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The right service is the one that has the shows, films, or sports you plan to watch at a price that fits your household—not necessarily the one with the biggest-sounding catalog. Netflix and Max publish tier prices and screen limits; Prime Video combines subscription-included titles with rentals, purchases, and paid channels, so its total cost depends on what you choose. Check the exact titles available in your country and compare the plan you would actually use.
Compare the plans and their real costs
The prices below are listed on the services’ official US plan pages when accessed in 2026. They are not a guarantee of what you will be charged: taxes, bundles, billing channel, eligibility, and later price changes can affect the total. Max’s official page also lists annual billing and says those prices represent 16% savings versus monthly billing.
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| Service and tier | Listed US price | Key plan terms |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix Standard with ads | $8.99/month | Ads; two simultaneous supported devices; 1080p; downloads on two supported devices. Some titles are unavailable because of licensing restrictions. |
| Netflix Standard | $19.99/month | Ad-free; two simultaneous supported devices; 1080p; downloads on two supported devices; option to add one extra member. |
| Netflix Premium | $26.99/month | Ad-free; four simultaneous supported devices; 4K UHD + HDR; downloads on six supported devices; up to two extra members; spatial audio. |
| Max Basic with Ads | $9.99/month or $99.99/year | Ads; two simultaneous devices; Full HD 1080p. |
| Max Standard | $16.99/month or $169.99/year | Two simultaneous devices; 1080p; 30 downloads; live sports included. |
| Max Premium | $20.99/month or $209.99/year | Four simultaneous devices; 4K where available; Dolby Atmos where available; 100 downloads; live sports included. |
| Prime Video / Amazon Prime | Not stated here | Prime Video may be accessed through Prime or as a standalone offering; confirm the current US price and membership type. Rentals, purchases, paid channels, and any ad-free upgrade can add cost. |
Netflix’s listed plan details are on its Plans and Pricing help page; Max’s prices and features are on its plans and prices page. Those pages should be checked again before subscribing, especially for Max, whose page may have changed since its figures were surfaced.
Compare the tier you need, not the cheapest headline price
Start with the requirements that matter: whether you want ads, how many people watch at once, whether you need downloads, and whether your screen supports 4K or HDR. Then compare the tier that covers those needs. A low-priced ad tier is not a like-for-like comparison with a higher ad-free tier.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
For Prime Video, add the price of the applicable Prime membership or standalone plan and any channel or title you expect to pay for. Its current US price was not established here, so do not assume the service is free just because you already use Amazon—or estimate a price without checking Amazon’s current listing.
Choose by the specific titles and sports you want
Catalog size alone does not settle the choice. Rights change over time and vary by country, and a title appearing in Prime Video’s storefront may be available only to rent, buy, or watch through a paid channel. Before choosing, search each service for a short list of the films, series, and live sports you actually care about. On Prime Video, confirm that each result is included with your subscription rather than an additional charge.
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
Max’s Standard and Premium plans include live sports according to its US plan page. That does not make either plan the right pick for every sports fan: check that the specific sport, event, and coverage you want are available where you live. Netflix and Prime Video content also varies by country and may change, so verify availability in your own account before subscribing for a particular title.
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Check screens, household rules, and device limits
How many people can watch at once?
Netflix lists two simultaneous supported devices on Standard with ads and Standard, and four on Premium. Max lists two simultaneous devices on Basic with Ads and Standard, and four on Premium. These figures are useful for comparing concurrent viewing, but they do not by themselves tell you whether a service permits every intended household arrangement.
Rank #3
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Prime Video’s usage rules describe up to three different titles playing at once in many subscription cases, with limits when the same title is streamed and regional variation. That is not exactly the same measure as a plan’s stated number of simultaneous devices; check the rules that apply in your country and to the content type you plan to watch.
Netflix treats account use as a household
Netflix defines a household as “a collection of devices connected to the internet at the main place where you watch Netflix.” Its account-sharing approach is therefore not unrestricted sharing with people outside that household. Extra-member options are available on eligible plans; check the current plan terms for eligibility and any charge before relying on them. See Netflix’s household explanation.
Rank #4
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Confirm that your devices support the features you are paying for
Netflix says supported capabilities can differ by device. Max describes 4K and Dolby Atmos as available only where supported, and top resolution is not promised for every title. Check the service’s supported-device information and your TV, streaming device, and connection before paying extra for higher picture or sound quality. Prime Video restrictions also vary by country, title, and device.
The Tool Desk
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Ad-free does not always mean no ads
Netflix Standard and Premium are listed as ad-free; its ad tier also has some titles unavailable because of licensing. Max Basic with Ads includes ads, while the listed Standard and Premium plans do not specify an ad tier. Prime Video’s ad-free option and advertising rules vary by country and content type. Its help information notes that some live TV, free ad-supported programming, sports, and promotional trailers may still include ads after an ad-free subscription. Check the current local price and exceptions at Prime Video Ad Free help and the usage rules.
Best Value
- Streaming made easy: Roku Express lets you stream free, live and premium TV over the Internet—right to your TV. It’s perfect for new users, secondary TVs and easy gifting—but powerful enough for seasoned pros
- Quick and easy setup: Just plug it into your TV with the included High Speed HDMI Cable and connect to the internet to get started
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Compact and power-packed, you’ll stream your favorites with ease; from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, Netflix, The Roku Channel, HBO, Showtime and Google Play to cable alternatives like Hulu with Live TV and PlayStation Vue, enjoy the most talked about TV across free and paid channels
- Low cost, no extra fees: For under $30, Roku Express streaming device includes a High Speed HDMI Cable—and there’s no monthly equipment fee; with access to free TV on hundreds of channels, there’s plenty to stream without spending extra
- Simple remote: Incredibly easy to use, this remote features shortcut buttons to popular streaming channels
Downloads are a convenience, not permanent ownership
Netflix lists downloads on two supported devices for its first two tiers and six for Premium. Max lists 30 downloads on Standard and 100 on Premium; its Basic with Ads plan does not list a download allowance in the plan comparison above. For Prime Video, downloads depend on the title and device and may be temporary. Downloading a subscription title does not give you permanent ownership, and a rental or purchase follows its own terms. Check Prime Video’s explanation of rentals and purchases before treating a title as included or keeping it for a trip.
A practical way to decide
- Write down your must-watch list. Include particular films, series, and sports—not just genres or a service’s general reputation.
- Check availability in your country. For Prime Video, distinguish titles included with your subscription from rentals, purchases, and paid channels.
- Choose the needed plan features. Match ads, concurrent screens, downloads, and picture quality to how you watch.
- Calculate the full monthly cost. Include the relevant membership or standalone fee, ad-free upgrade, and any channel or title payments. Confirm current Prime Video pricing directly with Amazon.
- Check household and device fit. Review Netflix’s household terms, the stream limits for your likely Prime Video use, and device support for your preferred quality.
- Recheck before paying. Plan prices, title rights, sports availability, ad rules, and download terms can change.
Amazon Associates lists bounty actions for Prime membership and Prime Video in its help information; that does not establish a consumer price or change the cost comparison above.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
