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Entertainment · head to head

Netflix vs Showtime

Netflix logo

Netflix

Entertainment

Watch TV shows and movies anytime, anywhere

From
$6.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Showtime logo

Showtime

Entertainment

Signature entertainment and sports

From
$10.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Netflix the entry plan caps video at 720p and allows one simultaneous stream and one download device; Showtime showtime is now offered only as part of Paramount+'s Premium plan, per the App Store listing (Paramount+ by CBS Mobile)
  • They diverge on capability: Netflix covers Video streaming, Showtime covers Streaming.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Netflix and Showtime actually diverge.

Attributes where Netflix and Showtime differ
AttributeNetflixShowtime
Starting price$6.99/month$10.99/month
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Streaming-devicesWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv
Founded19971983

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Entertainment).

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 Showtime

  • Streaming
  • Original series
  • Movies
  • Sports
  • Live events
  • Content filtering
  • Smart-tv support

Both cover

  • Smart TVs
  • Streaming devices
  • 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 Showtime
  • Downloading titles for offline viewing on a limited number of devicesnot Showtime
  • Playing Netflix mobile games included with a subscriptionnot Showtime

Showtime

  • Premium streamingnot Netflix
  • Sports watchingnot 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

Showtime

  • Showtime is now offered only as part of Paramount+'s Premium plan, per the App Store listing (Paramount+ by CBS Mobile)
  • Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current subscription period rather than immediately, with continued access through the paid period, per the App Store listing

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

Showtime

$10.99/month
  • Showtime Standalone$10.99/month
    • Original content
    • Ad-free

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.
Netflix review

Choose Showtime if

  • You need streaming.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv.
  • You also want original series.
Showtime review

Questions people ask

Is Netflix or Showtime better?
Neither clearly leads. Netflix starts at $6.99/month and Showtime at $10.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Netflix or Showtime?
Netflix starts at $6.99/month and Showtime at $10.99/month.
Does Netflix or Showtime run on more platforms?
Netflix runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Streaming-devices. Showtime runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv.
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 Showtime is typically brought in for.
What can Netflix do that Showtime cannot?
Netflix covers Video streaming, Offline downloads, Multiple profiles, Personalized recommendations. Showtime covers Streaming, Original series, Movies, Sports. Both handle Smart TVs, Streaming devices, Account security, Web support.
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