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Software · head to head

Netflix vs Pandora

Netflix logo

Netflix

Software

Watch TV shows and movies anytime, anywhere

From
$6.99/month
Rated
-
Pandora logo

Pandora

Software

Personalized music and podcasts

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only Pandora has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Netflix the entry plan caps video at 720p and allows one simultaneous stream and one download device; Pandora service availability restricted to United States; geoblocked outside US market
  • They diverge on capability: Netflix covers Video streaming, Pandora covers Personalized radio.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Netflix and Pandora actually diverge.

Attributes where Netflix and Pandora differ
AttributeNetflixPandora
Starting price$6.99/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Streaming-devicesWeb, iOS, Android, Connected Devices
Founded19972000

Identical on both: 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 Netflix

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

Only in Pandora

  • Personalized radio
  • On-demand
  • Podcasts
  • Music Genome
  • Smart speakers
  • Car systems
  • Privacy controls
  • Smart-speakers support

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.

Netflix

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

Pandora

  • Ad-supported music and podcast streaming for personalised listeningnot Netflix
  • Digital audio advertising platform for brands reaching streaming audiencesnot Netflix

Where each one falls short

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

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

Pandora

  • Service availability restricted to United States; geoblocked outside US market

Pricing, plan by plan

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

Pandora

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Pandora review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Netflix if

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

Choose Pandora if

  • You need personalized radio.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, Connected Devices.
  • You also want on-demand.

Questions people ask

Is Netflix or Pandora better?
Neither clearly leads. Netflix starts at $6.99/month and Pandora at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Netflix or Pandora?
Pandora has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $6.99/month for Netflix and Free for Pandora.
Does Netflix or Pandora run on more platforms?
Netflix runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Streaming-devices. Pandora runs on Web, iOS, Android, Connected Devices.
Can I use Pandora for free?
Yes. Pandora has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Netflix starts at $6.99/month.
What is Netflix best used for?
Netflix is most often used for streaming films and series on demand across tvs, phones and browsers, downloading titles for offline viewing on a limited number of devices, playing netflix mobile games included with a subscription. Of those, streaming films and series on demand across tvs, phones and browsers and downloading titles for offline viewing on a limited number of devices are not what Pandora is typically brought in for.
What can Netflix do that Pandora cannot?
Netflix covers Video streaming, Offline downloads, Multiple profiles, Personalized recommendations. Pandora covers Personalized radio, On-demand, Podcasts, Music Genome. Both handle Account security, Web support, Ios support, Android support.

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