Netflix offers 5,500+ titles with diverse genres and a $6.99/month ad-supported tier, while Apple TV+ focuses on 1,200+ premium original shows and films with a lower $9.99/month price but requires an Apple ecosystem commitment for best value. Netflix dominates content volume and affordability; Apple TV+ excels in exclusive prestige content quality.
Apple TV+ vs Netflix — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Premium streaming service focused on high-quality original films and series with consistent 4K/Dolby Vision support.
Subscription video streaming service with 280+ million subscribers worldwide
Total Content Library Size. Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard). Ad-Supported Tier Price. Original Content Investment (Annual). Device Ecosystem Lock-in. Emmy Awards Won (2023-2024). Global Subscriber Base
Choose Netflix if you want maximum content variety, the lowest ad-supported price ($6.99), and access across any device without ecosystem limitations. Choose Apple TV+ if you prioritize premium original content, don't mind a smaller curated library, prefer higher production quality over quantity, and have an Apple device ecosystem or can justify the investment for exclusive shows like Severance and Ted Lasso.
Apple TV+: ~140-149 million (2026 projection) | Netflix: N/A
Apple TV+: Part of $28.75B Services (FY2025) | Netflix: N/A
Apple TV+: 15% (Apple Services FY2025) | Netflix: N/A
Apple TV+: Premium original programming | Netflix: N/A
Apple TV+: Deep Apple device integration | Netflix: N/A
Apple TV+: WiFi 6E (802.11ax) | Netflix: N/A
Apple TV+: ~2,500 titles | Netflix: 8,000+ titles globally
Apple TV+: 42 Emmy wins | Netflix: 18 Emmy Awards
Apple TV+: 6 simultaneous streams | Netflix: 1-4 (tier dependent)
Apple TV+: Yes (standard) | Netflix: All tiers
Apple TV+: Up to 6 users (family sharing) | Netflix: 4 (Premium)
Apple TV+: iOS, macOS, tvOS, web, Android, Fire TV, Roku (all major platforms supported) | Netflix: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, web, Smart TVs, Game Consoles, Roku, Fire TV (universal support)
Apple TV+: All tiers included | Netflix: Premium tier only ($15.49+)
Apple TV+: 6 streams | Netflix: 4 screens
Apple TV+: 92 nominations | Netflix: N/A
Apple TV+: 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos | Netflix: N/A
Apple TV+: No (weekly releases) | Netflix: N/A
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)
Apple TV+: 15 Emmy Awards | Netflix: N/A
Apple TV+: None (limited original series) | Netflix: N/A
Apple TV+: 4K HDR + Dolby Atmos | Netflix: 4K Ultra HD (2160p)
Apple TV+: Apple devices, web, select smart TVs | Netflix: N/A
Apple TV+: Full library on all devices | Netflix: Yes (4 devices)
Apple TV+: 90 days (with Apple One) | Netflix: 0 (none as of 2023)
Apple TV+: 16 Emmy Awards | Netflix: 8 Emmy Awards
Apple TV+: 120+ originals | Netflix: 450+ originals
Apple TV+: 0 (no ads) | Netflix: 4-5 minutes/hour
Apple TV+: 25 million (Q3 2024) | Netflix: 282 million (as of Q3 2024)
Apple TV+: $20.88/year (Apple One) | Netflix: N/A
Apple TV+: ~280 originals | Netflix: N/A
Apple TV+: $9.99/month or free (Apple One) | Netflix: N/A
Average Rotten Tomatoes Score (Originals Only)
Apple TV+: Yes (all plans) | Netflix: Available on Premium plan
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Tier)
Apple TV+: ~70% of originals in 4K | Netflix: N/A
Apple TV+: $9.99/month (standard, no ads) | Netflix: N/A
Original Series Critical Quality (Avg Rotten Tomatoes)
Apple TV+: $9.99 | Netflix: $15.49/month
Apple TV+: All original content (100% of originals) | Netflix: N/A
Apple TV+: 110+ nominations | Netflix: N/A
Apple TV+: 3 months free (with Apple device purchase) | Netflix: N/A
Original Content Releases in January 2026
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Multiple scheduled
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Up to 4 screens
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Restricted with extra fees
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Available on premium tiers
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Higher than Disney
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: WWE Raw, NFL Christmas Day, exclusive live events
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Original content focus with viral hits
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Standalone streaming platform
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Scale-driven with high volume content
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Broad global audience across all demographics
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: NFL, WWE Raw, major events
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 60+ original series
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: ~260 million Netflix subscribers
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Originals-focused, limited legacy franchises
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: >1.4 (higher volatility)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 30x (reduced from prior quarters)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Scale-driven content warehouse
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 0 (on-demand only)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Premium+ tier only
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Available on Premium/Premium+ ($22.99)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Limited (varies by plan)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: High (comedies, young adult priority)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Largest available
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Yes, all plans
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Vertical video feed expanding
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Verizon option ($10.99)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: ~12,500 titles
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 250+ originals
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Extensive global coverage
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Restricted to household only
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Full gaming catalog included
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Available on all paid plans
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: $45.18 billion
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Undisclosed (declining)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: ~122 million equivalent
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: ~0.33 billion hours
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Human + Algorithm
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 450+ nominations
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Wide variety across genres
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: No (Premium only)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Weekly/bi-weekly
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: No music library
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 4K UltraHD (2160p) on Premium only
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 4 (Premium tier)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Limited (documentaries only)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Limited, delayed 45 days post-theatrical
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 4K HDR (Premium tier)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: $6.99 (with ads)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 4K Ultra HD (2160p)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 75+ games (no extra cost)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 190+ countries
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 45-90 days varies
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: $6.99 (ad-supported)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Limited (occasional boxing)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Yes (Standard+)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 2,100+ originals
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 45+ days (no theatrical releases)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 68 Emmy awards
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 89 original series
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: No bundle available
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 2-4 (depending on plan)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Yes ($15.49/month)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: $15.49 (ad-free) / $6.99 (with ads)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Up to 4 screens (Premium plan)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 110+ nominations
Maximum Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Limited music documentaries only
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 4K HDR (2160p)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard/Ad-Free US Plan)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: None (US market)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Limited (select shows)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: $15.49 (with ads $6.99)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 250+ series and films
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: Yes, $15.49/month and $22.99/month tiers
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: $22.99 (4K required)
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 91 nominations
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 30-90 days post-theater
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: ~150 originals
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: ~50% of originals
Apple TV+: N/A | Netflix: 0 (licensed only)
How to choose between Apple TV+ and Netflix
Apple TV+ vs Netflix — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Apple TV+ vs Netflix. Contains 330 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Apple TV+ vs Netflix — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Apple TV+ vs Netflix.
Is Apple TV+ worth it compared to Netflix?
Apple TV+ is worth it if you value premium content quality, want to save $5.50/month on the standard tier, and already own Apple devices where you can get a 3-month free trial. However, Netflix is better value if you want maximum content variety, prefer the $6.99/month ad tier, or use non-Apple devices. Apple TV+ should be supplemental; Netflix is the primary service for most users.
Why does Netflix cost so much more than Apple TV+?
Netflix invests $17 billion annually in content (6.8x more than Apple TV+) to maintain a library of 5,500+ titles. This higher cost reflects their business model of maximizing content breadth. Apple TV+ charges less ($9.99) because they focus on ~1,200 curated premium titles rather than volume, prioritizing production quality over library size.
Can I watch Apple TV+ on my Android phone or non-Apple TV?
Yes, Apple TV+ works on Android phones, tablets, Fire TV devices, Roku, Google TV, Samsung Smart TVs, and web browsers at tv.apple.com. However, the experience is most seamless on Apple devices due to native integration with Siri, AirPlay, and the Apple TV app. The service works universally but feels native on Apple hardware.
Which service has better original shows?
Apple TV+ produces higher-quality prestige originals per title (25 Emmys across 1,200 titles = 1 Emmy per 48 titles), including award-winners like Severance, Ted Lasso, and CODA. Netflix produces more total originals (188 Emmys across 5,500 titles = 1 Emmy per 29 titles) with greater variety but more inconsistency. Apple prioritizes quality; Netflix balances quality with quantity.
What's the catch with Apple TV+'s low $9.99 price?
Apple TV+'s low price is part of its strategy to lock users into the Apple ecosystem and services (bundled with Apple One, device purchases). Apple doesn't rely on streaming subscriptions for revenue like Netflix does—they're subsidizing Apple TV+ to increase ecosystem loyalty. There's no hidden catch, but the service is intentionally smaller than Netflix by design.
How to Choose Between Apple TV+ and Netflix
Total Content Library Size: Apple TV+ has ~1,200 titles, while Netflix has ~5,500 titles.
Consider: Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard): Apple TV+ has $9.99/month, while Netflix has $15.49/month.
Ad-Supported Tier Price: Apple TV+ has Not available, while Netflix has $6.99/month.
Consider: Original Content Investment (Annual)
Original Content Investment (Annual): Apple TV+ has $2.5 billion, while Netflix has $17 billion.
Device Ecosystem Lock-in: Apple TV+ has Best on Apple devices; works on all major platforms, while Netflix has Universal access across all devices.
Emmy Awards Won (2023-2024): Apple TV+ has 25 Emmys, while Netflix has 188 Emmys.
Global Subscriber Base: Apple TV+ has 25 million, while Netflix has 277 million.