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Shudder vs. Netflix in 2024

By Staff, Deja Harris• Edited by Lisa Holden • Updated Dec 04, 2023

Alt: shudder-vs-netflix

Get ready to rumble. In the boxing ring, we have two contenders: Shudder versus Netflix.

In the blue corner, we have Netflix—the founding father of content streaming. Since 1997, it has put Blockbuster and video rentals out of business. Today, you’ll get tons of original programming and a healthy selection of fan-favorite films and TV shows that you can stream endlessly, regardless if you’re a family of four little kids or dedicated film buffs.

Then, in the red corner, here’s Shudder.

The horror-themed streaming platform opened its doors in 2016. On the platform, you’ll get to sample all-time favorite horror and slasher classics, like Halloween and Prom Night. On top of that, there’s a good number of Shudder originals you won’t find anywhere else. So if you’re a horror nut, Shudder is the streaming service for you.

If you’re on a budget and have to choose one over the other, we’re here to give you the low-down. Here, we’ll let you know the pros and cons of Netflix and Shudder and which will best suit your needs.

Here is a side-by-side of the two streaming giants

ShudderNetflix
Free Trial7-day free trialNo
Simultaneous StreamsNoMaximum of 4-device concurrent stream
On-Demand ContentYesYes
Live ChannelsYesNo
Local ChannelsNoNo
Sports ChannelsNoNo

What are Shudder’s plans & pricing?

Shudder only offers one type of subscription. Here’s what to expect:

Shudder

$6.99 / month

You’ll get access to its complete on-demand library and Shudder TV, which is a 24/7 live stream featuring curated movie marathons.

What are Netflix’s plans & pricing?

Netflix offers 4 different pricing tiers:

Stream on two screens
On demand content
HD video quality
Downloads on up to two devices

Netflix Standard

$15.49 / month
No ads
Stream on two screens
HD video quality
Downloads on up to two devices

Netflix Premium

$22.99 / month
No ads
Stream on four screens
HD and 4K video quality
Downloads on up to six devices

You can find the full details of Netflix plans on their help page.

Shudder vs. Netflix: What channels and shows do they offer?

If you’re looking for a genre-specific streaming service, in this case, horror, you won’t find anything better than Shudder. Case in point, you’ll find many horror classics from the past in Shudder’s library.

For instance, classics like Child’s Play and Halloween are available for viewing pleasure. Additionally, Shudder’s library is constantly updated with the latest horror treats. In fact, Shudder recently added the Chucky revival TV series to its streaming vault.

Plus, Shudder also provides original horror content you won’t find anywhere else, like Channel Zero.

As for Netflix, it’s the perfect streaming partner for almost everyone. For example, Netflix stores some of the best child-friendly content, like Sesame Street and Barney. Not only that, but you’ll also find some fan-favorite 90’s sitcoms like Seinfeld and Friends.

Additionally, Netflix offers many Netflix originals that anyone can enjoy. In fact, some of the most acclaimed shows in recent memory call Netflix their home, such as Stranger Things and Squid Game.

Let’s compare local channels.

Because Netflix and Shudder are platforms focused on delivering on-demand content, they don’t offer access to local channels.

Let’s compare sports channels.

Neither Shudder nor Netflix offers any live sports coverage, although Netflix does have its own original documentaries and docu-series that cover sports, like The Last Dance (2022) which follows the Chicago Bulls’ famous run of success in the 90’s, and Break Point (2023), a docuseries that traces the rising stars in tennis right now.

What are the on-demand libraries for Shudder vs. Netflix?

Between Shudder and Netflix, your mileage may vary based on the type of content you enjoy.

On Shudder, you’ll find many critically acclaimed horror movies. For example, one of the most controversial movies from the 70s, Cannibal Holocaust, has a home in the Shudder content vault. But also you’ll even find the best foreign horror movies, like The Wailing.

But that’s both its strength and its weakness. If you’re into horror, you’ll feel at home with Shudder. But if you’re looking for something else, Shudder won’t give you what you need.

On the other hand, Netflix provides a flexible entertainment experience.

Looking for horror? There’s Stranger Things or The Babysitter to scratch your itch.

In the mood for a crime thriller? You can check out every season of Narcos. While Netflix doesn’t have as robust a horror library as Shudder, it beats it in diversity.

All in all, we’d give a point to Netflix when it comes to on-demand libraries.

Need some Netflix movie recommendations? Check out our top 200 movies on Netflix list.

What are the free trials for Shudder vs. Netflix?

Only Shudder offers free trials. Shudder offers a 7-day free trial, which allows you to sample everything the platform offers, including its 24-hour curated live streams.

There is no free Netflix trial to speak of. In the past, Netflix offered a 30-day free trial, but it phased out the offer in October 2020, and it doesn’t look like they’re planning to renew the offer anytime soon.

What are the other features of Shudder vs. Netflix?

Despite on-demand libraries being a major deciding factor when choosing streaming services, it’s not the only consideration. Between simultaneous streaming and device support, let’s check out how Shudder and Netflix stack up against one another:

  • Cloud DVR: Neither Shudder nor Netflix provides cloud DVR features. However, Netflix allows subscribers to download content. That way, you can enjoy your favorite films and shows even offline. On the other hand, Shudder doesn’t have any equivalent features.

Learn more at the Netflix support page if you need help downloading Netflix content.

  • Simultaneous Streaming: Netflix takes the lead in the simultaneous streams category. In fact, Netflix has a maximum limit of 4-device concurrent streams, while you can only stream from one device on Shudder.
  • Device Support: Most modern devices work on both Shudder and Netflix. They both support Amazon Fire, Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, smartphones, smart TVs, and Xbox consoles. However, Netflix also provides support for PlayStation consoles.

Our verdict: Netflix is definitely better than Shudder.

Netflix is still the king of the roost. The boxer keeps on swingin’ and there’s no stopping Netflix from protecting its throne. With Netflix, you’re getting one of the most robust streaming libraries available, and you can even enjoy your favorite content in 4k.

But that doesn’t mean Shudder isn’t worth considering. On the contrary, if you’re a horror fan, Shudder is almost a must, thanks to its depth of horror content—something you won’t get from Netflix.

Still, with so many diverse offerings, whether you decide on Netflix or Shudder, you won’t be disappointed. So go subscribe!

And if you’re looking for more spine-tingling content, check out our 13 best Shudder alternatives.

Lisa HoldenEditor

Lisa Holden is an editor and creative based in Houston, TX. Lisa holds a BA in African-American Studies from Temple University and has spent her career working in news publications and magazines, even founding a magazine herself. When she’s not editing or working on one of her many creative endeavors (whenever that is), she enjoys traveling to new places and biking on sunny days.

If you choose to subscribe to a streaming service we recommend as a result of our research, analysis, and curation, our work is sometimes (but not always) supported by an affiliate commission from the streaming service when you make a purchase.