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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsApple TV+ became more expensive in the United States in 2025, rising to $12.99 per month, but it remains cheaper than Netflix’s ad-free Standard and Premium plans. Netflix is cheaper at the entry level because Standard With Ads costs $7.99 monthly. The right value depends on whether you want a broad, frequently changing catalog or a smaller, ad-free lineup of Apple Originals.
All figures below are 2025 U.S. list prices before tax, promotions and bundles. Apple now labels the service “Apple TV” on some consumer pages, but “Apple TV+” identifies the subscription discussed here.
What changed in 2025?
Apple TV+
Apple raised its monthly price from $9.99 to $12.99—a $3 increase of about 30%—for new subscribers on August 21, 2025. Existing subscribers were scheduled to see the increase after their next renewal, with 30 days’ notice. The annual price remained $99.99. Apple’s previous major U.S. increase was in October 2023, when the monthly price moved from $6.99 to $9.99. CBS News reported the timing and annual-price details.
Netflix
Netflix increased all three main U.S. tiers in January 2025. Standard With Ads rose from $6.99 to $7.99, Standard from $15.49 to $17.99, and Premium from $22.99 to $24.99. Extra-member charges also changed for some plans, and this was the first increase affecting Netflix’s ad-supported tier. TheWrap reported the 2025 changes.
#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.
2025 prices side by side
| Plan | 2025 monthly price | Annualized cost | Ads | Main features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV+ monthly | $12.99 | $155.88 | No | Single tier; 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos available where supported |
| Apple TV+ annual | — | $99.99 paid upfront | No | About $8.33 per month equivalent |
| Netflix Standard With Ads | $7.99 | $95.88 | Yes | Lowest Netflix price; restrictions can vary by title and market |
| Netflix Standard | $17.99 | $215.88 | No | 1080p; two simultaneous streams |
| Netflix Premium | $24.99 | $299.88 | No | 4K/HDR; four simultaneous streams |
Netflix generally sells these plans month to month rather than with an equivalent discounted annual option. Check Netflix’s official plans page for current names, restrictions and availability.
Apple TV+ versus Netflix Standard With Ads
This is the lowest-price comparison, not an equivalent product comparison. Netflix saves $5 per month and offers a much broader mix of films, series, international programming, reality shows, documentaries, children’s content and licensed titles. In exchange, Standard With Ads includes advertising and may have title restrictions.
Rank #2
- Our fastest-ever streaming media player - Brings lightning-fast app starts with an octa-core processor and is 2X as powerful as Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Hands-free Alexa with built-in mic and speakers - Control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers with your voice, even from across the room.
- Seamlessly navigate between your entertainment - Connect compatible devices and easily go from streaming to your cable box, game console, or webcam.
Apple TV+ costs more but is advertised as commercial-free. For someone who accepts ads and wants maximum catalog breadth for the lowest monthly bill, Netflix wins. For someone who considers uninterrupted viewing essential, Apple’s $12.99 may be the more meaningful price comparison.
Apple TV+ versus Netflix Standard
Netflix Standard is the fairest ad-free comparison. Apple TV+ costs $5 less each month ($12.99 versus $17.99), while Netflix supplies a broader everyday catalog, 1080p streaming and two simultaneous streams.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteRank #3
- 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
Apple’s single tier includes high-end presentation features where the title, device, connection and display support them. Apple says the service is ad-free, supports downloads, and can be shared through Family Sharing with up to six people; that wording should not be read as a guarantee of six unrestricted simultaneous high-resolution streams. See Apple’s service page for supported devices and terms.
Apple TV+ versus Netflix Premium
Premium costs $24.99 monthly—$12 more than Apple TV+—and is designed for households needing four simultaneous streams, 4K and HDR. Apple TV+ can provide 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos without a higher service tier when supported, but its catalog is far more concentrated.
Rank #4
- Ask to control your TV with your voice, and quickly cast your photos, videos, music and more from your phone, tablet, or PC to your TV with Chromecast built in
- Built-in Virtual Assistant – just press the mic button on the remote to get what you want
- Built-in content and entertainment including YouTube, Play Movies & TV, and more
- Support for thousands of Apps on the Play Store
- 2K resolution TV streaming
Choose Premium only if several people regularly watch Netflix at once or its 4K catalog justifies the surcharge. A compatible television, device, internet connection and title are required for either service’s highest-quality formats.
What each service includes
Apple TV+
- Focused, primarily original programming, including series such as Severance and The Morning Show.
- Ad-free viewing, downloads on supported devices, and availability through Apple devices, Android, smart TVs, streaming devices, PCs and the web.
- 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos availability where supported.
- Family Sharing for up to six people, subject to Apple’s terms.
- Selected U.S. sports and events, including Formula 1, MLS and Friday Night Baseball on Apple’s current page; rights and seasons change.
- A seven-day trial for eligible new subscribers and, subject to eligibility, three months with qualifying new Apple-device purchases.
Netflix
- A broader and more frequently changing catalog covering many genres, countries and age groups.
- Multiple tiers that trade off price, advertising, picture quality and simultaneous use.
- Premium’s 4K/HDR and four simultaneous streams; Standard’s two streams and 1080p.
- Household and account-sharing rules that can change, so consult Netflix’s current help documentation.
Is Apple TV+ still good value after the increase?
When Apple TV+ is the better buy
- You want an ad-free service and mainly watch Apple Originals.
- You care about available picture and sound features but do not need a huge library.
- You can use the $99.99 annual plan for the full year.
- You already use Apple Family Sharing or plan to watch specific releases and then cancel.
When Netflix is the better buy
- You want one service for many genres, international shows, children’s programming and casual daily viewing.
- You accept ads to keep the bill at $7.99.
- Several household members need different programs at the same time.
- You prefer monthly flexibility instead of Apple’s annual prepayment.
Monthly versus annual billing
Apple’s annual plan costs $99.99 versus $155.88 for twelve $12.99 payments, saving $55.89 per year. Its effective cost is about $8.33 per month—roughly 36% below monthly billing. That is worthwhile only if you expect to keep Apple TV+ for twelve months; monthly billing is better for a single-season viewing plan.
Best Value
- 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.
Annualized Netflix costs are $95.88 for Standard With Ads, $215.88 for Standard and $299.88 for Premium. Apple’s annual equivalent is therefore about $0.34 below Netflix Standard With Ads, $9.66 below Netflix Standard and $16.66 below Premium. The first comparison pairs an ad-free service with an ad-supported one, so the dollar gap alone does not establish equal value.
Ways to reduce your streaming bill
- Use Apple’s annual plan if you expect a full year of viewing.
- Rotate monthly. Subscribe for a release or season, cancel after finishing it, and switch to Netflix when its lineup is more useful.
- Check Apple One. Apple TV is included in Apple One; the official page lists plans starting at $19.95 monthly. Bundle only if you also want services such as Apple Music or iCloud+; buying the bundle solely for television can cost more than standalone annual billing. See Apple One.
- Use qualifying-device offers carefully. Apple advertises three months with eligible new-device purchases, subject to redemption and eligibility. Do not buy hardware solely to obtain streaming access; Apple says an Apple TV 4K box is not required.
Which service should you choose?
| Your priority | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest monthly bill | Netflix Standard With Ads | $7.99, if advertising is acceptable |
| Lowest effective ad-free price for a full year | Apple TV+ annual | About $8.33 monthly equivalent |
| Focused, ad-free originals | Apple TV+ monthly or annual | Single tier and flexible viewing or lower annual cost |
| Ad-free breadth | Netflix Standard | Larger catalog, 1080p and two streams for $17.99 |
| Large household and 4K/HDR | Netflix Premium | Four simultaneous streams and 4K/HDR for $24.99 |
Netflix is the stronger general-purpose subscription; Apple TV+ is a focused premium-originals service. Many cost-conscious viewers will get better value by rotating them rather than keeping both year-round.
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.
