Is Apple TV better than Netflix?

Is Apple TV better than Netflix? This debate is common in group chats and living rooms today.

For a decade, Netflix was the go-to service for entertainment, similar to how you’d pay for electricity or water. You just had it. But in 2025, things have changed. Netflix prices have reached uncomfortable levels, and password sharing is nearly gone. Meanwhile, Apple TV+ has evolved from a service with “no shows” into a strong contender in award-winning television.

If you are looking at your credit card statement and wondering which subscription to cancel, this guide is for you. We will not just examine the specs; we will consider the actual value you get for your money.

Here is a straightforward comparison.

The Core Philosophy: The Buffet vs. The Steakhouse

To understand which service is better, you must know their business models. They are aiming for different things.

Netflix: The “Content Hose”

Netflix uses a volume model. Their goal is to keep you watching for as long as possible.

• The Reality: You open Netflix and see 5,000 options. But let’s be honest—how often do you scroll for 20 minutes, get overwhelmed, and watch reruns of The Office or Friends again?

• The Good: If you enjoy Reality TV, True Crime documentaries, Anime, and international K-Dramas, Netflix is the best. It’s an endless buffet.

Apple TV+: The “Curated Gallery”

Apple doesn’t aim to be everything for everyone. They want to be the premium choice.

• The Reality: Apple TV+ has a smaller library. You won’t find 90s sitcoms here. What you will find are high-budget originals with star power.

• The Good: Their success rate is impressively high. Shows like Severance, Slow Horses, and Ted Lasso feel cinematic. If Netflix is a buffet, Apple TV+ is a steakhouse with a limited menu, but every dish is made to perfection.

The “4K Tax” Comparison

This is the biggest hidden difference that most reviews overlook.

If you bought a 4K TV recently, you want to take advantage of it.

• On Apple TV+: 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos audio come standard. You pay the base price ($12.99/month) and receive the best quality.

• On Netflix: You pay more for quality. To get 4K streaming, you need the “Premium” plan, which costs nearly $25/month. If you go for the standard plan, you are limited to 1080p.
• The Verdict: If you care about video quality, Apple TV+ treats your wallet much better than Netflix does.

Comparison at a Glance (2025 Data)

Visual Fidelity: Why Apple Looks Better

Have you ever watched a dark scene on Netflix (like in Stranger Things) and noticed that the sky looks blocky or pixelated? That’s called compression artifacts.

Netflix compresses their video files heavily to load faster on slow internet.

Apple TV+ takes a different approach with a much higher bitrate.

• Netflix Bitrate: Averages 15-18 Mbps for 4K. Apple TV+ Bitrate: Can reach up to 29-40 Mbps for 4K.
• Translation: Apple TV+ looks cleaner, sharper, and more like a Blu-ray disc. If you have an OLED TV, Apple content will impress.

The User Interface Struggle

Surprisingly, the tech giant Apple has some shortcomings here.

Netflix’s interface is aggressive but effective. It auto-plays trailers (which can be annoying), but its recommendation algorithm is very good. It knows you want to watch a romantic comedy before you do.

Apple’s interface can be confusing for one main reason: Upselling.

When you open the Apple TV app, it mixes “Free” content (included in your subscription) with “Movies to Rent/Buy” from the iTunes store. It can be frustrating to click on a movie poster, get excited, and then realize it costs an extra $5.99 to rent.

Who Wins in 2025?

We need to stop thinking that one service must “kill” the other. They have different strengths.

Stick with Netflix if:

• You have children: The “Netflix Kids” section is a reliable babysitter. Apple’s kids’ content is high quality (like Snoopy), but there isn’t enough of it.

• You love global content: No one beats Netflix for Korean, Spanish, and French dramas.

• You want “Comfort TV”: Sometimes you just want to relax and watch a baking competition. Netflix is ideal for that.

Switch to Apple TV+ if:

• You are tired of cancellations: Apple rarely cancels shows after one season. They allow stories time to develop.

• You are a video/audio enthusiast: You have a nice sound system and a good TV, and you want to experience their full potential.

You want value: For the price of a couple of coffees, you get ad-free, 4K quality drama.

My Honest Advice?

Don’t be too loyal.
The days of keeping a subscription for five years are gone. Try Apple TV+ for two months, watch Silo and Foundation, and then cancel. Return to Netflix when the new season of Stranger Things comes out.

In 2025, the smartest consumer is a flexible one.

FAQs

Does Apple TV+ have ads now?

No. As of late 2025, Apple TV+ does not show commercial breaks during shows. They only present trailers for their own content before you watch.

Is the “Apple One” bundle worth it?

If you already pay for iCloud storage and Apple Music, then yes. The Apple One bundle effectively gives you Apple TV+ for free.

Why is Netflix so much more expensive?

Netflix pays for content from other studios (such as Sony and Universal), which costs a lot. Apple owns most of its content, so they avoid paying licensing fees to others, keeping their prices lower.