Mickel Clark
Netflix remains the world’s most popular online streaming service, with more than 232 million subscribers, reported in Q1 of 2023. In the previous year, Netflix generated $31.61 billion in revenue and a total net income of $4.49 billion. The credit for its success goes to the variety of choices to watch and the number of new things that retain the audience’s interest.
Netflix’s journey evolves by offering on-demand content and adjusting to meet changing preferences. However, the video streaming competition is not a solo race. Several players have entered the competition, bringing their unique selling features. It can become overwhelming for the audience to choose from a variety of options.
The services do not fail to impress the users and encourage them to opt for them. Therefore, this article will give an insight into some of the best streaming options, and their offerings as compared to Netflix.
Disney Plus
Disney Plus is one of the newest online streaming services started in 2019 and has proved to make its presence in the fray. It was reported to reach more than 160 million subscribers by the end of 2022. The subscribers are able to watch a massive media catalog and animated movies that are not available on Netflix.
The platform continues to show its value by including hit series like The Mandalorian, and exclusive movies like The Peter Pan and Wendy. While Disney Plus does not offer a massive library choice that Netflix does, it is a more budget-friendly option.
It costs $10.99 to avail a Disney Plus experience using multiple devices. Whereas, Netflix will cost over $15 for the same features. For users planning to increase their savings, Disney Plus might be a preferable choice, delivering a similar experience at a lower price.
Content Focus vs. Netflix
Both Netflix and Disney Plus have promoted pop-culture successes and offer family-friendly content, superhero genres, documentaries, and movies.
According to Nielsen’s report, Netflix’s hit Stranger Things was the most-viewed show of 2022. While Disney is also catching up with the race, as reported in Quarter 2 2022, the merged Disney Empire (Hulu Plus, Disney Plus, and HBO) reached more subscribers combined than Netflix.
Thus, individuals who want to keep content for children can opt for a Disney Plus basic plan with advertisements. It is a good option for those who are enthusiastic about all things Disney, Star Wars brand, Pixar, and National Geographic that may not be accessible on Netflix.
Disney Plus-Pros
- It has a variety of original content and everything Disney, including cartoons and recent
- It is available at a low price, which is good news for those who are saving
Disney Plus-Cons
- Disney Plus has a limited content library which may not have everything subscribers would want.
- It is a bit inconvenient to use the interface. The titles are available online, until upon clicking to find out they have
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime offers quick delivery for a majority of products including music, audiobook service, and limited discounted deals. It logically makes sense it also provides a video streaming service. Users who already have Amazon Prime membership can access Amazon Prime Video as well. This means the audience can gain access to an all-in-one package of delivery services, music, and online shows by paying $14.99 monthly.
Additionally, Amazon Prime offers a free trial for students for the first six months. It targets a vast range of audiences across all ages and features a number of shows like The Lord of the Rings, Good Omens, and Mrs Maisel.
However, the choice between Netflix and Amazon Prime depends on user preferences and whether you need additional services beyond video streaming.
Content Focus vs. Netflix
Netflix and Prime Video are two well-known services that offer a variety of online streaming content but very different experiences.
Netflix has high-ranking original content which won critical acclaim for shows like House of Cards and Orange is the New Black. Amazon Prime Video has a larger content library than Netflix, also featuring award-winning films.
Amazon has successfully built its movie library with over 17000 movies available for the audience, as compared to around 6500 movies on Netflix. However, Netflix beats Prime Video in terms of TV shows, which are a significantly higher number in contrast to what Prime Video provides.
Prime Video-Pros
- Prime Video is ideal for Amazon Prime users, as they can avail of streaming features along with other
- Users can watch movies and shows without the advertisements pop-ups.
Prime Video-Cons
- It may get costly as certain movies may give you the option to pay before accessing
HBO Max
HBO Max and Discovery Plus have joined forces leading the user range to reach more than 96 million worldwide. The fourth quarter of 2022 reported Warner Bros. Discovery reaching a robust revenue of more than $11 billion.
The numbers are not very surprising as HBO Max is home to big success shows namely Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and Succession and Euphoria. Additionally, members using HBO Max can also make customized and receive modified suggestions that are based on their viewer history.
While HBO’s content library is not as vast as Netflix’s, it focuses on quality over quantity. It is known for its intuitive interface design that delivers easy navigation options for users.
Content Focus vs. Netflix
HBO Max’s content strategies have caused a rise in viewers reaching 106 million subscribers. The count has shown an increase every year from 2021 to 2023, with an upward pace of growth.
HBO Max is definitely a worthy competitor of Netflix, offering more than 13000 hours of TV shows and movies. It has everything available that is shown on HBO that cannot be found on Netflix. Like Netflix, it has a wide variety of options for kids as well.
Thus, it is not surprising that both Netflix and HBO Max have been home to award-winning TV shows and movies.
HBO Max-Pros
- There is a wide range of content available and recently released.
HBO Max-Cons
- It does not seem to be a cost-effective option as the fee sums up to be similar to Netflix for a no-ad
ESPN Plus
ESPN has been the top priority when it comes to watching sports. Whether the audience likes soccer, baseball, basketball, or cricket, ESPN has been on top of the game. ESPN has an online streaming service – ESPN Plus – that was recorded to have more than 25 million subscribers by the end of quarter 2 in 2023.
ESPN Plus specializes in live sports coverage that is best for sports enthusiasts. It is ideal for those who follow UFC, MLS, and NHL events. The platform is one of the few online streaming services that broadcast live sports.
In contrast, Netflix has a content library covering material other than the world of sports. Furthermore, if bundled with Hulu and Disney+, ESPN+ becomes a cheaper alternative to Netflix.
Content Focus vs. Netflix
Netflix and ESPN Plus offer completely different genres, with Netflix covering movies and TV shows, while ESPN Plus covers everything sports.
While Netflix has more members than ESPN Plus, it does not show live games and sports-related events. Netflix is not into sports favorites like Rugby, NBA, Tennis, and Special Olympics, which are available on ESPN Plus.
ESPN Plus-Pros
- Content related to the sports genre is available on ESPN+.
- It offers an affordable monthly fee that proves to be budget-friendly.
ESPN Plus-Cons
- Live basketball and soccer are completely absent from the service, which may disappoint sports
Hulu
Hulu is one of the oldest players in the game that has been around since 2007. It has managed to create a brand image for itself thanks to its list of movie options, including The Bachelor and Abbott Elementary.
Hulu has a cheaper plan than Netflix if the viewers don’t mind watching advertisements while binge-watching their favorite TV shows. Also, there is a benefit that people can get the ultimate entertainment bundle using Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ simultaneously, which is pricey compared to buying these services separately.
The online streaming platform runs the latest programs while Netflix offers a range of titles, including classical variety. Someone who wants to keep up to date with the latest shows will opt for Hulu, while Netflix is for those who prefer an intensive video library.
Content Focus vs. Netflix
There is no doubt that Netflix and Hulu have exceptional content that can be attractive to the audience. Only a few platforms may be able to match their value.
Netflix’s content focuses on high-quality originals such as The Witcher, Stranger Things, Emily in Paris, Ozark, and many more. It has over 15000 titles as compared to Hulu, which has approximately 3000.
While Netflix steals the crown in the number of subscribers reached, it should be kept in mind that Hulu offers HBO and other premium options not available on Netflix. Hulu is best for passionate television fans, showing episodes from series like The Handmaid’s Tale, and Letterkenny.
Hulu-Pros
- Hulu has a range of popular and unique content available at a lower
- A three-tier bundle is available to use Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus at the same
Hulu-Cons
- It still has ads for its base plan which could be annoying while binge-watching.
Apple TV Plus
Apple has been a leader in the technology industry and has its way as one of the supreme giants in the video streaming industry. It has its very own video streaming platform called the Apple TV Plus. By the first quarter of 2022, it reached a subscriber count of 25 million, making it one of the favored choices among viewers.
That makes it one of the most used platforms preferred by the audiences. This is because Apple TV has been generous with giving out free trials as it allows users to access the service free for a week. It works well for those who own Apple products in which case the members qualify for a three- month free trial.
The service remains accessible for individuals not owning Apple products with a cost-effective fee of $6.99 per month. If users are looking for a low-cost video streaming experience and do not mind a smaller content library to choose from – Apple TV+ is a better selection.
Content Focus vs. Netflix
Apple TV Plus offers a variety of selected content that is not found anywhere on other streaming platforms. Some of the smashing successes include The Morning Show, a series starring Jennifer Anniston and Reese Witherspoon, and Grey Hound – a World War II genre.
Although the number of titles on Apple TV Plus is fairly lower than Netflix, its approach to adding unique content seems to be working. Apple TV Plus has won 22 Oscars, just two less than Netflix even though it is a fairly new service.
However, Netflix is still on top of the game as compared to Apple TV Plus due to its extensive library and choice of content.
Apple TV Plus-Pros
- It shows good-quality original content with no
- It is a good option for individuals seeking low-price
Apple TV Plus Cons
- Episodes are released on a weekly basis, so individuals may have to wait
- It has a limited content library as compared to other streaming
Peacock TV
Although NBC’s Peacock is still very new in the industry, it has a diverse range of content including sports, LIVE TV, and movies. It is not hard to believe why it is gaining popularity, what with its low pricing strategy and running of popular shows like The Office and Vanderpump Rules.
The basic plan is completely free, while Peacock Premium costs $5.99, and Peacock Premium Plus goes up to $11.99. Those individuals who are cost-conscious can try out the platform and watch thousands of shows for free. The downside is it has limited availability outside the United States.
It also contains less content material than Netflix and is still working on enhancing the collection. Ultimately, the choice between Netflix and Peacock depends on what the viewers want to watch, and how much they are willing to pay.
Content Focus vs. Netflix
Netflix has over 15000 titles, while Peacock is not far behind having approximately 13000 titles. While Peacock’s content is not as wide as Netflix’s, it has its unique contributions.
Peacock offers more Live TV and sports content which gives it an edge over Netflix. It also tries to include a range of content including popular old shows and original content.
Due to its selection of content and unique features, the number of viewers has been forecasted to reach up to 84.2 million by 2026. The figure is much less than Netflix, but Peacock is on the way to catching up with the leader by updating on-demand content.
Peacock-Pros
- It has a free tier option in the list of
- The audience can access Live TV and sports as
Peacock-Cons
- The free plan includes advertisement pop-ups.
- Quality content is missing as there is no 4K streaming.
Netflix vs. Alternatives – The Better Choice?
| Price/month | Choose an alternative if you need | Number of Articles | |
| Netflix | Starting from $6.99 with advertisements
Standard – $15.99 |
Approximately 15000 | |
| Disney Plus | Starting from $7.99 | A range of animated movies | 7000 + |
| Prime Video | $14.99 (with Amazon Prime membership) or
$8.99 |
A streaming service and avail Amazon Prime perks | 26000 + |
| HBO Max | Starting at $9.99 | A streaming service including latest shows | 2500 + |
| ESPN Plus | Starting from $9.99 | A sports tournament | 1000 + |
| Hulu | Starting from $7.99 | An overall best choice | 3000 |
| Apple TV Plus | Starting from $6.99 | A variety of original shows | Approximately 80 |
| Peacock | Free option with advertisements | A free streaming service | 13000 + |
Wrap Up
Netflix remains an international leader in the video streaming industry attaining a presence in over 190 countries. The global expansion makes it easily available to individuals in any part of the world.
While Netflix is known to dominate the industry, the number of players entering the industry has given subscribers multiple options for online video streaming. The streaming war in 2023 is expressed by intense innovation and competition. These platforms invest heavily in content creation and try to outdo each other.
While Netflix remains the leading giant, it faces stiff opposition from other platforms that are trying to promote their brand title. Whereas, the audience uses various experiences across different platforms that meet their individual preferences and budget.
