Netflix vs Disney+ vs Prime Video: Which Should You Cut First?

The three biggest general streaming services each want to be the one you keep. But few households genuinely need all three at once. If you are looking to trim your spending, here is how to decide which of Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video should be first on the chopping block.

Start with what you actually watch

Forget the marketing and think about the last month. Which of these apps did you actually open, and how often? The service you keep returning to is earning its keep. The one whose icon you barely notice is the one to question. Your viewing history is the most honest data you have.

Netflix: the all-rounder

Netflix has the broadest catalogue of original series and films, and for many people it is the default "something to watch" app. Its strength is breadth. The downside is that it is usually the most expensive of the three, and price rises have been frequent. Keep it if you watch several nights a week; cut it if it has become background noise you rarely choose deliberately.

Disney+: the franchise vault

Disney+ is unbeatable if your household loves its major franchises, animated classics, or family content. But it can be very seasonal — households often binge a big release, then let months pass with nothing new they want. That pattern makes Disney+ an ideal candidate for pausing rather than paying year-round.

Prime Video: the one you may already be paying for

Here is the twist: many people get Prime Video as part of a wider membership they keep for shopping and delivery. If that is you, the video side is effectively a bonus, and cutting it means giving up the other benefits too. Evaluate the whole membership, not just the video.

A simple decision rule

• Cut the service with the lowest usage over the last month.
• Pause anything seasonal rather than cancelling outright.
• Keep the one that is genuinely part of your weekly routine.

You can always resubscribe when a must-watch show drops. The platforms make it deliberately easy to come back — so there is no reason to keep paying during the quiet months.

Want to see your own numbers? Try the free Streaming Waste Calculator and find out exactly how much you could be saving each year.