There are so many streaming services, it can be hard to know which are worth your money. Two of the biggest are Netflix and Disney+, but is one of them better than the other?
We’re going to compare Netflix against Disney+ in a range of categories like price, catalog, and device compatibility to see which comes out on top.
Netflix vs. Disney+: Movies and TV Shows
According to What’s on Netflix, Netflix has over 5,760 TV shows and movies available in the US. That number changes constantly as new things are added and others are removed due to expired licensing agreements.
When Netflix first launched, it only had content from third-party studios. However, with the debut of House of Cards in 2013, Netflix has carved a name for itself with its quality exclusive content. You’ll only find shows like BoJack Horseman, Narcos, and The Crown, and films like News of the World, The Dig, and Enola Holmes streaming on Netflix.
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Comparatively, Disney+ has over 1,000 things to watch from the different brands that the House of Mouse owns, like Pixar, Marvel, The Simpsons, and National Geographic. The range of content is greater outside the US because of the inclusion of Star, an umbrella brand that encompasses more adult-oriented content from studios like 20th Century Studios, ABC, and Searchlight Pictures.
However, when it comes to original content, Disney+ is still in its infancy. While it has exclusives like The Mandalorian and WandaVision, you’ve probably seen the bulk of its catalog before. That said, if you want a one-stop-shop for Disney’s animated classics or for some superhero fun, then Disney+ will serve you well.
Winner: Netflix
Netflix vs. Disney+: Price
Netflix has three different price plans that vary depending on how many screens you watch Netflix on simultaneously, how many devices you can store offline downloads on, and the playback quality:
- Basic: $8.99/month, one screen, one download device, SD
- Standard: $13.99/month, two screens, two download devices, HD
- Premium: $17.99/month, four screens, four download devices, Ultra HD
In most regions, Netflix no longer offers a free trial period.
In the US, Disney operates three streaming services: Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. You can sign up to these individually or get all three together as a cheaper package:
- Disney+: $7.99/month or $79.99/year
- The Disney Bundle (Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu with ads): $13.99/month
- The Disney Bundle (Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu without ads): $19.99/month
Unlike Netflix, Disney+ doesn’t offer different tiers. Whichever package you choose, you can stream on up to four devices at once, download as much as you want on up to 10 devices, and watch everything in HD (and some titles support 4K UHD).
Occasionally, Disney locks something behind Premier Access. This is a one-off cost that grants you early and unlimited access to content that will later be available as part of a standard Disney+ subscription. It has been used for Mulan and Raya and the Last Dragon, which both cost $29.99.
Winner: Disney+
Netflix vs. Disney+: User Interface and Discovery
Netflix’s home screen is presented as a series of rows that contain content. Some of these are unique to you, like My List which are things you have flagged, or Continue Watching, which lets you dive back into what you’ve been viewing.
The other rows display things that are popular in your country, new releases, or genres like comedy, action, or thriller. It’s very easy to select something and start watching within seconds.
That said, Netflix’s interface does have its quirks. These rows often change position, which is annoying when you’re looking for Continue Watching. They also surface the same things repeatedly—the search function becomes useful here, though you’ll need to know the secret Netflix codes to make the most out of it.
Disney+’s UI is similar, with content split by row. The main difference are the tabs at the top which let you explore by brand, like Pixar or Marvel. From here, you can either view everything on offer or look at collections such as “Princesses” and “Musicals”.
The Disney+ app is also slightly clunky on some devices. For example, when launching the app on a smart TV, you might need to wait five seconds or so for it to detect an internet connection and refresh. It’s not a huge problem, but it’s certainly not as smooth as Netflix.
Regardless, both Netflix and Disney+ have clean designs, are simple to navigate, and put the content front and center.
Winner: Draw
Netflix vs. Disney+: Device Availabilityy
You already own a device that Netflix supports. That’s because you can watch Netflix on your:
- Web browser
- Smartphone (Android, iOS, Windows Phone)
- Blu-ray player (LG, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba)
- Games console (PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)
- Smart TV (LG, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, and more)
- Streaming device (Apple TV, Chromecast, Portal, Roku)
A full list of Netflix’s compatible devices can be viewed on the Netflix supported device page. Netflix prides itself on its wide availability, so you won’t be disappointed.
Disney+ is also available on a good range of devices, though not quite as extensive as Netflix. You can watch Disney+ on your:
- Web browser
- Smartphone (Android, iOS)
- Smart TV (LG, Samsung, Android TV)
- Games console (PS4, Xbox One)
- Streaming device (Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV)
Visit the Disney+ device support page for a full list.
Whatever device you choose to watch Netflix or Disney+ on, it’s as simple as either visiting a webpage or downloading the app. Some devices will even come with them preinstalled.
Your account information and viewing history will sync across everything. For example, this means you can start watching something at home on your TV and then finish it off on your phone while traveling.
Winner: Netflix
Netflix vs. Disney+: Which Is Better?
Ultimately, your choice between Netflix and Disney+ will come down to the content. After all, there’s no point paying for Disney+ just because it’s cheaper if you don’t want to watch anything on it.
People who have kids or want a burst of nostalgia will enjoy Disney+. Those who want to see a range of new and original content will prefer Netflix.
Can’t make up your mind? Consider alternating your subscription between the two so that you get the best of both worlds.
