Software · head to head
Criterion Channel vs Apple TV+
Apple TV+
Software
Original stories from the most creative minds
- From
- $9.99/month
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Criterion Channel maximum streaming quality is HD, no 4K or Ultra HD; Apple TV+ standalone subscription costs 12.99 USD per month after a 7 day free trial, with no lower priced tier
- They diverge on capability: Criterion Channel covers Criterion films, Apple TV+ covers Apple Originals.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Criterion Channel and Apple TV+ actually diverge.
| Attribute | Criterion Channel | Apple TV+ |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $10.99/month | $9.99/month |
| Pricing model | Unknown | subscription |
| Platforms | Web, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox | Ios, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web |
| Founded | 1984 | 2019 |
Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Criterion Channel
- Criterion films
- 4K restoration
- Essays
- Special features
- Curated selections
- Streaming devices
- Account security
- Content access
Only in Apple TV+
- Apple Originals
- 4K HDR
- Dolby Atmos
- Family sharing
- Downloads
- Apple devices
- Gaming consoles
- Family sharing controls
Both cover
- Smart TVs
- Web support
- Ios support
- Smart-tv support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Criterion Channel
- Streaming classic, foreign, and independent films with curated collections and retrospectivesnot Apple TV+
- Watching filmmaker interviews, commentary tracks, and bonus/supplemental contentnot Apple TV+
- Following themed programming such as double features and director/actor spotlightsnot Apple TV+
- Educational and film-study use due to curated context and extrasnot Apple TV+
Apple TV+
- Original content streamingnot Criterion Channel
- Family entertainmentnot Criterion Channel
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Criterion Channel
- Maximum streaming quality is HD, no 4K or Ultra HD
- No PlayStation 4 app available
- HDCP compatibility issues reported on some devices like Chromebooks and Xbox One
- No live chat or phone support for customer service
- Limited library compared to mainstream services like Netflix and Hulu
Apple TV+
- Standalone subscription costs 12.99 USD per month after a 7 day free trial, with no lower priced tier
Pricing, plan by plan
Criterion Channel
$10.99/month- Monthly$10.99/month
- Annual$99.99/year
Apple TV+
$9.99/month- Apple TV+$9.99/month
- All originals
- 4K HDR
- 6 family members
Which should you pick?
Choose Criterion Channel if
- You need criterion films.
- You work on Web, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox.
- You also want 4k restoration.
Choose Apple TV+ if
- You need apple originals.
- You work on Ios, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web.
- You also want 4k hdr.
Questions people ask
- Is Criterion Channel or Apple TV+ better?
- Neither clearly leads. Criterion Channel starts at $10.99/month and Apple TV+ at $9.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Criterion Channel or Apple TV+?
- Criterion Channel starts at $10.99/month and Apple TV+ at $9.99/month.
- Does Criterion Channel or Apple TV+ run on more platforms?
- Criterion Channel runs on Web, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox. Apple TV+ runs on Ios, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web.
- What is Criterion Channel best used for?
- Criterion Channel is most often used for streaming classic, foreign, and independent films with curated collections and retrospectives, watching filmmaker interviews, commentary tracks, and bonus/supplemental content, following themed programming such as double features and director/actor spotlights, educational and film-study use due to curated context and extras. Of those, streaming classic, foreign, and independent films with curated collections and retrospectives and watching filmmaker interviews, commentary tracks, and bonus/supplemental content are not what Apple TV+ is typically brought in for.
- What can Criterion Channel do that Apple TV+ cannot?
- Criterion Channel covers Criterion films, 4K restoration, Essays, Special features. Apple TV+ covers Apple Originals, 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, Family sharing. Both handle Smart TVs, Web support, Ios support, Smart-tv support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Criterion Channel: Can I watch Criterion Channel offline?
No, Criterion Channel requires an active internet connection for streaming. The service does not offer offline viewing or download capabilities.
SourceCriterion Channel: What devices does Criterion Channel work on?
Criterion Channel works on Amazon Fire TV, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, and Xbox. There is no PlayStation app or dedicated mobile app for iOS/Android.
SourceCriterion Channel: How much does Criterion Channel cost?
Criterion Channel costs $10.99/month or $99.99/year with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.
SourceCriterion Channel: What is the maximum video quality on Criterion Channel?
Criterion Channel streams in HD quality only. The service does not offer 4K or Ultra HD resolution.
Source