Since its debut in November 2019, Apple TV Plus has steadily grown in popularity thanks to its impressive lineup of original content. With hits like Ted Lasso and Severance, the service offers something for everyone—from heartwarming comedies to gripping thrillers.
But how does Apple TV Plus stack up in terms of cost compared to other streaming giants like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney Plus?
In this detailed guide, we’ll dive into the pricing structure, features, and what you can expect from Apple’s streaming service.
Apple TV Plus Subscription Options and Pricing Overview
Apple TV Plus keeps its pricing model simple, offering a single plan that costs $9.99 per month. This subscription includes access to all original content in 4K resolution, offline viewing, and the ability to share your subscription with up to five additional users.
If you prefer to pay annually, you can save 15%, bringing the cost to $99.99 for the year. This straightforward approach makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers.
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For those outside the United States, Apple TV Plus is available in over 100 countries, with slightly varying prices in different regions. Below are the most common price points for international users:
- United States: $9.99 per month, $99.99 annually
- United Kingdom: £8.99 per month, £89.99 annually
- European Union: €9.99 per month, €99.99 annually
- Canada: CA$12.99 per month, CA$129.99 annually
- Australia: AU$12.99 per month, AU$129.99 annually
- New Zealand: NZ$14.99 per month, NZ$149.99 annually
Features Included with Apple TV Plus
At the base $9.99 monthly price, Apple TV Plus provides several premium features that many streaming services reserve for higher-tier plans.
All content is ad-free, and you get access to 4K streaming, offline downloads, and the ability to share your subscription with up to five family members.
These perks make it one of the best value streaming options, especially when considering its competitors’ pricing models. Apple TV Plus also boasts an ever-expanding library of original shows, movies, and documentaries that continue to draw critical acclaim.
Apple TV Plus Pricing Comparison with Competitors
Now, let’s see how Apple TV Plus measures up to other major streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and Max.
Apple TV Plus vs Netflix
Netflix remains the dominant player in the streaming world, but Apple TV Plus has been quickly catching up, thanks to its impressive lineup of original content.
While Netflix’s most affordable plan costs $6.99 per month, it does not include 4K streaming. To get access to Netflix’s high-definition content (including 4K), you’ll need to opt for its Premium plan at $22.99 per month.
By contrast, Apple TV Plus offers 4K streaming on its base plan for just $9.99, making it a more economical choice for viewers who want top-tier picture quality without paying extra.
Apple TV Plus vs Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is a strong contender, offering a wide variety of content, including original series like The Boys and The Rings of Power.
However, while Prime Video is bundled with other Amazon services like free shipping and music streaming for $14.99 per month, a standalone Prime Video subscription costs $8.99 per month.
Apple TV Plus’s $9.99 per month subscription includes access to all its original programming, 4K streaming, and offline viewing.
For those who already have an Amazon Prime membership, Prime Video offers great value, but Apple TV Plus is a better standalone option for those seeking exclusive content like Ted Lasso or Severance.
Apple TV Plus vs Disney Plus
Disney Plus is famous for its vast collection of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. However, the service’s ad-free plan costs $15.99 per month, significantly more expensive than Apple TV Plus.
While Disney Plus has a larger library of content, Apple TV Plus focuses on high-quality original programming and exclusive celebrity-driven content.
Disney Plus also limits account sharing to four members, while Apple TV Plus allows up to six users. If you’re a fan of blockbuster franchises, Disney Plus is hard to beat, but if you’re looking for an original, critically acclaimed catalog, Apple TV Plus provides excellent value.
Apple TV Plus vs Max
Max, home to HBO’s massive library, starts at $9.99 per month but requires an upgrade to the $20.99 per month plan for 4K streaming. While Max offers a wider variety of popular IPs, such as Game of Thrones and Succession, Apple TV Plus focuses more on high-quality original content.
The two services are similar in their emphasis on quality over quantity, but Max’s extensive library may appeal to those who prefer established franchises.
However, Apple TV Plus has built a reputation for its impressive original series like Ted Lasso, Severance, and Silo, making it a strong competitor.
What You Can Watch on Apple TV Plus
Apple TV Plus is quickly becoming a go-to platform for original programming, with its library growing rapidly. Some of the standout shows on the service include:
- Ted Lasso: A feel-good comedy about an American football coach in the UK, starring Jason Sudeikis.
- Severance: A dystopian thriller about a company that separates its employees’ work and personal lives.
- Silo: A sci-fi series set in a post-apocalyptic world.
- Slow Horses: A British spy drama starring Gary Oldman.
- Mythic Quest: A comedic look at a video game development studio.
In addition to its popular TV shows, Apple TV Plus offers some compelling movies, such as CODA (which won the Academy Award for Best Picture), Tetris, Causeway, and Tetris.
Is Apple TV Plus Worth It?
Apple TV Plus is an attractive option for streaming fans looking for high-quality original content. Its pricing structure—at $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually—makes it an affordable service, especially considering it includes 4K streaming and offline viewing.
While the service may not yet have the sheer volume of content seen on Netflix or Prime Video, its original series and exclusive films continue to attract critical acclaim and a growing number of subscribers.
Conclusion
Apple TV Plus has quickly become a strong player in the streaming market. For $9.99 per month, subscribers get access to a growing library of top-tier original content, all ad-free and in 4K resolution.
With a straightforward pricing model and the option to share the subscription with family members, Apple TV Plus offers great value for those who enjoy exclusive, high-quality programming.
Although it may not yet match the vast catalogs of Netflix or Prime Video, its original content, star-studded productions, and commitment to quality make it a service worth considering.
People May Ask
1. Does Apple TV Plus offer a free trial?
Yes, Apple TV Plus provides a 7-day free trial for new users to explore its content before committing to a subscription.
Yes, Apple TV Plus allows you to share your subscription with up to five other people, making it a great option for families.
3. Is Apple TV Plus ad-free?
Yes, Apple TV Plus is entirely ad-free.
4. Can I watch Apple TV Plus on multiple devices?
Apple TV Plus can be streamed on a wide range of devices, including Apple TV, smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony), gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox), and even through web browsers on Windows or Android devices.
5. How does Apple TV Plus compare to Netflix?
Apple TV Plus offers a lower-cost, 4K streaming plan compared to Netflix’s Premium tier, which requires a higher monthly fee for 4K access. Apple TV Plus also focuses more on high-quality original content, whereas Netflix has a larger library.
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