Netflix vs Apple TV: price and which to choose
Quick verdict
Netflix has three plans — one with ads — and a big library beyond its own originals; 4K is on Premium. Apple TV is one ad-free monthly plan focused on Apple Originals, and in the US it now includes Formula 1, MLS and Friday Night Baseball, with Family Sharing for six and a 7-day free trial.
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 | Netflix | Apple TV |
|---|---|---|
| Plans | Three (one with ads) | One monthly plan |
| Ads | Only on Standard with ads | None on Apple Originals |
| Live sports | Live events (NFL, WWE Raw) | F1, MLS, Friday Night Baseball |
| Sharing | Household + paid extra members | Family Sharing, 6 people |
| Free trial | Not listed | 7 days |
Netflix is the broad, default streaming library with live events on every plan; Apple TV is a smaller, curated service built around Apple’s own shows and films — plus whole seasons of live sports in the US.
If you don’t want to read further
The biggest catalog or a plan with ads — Netflix. Apple Originals, F1 and MLS, or one plan for the whole family — Apple TV.
What really sets them apart
In each row, the last sentence matters most — what the difference means for you.
What’s in the catalog?
Netflix
Netflix originals plus licensed series and films.
Apple TV
Mostly Apple Originals — not a broad library of other studios’ titles.
For variety, Netflix.
Plans and ads?
Netflix
Standard with ads, Standard, Premium.
Apple TV
One monthly plan, no ads on Apple Originals.
Apple TV is ad-free without choosing a tier.
Live sports?
Netflix
Live events on every plan — NFL games, WWE Raw and boxing among them.
Apple TV
Formula 1, MLS and Friday Night Baseball included.
For whole seasons of F1, MLS or Friday baseball, Apple TV; for big one-off events and WWE Raw, Netflix.
Sharing?
Netflix
One household; extra members for a fee on Standard and Premium.
Apple TV
Family Sharing for up to six people.
Apple TV is easier to share with family.
Free trial?
Netflix
Not mentioned on the US pricing page.
Apple TV
7 days for new subscribers.
You can try Apple TV 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.
Monthly billing
Both are monthly subscriptions you can cancel.
Bundles exist
Netflix through phone and internet providers; Apple TV in Apple One and with Peacock.
Downloads
Both allow downloads (Apple TV: Apple Originals on Apple devices).
Which one fits whom
| Your situation | What to choose | On what condition |
|---|---|---|
| You want the largest choice | Netflix | Originals plus licensed titles. |
| You follow F1 or MLS | Apple TV | Included in the US. |
| A family of up to six | Apple TV | Family Sharing. |
| You want the cheapest entry with ads | Netflix Standard with ads | Apple TV has no ad tier. |
- Cancel Apple TV at least 24 hours before the trial ends to avoid a charge.
- Apple TV downloads are for Apple Originals on Apple devices.
- Netflix’s plan with ads can’t add extra members.
- Netflix has no annual plans.
Where the facts come from
Sources: the Netflix Help Center for the United States and Apple’s US Apple TV pages. Prices are in the price blocks on each service’s page.
Facts in the text checked: .
FAQ: Netflix or Apple TV
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 — spatial audio and HDR: Apple TV
Netflix Standard: no (2,0/5) · Apple TV: yes (5,0/5)
If what matters most is — maximum resolution: Apple TV
Netflix Standard: 1080p Full HD (3,0/5) · Apple TV: 4K UHD with HDR (5,0/5)
If what matters most is — simultaneous streams: Apple TV
Netflix Standard: 2 screens at the same time (3,0/5) · Apple TV: 6 screens at the same time (5,0/5)
If what matters most is — what else is included: Apple TV
Netflix Standard: the catalog only (2,0/5) · Apple TV: 1 extra content type at no extra cost (3,0/5)
If what matters most is — offline viewing: Apple TV
Netflix Standard: phone or tablet only (4,0/5) · Apple TV: can be downloaded (5,0/5)
If what matters most is — app rating: Apple TV
Netflix Standard: 4,7 out of 5 (4,7/5) · Apple TV: 4,8 out of 5 (4,8/5)
The scores and their weights are the same as in the reviews of both services. How we calculate
Comparison text updated: