Is Netflix good?
Oxygen, water, and Netflix—the basic staples of life. The mighty red “N” has been the No. 1 streaming service for years for a reason: it’s consistent in quantity and quality.
At a base price of $6.99 a month, Netflix delivers a thunderous bang for your subscription buck. Unlike the others that are still trying to catch up, Netflix pours millions into building its own on-demand universe. That’s why we’ve given it our editorial award for most original content in 2023.
Netflix is one of the few entertainment outlets that can say it has “something for everyone” with a straight face (or off-center smiley-square icon). Not all of Netflix’s shows and movies are great, but there’s always something new dropping tomorrow.
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Netflix pros and cons
Pros
- Huge variety of movies and TV shows
- Exclusive original content
- 4K Ultra HD capability
Cons
- No live TV or sports
- Long waits for non-Netflix TV shows
- Almost too many choices
Jump to:
- Current deals
- Plans and prices
- Shows and movies
- Specs and features
Need better internet speeds for streaming?
If you have multiple devices in your home using the internet simultaneously, or your internet speeds just aren’t up to snuff, you may not be getting the best streaming TV experience.
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Netflix deals and promotions
Are you a T-Mobile customer? Check out the cellular provider’s “Netflix on Us” promotion, which essentially gives you free Netflix (Standard or Basic plan) with your phone service.
Netflix plans and prices
| Plan | Price | Video | Audio | Streams | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads | $6.99/mo. | 720p | 2.0 stereo | 1 | View Plans for Netflix |
| Basic | $9.99/mo. | 720p | 2.0 stereo | 1 | View Plans for Netflix |
| Standard | $15.49/mo. | 1080p | 2.0 stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1 | 2 | View Plans for Netflix |
| Premium | $19.99/mo. | 1080p, 4K | 2.0 stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Atmos | 4 | View Plans for Netflix |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Netflix carries more TV series, movies, documentaries, kids’ shows, stand-up comedy specials, anime, and international programming than you could possibly ever watch (we know—we’re professionals and we’ve tried).
Netflix vs. the competition
| Service | Price | Editorial rating | Streams | Video | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $6.99–$19.99/mo. | 4.2/5 | 1–4 | 720p, 1080p, 4K | View Plans for Netflix |
| HBO Max | $9.99–$15.99/mo. | 4.5/5 | 3 | 1080p, 4K | View Plans for HBO Max |
| Hulu | $6.99–$12.99/mo. | 4.4/5 | 2 | 1080p, 4K | View Plans for Hulu |
| Disney+ | $7.99–$10.99/mo. | 4.4/5 | 4 | 1080p, 4K | View Plans for Disney Plus |
| Apple TV+ | $6.99/mo. | 4.3/5 | 6 | 1080p, 4K | View Plans for Apple TV+ |
| Amazon Prime Video | $8.99–$14.99/mo. | 4.2/5 | 3 | 1080p, 4K | View Plans |
| Peacock | Free–$9.99/mo. | 4.3/5 | 3 | 1080p, 4K | View Plans for Xfinity |
| Paramount+ | $4.99–$9.99/mo. | 4.2/5 | 3 | 1080p, 4K | View Plans for Paramount Plus |
| Discovery+ | $4.99–$6.99/mo. | 4.0/5 | 4 | 1080p, 4K | View Plans for Discovery+ |
| ESPN+ | $9.99/mo. | 4.0/5 | 5 | 1080p | View Plans for ESPN+ |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Netflix’s most popular plan, Standard, is the same cost per month as HBO Max. There are cheaper streaming services, but none match Netflix in sheer original output. If you’re more into older, familiar content, check out Amazon Prime Video or Paramount+.
Netflix shows and movies
On-demand shows and movies on Netflix
Netflix originals have become the service’s main push in recent years. But acquired movies and TV shows—Netflix’s initial claim to streaming fame—are still in healthy supply.
All 11 seasons of SHOWTIME’s Shameless are on Netflix, as are all 18 of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and 15 of NCIS.
Even though you can literally scroll for hours, Netflix still isn’t an all-inclusive portal for keeping up on every TV show and movie released. But, as one of modern pop culture’s major players, it doesn’t have to be. Plenty of people claim Netflix as their only TV service, streaming or otherwise, and they’re rarely at a loss for something new to watch. If you’re overwhelmed, check out out our What to Watch on Netflix recs.
On-demand TV shows (partial list):
- Manifest
- Good Girls
- Better Call Saul
- Breaking Bad
- Shameless
- Schitt’s Creek
- Grey’s Anatomy
- The Blacklist
- New Girl
- Supernatural
On-demand movies (partial list):
- Ava
- Underworld
- Lady Bird
- Final Destination
- Django Unchained
- Silver Linings Playbook
- The Conjuring
- Titanic
- Spy Kids
- Blade Runner
Original shows and movies on Netflix
Anybody remember when Netflix only mailed out DVDs? (More on that in a moment.)
These days, in-house originals are where it’s at for Netflix. Ever since the premieres of original series Orange Is the New Black and House of Cards in 2013, Netflix has moved toward becoming an outlet for exclusively produced content and curated foreign programming.
In fact, originals like Stranger Things, Squid Game, and countless others are now the service’s primary focus. Netflix invests heavily in Netflix, and it cranks out series and movies and promotes them—hard.
But Netflix doesn’t just produce multi-episode series that’ll keep you binge-watching through the weekend: it also makes feature films and documentaries that eat only a couple of hours of your time.
You’ve likely heard of Mank or Hillbilly Elegy—neither was a critical darling, but millions watched them anyway.
Netflix original TV shows (partial list):
- Squid Game
- Bridgerton
- Ozark
- Cobra Kai
- The Witcher
- Virgin River
- Sex/Life
- You
- Never Have I Ever
- Lucifer
Netflix original movies:
- Red Notice
- Gunpowder Milkshake
- The Harder They Fall
- Army of the Dead
- Army of Thieves
- Fear Street
- The Old Guard
- Kate
- 6 Underground
- Extraction
Additional services
Aside from its Basic, Standard, and Premium streaming plans, Netflix offers one classic extra that millions still use: physical Blu-ray and DVD rental by mail. Retro, right?
For movies and TV series that Netflix doesn’t stream, Netflix’s DVD-rental plans are more convenient than a trip to a Redbox or the library (or that last standing Blockbuster in Oregon).
Netflix DVD rental plans
| Plan | Blu-ray, DVD | Discs per month | Simultaneous disc rentals | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $9.99/mo. | Unlimited | 1 | View plans |
| Standard | $14.99/mo. | Unlimited | 2 | View plans |
| Premium | $19.99/mo. | Unlimited | 3 | View plans |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
There are no late return fees with Netflix’s DVD rental plans, and you can hold onto discs indefinitely—but you’ll have to send it back if you want to rent another. Plus, receiving cool red Netflix envelopes in the mail every week can make you feel pretty special.
Netflix specs and features
Multiple streams and offline downloads
| Plan | Simultaneous streams | Downloads for offline viewing |
|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads | 1 | N/A |
| Basic | 1 | 1 device |
| Standard | 2 | 2 devices |
| Premium | 4 | 4 devices |
The Netflix app can be installed and activated on as many devices as you like, but the number of simultaneous streams is limited depending on the package.
Basic allows one stream, as well as episode/movie downloads to a single phone or tablet for offline viewing.
Standard allows two streams, and it downloads to two offline phones or tablets.
Premium allows four streams, and it downloads to four offline phones or tablets. If you have a large household and want to keep the kiddies happy, Premium is probably the way to go.
Netflix recommends a baseline of 3 Mbps internet speed for SD viewing, 5 Mbps for HD, and 25 Mbps for 4K Ultra HD. We, on the other hand, recommend 25 Mbps as the bare minimum for any type of internetting—life’s too short for buffering, people.
Compatible devices
| Device | Netflix |
|---|---|
| Amazon Fire Cube, Stick, TV | ✔ |
| Android phones, tablets | ✔ |
| Android TV | ✔ |
| Apple TV (4th gen.) | ✔ |
| Apple TV 4K | ✔ |
| Chromecast, Chromecast with Google TV | ✔ |
| Echo Show | ✔ |
| iPhone, iPad | ✔ |
| LG TVs (select models) | ✔ |
| Nintendo Switch | ✔ |
| NVIDIA SHIELD Pro TV | ✔ |
| PC, Mac web browsers | ✔ |
| PlayStation 3, 4, 5 | ✔ |
| Roku Ultra, Express, Premiere, Stick, TV | ✔ |
| Samsung TVs (select models) | ✔ |
| TiVo Stream | ✔ |
| Wii | ✔ |
| Xbox One | ✔ |
The Netflix app is available on almost every streaming device there is—it’ll even work on ancient Nintendo Wii consoles (though it’s a pain to navigate, so probably don’t).
Video and audio quality
Netflix’s Basic plans stream in 720p video resolution; Standard in 1080p HD.
The Premium plan allows 4K Ultra HD streaming, which applies to Netflix originals and some acquired titles. More advanced HDR (high dynamic range) streaming is available on a limited basis.
Most Netflix programming streams in standard 2.0 stereo audio, though some newer shows and movies are available in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and Dolby Atmos.
Final take: Is Netflix worth it?
There’s little to knock about Netflix’s on-demand streaming service—for a reasonable price, it delivers the world to your screens.
We could complain about the isolated nature of Netflix, as it offers less and less from outside film and TV studios all the time, concentrating more on its own product. There’s also no local TV connection, but there are other ways for you to get your community information (get an antenna; your local TV news could use the eyeballs).
In all, Netflix isn’t a replacement for good ole cable—with so much exclusive content, that hardly matters. Once subscribed, you’ll probably never need to leave the house again.
Get Netflix
Netflix FAQ
There are subtle differences between Netflix’s three subscription plans. They break down like this:
- Basic ($9.99/mo.) gives you standard-definition 720p video resolution and a single stream, meaning you can only view Netflix on a single device. Basic with Ads ($6.99/mo.) is the same plan with unskippable commercials in shows and movies.
- Standard ($15.49/mo.) allows for both 720p and HD 1080p video resolution (depending on the content), and two simultaneous streams. This is the most popular Netflix plan.
- Premium ($19.99/mo.) can stream 720p, 1080p, and 4k video resolution, and allows for up to 4 simultaneous streams. Larger households might want this plan more for its multiple streams.
To download Netflix shows and movies for offline viewing, you’ll need the newest version of the Netflix app on one of these devices:
- iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch (iOS 9 or later)
- Android phone, or tablet (Android 4.4.2 or later)
- Amazon Fire tablet (Fire OS 4.0 or later)
- Windows 10 tablet or computer (v.1607 or later)
- Chromebook or Chromebox (select models)
Select any show or movie and look for the “Downloads” icon, which is a downward arrow and horizontal line. If no icon is displayed, this means the selected content isn’t available for download. You’re allowed up to 100 downloads at a time per device across all devices included in your membership plan.
Downloaded shows and movies will expire after a certain amount of time, depending on the title—some will self-delete after 48 hours, but most will remain for at least a week or longer.
If you’re a T-Mobile customer, you can take advantage of the service’s “Netflix on Us” promotion, which gives you a Basic or Standard plan for free, depending on your mobile plan. Basic with Ads is Netflix’s cheapest plan at $6.99 a month.
Methodology
Our experts spent hundreds of hours of hands-on testing, rating Netflix on bang for your buck, reliability, features, and customer satisfaction. Then we matched up the on-demand TV streamers head to head to give a clearer picture of their strengths and weaknesses. For more information on our methodology, check out our How We Rank page.
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FAQs
Which Netflix package is best? ›
The most popular plan on Netflix is the all-rounder Standard account. The step-ups from the Basic plan include two simultaneous streams, two devices to register for downloads and a nice boost when it comes to your resolution. On Netflix Standard, you'll be able to stream up to 1080p.
What does Netflix basic plan include? ›The Netflix Subscription Plans And Price
Here are the tiers and prices as of March 2023: First, there's the “Basic” plan which costs $9.99 per month and allows you to stream on a single device at a maximum resolution of 720p, or high definition.
...
- A Netflix monthly subscription costs anywhere from $6.99 to $19.99.
- Netflix's new Basic with Ads plan costs $6.99 per month.
- The Standard DVD and Blu-ray plan start at $9.99 monthly, and the Premier plan starts at $14.99.
The Netflix Basic Plan | Best for Frugal Individuals
However, let's take a look at the minor restrictions you'll face. First, the video quality is pretty good, but the most you'll get is 480p resolution. This is fine if you're watching on a fairly old TV or smartphone.
- Share your account. Check how many people are currently paying for a Netflix subscription in your household. ...
- Use your parents' Netflix account. ...
- Pay for your subscription using discount gift cards. ...
- Use cashback websites. ...
- Try cheaper alternative streaming services.
Basic Plan
At $9.99 a month, this is the cheapest Netflix subscription without ads. You can stream on one screen at a time in high definition with the basic plan. You can also download shows and movies right to a single device so you can watch them later.
Netflix Premium Plan
The ₹799 per month premium plan is absolutely suitable for a family as it enables you to stream on four different devices at the same time across laptops, smartphones, tablets and TVs.
The Netflix Basic plan is a cost-conscious Netflix plan. You can't go wrong with the Basic plan. It only costs $9.99 a month, and you get access to all Netflix movies and Netflix series the other plans have but just with some restrictions.
Is the much difference between basic and standard Netflix? ›Which plan is best on Netflix? Netflix offers three different streaming plans: Basic, Standard, and Premium. The Basic plan allows you to watch on one screen at a time; the Netflix Standard plan allows you to watch on two screens at a time, and Netflix's Premium plan allows you to watch on four screens at a time.
How many screens can watch Netflix with basic plan? ›If you have the Basic plan, only one screen, or one user, is allowed to watch at the same time. On the Standard plan, you are upgraded to two screens, or two users, being able to watch at the same time. With the Premium plan, four screens, or four users, can stream at the same time.
Can I share my Netflix account? ›
A Netflix account is meant to be shared in one household (people who live in the same location with the account owner). People who are not in your household will need to sign up for their own account to watch Netflix.
Does the Netflix plan matter? ›If you won't use Netflix much, or want to subscribe in tandem with some other streaming services, the Basic plan is a sensible bet to save some cash. But if you're sharing with several users or care about the picture quality, the Standard and Premium plans aren't much worse in terms of expense.
Is there a big difference between Netflix basic and HD? ›The biggest difference between the three is picture quality. You'll only get 640 x 480 pixels on the Basic plan — roughly half the number of HD (1,280 x 720) and a fifth of 4K Ultra HD quality (3,840 x 2,160).
Can you cancel Netflix anytime? ›You can cancel your Netflix account at any time. Note: This is the only way to cancel your account and end your membership.
What do you get for 5.99 on Netflix? ›What's different:: Video quality up to 720p/HD (now for both our Basic with Ads and Basic plans); average of 4 to 5 minutes of ads per hour; a limited number of movies and TV shows won't be available due to licensing restrictions, which we're working on; no ability to download titles.
How do I get 6 months free Netflix? ›Netflix does not offer free trials, but you have the freedom to change your plan or cancel online at any time if you decide Netflix isn't for you. There are no contracts, no cancellation fees, and no commitments. You can sign up and take advantage of all Netflix has to offer.
Is Netflix free with Amazon Prime? ›One very frequently asked question that people ask is; “is Netflix free with Amazon Prime?” And the short answer to that is no, you cannot get Netflix for free with Amazon. Amazon has its own digital media streaming service Amazon Prime Video.
Which is cheaper Netflix or Amazon? ›The main differences lie in the price and the specific titles available on each streaming service, with Netflix being the cheaper option if you don't mind compromising on quality or adding adverts to your plan with its Basic and Basic With Adverts options.
Which TV is best Netflix or Amazon Prime? ›Winner: Netflix have more hours of content on their streaming platform than Amazon Prime does. Netflix has over 40,000 hours of on-demand content on their platform as of August 2022, while Amazon Prime has just over 26,500 hours. Netflix also have more exclusive content with their own Netflix Originals programming.
Can you watch regular TV channels on Netflix? ›Netflix doesn't offer any local channels. If you want local channels, you'll have to check out another streaming service or pick up an antenna.
Why can't I watch some movies on Netflix? ›
When a title isn't available on Netflix it can be for a few different reasons, including: The title may not be released yet in your country. The rights to the title aren't available or aren't available for your region. If you're using a VPN, you may only see TV shows and movies that are available globally on Netflix.
What shows are not on basic Netflix? ›- Arrested Development.
- House of Cards.
- The Last Kingdom.
- Peaky Blinders (notably is available in the UK where it's listed as BBC title)
- Father Christmas Is Back (2018)
- Entire DreamWorks Netflix Original Library. Turbo FAST. Gabby's Dollhouse. ...
- Veggietales in the City.
If you live in a busy household or have a large family using the same Netflix account, this will be essential. But if you're single or in a couple, you'll be better served by the one or two simultaneous screens from the Basic or Standard plan respectively.
Why is Netflix raising prices 2022? ›Netflix raises prices for new and existing U.S. customers
“We're updating our prices so that we can continue to offer a wide variety of quality entertainment options,” a Netflix spokesperson told CNBC. Netflix said the new prices apply to new members and will gradually take effect for all current members.
| Plan | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix Basic with Ads | $6.99/mo. | View Plan |
| Netflix Basic | $9.99/mo. | View Plan |
| Netflix Standard | $15.49/mo. | View Plan |
| Netflix Premium | $19.99/mo. | View Plan |
Is Netflix worth it in 2022? 1: Due to its features, user-friendliness, and robust, variety-filled catalog, Netflix has earned an Editors' Choice Award for 2022. With the addition of an ad-based subscription, the platform is on equal footing compared to competitors like Disney Plus and HBO Max when it comes to pricing.