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Music & Audio Apps · head to head

iHeartRadio vs Netflix

iHeartRadio logo

iHeartRadio

Music & Audio Apps

All your favorite music, podcasts, and radio

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Netflix logo

Netflix

Entertainment

Watch TV shows and movies anytime, anywhere

From
$6.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only iHeartRadio has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: iHeartRadio ad-free listening requires an iHeartRadio Plus or All Access subscription; Netflix the entry plan caps video at 720p and allows one simultaneous stream and one download device
  • They diverge on capability: iHeartRadio covers Live radio, Netflix covers Video streaming.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which iHeartRadio and Netflix actually diverge.

Attributes where iHeartRadio and Netflix differ
AttributeiHeartRadioNetflix
Starting priceFree$6.99/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-speakersWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Streaming-devices
CategoryMusic & Audio AppsEntertainment
Founded20081997

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

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 iHeartRadio

  • Live radio
  • Custom stations
  • Podcasts
  • Events
  • Smart speakers
  • Car systems
  • Smart-speakers support

Only in Netflix

  • Video streaming
  • Offline downloads
  • Multiple profiles
  • Personalized recommendations
  • Original content
  • Multi-device support
  • Parental controls
  • Auto-play next episode

Both cover

  • Account security
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

iHeartRadio

  • Streaming live AM and FM radio stations over the internetnot Netflix
  • Listening to podcasts and live sports commentarynot Netflix
  • Building music playlists on a paid tiernot Netflix

Netflix

  • Streaming films and series on demand across TVs, phones and browsersnot iHeartRadio
  • Downloading titles for offline viewing on a limited number of devicesnot iHeartRadio
  • Playing Netflix mobile games included with a subscriptionnot iHeartRadio

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

iHeartRadio

  • Ad-free listening requires an iHeartRadio Plus or All Access subscription
  • Unlimited skips and unlimited playlist creation require a paid subscription
  • Subscriptions renew automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the period ends
  • Any unused part of a free trial is forfeited when a subscription is purchased
  • The iOS app requires iOS 15.0 or later

Netflix

  • The entry plan caps video at 720p and allows one simultaneous stream and one download device
  • 1080p and two simultaneous streams require the Standard plan
  • 4K Ultra HD, HDR and spatial audio are restricted to the Premium plan, which allows 4 streams and 6 download devices
  • Netflix states an account is for people who live together in a single household, so viewers outside the home need a paid extra member slot
  • Plan prices and availability differ by country and change when Netflix is bought through a partner package or add-on

Pricing, plan by plan

iHeartRadio

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Live radio
    • Podcasts
    • Ads
  • Plus$5.99/month
    • Unlimited skips
    • Offline playlists

Netflix

$6.99/month
  • Standard with ads$6.99/month
    • All but a few movies and TV shows
    • Unlimited ad-free series and movies
    • Watch on 2 supported devices at a time
  • Standard$15.49/month
    • All Netflix movies and TV shows
    • Watch on 2 supported devices at a time
    • Watch in HD
  • Premium$22.99/month
    • All Netflix movies and TV shows
    • Watch on 4 supported devices at a time
    • Watch in Ultra HD

Which should you pick?

Choose iHeartRadio if

  • You need live radio.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers.
  • You also want custom stations.
iHeartRadio review

Choose Netflix if

  • You need video streaming.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Streaming-devices.
  • You also want offline downloads.
Netflix review

Questions people ask

Is iHeartRadio or Netflix better?
Neither clearly leads. iHeartRadio starts at Free and Netflix at $6.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, iHeartRadio or Netflix?
iHeartRadio has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for iHeartRadio and $6.99/month for Netflix.
Does iHeartRadio or Netflix run on more platforms?
iHeartRadio runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers. Netflix runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Streaming-devices.
Can I use iHeartRadio for free?
Yes. iHeartRadio has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Netflix starts at $6.99/month.
What is iHeartRadio best used for?
iHeartRadio is most often used for streaming live am and fm radio stations over the internet, listening to podcasts and live sports commentary, building music playlists on a paid tier. Of those, streaming live am and fm radio stations over the internet and listening to podcasts and live sports commentary are not what Netflix is typically brought in for.
What can iHeartRadio do that Netflix cannot?
iHeartRadio covers Live radio, Custom stations, Podcasts, Events. Netflix covers Video streaming, Offline downloads, Multiple profiles, Personalized recommendations. Both handle Account security, Web support, Ios support, Android support.
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