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Kodi vs Netflix

Kodi logo

Kodi

Media & Entertainment

The ultimate entertainment center

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 Kodi has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Kodi licensed under GPLv2, entirely free and open source with no commercial edition; Netflix the entry plan caps video at 720p and allows one simultaneous stream and one download device
  • They diverge on capability: Kodi covers Media playback, Netflix covers Video streaming.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Kodi and Netflix actually diverge.

Attributes where Kodi and Netflix differ
AttributeKodiNetflix
Starting priceFree$6.99/month
Pricing modelfreesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, Mac, Linux, Android, Ios, Smart-tvWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Streaming-devices
CategoryMedia & EntertainmentEntertainment
Founded20031997

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 Kodi

  • Media playback
  • Library management
  • Add-ons
  • Customization
  • Remote control
  • Smart home
  • Streaming services
  • Add-ons

Only in Netflix

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

Both cover

  • Android support
  • Ios support

What people use each for

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

Kodi

  • Media centernot Netflix
  • Home entertainmentnot Netflix

Netflix

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

Where each one falls short

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

Kodi

  • Licensed under GPLv2, entirely free and open source with no commercial edition

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

Kodi

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Open source
    • All features
    • Add-ons

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 Kodi if

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