Netflix vs NOW TV UK — 2026
Side-by-side comparison: pricing, content library, 4K, downloads, family features, and which is right for you.
Updated April 2026 · We may earn a commission if you sign up via our links — no extra cost to you.
Pricing
| Plan | Netflix | NOW TV |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (with ads) | £4.99/mo | £6.99/mo |
| Ad-free | £10.99/mo | — |
| 4K / Premium | £17.99/mo | — |
| Downloads | Up to 100 | Not available |
| Max screens | 4 (Premium) | 2 (Premium) |
Features at a glance
| Feature | Netflix | NOW TV |
|---|---|---|
| Content library | ~6,000 titles | ~3,000+ titles |
| 4K HDR | ✓ Premium plan | ✗ |
| Dolby Vision | ✓ Premium plan | ✗ |
| Dolby Atmos | ✓ Premium plan | ✗ |
| Downloads | 100 titles | — titles |
| Simultaneous screens | 4 (Premium) | 2 (plan dependent) |
| Kids profiles | ✓ | ✓ Limited |
| Cancel anytime | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Annual billing | ✗ | ✗ |
| Live sports | ✗ | ✓ Football, cricket, rugby, F1 |
Content library
Heavy investment — Stranger Things, The Crown, Squid Game, Wednesday
Focus on sports, reality, and HBO content — Sky Atlantic shows, exclusive sports coverage
Family & parental features
Pros & cons
Which should you choose?
Not sure yet? Both services are easy to cancel — no long contracts.
Frequently asked questions
For general entertainment, Netflix offers a bigger library and more varied genres. NOW TV is better value for families and franchise fans — its Premium plan (£20.99/mo) costs less than Netflix Premium (£17.99/mo).
Yes, but only on their most expensive plans. Netflix requires the Premium plan (£17.99/mo). NOW TV requires the Premium plan (£20.99/mo). Neither includes 4K on their entry-level ad-supported tiers.
Netflix has the larger library with ~6,000 titles in the UK. NOW TV has ~3,000+ titles, but with exceptional franchise depth: every Marvel Cinematic Universe film and show, all Star Wars content, Pixar, Disney Animation, and National Geographic.
Netflix allows up to 100 downloads on Standard and Premium plans. NOW TV allows up to 25 downloads on the Premium plan. Neither allows downloads on their ad-supported entry tier.
Yes. At their cheapest tiers combined cost is just £9.98/month. Many households use Netflix for variety and adult viewing, and NOW TV for family and franchise content.
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