Can you get Netflix on PS5 and Xbox Series X?

Nathaniel Dalby • 16 Nov 2020 Guides

Thinking about picking up a new console? Here's our guide to streaming movies and TV on your brand-new machine.

It’s the most exciting time period for gamers: new-generation console launch season. Millions of game fans across the world will be eagerly anticipating the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles, with all the shiny new games that come with them. However, in 2020, games consoles aren’t only for games. Many players also use them to stream content from platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime and NOW TV. With the previous generation, this became the norm, so how do the new machines hold up in this department? We’ll take you through everything you need to know about streaming on the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Can I stream content on PS5 and Xbox Series X?

The good news is that, yes, you’ll be able to stream your favourite shows via the new consoles, with the apps available to download via the same place as you download your games. These apps are free to download, so you won’t have to spend extra on top of your subscription fee to whatever streaming service you want to watch.

What apps are available on PS5 and Series X?

You might assume that both new consoles feature the same apps, but at the time of writing, this isn’t the case. Here’s a full list of which apps are currently available on both the PS5 and Xbox Series X at launch.

PS5

• Netflix
• Disney+
• Spotify 
• Youtube
• Apple TV
• Amazon Prime

Xbox Series X

• Netflix
• Disney+
• Spotify 
• Youtube
• Amazon Prime
• Apple TV
• ITV Hub
• All 4
• Now TV
• Sky 
• BT Sport

You’ll probably notice a few things missing from the PlayStation 5. At launch, the console does not support UK-based apps (such as BBC iPlayer, NOW TV, etc), with the Xbox also missing BBC iPlayer. Sony has said that there are plans to provide them later on, as like a lot of its UI features, the launch version is fairly bare-bones. The Xbox offers more of a standard upgrade than PS5 (think of it as getting a new iPhone, for example), which means that there’s more apps available at launch.

Which console is best for streaming?

Currently, the clear winner is Xbox Series X, as it offers a wider variety of media apps to choose from, with a specific entertainment section of its UI also there from day one.

Despite this, if you’re planning on getting a PS5, you shouldn’t worry. Much like the PS4, Sony is likely to add new apps in the future, with BBC iPlayer coming to both consoles soon. Ultimately, you buy a console for the games, with the media apps being a nice extra for most people.

Do I need a remote to watch TV on PS5 and Xbox Series X?

Both the PS5 and the Xbox Series X offer special media remote controls that you can use to watch content. Much like your TV remote, they include controls for you to easily pause, fast-forward and rewind content, as well as special buttons that you can press to go straight to specific apps. 

While these are nice to have, they’re absolutely not required to stream content to your new console. Users can simply use the gamepad that comes with the console to perform all these functions.