The consumption of movies, series, and television has evolved dramatically with the arrival of streaming platforms. More and more users choose to access their favorite content from computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs, which has driven the proliferation of services that offer movies, series, sports, and live programs on demand. Within this ecosystem, the following stand out: Movistar+ (the former Yomvi) y Netflix, two of the most relevant names in Spain. Although both offer a wide catalog, their business models, variety of content, device compatibility, prices, and user experience differ significantly.
In this in-depth analysis, you'll discover all the advantages, limitations, and nuances of both services, as well as relevant information about other notable alternatives such as Disney+, HBO Max/Max, Filmin, Amazon Prime Video, SkyShowtime, and more, so you can choose the platform that best suits your current needs and preferences.
Yomvi and Netflix: The paradigm shift in audiovisual consumption
The way we enjoy audiovisual content has changed radically. Traditional television as the sole source of entertainment is a thing of the past. Today, mobility and immediacy are key: Watching TV no longer means sitting in front of the television at home.Streaming apps and platforms have extended the audiovisual experience to any location and any device with an internet connection.
Movistar+ (formerly Yomvi) It has been a pioneer in the integration of premium on-demand content and live channels in Spain, especially after absorbing and transforming the Canal+ experience following the merger with Telefónica. On the other hand, Netflix revolutionized the sector by internationalizing legal, simple, and affordable access to original films, series, and productions, expanding rapidly and setting the standard in user experience.
But which one is more worthwhile? What's the real difference? And what alternatives exist today? Let's break down each point in as much detail as possible.
Full comparison: Movistar+ (Yomvi) vs Netflix
Content catalog: quantity and quality
- Netflix It has a wide catalog of series, films, documentaries and entertainment programs, constantly expanding and updating. It stands out especially for its original productions (Netflix Originals), with globally popular series such as "Stranger Things," "Money Heist," "The Witcher," "The Crown," "Black Mirror," "Dark," "Heartstopper," "Sex Education," among many others. The film offering includes classics, recent blockbusters, independent productions, and international titles. It also houses a growing catalog of anime, reality shows, documentaries and comedy programs.
- Movistar + (Yomvi) offers a unique mix of live channels (linear pay TV and DTT), movies, series, documentaries, entertainment programs, news, live sports and exclusive content under the M+ Originals brand. The film catalog includes recent releases, arthouse films, legendary sagas, and a wide variety of Spanish and European titles. In the series section, Movistar+ is committed to its original national productions ("Hierro", "La Unidad", "La Mesías", "Antidisturbios", "La Resistencia") and also to major international hits (Showtime, BBC, Canal+, among others), although with a lower presence of some franchises compared to Netflix or HBO Max. Movistar+ is especially strong in live tv and sporting events, broadcasting selected matches from LaLiga, the Champions League, the NBA, the NFL, and key events from other sports.
Both platforms offer children's content, although Netflix leads the way in original titles and global animation franchises.
New releases, original series, and exclusives
- Netflix It usually releases its original series simultaneously worldwide. It maintains agreements to incorporate films after their theatrical release, although in some cases, new titles can take months to arrive. Its commitment to major franchises (such as Studio Ghibli, book adaptations, or manga), local production in numerous countries, and its flexibility to test new formats set it apart significantly.
- Movistar + It offers relatively new film releases before other platforms, especially Spanish and European titles. It's the only platform, along with DAZN and Amazon Prime Video, that broadcasts LaLiga and Champions League football matches (although only one match per week is free-to-air). Its M+ Originals have garnered national and international awards.
Sports and live programming
- Movistar + stands out for its live sports offering: national and international football (selected LaLiga EA Sports matches, UEFA Champions), NBA, NFL, tennis (Wimbledon, among others), cycling, and much more. The platform includes sports-themed channels and exclusive analysis programs, reports, and documentaries.
- Netflix It does not offer live sporting events, although it does include sports documentaries and docuseries about major leagues and athletes (such as "Drive to Survive" and "The Last Dance").
Linear channels and traditional television
- Movistar + It allows you to watch streaming almost all Spanish DTT channels (TVE, Antena 3, Telecinco, La Sexta, regional channels such as TV3, Canal Sur, ETB, etc.), international channels (CNN, FOX, BBC, Canal Cocina, Historia, Canal Hollywood) and thematic channels by subscription (Series by M+, Cinema by M+, Music by M+). It includes the functionality of schedule recordings and recover programs broadcast in the last week.
- Netflix It focuses solely on on-demand offerings, with no linear channels or live TV functionality.
Device availability and user experience
- Netflix is famous for its universal compatibility: Works on smart TVs (most brands), PCs and Macs, Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox), Chromecast, Fire TV, Apple TV, Blu-ray players, and web browsers. It allows you to create multiple custom profiles for household members, including child profiles with advanced parental controls.
- Movistar + It offers access from Smart TVs (Samsung/LG), Fire TV, Android TV, Movistar decoders, PCs, Macs, Android/iOS smartphones and tablets, Chromecast, and Fire Stick. It supports up to four simultaneous devices and the ability to create multiple profiles.
In both services, you can resume watching exactly where you left off, mark favorites, and receive recommendations based on your preferences. Netflix It stands out for its advanced search engine and suggestion algorithm, as well as for the stability of its apps and their loading speed.
Movistar+ also allows download content for offline viewing, a feature also available on Netflix for many titles. However, the usability and interface design are considered more intuitive and modern on Netflix, although Movistar+ has improved significantly in its latest updates and now offers a fairly fluid experience from the mobile app.
Picture and sound quality
- Netflix supports quality up to 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos on their Premium plan, in addition to HDR and surround sound. Streaming quality automatically adjusts based on the connection, but on basic plans, resolution is limited to Full HD or lower.
- Movistar + offers HD on all plans and 4K for customers with compatible fiber optics and Smart TVs, although the maximum quality may vary depending on the channel or specific content. The platform includes surround sound on many titles.
Prices, plans and conditions
- Netflix It works by independent monthly subscription, with three main plans:
- Standard with ads: €5,49/month, allows viewing in Full HD, 2 simultaneous devices, does not support account sharing outside the home and has ads.
- Standard without ads: €12,99/month, Full HD, 2 simultaneous devices and allows you to add an additional profile for €5,99/month.
- Premium: €17,99/month, 4K quality, up to 4 simultaneous devices, and the option to add two extra profiles for €5,99/month each.
The subscription is completely independent of the internet provider. There's no lock-in, and you can cancel or change your plan at any time. Netflix no longer offers a free trial in Spain.
- Movistar + has a different model:
- La Movistar Plus+ subscription (formerly Yomvi) costs 9,99 € / month For any user, with a discount if you're already a Movistar fiber or mobile customer (€11/month for Movistar customers, €12/month for O2). Includes live channels, DTT, on-demand content, its own series, and some sports. Other options and packages may increase the price.
- To access all football, new release movies, or premium channels, you need to purchase additional packages (Fusión, LaLiga TV, DAZN, among others), which significantly increases the monthly fee.
There is no commitment to stay with the basic subscription.
Conditions for sharing accounts and profiles
- Netflix has tightened the conditions for account sharing: you can only use it at the same address, although the plans allow you to add paid profiles for other locations.
- Movistar + It allows you to create up to four profiles and view up to four devices simultaneously. At this time, the company is not actively pursuing account sharing outside the home, although conditions could change in the future.
Advertising and announcements
- Netflix shows ads only on the cheapest plan.
- Movistar + offers brief advance announcements at the beginning of certain content, even in the paid version, which has been criticized by some users.
Originals by M+, own productions and national exclusives
Movistar+ has strongly opted for the exclusive national production, which is often unavailable on other platforms. Highlights include titles such as "Messiah," "Riot Control," "Iron," "The Resistance," "The Day After," and numerous groundbreaking documentaries. Many of these titles have received national and international awards and offer local talent and original formats unlike those offered on international platforms.
Netflix, although focused on global productions, has greatly boosted the Spanish fiction with series of enormous international impact such as "Money Heist," "Elite," "Cable Girls," "The Innocent," "Sagrada Familia," "Valeria," among many others, as well as original Spanish films with top-tier directors and stars.
Other relevant streaming platforms in Spain: alternatives and add-ons
The streaming market in Spain is one of the most competitive in Europe. Along with Movistar+ and Netflix, there are multiple platforms that can complement or replace either of them, depending on your preferences:
- Disney +: Focused on family-friendly content, successful global franchises (Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic), and now also adult series in the Star section. It allows up to 7 profiles and 4 simultaneous streams, in 4K on higher plans. Its catalog is somewhat smaller than Netflix's, but very much geared toward family entertainment and animation. It includes exclusive premieres and original productions such as "The Mandalorian," "Loki," and "Only Murders in the Building."
- HBO Max / Max: A wide variety of prestigious series ("Game of Thrones," "The Last of Us," "Succession," "Euphoria," "The Sopranos"), Warner Bros. films, recent films, children's films, and documentaries. The catalog stands out for the quality of its in-house productions and now includes sports (with an optional DAZN add-on). It allows up to three simultaneous devices and 3K quality with the Premium plan.
- Amazon Prime Video: Included in your Amazon Prime subscription (€4,99/month or €49,90/year), it offers thousands of movies and series, including exclusive premieres ("The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power," "The Boys," "Reacher") and Spanish film series in collaboration with national producers. Now includes ads in the basic plan; you can remove them for an additional €1,99/month.
- The filmSpecializing in arthouse, independent, classic, and European films, as well as alternative series and documentaries. Ideal for cinephiles and lovers of cinematic diversity. It offers Full HD quality and up to two simultaneous devices, with the option to access new releases for rent.
- skyshowtime: Platform with a catalog of Paramount+, Sky, Showtime, Peacock, Universal, and Nickelodeon. Includes international hits and film series. Competitive prices and different plans based on the number of devices and image quality.
- Apple TV +: A catalog exclusively of Apple Originals (high-quality series and films such as "Ted Lasso," "The Morning Show," "Severance," and "Foundation"). Smaller in number, but with a notable reputation for its creators and cast. Compatible with 4K, Dolby audio, and select Apple devices and smart TVs.
- FlixOle: A video library of classic and modern Spanish cinema, with thousands of titles, documentaries, and Spanish-produced series. Specifically focused on audiences eager to rediscover Spain's audiovisual heritage.
- DAZN: Reference in live sports. It offers MotoGP, Formula 1, international soccer, boxing, basketball, tennis, and more. It can be purchased as an add-on to other platforms or independently.
Almost all of them have apps for Smart TVs, computers, mobile phones, and consoles, as well as options for offline viewing and individual profiles.
Key differences: which platform to choose?
- Movistar + stand out if you search Live TV, sporting events, traditional pay channels, integrate it all under one bill and enjoy Spanish productions not available on other services.It's the most comprehensive option for those looking to combine traditional television (DTT and thematic channels), recent movie releases, and live sports (football, NBA, international events).
- Netflix It is unbeatable if your priority is the International series, original productions, ease of use, universal compatibility and the best user experienceIt's especially suitable for binge-watching series, discovering innovative formats, watching films from multiple countries, and enjoying exclusive documentaries and reality shows.
- To families with children, Disney + offers the best selection of children's and young adult franchises, with more and more adult content being added. The film It is the reference for film buffs and lovers of alternative cinema. Amazon Prime Video It's ideal if you want to combine shopping, shipping, and entertainment into a single subscription. HBO Max/Max It is the preferred choice for fans of prestigious fiction and award-winning series.
Catalog comparisons: volume and variety
Title numbers fluctuate, but broadly speaking:
- NetflixThousands of movies and series, with the highest possible rotation and accelerated growth in its own titles. In series, it continues to lead in quantity and variety compared to most competitors.
- Movistar +: Around 15.000 titles in the catalog, including movies and TV series episodes, plus hundreds of channels, programs, and live sports. There's less "international" variety in fiction, but a wide selection of recent releases, Spanish films, and live news.
- The film: More than 10.000 films (many inaccessible on other platforms), specializing in art-house cinema and festivals.
- Disney +: The catalog is less extensive in volume, but very powerful in franchises and audiovisual quality.
- Amazon Prime Video: Combines recent films, classic catalogue, original series and optional rental content.
The "strength" of Movistar+ is in the Live television, sports, national production and thematic channelsWhile Netflix surpasses it in global quantity, international variety and capacity to simultaneously premiere original series of global reach.
Quality, usability and technology of the platforms
Most streaming services offer adaptive video quality based on your connection, but there are differences:
- Netflix It stands out for offering 4K content, Dolby Atmos sound, and an excellent, fast, and customizable user interface. Its apps are optimized for all types of devices.
- Movistar + has improved its app, allowing access on up to four devices simultaneously. It offers 4K quality for part of its catalog (if you're a fiber optic customer). It includes a download option for offline viewing and scheduled recordings of live channels.
- Other platforms like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max or Apple TV+ They offer 4K and HDR on more and more titles and devices, consolidating the quality of the streaming experience.
Free trials, permanence and cancellations
- Netflix: No longer offers free trials in Spain. You can cancel or change your plan at any time from the app or website.
- Movistar +: : It does not usually offer a free trial with the basic subscription, although there may be occasional promotions for new customers.
- Disney+, HBO Max/Max, Amazon Prime Video, Filmin: Occasionally, they offer 7-, 14-, or 30-day trials for new users. Review the current terms before signing up.
Advantages and disadvantages of each platform
- Movistar + PROS:
- Combines live TV, DTT, thematic channels and on-demand streaming
- Includes live sports (football, NBA, NFL, tennis, cycling, etc.)
- Wide selection of Spanish films and recent releases
- Exclusive original Spanish productions
- Facilitates integration with phone/internet billing (convergent packages)
CONS:
- Higher price if you need extra packages (football, premium cinema, etc.)
- Less intuitive interface than Netflix in some apps
- Ads before some content, even in paid mode
- Need to purchase packages to access all sports offerings or premium channels
- Netflix PROS:
- Huge and varied catalog of series, movies, documentaries and reality shows
- Most universal and compatible platform
- Major original productions and simultaneous global premieres
- Advanced recommendation algorithm and efficient search engine
- Audiovisual quality (4K, HDR, Dolby Atmos)
- Possibility of customized profiles
CONS:
- It does not offer sports or live channels.
- Variable rotation of titles (some disappear after a while)
- Recently, restrictions on sharing accounts outside the home
- Most new releases take longer to arrive
Which one is more worthwhile according to your profile?
The choice has to do with your routines, interests and lifestyle:
- For those looking for binge-watching, global variety, and ease of useNetflix remains the gold standard, especially if you enjoy its own productions and want to watch new releases at the same time as the rest of the world.
- If you are a fan of live sports, traditional television and are looking for a varied offering of movies, series, documentaries, music, news and international channelsMovistar+ is the most comprehensive option, especially if you're already a customer of the operator and can integrate the bill.
- Households with children and young people They often prefer to combine Netflix and Disney+, thus benefiting from the largest collection of family content, animation and classic films.
- The lovers of independent and European cinema They find an unbeatable catalog of off-the-shelf titles on Filmin. HBO Max is the home of the "big series," and Apple TV+ brings cinematic quality to every production, albeit with less variety.
- For those looking for maximum savingsAmazon Prime Video offers a comprehensive offering for a low price, although the user experience and catalog may not be on par with Netflix or Movistar+.
Tips and tricks to get the most out of your subscription
- Check out the combo offersMany operators offer convergent packages with access to multiple platforms at a reduced price (e.g., fiber, mobile, Netflix, and Disney+).
- Take advantage of profiles and parental controls: Set up child, teen, and adult profiles based on the ages and preferences of the users sharing the subscription.
- Use the download functionDownload your favorite episodes or movies to your mobile phone or tablet to watch offline while traveling or in places without coverage.
- Explore the recommendations and lists sectionBoth Netflix and Movistar+ offer personalized suggestions, themed playlists, and collections that make it easy to discover new titles.
- Record your favorite shows on Movistar+ to watch them whenever you want if you can't watch them live.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Yomvi, Movistar+, and Netflix
- Which platform offers the best value for money? It depends on your priorities: Movistar+ is more profitable for those who watch a lot of live TV and sports; Netflix is more profitable for those who prioritize series and global on-demand variety.
- Can I watch Netflix within Movistar+?It's only possible through specific agreements and convergent packages for some plans, but subscription and profile management are usually separate.
- Can I share an account with family members in other homes? Netflix restricts it to a single household; Movistar+ allows more flexibility, although conditions may change.
- Why do some series or movies disappear? For distribution rights and license renewals; this is especially common on Netflix and other international platforms.
- On what devices can I view the content? Both services are compatible with Smart TVs, Android TVs, Fire TV, computers, smartphones, tablets, and consoles. Check the specific compatibility for your model on the provider's website.
The streaming platform offering is constantly being updated and changing. Both Movistar+ and Netflix continue to expand their catalogs, optimize their technology, and adapt to new consumer habits, where flexibility, immediacy, and customization are key. The best advice is to analyze your needs and, if in doubt, take advantage of trial periods or bundled offers to find out which platform best suits your style.