Expert Reviews

Is A Netflix Subscription Worth It?

Kim Pinnelli

March 30, 2021

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Netflix has close to 200 million subscribers and since it was one of the pioneers in streaming TV, many people have been loyal since its inception.

In fact, millions of people ‘cut the cable cord’ and replaced it with Netflix.

But is it worth it?

Today you have more TV streaming services than you probably realize and the prices still won’t touch the hefty cable prices. Is Netflix still the ‘top dog’ or are there other subscription options that offer more and/or save you more money?

Keep reading as we dive into what Netflix offers (it’s more than you think) and your other streaming options.

The Netflix Subscription Options – There’s More than you Think

Today a Netflix subscription costs between $8.99 to $17.99. What started as a ‘DVD Plan’ quickly evolved into DVDs and streaming, and is now mostly a TV streaming service (although you can still get DVDs).

When Netflix first offered its streaming service, they had one plan. Today you have three options. All three plans provide unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows and the ability to watch on any internet-enabled device.

There’s a $9 difference between the Basic and Premium plan, though, so it’s important to know what each plan offers. $9 a month comes out to $108 a year, or more than $500 over 5 years.

Here’s what they offer: 

The $8.99 Basic plan, which is only $0.99 more than its original cost of $8.00, has limitations. You can only stream on one TV at a time, and only download a movie or TV show on one device. For most families, this isn’t sustainable.

The Standard Plan, which is Netflix’s most popular plan is $13.99 a month (recently increased $1) and allows you to stream on 2 devices at a time and have downloads on 2 devices. Standard Plan users also get HD programming.

The highest cost Premium Plan costs a whopping $17.99 a month, but suits larger families with the ability to stream on up to 4 devices at once and have downloads on up to 4 devices. According to Netflix, the true standout feature is the Ultra HD programming that you can only get in the Premium Plan, whereas other plans include it in all services. 

Netflix Original Content – Is it a Reason to Subscribe?

Even if you don’t subscribe to Netflix, you’ve likely heard of their super popular originals. While not all have been as crazy successful as Ozark and Stranger Things, Netflix has had their share of top performers. It helps that many of the Netflix originals use producers and actors we all know and love.

A few other fan favorites include:

• Orange is the New Black
• Arrested Development
• Cobra Kai
• The Umbrella Academy
• Narcos
• The Social Dilemma

If you’re tired of the same old programming on most services, Netflix original programming may be a breath of fresh air. Not every program will be a knock-out hit like Stranger Things, but most people find something they love between the documentaries, movies, and TV series available only on Netflix. 

The Netflix Standout Features

• You can change your plan or cancel your subscription at any time
• There aren’t any ads (unlike Hulu or YouTube)
• You can create up to 5 profiles on one account, so each viewer gets recommended titles based on their usage
• You can download your favorite show or movie and watch it without Wi-Fi (some exclusions apply)
• You get access to an entire season of network favorites about one year after its release which is great for binge-watching
• Netflix works on just about any internet-enabled device including gaming platforms, PCs, smartphones, and TVs.

The Downsides of Netflix

All streaming services have their downsides and Netflix is no exception. If any of the following apply, you may want to look at other options.

• Higher pricing than its competitors (see table below)
• You want access to live TV
• You are a sports-enthusiast
• You’re a Friends fanatic and love to binge-watch a season at a time
• You binge-watch The Office

Netflix Plans vs Other Streaming Services

When Netflix originated, there weren’t many other streaming options. Today, viewers have more choices than they realize and each plan gives the other services steep competition. 

Here’s are the most popular options:

Netflix FAQs

via GIPHY

Does Netflix have a free trial?

If you aren’t already a subscriber, you’ll be disappointed to learn that Netflix eliminated their free trial. You’re billed right away, but you can cancel at any time, so if you decide it’s not for you, it will only cost you one month’s fee.

Which devices is Netflix compatible with?

Netflix is one of the few services that works on any internet-enabled device including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, streaming media players, and game consoles (Xbox and PlayStation). 

Does Netflix have a student plan?

Unfortunately, Netflix doesn’t have a discounted student plan.

Does Netflix still have a DVD service?

Many people don’t realize that Netflix still has its flagship DVD service. It’s separate from the streaming service, and it has a free one-month trial. You can choose from 2 plans, but both offer unlimited DVDs per month. For $7.99 a month you can have one disc out at a time and for $11.99 a month, you can have two discs out at a time. 

Is Netflix better than Disney+?

Disney+ is a great streaming service if you LOVE Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. Netflix is the king of streaming between the two if you prefer a much larger library of content to binge-watch.

Is the Netflix premium plan worth it?

While $17.99 a month sounds like a lot, if you have a large family and everyone watches ‘their show’ alone, you’ll want the 4-simultaneous streaming option. Even if it’s just you watching, if your device offers Ultra HD programming, it may be worth the splurge for you.

Is Amazon Prime better than Netflix?

If you’re an Amazon shopper, Amazon Prime is a no-brainer. Not only do you get free (fast) shipping, but you get access to Amazon Prime Video. Does it compare to Netflix, though? Not a chance. Amazon Prime has some tried-and-true favorites and many original shows/series, but it doesn’t hold a candle to what Netflix offers. 

Can you pay Netflix yearly?

Unlike other services that offer a small discount if you prepay for a year’s service at a time, Netflix doesn’t offer this option. They bill you on the same day each month. This can be a perk though since you can cancel at any time.

Is Netflix Right for You?

via GIPHY

If you’ve cut the cord or are thinking about it, Netflix is a good replacement. But consider whether it’s worth it for you.

Think about what you love watching. Do you love the thrill of a new, original series or do you want access to the network favorites? That’s the main difference between Netflix and its rival Hulu. 

Hulu offers next-day access to new shows airing on the major networks. Netflix offers full season access to network shows about one year after it airs. Are you a binge-watcher or a ‘have to watch it right away’ watcher?

Beyond those two differences, it comes down to what you watch, how many people watch at one time, and the content you love. 

Netflix’ Basic Plan is nice and affordable, while its Premium plan should give anyone pause at $17.99 a month.