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Media & Entertainment · head to head

Jellyfin vs Netflix

Jellyfin logo

Jellyfin

Media & Entertainment

The free software media system

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 Jellyfin has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Jellyfin jellyfin is free open source software under the GNU GPL with no paid tier or vendor support contract available; Netflix the entry plan caps video at 720p and allows one simultaneous stream and one download device
  • They diverge on capability: Jellyfin covers Media server, Netflix covers Video streaming.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Jellyfin and Netflix actually diverge.

Attributes where Jellyfin and Netflix differ
AttributeJellyfinNetflix
Starting priceFree$6.99/month
Pricing modelfreesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, DockerWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Streaming-devices
CategoryMedia & EntertainmentEntertainment
Founded20181997

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 Jellyfin

  • Media server
  • Streaming
  • Library management
  • Open source
  • Self-hosted
  • Open source audit
  • Self-hosted security
  • User management

Only in Netflix

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

Both cover

  • Smart TVs
  • Streaming devices
  • Mobile devices
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

Jellyfin

  • Open-source media streamingnot Netflix
  • Self-hosted librarynot Netflix

Netflix

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

Where each one falls short

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

Jellyfin

  • Jellyfin is free open source software under the GNU GPL with no paid tier or vendor support contract available

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

Jellyfin

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited streaming
    • Open source
    • No ads

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 Jellyfin if

  • You need media server.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, Docker.
  • You also want streaming.
Jellyfin 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 Jellyfin or Netflix better?
Neither clearly leads. Jellyfin 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, Jellyfin or Netflix?
Jellyfin has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Jellyfin and $6.99/month for Netflix.
Does Jellyfin or Netflix run on more platforms?
Jellyfin runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, Docker. Netflix runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Streaming-devices.
Can I use Jellyfin for free?
Yes. Jellyfin has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Netflix starts at $6.99/month.
What is Jellyfin best used for?
Jellyfin is most often used for open-source media streaming, self-hosted library. Of those, open-source media streaming and self-hosted library are not what Netflix is typically brought in for.
What can Jellyfin do that Netflix cannot?
Jellyfin covers Media server, Streaming, Library management, Open source. Netflix covers Video streaming, Offline downloads, Multiple profiles, Personalized recommendations. Both handle Smart TVs, Streaming devices, Mobile devices, Web support.
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