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Software · head to head

Netflix vs Tidal

Netflix logo

Netflix

Software

Watch TV shows and movies anytime, anywhere

From
$6.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Tidal logo

Tidal

Software

High fidelity music streaming

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; Tidal tIDAL has no permanently free listening tier; after a 30-day trial a paid subscription is required
  • They diverge on capability: Netflix covers Video streaming, Tidal covers HiFi streaming.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Netflix and Tidal actually diverge.

Attributes where Netflix and Tidal differ
AttributeNetflixTidal
Starting price$6.99/month$10.99/month
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Streaming-devicesWeb, Ios, Android, Desktop
Founded19972014

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), 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 Tidal

  • HiFi streaming
  • Master quality
  • Music videos
  • Exclusive content
  • High-end audio systems
  • Smart speakers
  • Download protection
  • Desktop 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 Tidal
  • Downloading titles for offline viewing on a limited number of devicesnot Tidal
  • Playing Netflix mobile games included with a subscriptionnot Tidal

Tidal

  • Streaming music in HiRes lossless up to 24-bit 192 kHz and Dolby Atmosnot Netflix
  • Offline listening to a personal librarynot Netflix
  • Casting lossless audio to supported hi-fi hardware over TIDAL Connectnot 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

Tidal

  • TIDAL has no permanently free listening tier; after a 30-day trial a paid subscription is required
  • The subscription renews automatically on a monthly basis
  • Lossless quality on external hardware needs TIDAL Connect and a supported device
  • The iOS app requires iOS 17 or later

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

Tidal

$10.99/month
  • HiFi$10.99/month
    • Lossless audio
    • Downloads
  • HiFi Plus$19.99/month
    • Master quality
    • Direct artist payouts

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 Tidal if

  • You need hifi streaming.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Desktop.
  • You also want master quality.
Tidal review

Questions people ask

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