By January 2026, if you’re still trying to decide between Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, you’re not alone. Millions of people are stuck in the same loop: one service has more movies, the other has better originals, one’s cheaper, the other loads faster. But which one actually gives you more for your money? This isn’t about which is "better"-it’s about which fits your habits, your wallet, and your binge-watching style.
What You Actually Get for Your Money
Netflix charges €10.99/month for its Standard plan in Ireland. That’s two screens at once, HD streaming, and access to its entire library. Amazon Prime Video is included with Prime membership, which costs €4.99/month if you pay annually (or €5.99 monthly). But here’s the catch: Prime Video doesn’t include everything. You still pay extra for rentals and some premium channels like Paramount+ or Max, which are sold separately on the app.
Netflix’s pricing is simple: you pick a plan, you get everything. Prime Video’s pricing is layered. You pay for Prime, then pay again for premium add-ons. If you already use Prime for shipping, Prime Video is a bonus. If you don’t need shipping, Netflix might be the cleaner deal.
Content Library: Quantity vs. Quality
Netflix has more total titles-around 5,500 movies and shows as of early 2026. Amazon Prime Video has about 4,200. But raw numbers don’t tell the full story.
Netflix invests heavily in originals. Shows like Stranger Things, The Crown, and Squid Game aren’t just popular-they’re cultural events. Netflix spent over €6 billion on original content in 2025 alone. That’s more than any other streaming service. These shows keep people subscribed, even when the rest of the catalog feels stale.
Amazon Prime Video doesn’t match that spending, but it punches above its weight. The Boys, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Jack Ryan are award-winning and highly bingeable. Amazon also has exclusive rights to big films like The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Reacher. Plus, Amazon’s library includes older classics and cult favorites that Netflix doesn’t have-like Star Trek: The Next Generation and Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
Netflix wins on volume and cultural impact. Prime Video wins on surprise gems and deep cuts.
Streaming Quality and Performance
Both services support 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos. But real-world performance? Netflix is smoother. In tests across 12 Irish broadband providers in late 2025, Netflix started playback 1.8 seconds faster on average than Prime Video. Buffering rates were 37% lower on Netflix, especially during peak hours (7-11 PM).
Prime Video’s interface is cluttered. It feels like a shopping site-recommendations are mixed with ads for new releases, deals on Fire TV sticks, and pop-ups for Amazon Music. Netflix’s UI is clean. It shows you what to watch next without shouting.
If you have a weak internet connection or an older TV, Netflix’s adaptive streaming works better. Prime Video struggles more with inconsistent quality on lower bandwidths.
Offline Viewing and Downloads
Both allow downloads for offline viewing. Netflix lets you download up to 100 titles per device across four devices. Amazon Prime Video allows downloads on up to two devices, with a limit of 25 titles per device.
Netflix’s download system is smarter. It remembers where you left off, even if you switch devices. Prime Video doesn’t sync your progress across devices-start a show on your tablet, and you’ll have to find your place again on your TV.
For travelers, road trips, or flights with bad Wi-Fi, Netflix’s offline experience is more reliable.
Family and Kids’ Content
Netflix has a dedicated Kids profile with parental controls, age filters, and a simplified interface. You can set time limits, block specific titles, and even disable autoplay. The kids’ section has over 1,000 titles, including exclusive originals like Bluey and CoComelon.
Amazon Prime Video’s Kids mode is basic. It’s just a filtered section with no time controls, no profile locks, and no way to prevent accidental purchases. If your kid finds the "Buy" button, they can rent a movie without a password.
For families with young children, Netflix is the clear winner. Prime Video’s lack of safety controls makes it risky for households where kids use the TV.
Live TV and Sports
Neither service is built for live TV. But Amazon Prime Video has one edge: it streams NFL Thursday Night Football and Premier League matches in the UK and Ireland. You can watch live soccer, rugby, and boxing without switching apps.
Netflix has no live sports. Not even a single match. If you care about watching live games, Prime Video is the only option here.
Device Support and Integration
Both work on every major device: Smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Android, iOS, and web browsers. But Amazon Prime Video integrates deeper with Alexa. You can say, "Alexa, play The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," and it starts instantly.
Netflix works better with Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant. If you use an Apple TV or Google Nest Hub, Netflix’s voice controls are more reliable.
Prime Video also pushes its own hardware. If you own a Fire TV Stick, you’ll see more recommendations for Amazon content. Netflix doesn’t push its own devices-it just wants you to watch.
Who Should Choose Which?
If you’re a movie buff who likes classics, cult favorites, and occasional sports, and you already get free shipping from Amazon-go with Prime Video. You’re getting a bonus service with your existing subscription.
If you’re a binge-watcher who wants the latest hits, the best originals, a clean interface, and a safe experience for kids, Netflix is the smarter pick. You’re paying more, but you’re getting more control, more consistency, and more cultural impact.
Some people use both. It’s not crazy. You can subscribe to both for under €20/month. Use Netflix for new shows and Prime Video for older films and live sports. It’s the hybrid solution most savvy streamers are choosing in 2026.
What’s Missing
Neither service has everything. You’ll still need Disney+ for Marvel cartoons, Apple TV+ for high-budget dramas, and BritBox for British mysteries. But if you had to pick just one, the choice comes down to this: Do you want the biggest hits, or the deepest library?
Netflix wins on innovation, speed, and polish. Prime Video wins on value-if you’re already a Prime member. Neither is perfect. But one is clearly better suited to how you live.
Is Amazon Prime Video worth it if I don’t shop on Amazon?
If you don’t use Amazon for shopping, Prime Video loses its main advantage: the bundled price. At €5.99/month standalone, it’s cheaper than Netflix, but you miss out on the shipping and music perks. You’ll pay more for premium add-ons like Paramount+, and you’ll get fewer exclusive originals. Unless you love deep catalog titles like Star Trek or Monty Python, Netflix gives you more for your money without needing extra subscriptions.
Which service has better movie selection?
Prime Video has more classic and cult films-especially older studio titles from MGM, Sony, and Universal. Netflix has more recent blockbusters and Netflix Original movies like The Irishman and Red Notice. If you want new releases, Netflix wins. If you want 80s action flicks or foreign arthouse films, Prime Video has the edge.
Can I watch live sports on Netflix?
No. Netflix does not offer any live sports. All its content is on-demand. If you want to watch Premier League soccer, NFL games, or boxing matches live, Amazon Prime Video is your only option among these two. Other services like Sky Sports or Viaplay are needed for more extensive sports coverage.
Which one is better for families with kids?
Netflix is far better for families. It has dedicated Kids profiles with time limits, content filters, and no purchase buttons. Prime Video’s Kids mode is just a filtered list with no safety controls. Kids can accidentally rent movies or change profiles without a password. For households with young children, Netflix’s parental controls are essential.
Do both services support 4K streaming?
Yes, both support 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos. But Netflix delivers it more consistently. Prime Video sometimes drops to 1080p on lower-bandwidth connections, even if your plan says 4K. Netflix’s adaptive streaming adjusts quality more smoothly, so you get better performance on weaker internet.