Prime Video and Netflix have been going head to head for a number of years now when it comes to streaming movies, TV shows, documentaries and original content. And that’s why in this article, we’re reviewing Amazon Prime vs Netflix Australia.
While Netflix began way back in 1997, Amazon Prime Video came to the fore as part of a wider subscription through its Amazon Prime membership service. Both have had huge success across the board and continue to dominate the streaming services industry.
But which is better?
We’re going there – Amazon Prime Vs Netflix Australia, which should you choose?
What’s in this Guide?
Netflix and Amazon Prime – What to watch?
There’s no doubt about it that the streaming content available on both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video is amongst the best that you can get. Netflix originals have been hugely popular around the world. Not to mention the huge library of television shows and movies that are constantly being updated. It’s one of the draws of Netflix being that there’s always something new to watch.
But Amazon video has never been far behind, offering a wide range of exclusives and also updating its library on a consistent basis.
Netflix
For many viewers, Netflix is the archetype of streaming services. While it began as a DVD rental business as far back as 1997, the company really took off around 2007 when it introduced its navigation towards being an online streaming service.
And it’s only gone from strength to strength, creating mammoth, world-renown shows such as Stranger Things, Sex Education and Mindhunter, to name just a few. All of which have been critically and commercially successful.
That’s before we even get to movies streaming, with Netflix exclusives such as Don’t Look Up, an end-of-world comedy-drama in which Leonardo DiCaprio leads a glittering all-star cast including Jennifer Lawrence and Meryl Streep.
Add to these some of the most talked about documentaries of recent years, like Tiger King, To Make A Murderer and David Attenborough’s ‘Witness Statement’ feature, A Life on Our Planet, and Netflix pretty much covers all bases for any TV fan. You can find out some of the latest titles to stream on Netflix today with our ‘What’s on Netflix’ highlights page.
Amazon Prime Video
But what of Netflix’s long-time streaming rival, Amazon Prime? While it may have gotten off to a slower start – the service first began in 2006, but didn’t really take off until the last 10 years or so – Prime Video content has really pushed on in recent years.
One of the big coups in recent times was Prime Video’s contract with former Top Gear presenters Richard Hammond, James May and Jeremy Clarkson to form their new show, The Grand Tour, exclusively with Amazon.
The presenters have had a series of spinoff hits, too, with Clarkson’s Farm and James May, Our Man In… drawing huge audiences.
There’s plenty to go at in terms of movies and TV series, too, with the likes of Vikings and The Matrix all available on the service, as well as a huge library of kids’ content. Amazon, too, constantly update their library with some of the latest movies and shows, providing value for money so viewers don’t get tired of the same old stuff.
The added bonus of an Amazon Prime subscription is that it includes a host of other benefits. An Amazon Prime Video subscriber gets access to priority delivery when shopping on Amazon, Amazon Music access and a range of other services included – making it an excellent all-around package.
Prime Video channels also include the potential to add other subscriptions to your Amazon Prime Video accounts, such as Paramount Plus, hayu and DocPlay. Looking for new TV shows and movies to stream? Check out what’s streaming on Amazon Prime this month.
FeaturedNetflix and Amazon Prime Video cost
Netflix still offers its tiered subscription plan to customers, starting at $6.99 for the Basic with Ads plan, which includes being able to watch in standard definition on one stream at a time. For ad-free streaming on Netflix, the Basic plan costs $10.99/month. The top-priced Netflix monthly subscription is $22.99 for the Premium Plan, giving customers access to Ultra HD and the ability to view 4 separate streams at once.
This is another place where Amazon Prime Video has the upper hand, coming in at just $9.99 per month – or an even cheaper $79 if you pay annually upfront. Another thing Amazon Prime has on Netflix is its extensive free trial period of 30 days, so you can check out its full range of features for a full month before you have to pay any money.
Amazon Prime vs Netflix Australia Video statistics
Netflix reported losses for the first time in years in the early part of 2022 – with subscriber numbers falling for a second straight quarter in the previous 3 months, though the million subscriber losses they’ve reported isn’t as high as they were expecting.
Amazon Prime is still second to Netflix when it comes to subscription numbers, with Netflix still boasting 213 million subscribers to Amazon’s 175 million – but that could (and may well) be changing.
Netflix Vs Amazon Prime Video market share
The two are undisputed as the Top 2 streaming providers in the world, making up huge numbers around the world. While Amazon is continuing to grow, taking a higher percentage of new customers than Netflix, the latter still comes out on top with 28% of the market share – with Amazon Prime not far behind on 21%
Is Amazon Prime getting better than Netflix?
This is a growing question in the world of streaming wars, as Netflix have been reporting a loss in subscribers since the Covid pandemic, leading to the cancellation of some of its shows in the past year.
Another point to consider regarding whether Amazon Prime has the upper hand is that you can buy or rent pretty much anything you want on Amazon. If a show or film you’re desperate to watch isn’t on one of your streaming platforms, simply search it on the Prime Video app and it’s likely to be available to purchase or rent in a variety of video quality options.
The Verdict – Which is the better streaming service?
While there’s an undoubted rise in popularity for Amazon Prime Video, Netflix is still a big hitter when it comes to streaming quality and the sheer volume and scope of its library.
That said, as an all-round subscription, Amazon Prime might just have the upper hand considering the wider range of benefits than you get with a Netflix subscription, with its music, books and delivery services included.
Both services are ultra-accessible, with both the Prime Video and Netflix app available across pretty much all Smart TVs, Android and iOS devices, as well as online – so you can watch both wherever you are, however you want. Both also offer the ability to download shows and movies to watch offline, and both offer a higher video quality if you’ve got a 4K TV.
Considering the cheaper subscription cost, wide range of features and free trial – and the chance to rent or buy any movie or TV show you want, if it’s not available through Prime – Amazon Prime Video might just be the better option overall of the two.
What is the best streaming service in Australia?
Aside from BINGE and Foxtel Now, there are other streaming options for every true TV and movie fan to try. Featuring a unique set of exclusive content, features, and pricing, the best streaming service, ideally, is one that meets your preferences and budget. You can also check out other streaming TV apps you can try below.
Compare streaming services: Comparison guide
If you want to explore more and find the best streaming services available in Australia, here are some helpful comparison guides that you can use as references:
