Alternatives to Netflix: 5 streaming platforms to compare in 2026

You finished your latest series in one night (yes, you too) and are looking for your next hidden gem somewhere else? Netflix is still a go-to, but other platforms are well worth a look: here are 5 Netflix alternatives to compare so you can choose the one that’s right for you!

In brief: 

• Netflix remains one of the most widely used platforms, with ad-supported, Standard and Premium plans.
• The 5 best Netflix alternatives are: Prime Video (included with Amazon Prime), Disney+ (Disney, Marvel, Star Wars), HBO Max (HBO series and Warner movies), Apple TV (Apple original productions) and Paramount+ (Taylor Sheridan series and Star Trek).
• The right choice depends on what you’re looking for: franchises, series, family viewing, budget or an ad-supported plan.
• Good news for your budget: several of these platforms can be shared with other subscribers, especially on Sharesub, which helps everyone save 🥳

Why look for an alternative to Netflix?

People usually look for an alternative to Netflix to complement the platform rather than leave it: they want a different universe, a different budget or a different release schedule. Netflix remains a streaming staple, with a huge catalog and original series that have become classics.

Here’s what people who add a second platform are most often looking for:

• a specific universe : Marvel and Star Wars, HBO series or Star Trek
• different original productions such as Apple or Amazon titles
• the budget, with entry-level ad-supported plans available on several platforms
• more variety in new releases, since each platform has its own schedule

Good to know: many subscribers use two or three platforms at a time and switch them based on what’s coming out. Each service’s catalog changes throughout the year, so there’s no need to stick with the same combination.

Netflix in 2026: catalog and plans

Netflix offers a huge catalog of movies, series, documentaries and original shows, with three plans: Standard with ads, Standard and Premium. Before comparing, here’s what the platform offers to make sure the comparison is fair.

What’s in the Netflix catalog

Netflix is available in more than 190 countries and focuses on its original productions. Series that have become household names include Stranger Things, Wednesday, Squid Game, Black Mirror and The Crown. The interface offers personalized recommendations and profiles for each family member.

Netflix plans

The Standard with ads plan is the most affordable, with Full HD on 2 screens. The Standard plan removes ads, for £10.99 per month. The Premium plan gives you 4 screens in 4K, for £22.99 per month.

Good to know: whichever plan you choose, you get access to the Netflix catalog. The main differences are ads, the number of screens and picture quality!

💡 With Netflix subscription sharing you can use a 100% compliant and secure way to access thousands of movies and series in 4K, while sharing the cost of your Premium subscription with other movie fans!

The 5 best Netflix alternatives in 2026

Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Apple TV and Paramount+ are five Netflix alternatives, each suited to a different need: budget, family viewing, prestige series, original productions or action. Here’s what each one offers, how it works and what its limitations are.

1. Prime Video: the Netflix alternative included with Amazon Prime

Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime subscription, along with other Prime benefits (delivery, music and reading). Its catalog brings together movies, series and Amazon Originals such as The Boys, Reacher and Fallout, with 3 simultaneous screens.

Ads are shown by default, and an ad-free option is available for an extra fee. If you already shop on Amazon, it’s often the easiest way to add a second platform.

Prime Video pros

• included with Amazon Prime, along with delivery, music and reading
• a large catalog featuring Amazon Originals such as The Boys, Reacher and Fallout
• 3 simultaneous screens

Prime Video cons

• ads are shown by default
• the ad-free option costs extra

2. Disney+: the Netflix alternative for families and franchises

Disney+ brings together Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic, as well as series and movies for adults. As with Netflix, there are three plans: ad-supported, Standard and Premium, with Premium offering 4 screens in 4K with Dolby Atmos.

It’s the ideal platform if you have kids, or if Marvel movies and the Star Wars saga are part of your regular viewing.

Disney+ pros

• Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic all in one place
• a Premium plan in 4K with Dolby Atmos and 4 screens
• ideal for kids and families

Disney+ cons

• the catalog is more focused than Netflix’s

3. HBO Max: the Netflix alternative for prestige series

HBO Max brings together HBO series such as Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, The Last of Us and Succession, as well as Warner Bros. movies, the DC universe and the Harry Potter saga. Available in France since June 2024, the platform offers an ad-supported plan, a Standard plan and a Premium plan in 4K. A Sports option is available for an extra fee.

In a nutshell: if you like big-budget series that everyone’s talking about, this is the one to add.

HBO Max pros

• HBO series such as Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, The Last of Us and Succession
• Warner Bros. movies, the DC universe and the Harry Potter saga
• a Premium plan in 4K and a Sports option

HBO Max cons

• the catalog is more limited than Netflix’s
• the Sports option costs extra

4. Apple TV: the Netflix alternative for original productions

Apple TV (formerly Apple TV+) only offers original productions, such as Severance, Ted Lasso, Slow Horses, Silo and The Morning Show. The service is ad-free, in 4K with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and a 7-day free trial is available to new subscribers. It’s also available through Prime Video.

Its biggest advantage: one subscription can be shared with up to six people, each with their own profile.

Apple TV pros

• award-winning original productions such as Severance, Ted Lasso and Slow Horses
• no ads, in 4K with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
• a subscription that can be shared with up to six people, plus a 7-day free trial

Apple TV cons

• the catalog is limited, as it only includes original productions

5. Paramount+: the Netflix alternative for action and science fiction

Paramount+ brings together Paramountmovies, Taylor Sheridan series (Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, Landman, Tulsa King), the Star Trek franchise and Showtime shows such as Dexter and Yellowjackets. Both plans, Standard and Premium, are ad-free, and a 7-day free trial is available.

Launched in France in December 2022, the platform is one of the most affordable options.

Paramount+ pros

• Taylor Sheridan series, the Star Trek franchise and Showtime shows
• no ads on either plan
• an affordable price and a 7-day free trial

Paramount+ cons

• the catalog focuses on Paramount productions

Which Netflix alternative should you choose?

Prime Video is a good fit for a tight budget, Disney+ for families and franchises, HBO Max for high-end series, Apple TV for original productions and Paramount+ for action and science fiction. Ultimately, the right choice is the one that has what you want to watch tonight—not the best-known platform.

Depending on what you’re looking for, here’s what you should try:

• you want a low price and extra benefits: Prime Video
• you watch with your family or love Marvel and Star Wars: Disney+
• you’re looking for prestige series: HBO Max
• you prefer a small but high-quality selection: Apple TV
• you like modern Westerns and Star Trek: Paramount+

How much do Netflix and its alternatives cost?

The entry-level plans on these platforms fall within a similar price range, and the price mainly depends on ads, the number of screens and picture quality. Here are the monthly prices for full subscriptions, plan by plan:

Official prices for full subscriptions, checked in november 2026. Netflix also offers a Standard with ads plan at a lower price.

In a nutshell: ad-supported plans are the cheapest, while Premium plans offer the most features (4K, more screens). If paying less is your priority, start by comparing each platform’s ad-supported plan.

FAQ about Netflix alternatives

Sources

• Netflix: plans and pricing (Netflix Help Center)
• Disney+ France: subscriptions
• HBO Max: everything you need to know about subscriptions (Help Center)
• Apple: subscribe to Apple TV (Apple Support)
• Amazon Prime (amazon.fr/prime)
• Paramount+ France (paramountplus.com/fr)