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

netflix homepage

According to What's on Netflix, Netflix has over 6,000 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, but you're bound to find lots to enjoy, no matter your genre preferences.

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 find bingeworthy Netflix shows like BoJack Horseman, Ozark, and The Witcher, and films like The Power of the Dog, The Adam Project, and Enola Holmes streaming only on Netflix. Eventually, Netflix hopes to rely mostly on its original content.

disney+ originals

Comparatively, according to Statista, Disney+ has over 2,000 shows and movies 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 Disney+ Star, an umbrella brand which encompasses more adult-oriented content from studios like 20th Century Studios, ABC, and Searchlight Pictures (in the US, much of this streams on Hulu).

Since launch, Disney+ has pumped a lot of money into rolling out original content. It's home to exclusives like The Beatles: Get Back, The Mandalorian, Hawkeye, and Monsters at Work. While Disney+ doesn't have as much original content as Netflix, and some might argue Disney+ is only good for families, what it does have is of high quality.

That said, you've probably seen the bulk of its catalog before, but 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 sign up screen

Netflix has three different price plans that vary depending on how many screens you watch Netflix on simultaneously, how many devices you store offline downloads on, and the playback quality:

  • Basic: $9.99/month, one screen, one download device, SD
  • Standard: $15.49/month, two screens, two download devices, HD
  • Premium: $19.99/month, four screens, four download devices, Ultra HD

In most regions, Netflix doesn't offer a free trial period.

the disney bundle

In the US, Disney operate three streaming services: Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. You can sign up for 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 (though Disney+ intends to introduce an ad-supported plan). 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 and Dolby Atmos). There is no free trial.

Rarely, Disney locks something behind Premier Access, which is a downside to Disney+. 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 was 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 content that is popular in your country, new releases, or genres like comedy, action, or thriller. It's straightforward 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 is 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.

No matter what device you're using, Netflix and Disney+ both have clean designs, are simple to navigate, and put the content front and center.

Winner: Draw

Netflix vs. Disney+: Device Availability

netflix device page

You already own a device that Netflix supports. That's because you can watch Netflix on your:

  • Web browser
  • Smartphone and tablet (Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Amazon Fire)
  • Blu-ray player (LG, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba)
  • Games console (PS4, PS5, 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 device page. Netflix prides itself on its wide availability, so you won't be disappointed.

Disney+ on OLED TV

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 and tablet (Android, iOS, Amazon Fire)
  • Smart TV (LG, Samsung, Android TV, Panasonic, Hisense)
  • Games console (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)
  • Streaming device (Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV)

Visit the Disney+ device 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. Ultimately, if you have a modern TV or streaming device, chances are that you'll be able to watch both Netflix and Disney+.

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?

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 an extensive back catalog of original and licensed 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.