Disney+ vs Prime Video: which is better?
Quick verdict
Disney+ lists 4K and HDR even on the plan with ads and bundles with Hulu, ESPN and HBO Max. Prime Video comes with Amazon Prime, shows limited ads by default, and needs the Prime Video Ultra add-on for no ads and 4K. If you already pay for Prime, Prime Video costs you nothing extra; Disney+ is a separate bill.
Option A
Option B
Feature comparison
| Criterion | Disney+ | Amazon Prime Video |
|---|---|---|
| How you get it | Disney+ plan or bundle | With Prime, or alone |
| 4K | Both plans | With Ultra |
| Ads by default | On the plan with ads | Limited ads |
| Downloads | Premium, 10 devices | Up to 50 (Ultra 100) |
| Free trial | No | 30 days of Prime |
Disney+ is Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic. Prime Video is Amazon’s service — included titles, Amazon Originals, live sports and a store for rentals and channels.
If you don’t want to read further
Disney and Marvel, 4K on the cheaper plan — Disney+. Already a Prime member, 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.
How do you pay?
Disney+
A Disney+ plan or a bundle; Premium can be paid yearly.
Amazon Prime Video
Included with Amazon Prime (monthly or yearly), or a Prime Video membership on its own.
Prime members already have Prime Video.
Where is 4K?
Disney+
Both plans, with HDR.
Amazon Prime Video
With the Prime Video Ultra add-on.
For 4K without an add-on, Disney+.
Ads?
Disney+
On the plan with ads; Premium removes them except in select live programming.
Amazon Prime Video
Limited ads by default; Ultra removes most, not in live TV, sports or some channels.
Both need the higher tier to drop ads.
Downloads?
Disney+
Premium, on up to 10 devices.
Amazon Prime Video
Up to 50 titles (100 with Ultra), on Fire tablets and the app for iOS, Android, macOS and Windows.
Prime Video downloads without paying for a higher tier.
Sharing?
Disney+
Extra Member add-on for someone outside your household.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Family shares Prime Video (with ads) with one other adult at the same address.
Someone outside your home — Disney+; another adult at home — Amazon Family.
Free trial?
Disney+
Disney+ doesn’t currently offer one.
Amazon Prime Video
30 days of Prime for new members.
You can try Prime Video first.
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.
Ads unless you pay more
Disney+ Premium and Prime Video Ultra are the ad-free routes.
Live content keeps ads
Disney+ live programming and Prime Video live sports show ads on any tier.
Kids profiles
Prime Video has Kids profiles; Disney+ is built around family content.
Which one fits whom
| Your situation | What to choose | On what condition |
|---|---|---|
| You already pay for Amazon Prime | Prime Video | Included; add Ultra for no ads and 4K. |
| Families with young kids | Disney+ | 4K even on the plan with ads. |
| You want Hulu or ESPN too | A Disney+ bundle | With Hulu, ESPN or HBO Max. |
| You want to try first | Prime Video | 30-day Prime trial for new members. |
- The Prime free trial turns into a paid membership unless you turn off renewal.
- Some Prime Video titles cost extra to rent or buy.
- Prime Video Ultra isn’t shared through Amazon Family.
- Disney+ doesn’t currently offer a free trial.
Where the facts come from
Sources: the Disney+ Help Center for the US 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: Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video
Other comparisons
The same products against other competitors, and other comparisons in the “Streaming services” category.
Comparison text updated: