Netflix is a dedicated streaming service for TV shows and movies with 282M subscribers and curated original content, while YouTube Premium removes ads from user-generated and music content with 100M+ subscribers across all YouTube videos. They serve fundamentally different purposes: Netflix for scripted entertainment vs YouTube Premium for ad-free browsing and music.
Netflix vs YouTube Premium — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Streaming giant with 260M+ subscribers and the world's largest on-demand content library.
Ad-free access to YouTube videos with offline downloads and background playback.
Primary Content Type. Monthly Subscription Price (Basic Ad-Supported). Monthly Subscription Price (Premium Ad-Free). Global Subscriber Count. Ad-Free Experience Coverage. Offline Download Feature. Simultaneous Streams (Premium Plan)
Choose Netflix if you want curated, professionally-produced TV shows and films with a deep library of originals and licensed content from studios worldwide. Choose YouTube Premium if you want ad-free access across all YouTube's user-generated content, music streaming (300M+ tracks), and don't want limitations on simultaneous streaming—it's more of a utility than entertainment-focused service.
Netflix: $17 Billion | YouTube Premium: N/A
Original Content Releases in January 2026
Netflix: Multiple scheduled | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Up to 4 screens | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Restricted with extra fees | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Available on premium tiers | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Higher than Disney | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: WWE Raw, NFL Christmas Day, exclusive live events | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Original content focus with viral hits | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Standalone streaming platform | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Scale-driven with high volume content | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Broad global audience across all demographics | YouTube Premium: N/A
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)
Netflix: NFL, WWE Raw, major events | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 60+ original series | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: ~260 million Netflix subscribers | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Originals-focused, limited legacy franchises | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: >1.4 (higher volatility) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 30x (reduced from prior quarters) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Scale-driven content warehouse | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 0 (on-demand only) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Premium+ tier only | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Available on Premium/Premium+ ($22.99) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Limited (varies by plan) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: High (comedies, young adult priority) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Largest available | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Yes, all plans | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Not included | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Vertical video feed expanding | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Verizon option ($10.99) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: ~12,500 titles | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 250+ originals | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: $6.99/month | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: $22.99/month | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: ~2,000 titles | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Not available | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Extensive global coverage | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 4 screens | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Restricted to household only | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Full gaming catalog included | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Available on all paid plans | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: $45.18 billion | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Undisclosed (declining) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: ~0.25 billion | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: ~122 million equivalent | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: ~0.33 billion hours | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Human + Algorithm | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 0 channels | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 450+ nominations | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: $7.99/month | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: $24.99/month | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 5,500+ titles | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Wide variety across genres | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: No (Premium only) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 4 (Premium) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Weekly/bi-weekly | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 4-5 min/hour | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: $15.49 | YouTube Premium: $14.99
Netflix: 270+ million | YouTube Premium: 100+ million
Netflix: 4 screens | YouTube Premium: Unlimited
Netflix: No music library | YouTube Premium: 300+ million tracks
Netflix: 4K Ultra HD (2160p) | YouTube Premium: 4K Ultra HD
Netflix: 5,000+ titles | YouTube Premium: User-generated focus
Netflix: 4K UltraHD (2160p) on Premium only | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 4 (Premium tier) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Limited (documentaries only) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 2,500+ titles | YouTube Premium: 150+ originals
Netflix: All plans | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Limited, delayed 45 days post-theatrical | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 4K HDR (Premium tier) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: $6.99 (with ads) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 4K Ultra HD (2160p) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 2 devices | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: No free trial | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 283 million | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, web, Smart TVs, Game Consoles, Roku, Fire TV (universal support) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Premium tier only ($15.49+) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: All tiers | YouTube Premium: Most videos supported
Netflix: 75+ games (no extra cost) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 190+ countries | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 45-90 days varies | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: $6.99 (ad-supported) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Limited (occasional boxing) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 1-2 streams | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 190 countries | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: $15.49/month | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Yes (Standard+) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 282 million | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: $33 billion | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 2,100+ originals | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 45+ days (no theatrical releases) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 18 Emmy Awards | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 8,000+ titles globally | YouTube Premium: 800+ million videos
Netflix: 68 Emmy awards | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 89 original series | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: No bundle available | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 8 Emmy Awards | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 450+ originals | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 4-5 minutes/hour | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 2-4 (depending on plan) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Yes (4 devices) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Yes ($15.49/month) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: $15.49 (ad-free) / $6.99 (with ads) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 0 (none as of 2023) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 2,100+ originals | YouTube Premium: 0 originals
Netflix: 15,000+ hours | YouTube Premium: 1,000,000+ hours
Netflix: Up to 4 screens (Premium plan) | YouTube Premium: Unlimited streams
Netflix: Available on Premium plan | YouTube Premium: Available on all Premium tiers
Netflix: Not available | YouTube Premium: Available on all Premium tiers
Netflix: 87 series | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: ~5,500 movies | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 110+ nominations | YouTube Premium: N/A
Maximum Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)
Netflix: 2 streams | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Limited music documentaries only | YouTube Premium: Full music streaming (YouTube Music included)
Netflix: 4K HDR (2160p) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: $17 billion | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 1-4 (tier dependent) | YouTube Premium: Unlimited
Netflix: $15.49/month | YouTube Premium: $13.99/month
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard/Ad-Free US Plan)
Netflix: 247 million | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: None (US market) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Limited (select shows) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: $15.49 (with ads $6.99) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 250+ series and films | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: Yes, $15.49/month and $22.99/month tiers | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: $22.99 (4K required) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 91 nominations | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 30-90 days post-theater | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: ~150 originals | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: ~50% of originals | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 0 (licensed only) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: 260+ | YouTube Premium: 150+ million Premium subscribers (estimated 2025)
Netflix: 68 (2025) | YouTube Premium: N/A
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: Good (YouTube-integrated)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: $7.99 (Lite)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: Videos and Music
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: 128 kbps (video)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: Full (primary focus)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: Good (algorithmic)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: Complete across YouTube
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: 4K (2160p)
Monthly Subscription Price (US Individual)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: 128 kbps
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: 90 million (YouTube Premium)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: 80+ million songs via YouTube Music
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: Limited (videos only, with expiry)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: $22.99 (up to 6 members)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: Video-first (music videos, tutorials, entertainment, podcasts)
Discovery Algorithm Rating (User Satisfaction)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: 78% user satisfaction with recommendations
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: 100+ million
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: Yes (included at $13.99)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: 8 minutes (algorithm-driven)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: 256 kbps AAC
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: Unlimited videos
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: Unlimited devices
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: 1 premium stream
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: N/A (no free music tier)
Netflix: N/A | YouTube Premium: 100% (video + shorts + music)
How to choose between Netflix and YouTube Premium
Netflix vs YouTube Premium — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Netflix vs YouTube Premium. Contains 292 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Netflix vs YouTube Premium — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Netflix vs YouTube Premium.
Is YouTube Premium cheaper than Netflix?
YouTube Premium's ad-free plan costs $14.99/month compared to Netflix Premium at $15.49/month, making YouTube Premium $0.50 cheaper monthly. However, Netflix's ad-supported plan is $9.00/month versus YouTube Premium's $9.99/month. The comparison depends on which plan tier you choose and what content you prioritize.
Can I download videos offline on both services?
Both services offer offline downloads, but with different scopes. Netflix allows offline downloads on all subscription tiers (Basic, Standard, and Premium). YouTube Premium members can download videos for offline viewing, but the feature is more limited than Netflix's comprehensive offline library capability.
How many people can watch at the same time?
Netflix Premium allows 4 simultaneous streams, while YouTube Premium offers unlimited simultaneous streaming across all devices. If household sharing is important, YouTube Premium is significantly better. Netflix has implemented password-sharing restrictions limiting each account to one primary household as of 2026.
Does YouTube Premium include music streaming?
Yes, YouTube Premium includes full access to YouTube Music with 300+ million tracks and unlimited ad-free listening. Netflix does not offer a music streaming service; it focuses exclusively on video content. If you want both video and music in one subscription, YouTube Premium is the integrated solution.
What's the quality difference between ad-supported and ad-free plans?
Netflix's ad-supported plan ($9/month) limits video quality to 720p, while Premium plans offer 4K. YouTube Premium's quality remains consistent regardless of which plan tier you choose—both remove ads across all content. This is a significant advantage for YouTube Premium on the ad-supported tier.
How to Choose Between Netflix and YouTube Premium
Primary Content Type: Netflix has Original TV shows and licensed films, while YouTube Premium has User-generated videos and music library (300M+ tracks).
Consider: Monthly Subscription Price (Basic Ad-Supported)
Monthly Subscription Price (Basic Ad-Supported): Netflix has $9.00, while YouTube Premium has $9.99.
Consider: Monthly Subscription Price (Premium Ad-Free)
Monthly Subscription Price (Premium Ad-Free): Netflix has $15.49 (Standard with ads removed), while YouTube Premium has $14.99.
Global Subscriber Count: Netflix has 282 million, while YouTube Premium has 100+ million Premium subscribers.
Ad-Free Experience Coverage: Netflix has All Netflix originals and licensed content, while YouTube Premium has All YouTube videos plus YouTube Music.
Offline Download Feature: Netflix has Yes, available on all plans, while YouTube Premium has Yes, YouTube Premium members can download videos.
Consider: Simultaneous Streams (Premium Plan)
Simultaneous Streams (Premium Plan): Netflix has 4 screens on Premium, while YouTube Premium has Unlimited streams on all devices.