflix plans and pricing.
Best Value
- Streaming made easy: Roku Express lets you stream free, live and premium TV over the Internet—right to your TV. It’s perfect for new users, secondary TVs and easy gifting—but powerful enough for seasoned pros
- Quick and easy setup: Just plug it into your TV with the included High Speed HDMI Cable and connect to the internet to get started
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Compact and power-packed, you’ll stream your favorites with ease; from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, Netflix, The Roku Channel, HBO, Showtime and Google Play to cable alternatives like Hulu with Live TV and PlayStation Vue, enjoy the most talked about TV across free and paid channels
- Low cost, no extra fees: For under $30, Roku Express streaming device includes a High Speed HDMI Cable—and there’s no monthly equipment fee; with access to free TV on hundreds of channels, there’s plenty to stream without spending extra
- Simple remote: Incredibly easy to use, this remote features shortcut buttons to popular streaming channels
Compare offline viewing, picture quality, and devices
If you download shows for travel, compare the actual plan allowance and remember that a download is not permanent ownership. Netflix lists downloads on 2 supported devices for Standard with ads and Standard, and 6 for Premium. Max lists 30 downloads on Standard and 100 on Premium; Basic with Ads has no download allowance listed in the plan comparison. For Prime Video, downloads are title- and device-dependent and temporary, so check the title and device before relying on offline playback.
For picture quality, Netflix lists 1080p on Standard with ads and Standard, and 4K UHD + HDR on Premium. Max lists 1080p on Basic with Ads and Standard, and 4K where available on Premium. A tier’s top resolution does not mean every program will be available at that quality. Your device and connection also matter: Netflix says supported capabilities may differ by device, and Prime Video restrictions vary by country, title, and device. Confirm compatibility for the screen you use. Sources: Netflix help on the service and supported devices and Prime Video usage rules.
Quick Recap
Make the choice with a quick checklist
- Check the watchlist: Search for the specific shows, films, and sports you care about in your country.
- Confirm inclusion: On Prime Video, distinguish included titles from rentals, purchases, and paid channels.
- Choose the needed tier: Match ads, stream count, resolution, and download needs to your household and devices.
- Calculate the real bill: Include any membership, ad-free, channel, bundle, or billing-channel charge that applies.
- Recheck volatile terms: Verify current prices, title availability, sports coverage, and restrictions on the service’s live local pages before subscribing.
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.
