Apple TV vs Prime Video: price and which to choose
Quick verdict
Apple TV is one ad-free plan built on Apple Originals, with Formula 1, MLS and Friday Night Baseball in the US and Family Sharing for six. Prime Video comes with Amazon Prime, has limited ads unless you add Ultra, and is a broader store — included titles, rentals and add-on channels. Prime Video downloads on more devices; Apple TV downloads Apple Originals on Apple devices.
Option A
Option B
We compare plans with a similar purpose, whose features may differ; prices before sales tax; prices for other plans and periods are in the reviews.
Feature comparison
| Criterion | Apple TV | Amazon Prime Video |
|---|---|---|
| Plans | One monthly plan | With Prime, or alone; Ultra add-on |
| Ads | None on Apple Originals | Limited; Ultra removes most |
| Live sports | F1, MLS, Friday Night Baseball | Yes, with ads |
| Sharing | Family Sharing, 6 people | 6 profiles, Amazon Family |
| Free trial | 7 days | 30 days of Prime |
Apple TV is a small, curated originals service; Prime Video is a big catalog that comes bundled with Amazon shopping benefits.
If you don’t want to read further
No ads, Apple Originals, F1 and MLS, one plan for six people — Apple TV. Already on Prime, or want rentals and channels in one app — Prime Video.
What really sets them apart
In each row, the last sentence matters most — what the difference means for you.
Ads?
Apple TV
None on Apple Originals.
Amazon Prime Video
Limited ads by default; Ultra removes most, not in live TV, sports or some channels.
Ad-free without an add-on — Apple TV.
Catalog?
Apple TV
Mostly Apple Originals, new releases every Wednesday and Friday.
Amazon Prime Video
Included titles, Amazon Originals and live sports, plus rentals and add-on channels.
Variety — Prime Video; a focused originals slate — Apple TV.
Live sports?
Apple TV
Formula 1, MLS and Friday Night Baseball included in the US.
Amazon Prime Video
Live sports, with ads even on Ultra.
For F1 and MLS, Apple TV.
Sharing?
Apple TV
Family Sharing for up to six people.
Amazon Prime Video
Up to 6 profiles; Amazon Family adds one adult at the same address (with ads).
Apple TV is easier to share across a family.
Downloads?
Apple TV
Apple Originals on Apple devices.
Amazon Prime Video
Up to 50 titles (100 with Ultra) on Fire tablets and the app for iOS, Android, macOS and Windows.
Offline on Android or Windows — Prime Video.
Free trial?
Apple TV
7 days for new subscribers; 3 months free with a new Apple device.
Amazon Prime Video
30 days of Prime for new members.
Both let you try first — cancel Apple TV at least 24 hours before the trial ends.
Where they don’t differ, even though it seems they should
This part is often more useful than the list of differences — it saves money for anyone who was about to pay for an imaginary advantage.
Bundles
Apple TV comes in Apple One and with Peacock; Prime Video comes with Amazon Prime.
Own originals
Both make their own series and films — Apple Originals and Amazon Originals.
Monthly option
Both can be paid month to month.
Which one fits whom
| Your situation | What to choose | On what condition |
|---|---|---|
| You already pay for Amazon Prime | Prime Video | Included; Ultra for no ads and 4K. |
| You follow F1 or MLS | Apple TV | Included in the US. |
| A family of up to six | Apple TV | Family Sharing. |
| You rent movies | Prime Video | Rentals and purchases in the same app. |
- Cancel Apple TV at least 24 hours before the trial ends to avoid a charge.
- The Prime free trial turns into a paid membership unless you turn off renewal.
- Some Prime Video titles cost extra to rent or buy.
- Apple TV downloads are for Apple Originals on Apple devices.
Where the facts come from
Sources: Apple’s US Apple TV pages and Apple Support, and Amazon’s US Prime Video help pages. Prices are in the price blocks on each service’s page.
Facts in the text checked: .
FAQ: Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video
Other comparisons
The same products against other competitors, and other comparisons in the “Streaming services” category.
Where their scores differ
Only criteria we’ve checked for both services and where the scores differ. Equal criteria and criteria without data aren’t shown here, because they add nothing to the decision.
If what matters most is — maximum resolution: Apple TV
Apple TV: 4K UHD with HDR (5,0/5) · Amazon Prime Video: 4K UHD (HDR not for all content) (4,0/5)
If what matters most is — simultaneous streams: Apple TV
Apple TV: 6 screens at the same time (5,0/5) · Amazon Prime Video: 3 screens at the same time (4,0/5)
If what matters most is — what else is included: Apple TV
Apple TV: 1 extra content type at no extra cost (3,0/5) · Amazon Prime Video: the catalog only (2,0/5)
If what matters most is — offline viewing: Apple TV
Apple TV: can be downloaded (5,0/5) · Amazon Prime Video: phone or tablet only (4,0/5)
The scores and their weights are the same as in the reviews of both services. How we calculate
Comparison text updated: