Prime Video vs. Netflix vs. Hulu vs. Apple TV+: Which Has the Best Price, Library, and Originals in 2026?

The streaming landscape is more competitive than ever, and choosing the right service for your entertainment needs in 2026 can feel like navigating a maze. With giants like Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime Video all vying for your monthly subscription dollars, the core question remains: What is the best streaming service？ Which platform offers the best overall value? Or which is better Hulu or Netflix or Amazon Prime? We’ve cut through the confusion to deliver a definitive breakdown. This comprehensive guide meticulously analyzes their current subscription costs, the depth and variety of their content catalogs, and the quality of their exclusive original programming to determine the undisputed winner for the year ahead.

💎Prime Video vs. Netflix vs. Hulu vs. Apple TV+ Quick Comparison: At a Glance

This chart compares the four major U.S. streaming services - Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and Apple TV+ — across price, content & catalog strengths, unique platform features, and pros & cons so you can pick the best fit for your viewing habits (movies, originals, live TV, family, budget). 

📝The Ultimate Streaming Showdown: Prime Video vs. Netflix vs. Hulu vs. Apple TV+

This detailed guide breaks down the four titans of streaming—Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video (Amazon), and Apple TV+—to help you decide which subscription deserves a spot in your monthly budget.

1.Prime Video 

Amazon Prime Video, or simply Prime Video, is a U.S. on-demand video-on-demand streaming and rental service of Amazon.com, Inc., available as a standalone service or as part of an Amazon Prime subscription. Amazon Prime costs $119 a year (about $10 a month). Unlike Netflix, which offers three different tiers of membership, Amazon Prime Video only provides one. All subscribers will be able to stream videos online on three devices simultaneously, and some of which support up to 4K.

Amazon Prime Video, which is similar to streaming service Netflix, is arguably Netflix's biggest competitor. It has a growing list of original content, including standout TV shows such as The Expanse, The Boys, Fleabag, and The Man In The High Castle. It also receives films distributed by Amazon Studios, such as The Big Sick, Manchester by The Sea, and Beautiful Boy. Amazon Prime Video also offers live sports programming and currently simulates NFL games with Thursday Night Football. Besides, Prime Video includes hundreds of licensed movies and TV shows, including "Luther," "Viking," "Orphan Black," "Bridget Jones' Diary", and "Dora the Explorer." 

If you're a movie buff, Prime Video might be the right choice for you, as a study found that Amazon has four times the number of movies on its platform than Netflix (more than 12,000 titles of movies).

1.1 Content Libraries

Prime Video boasts a mix of licensed movies and TV shows, along with award-winning originals like The Boys and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. With Amazon's acquisition of MGM, classics like the James Bond series have also been added

1.2 Key Features

• X-Ray: Lets you view actor bios and trivia while watching.

• Live Sports: Includes NFL Thursday Night Football and select NBA games.

• Offline Viewing: Download content to watch later without an internet connection

1.3 Amazon Prime Video Specs

Name	Value
Starting Price	$8.99 per month
Supported Platforms	Media Streaming Devices (Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku), Microsoft Store, Mobile (Android and iOS), Game Consoles (PlayStation and Xbox), Smart TVs, and Web
Ads	✔️
Concurrent Streams	3
Offline Downloads on Mobile	✔️
4K Streaming	Yes
Parental Control Tools	Device-based or Kids Mode
Audio Descriptions	✔️
On-Demand Movies and TV Shows	✔️
Live TV	❌
Rentals and Purchases	Built-in options
Top Original Shows	Bosch, Catastrophe, Electric Dreams, Fleabag, Good Omens, Hanna, Homecoming, Hunters, Jack Ryan, Tales From The Loop, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Patriot, The Boys, Undone, Upload, and Utopia
Top Original Movies	Blow the Man Down, Honey Boy, Manchester by the Sea, My Spy, Troop Zero, The Aeronauts, The Big Sick, The Sound of Metal, and The Report
Anime	✔️
Sports Coverage	Thursday Night Football, plus National sports (via Channel add-ons)
Thursday Night Football	Prime Video
Sunday Football	None
Sunday Night Football	No
Monday Night Football	No
DVR Storage & Retention	None
Original Programming	✔️

1.4 Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Great value if you're already an Amazon Prime member. Includes perks like X-Ray and offline downloads. Growing slate of exclusive originals and live sports	Interface can be cluttered with upsells and third-party content. Ads are included unless you pay extra

1.5 Plans and Pricing 

Amazon Prime Video offers two main ways to subscribe: as a standalone streaming service or as part of a full Amazon Prime membership that includes additional benefits like free shipping

The table below breaks down the available plans and their costs for 2025:

1.6 Who is the Ideal Amazon Prime Video Subscriber?

Amazon Prime Video is best for:

• Users who want a large library of on-demand movies and shows, exclusive Amazon Originals;

• The convenience of a single membership that bundles streaming with other benefits like free shipping.

• Viewers who want to stream in 4K, download content for offline viewing, and access exclusive features like the X-Ray function for trivia and cast information while watching. 

2.Netflix

Netflix is often people's go-to streaming service for watching TV shows and movies. Even with price increases and tough competition from services like Prime Video, Hulu and Disney Plus, Netflix still stands out as the ultimate option for streaming entertainment, because of its vast selection and user-friendly layout. It also has the largest 4K library around for video-on-demand platforms.

Netflix includes a wide variety of familiar network shows as well as more original series, films, documentaries and specials than any of its myriad competitors. Despite its password crackdown, the phasing out of one of its subscription plans and the addition of an ad-supported tier, the world's first major streaming service remains our favorite choice, thanks to its huge library of constantly refreshed content and its easy accessibility across different devices. And if you want, you can now save money on your subscription by bundling Netflix with other streaming services like HBO Max (via Verizon) or Peacock and Apple TV.

2.1 Content Libraries

Netflix is known for its vast and diverse library, including global hits like Stranger Things, Bridgerton (which garnered over 214 billion viewing minutes in 2024), and The Blind Love. It also produces critically acclaimed original movies, documentaries, and anime

2.2 Key Features

• Personalized Recommendations: Advanced algorithms suggest content based on your viewing history.

• 4K HDR Streaming: Available on higher-tier plans for an immersive experience.

• Offline Downloads: Save shows and movies to watch on the go

2.3 Netflix Specs

Name	Value
Starting Price	$7.99 per month
Supported Platforms	Media Streaming Devices (Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku), Microsoft Store, Mobile (Android and iOS), Game Consoles (PlayStation and Xbox), Smart TVs, and Web
Ads	✔️
Concurrent Streams	2 or 4
Offline Downloads on Mobile	✔️
4K Streaming	Requires Premium Plan
Parental Control Tools	Profile-based or Kids Mode
Audio Descriptions	✔️
On-Demand Movies and TV Shows	✔️
Live TV	❌
Rentals and Purchases	DVD.com (Separate Plan)
Top Original Shows	Black Mirror, Bojack Horseman, Dead to Me, Locke and Key, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Never Have I Ever, Orange Is the New Black, Ozark, Russian Doll, Stranger Things, The Crown, The Queen's Gambit, The Stranger, The Umbrella Academy, and The Witcher
Top Original Movies	Beasts of No Nation, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, Extraction, I Care A Lot, Roma, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, The Irishman, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and The Two Popes
Anime	✔️
Sports Coverage	None
Original Programming	✔️
Web Store	❌

2.4 Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Unmatched variety of original shows, movies, and global content. User-friendly interface with personalized recommendations. Consistent high-quality streaming and innovation	Higher cost for ad-free 4K plans. Some licensed content rotates out due to licensing agreements

2.5 Plans and Pricing 

Netflix has consistently raised its prices over time, streamlining its plans with its latest price hike. There is no longer a cheap, ad-free option. 

Plan	Monthly Cost (Approx.)	Key Features
Standard with Ads	$7.99	Includes ads  Stream on up to 2 devices simultaneously 1080p (Full HD) video qualit  Access to most movies and shows, with some content not available
Standard (Ad-Free)	$17.99	Ad-free streaming  Stream on up to 2 devices simultaneously 1080p (Full HD) video quality Download content on up to 2 devices
Premium (Ad-Free)	$24.99	Ad-free streaming Stream on up to 4 devices simultaneously  4K Ultra HD with HDR video quality  Download content on up to 6 devices  Includes Netflix Spatial Audio

2.6 Who is the Ideal Netflix Subscriber?

Netflix is best for: 

• Viewers who love original shows and movies;

• Fans of global / international content;

• 4K HDR home theater users;

• Binge-watchers who prefer ad-free viewing.

3.Hulu

Hulu built its reputation as a go-to streamer for watching your favorite network TV programs, including shows from ABC, Fox and FX, which premiere on Hulu 24 hours after they air on their networks. Yet over the years, the Disney-owned service has evolved, introducing an impressive catalog of original series, documentaries and movies to its extensive library.

Though it may not have an international reach like  Netflix or Disney Plus, Hulu has proved its worth with a stellar lineup of TV hits and movie titles that steadily appeal to its more than 50 million US subscribers. And thanks to the recently launched Hulu on Disney Plus experience and the bundle featuring Hulu, Disney Plus and Max, more people can discover the variety of programming options on the platform. From reality shows and popular procedurals to sitcoms, docuseries and family-friendly animated series, there's something that'll appeal to viewers of all ages.

Simply put, Hulu is a no-brainer if you want an affordable streaming service and aren’t bothered by sitting through commercial breaks to access quality originals, network TV shows and movies.

3.1 Content Libraries

Hulu excels at offering next-day episodes of current TV shows from networks like ABC, Fox, and NBC. Its original series, such as The Handmaid's Tale, have also received critical acclaim. Additionally, Hulu provides access to classic series like Grey's Anatomy, which accumulated nearly 48 billion viewing minutes in 202

3.2 Key Features

• Live TV Bundle: Subscribers can access live news, sports, and entertainment channels.

• Bundling Options: The Disney Bundle (with Disney+ and ESPN+) offers a comprehensive entertainment package.

• User-Friendly Interface: Simple navigation and curated hubs for networks

3.3 Hulu Specs

Name	Value
Starting Price	$11.99 per month; $88.99 per month
Regular Season National NHL Coverage	ABC, ESPN, TBS, and TNT
RSN Coverage	NBC Sports
DVR Storage & Retention	Unlimited; 9 Months
Concurrent Streams	2 or Unlimited (at home) and 3 (mobile devices)
4K Live Streams	❌
MLB Playoffs Coverage	FOX, FS1, and TBS
World Series Coverage	FOX
Regular Season National NBA Coverage	ABC, ESPN, and TNT
NBA Finals	ABC
Thursday Night Football	FOX and NFL Network
Sunday Football	CBS and FOX; NFL RedZone (via Add-On)
Sunday Night Football	NBC
Monday Night Football	ESPN
Anime	✔️
Original Programming	✔️
Ads	✔️
Web Store	❌
Sports Coverage	International*, National, & Regional
On-Demand Movies and TV Shows	✔️
Live TV	✔️
Offline Downloads on Mobile	✔️

3.4 Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Best for catching up on current TV shows shortly after they air. Flexible plans, including live TV and bundling options. Strong library of classic series and originals	Base plan includes ads Offline downloads require a premium account Missing all Bally Sports and most SportsNet RSNs

3.5 Plans and Pricing 

⏩Hulu Standalone Plans

These plans give you access to Hulu's on-demand library of shows and movies, including Hulu Originals.

Plan	Monthly Cost	Annual Cost	Key Feature
Hulu (With Ads)	$11.99/month	$119.99/year	Full library access with limited commercial breaks. (Annual plan saves approx. $23)
Hulu Premium (No Ads)	$18.99/month	N/A	Ad-free viewing on most titles, plus the ability to download content for offline viewing.
Hulu Student Discount	$1.99/month	N/A	A heavily discounted price for the (With Ads) plan, available to eligible college students.

⏩ Hulu + The Disney Bundle

These plans package Hulu with Disney+ and ESPN Select, offering significant savings compared to buying all three separately.

Bundle Plan	Monthly Cost	Included Services
Basic Bundle	$12.99/month	Hulu (With Ads) + Disney+ (With Ads)
Trio Bundle (Ad-Supported)	$19.99/month	Hulu (With Ads) + Disney+ (With Ads) + ESPN Select (With Ads)
Trio Bundle Premium	$29.99/month	Hulu (No Ads) + Disney+ (No Ads) + ESPN Select (With

⏩ Hulu + Live TV Plans (The Cord-Cutter's Choice)

These plans are the most comprehensive, replacing a traditional cable subscription with 95+ live channels and Unlimited Cloud DVR, while also including all three streaming services (Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN Select).

3.6 Who is the Ideal Hulu Subscriber?

Hulu is best for: 

• Viewers who watch TV series regularly and want current-season network shows.

• Users who want a mix of originals and licensed content — especially for series rather than big blockbuster films.

• Those who might also value live channels (news, sports, local) and are okay paying a bit more for that option.

• Bundlers — people already using Disney+ or ESPN who can benefit from the combined offering.

4.Apple TV+

Apple made its official entry into the streaming wars in November 2019. Apple TV+ debuted weeks before Disney Plus, putting both streaming services in the competitive spotlight. Apple TV+ is the lowest-priced premium, ad-free streaming platform around, but it still packs high-end features like 4K resolution, HDR and mobile downloads -- as well as some of Hollywood's biggest stars, such as Jennifer Aniston, Jason Momoa, Tom Hanks and Samuel L. Jackson. 

One of the youngest streamers in the game, Apple TV+ produces high quality, award-winning content. Its feature film CODA earned an Oscar, making it the first streaming service to win Best Picture. While the popular comedy show Ted Lasso has garnered multiple honors, other releases such as The Morning Show, Pachinko, The Tragedy of Macbeth and Severance showcase how Apple TV+ invests in premium content. 

The platform now has more than 60 original exclusive TV shows and movies and began streaming its first live sports events with Friday Night Baseball for Major League Baseball's 2022 season. But in some ways, the service is still an underdog. The number of titles on the streamer is tiny compared to Netflix, Disney Plus or HBO Max, in part because Apple TV+ has almost no back catalog of shows and movies.

4.1 Content Libraries

While Apple TV+ has a smaller library compared to others, it focuses on high-quality originals like The Morning Show, Ted Lasso, and the Oscar-winning film CODA. It's also expanding into sports streaming with MLB and MLS games

4.2 Key Features

• Ad-Free Experience: All content is free of commercials.

• 4K Dolby Atmos: Premium video and audio quality included with every plan.

• Seamless Integration: Optimized for Apple devices, with easy family sharing

4.3 Apple TV+ Specs

Name	Value
Starting Price	$12.99 per month
RSN Coverage	None
MLB Playoffs Coverage	None
World Series Coverage	None
DVR Storage & Retention	None
Concurrent Streams	6
Live TV	❌
On-Demand Movies and TV Shows	✔️
Original Programming	✔️
Anime	❌
Ads	❌
Offline Downloads on Mobile	✔️

4.4 Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Competitively priced for an ad-free, high-quality experience. All content available in 4K Dolby Atmos at no extra cost. Free trials often available with Apple device purchases	Very small catalog No older content Unavailable on Android devices Confusing app experience

4.5 Plans and Pricing 

In 2025, Apple TV+ offers a simple, single ad-free subscription plan with a recently updated price. The service is best known for its award-winning original shows and movies, all available in 4K with family sharing.

The table below summarizes the main subscription options for Apple TV+ in 2025:

Tip: Apple offers a seven-day trial, but you must provide a payment method. 

4.6 Who is the Ideal Apple TV+ Subscriber?

 Apple TV+ is best for:

• Fans of high-quality, curated content: Ideal subscribers want award-winning dramas, comedies, and films like The Morning Show and CODA, and are less concerned with having a vast library of shows from many different studios.

• Existing Apple users: Users already invested in the Apple ecosystem, particularly those who receive a free trial or bundle with a new device purchase, are a great fit.

• Serious soccer fans: The MLS Season Pass is a significant draw, and dedicated soccer fans may find the cost worthwhile for this exclusive content alone.

• Budget-conscious students and families: Students who bundle Apple TV+ with Apple Music or families who share an Apple One plan can get the service for a discounted price.

• Those seeking a "boutique" streaming service: People who view streaming as less of a "big-box" library and more of a curated, premium experience will appreciate the focused selection

📍Streaming Services Full Comparison: Side by Side

💰Price Comparison (As of 2025)

Based on current information for 2025, the pricing for these four major streaming services varies based on factors like ads, video quality, and the number of simultaneous streams. The table below provides a clear comparison to help you see the differences at a glance.

Key Takeaways for Comparison

Here is how each service stacks up based on your priorities:

⏩The Lowest Price Point (With Ads)

• Winner: Netflix ($7.99/month)

  • Netflix offers the absolute cheapest entry point for a dedicated, single-service streaming platform.

• Contender: Prime Video ($8.99/month)

  • This is the next cheapest option for the standalone Prime Video service.

⏩The Best Value for Ad-Free Content

• Winner: Apple TV+ ($12.99/month)

  • Apple TV+ is the only one on this list that provides its entire library, in 4K quality, with 6 simultaneous streams, and no ads for a very competitive price. This makes it an exceptional value for families who want to share a high-quality experience.

• Contender: Prime Video Ad-Free ($11.98/month)

  • Adding the $2.99 ad-free fee to the standalone Prime Video brings it just under the Apple TV+ price, but the quality and stream count may vary depending on the content.

⏩The Best for Bundling and Ecosystem

• Winner (Content): Hulu/Disney+ Bundle ($19.99/month)

  • For $19.99, you get three major services (Hulu, Disney+, ESPN Select), offering an unparalleled variety of movies, TV shows, and live sports.

• Winner (Ecosystem): Full Amazon Prime ($14.99/month) or Apple One ($19.95/month)

  • If you value free shipping, Prime is the essential utility. If you use Apple Music, iCloud, and Arcade, the Apple One bundle is a better long-term money-saver.

🎬Content Library & Platform Focus

Each service has carved out a distinct niche in terms of content.

1. Prime Video (Amazon)

Category	Details
Focus	A massive content repository, leveraging the Amazon ecosystem.
Key Content	Thousands of included movies/TV shows. Free content often rotates monthly. Crucially, it's a rental/purchase hub for new releases.
Genre Strengths	High-budget Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Action, and access to a wide variety of rentable digital content.
Must-Watch Originals	The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, The Boys, Jack Ryan, Reacher.

2. Netflix

Category	Details
Focus	Maximize volume and variety (global appeal).
Key Content	Massive library of licensed movies/TV. Industry-leading original content ("Netflix Originals").
Genre Strengths	True Crime, Stand-up Comedy, International (Non-English) Dramas, Reality TV.
Must-Watch Originals	Stranger Things, Squid Game, The Crown, Wednesday.

3. Hulu

Category	Details
Focus	Next-day streaming of current network television and deep US-based cable content.
Key Content	Quick access to new episodes from ABC, NBC, and Fox. A strong library of critically acclaimed FX Originals.
Genre Strengths	Network TV shows, prestige dramas, and strong adult animation.
Must-Watch Originals	The Handmaid's Tale, Only Murders in the Building, The Bear, Shōgun.

4. Apple TV+

Category	Details
Focus	Quality over quantity. 100% original content.
Key Content	A small, highly curated library of exclusive, high-production-value series and films.
Genre Strengths	High-concept Sci-Fi, Award-winning Dramas, and feel-good comedies.
Must-Watch Originals	Ted Lasso, Severance, Silo, For All Mankind.

💹Pros and Cons Comparison

Service	👍 Strengths	👎Weaknesses
Prime Video	Value: If you already pay for Amazon Prime, the video service is a bonus. Movies: Has the largest licensed catalog of older and recent movie titles. Sports: Only streaming service with exclusive rights to major league U.S. professional sports (NFL).	Ads: You must pay an extra fee (approx. $2.99/month) to remove the limited ads, even if you are a full Prime member. Cluttered UI: The interface can be confusing, mixing content you can watch for free with rentals/purchases.
Netflix	Originals: Has the deepest catalog of Originals, spanning every genre and appealing to every age group. User Experience: Widely considered to have the best app interface and recommendation system. Global Reach: Dominant in international content, both production and viewing.	Price Creep: Ad-free, 4K viewing is the most expensive plan on this list ($24.99/month for Premium). Licensed Content: The licensed library of older movies and TV shows is shrinking as studios pull content for their own platforms.
Hulu	Current TV: The best place to catch up on current broadcast and cable shows the day after they air. Bundles: Unbeatable value with the Disney Bundle (Hulu/Disney+/ESPN Select). Live TV: Excellent option to replace cable with its Hulu + Live TV tier.	Ads: The popular base plan includes ads, and the ad-free standalone plan is expensive ($18.99/month). Interface: Can sometimes feel less intuitive or more cluttered than Netflix.
Apple TV+	Quality: Unmatched quality-to-quantity ratio; nearly every show has high critical acclaim and production values. Simplicity: One simple, premium tier (no ads, 4K HDR, 6 streams) for one price. Apple Ecosystem: Integrates seamlessly with Apple devices (Apple One bundles, free with new device purchase).	Small Library: Contains the fewest titles on this list; if you binge the top shows, you might run out of content quickly. No Licensed Content: Has no library of older, non-original movies or TV shows to fill the gaps.

Final Verdict:

• If you only want ONE service: Netflix still provides the most reliable content for the most people.

• If you are on a budget & shop Amazon: Prime Video is the essential, default choice.

• If you watch current cable/network TV: Hulu is necessary, ideally through the Disney Bundle.

• If you want the best quality streaming experience: Apple TV+ is the best second service.

💻Features & Streaming Services Compared

One of the most important features of any streaming service is the max number of viewers who can stream content simultaneously.

🔎User experience

There are plenty of ways to stream and enjoy Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu — whether it’s from your mobile device, TV, or your computer’s web browser. Netflix has a sleek interface across all of its platforms, accented by its signature red and black. Amazon Prime Video presents a smartly-oriented interface as well as a home page that holds your other apps. Hulu’s interface incorporates a useful top menu for easy navigation, and its interface is pleasing to the eye. 

⏩Amazon Prime Video supported devices:

Amazon Fire TV  Android devices Apple TV  Blu-ray players  iOS devices  Nvidia Shield

PlayStation 3/PlayStation4/PlayStation 5  Roku  Smart TVs  Web browsers  Xbox One

⏩Netflix supported devices:

Amazon Fire TV Android devices  Apple TV Blu-ray players Google Chromecast  iOS devices

PlayStation 3/PlayStation 4/PlayStation 5  Roku  Smart TVs Web browsers  Windows devices  Xbox 360/Xbox One Nvidia Shield

⏩Hulu supported devices:

Amazon Fire TV devices Android devices  Android TV  Apple TV Google Chromecast  iOS devices  Nintendo Switch

PlayStation3/PlayStation 4/PlayStation 5 Roku  Smart TVs  Web browsers Xbox 360/Xbox One  Xfinity Flex/X1 set-top boxes

⏩Apple TV+ supported devices:

Apple devices: Apple TV (4K, HD, and 3rd generation) iPhone and iPad Mac Apple Vision Pro  TVs and streaming devices Smart TVs from various manufacturers Amazon Fire TV devices and sticks Roku devices Cable or satellite services

Gaming consoles: PlayStation (e.g., PS4, PS5) Xbox (e.g., Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)  Other devices: Windows PCs Android devices Through a web browser on Chrome, Firefox, and other compatible browsers