If you’ve been wondering which streaming service is better for entertainment — either Netflix or Amazon Prime Instant Video — Consumer Reports tested both services and rated each on selection, cost, convenience and extras.
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Netflix vs. Amazon Prime Instant Video: Which one is better?
Selection
As of this writing, Netflix has 5,183 movies and TV series, while Amazon has 98,827 titles, including movies and TV series, according to InstantWatcher.com. That’s a big difference! However, according to Consumer Reports, Amazon does not have as much HD programming as Netflix does. Consumer Reports gave Amazon a score of 1.3 and Netflix a 2.0 for selection.
Cost
Consumer Reports rated both services highly on cost, citing the price of paying for movies and shows separately for the average user. They found that the average consumer would be paying over $800 a year for the same content they receive on Amazon Prime Video or Netflix for just under $133 per year. (Netflix is now $120 per year, while Amazon Prime Video is $132 per year.)
And although Netflix raised its prices slightly, you can still enjoy standard programming at the previous price. Amazon recently rolled out Prime Video without the shipping perks for $8.99 a month. Both services received a 5.0 in this category.
Convenience
So which service is easier to use? On this front, Consumer Reports tested out both services and found that more devices, such as TVs and streaming services were already Netflix-ready. In this category, Netflix received a 5.0, while Amazon Prime Video received a 2.5.
Extras
Though Netflix has some of its own original shows like ‘House of Cards’ and ‘Orange Is the New Black,’ Amazon Prime Video has its own shows such as ‘Transparent’ and ‘The Man in the High Castle.’ Amazon definitely outranked Netflix though when it came to the free two-day shipping offered for all Amazon.com purchases. Consumer Reports gave Amazon a 5.0 and Netflix a 2.0 when it came to extras.
Overall
Margot Gilman, Money Editor for Consumer Reports shared her thoughts on the two services:
‘Overall if you’re most interested in high definition movie and TV, Netflix is the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re okay with standard definition but like the idea of a greater selection, not to mention all the free shipping, Amazon Prime is probably your best bet.’ Click here to see Consumer Reports’ overall final score.
Which service do you like better? Sound off in the comments below!
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