If you’re thinking of how you can easily watch your favorite movies and TV series, Netflix might be the first option that comes to mind. But is Netflix worth the money when there are other options available?

While Netflix is still the most popular streaming platform, it has undergone significant changes that might make you think twice before subscribing. While it offers an impressive titles list, the increased costs or the ad-supported plan might convince you to stay away. Anyway, we’ll take a closer look at Netflix's pros and cons to help you decide.

Netflix: The Basics

Netflix Download Content Options- Includes Recently Added and TV Shows section

Netflix originated in the U.S. in 1997 as a DVD-by-email company, but the business model has changed over the years as Netflix is now focusing on streaming movies and TV shows worldwide over the Internet.

According to Netflix, the streaming platform is available in more than 190 countries, but you can’t access it from China, Crimea, North Korea, Russia, and Syria.

You should know that the Netflix library may vary from one region to another due to territorial licensing. However, you can watch Netflix with a VPN to overcome geographical restrictions.

netflix multiple devices
Image Credit: Netflix

At the time of writing, Netflix has around 232.5 million paid subscribers worldwide, according to Statista, with 74.4 of them across the United States and Canada. And Netflix makes it easier for its subscribers to enjoy the content as you can watch Netflix on a huge range of devices, from desktops to laptops, from smartphones to tablets, from game consoles to smart TVs. But how many devices can play content at the same time and the picture quality depends on your subscription plan.

Netflix Plans and Costs

Netflix available plans

There are four Netflix subscription plans for you to choose from. The cheapest one is Standard with ads at $6.99/month, while the most expensive is Premium at $19.99/month. While you might be tempted to save a few bucks, keep in mind that you’ll have to watch four to five minutes of ads every hour, and you can’t access the entire Netflix library.

Here’s more information about the plans to help you decide which Netflix plan is the right one for you:

While every plan comes with plenty of available content and decent-quality picture, there are several differences that you should pay attention to. The ability to download content for offline watching, the number of screens that can watch simultaneously, or the number of supported devices might increase the overall cost.

Also, Netflix has come down on password sharing, so you'll have to pay extra for someone else to use your account if they don't live in the same house as you. So, if you’re not a binge-watcher, it doesn’t make sense to pay for an expensive subscription or even pay at all. Instead, you could watch a movie on a free streaming platform.

The Pros of Netflix

People watching TV

Netflix has many positive aspects, certainly more positives than negatives. The following are all valid reasons to at least consider subscribing to the streaming service.

  • A Great UI - Netflix features a great user interface that is both simple and visually appealing. It's easy to scroll through the range of content, adding things to your list ready for watching later.
  • Regular updates - The content available to watch is updated regularly, with new films and television shows being added all the time. This means it's unlikely you'll ever run out of things to watch.
  • Binge-watching - Netflix makes it very easy to go on a binge-watching marathon, devouring whole series in one sitting.
  • Original content - Netflix is continuously producing its own TV shows, and it has produced some of the most popular of all time, like Squid Games or Stranger Things. This vastly adds to the appeal of the service.
  • Cancel at any time - You can cancel Netflix at any time without any penalties. Cancel in the middle of a month, and your subscription will continue until the beginning of the next. This lack of commitment is refreshing.
  • Cut the cord - Netflix is a good starting point for anyone seeking to cut the cord. If you no longer want to watch cable television and remove ads (for a few extra dollars) from your movie nights, Netflix is a solid option. It's also legal, unlike online piracy.
  • Additional tools - There are plenty of third-party tools to help you make the most out of your Netflix subscription. You can have a remote watch party with your friends, keep an eye on Netflix’s library, or help you decide what to watch next.

The Cons of Netflix

Photo of a woman thinking while looking at a laptop screen

Netflix also has some negatives, though less than the positives. Still, it's important to bear the following things, any or all of which could dissuade you from using the service, in mind.

  • The need for speed - If you want to get the most out of Netflix, you'll need a good Internet service. Usage limits will be reached quickly, and the quality of the video will drop with low bandwidth. Here is the internet connection Netflix recommends.
  • Content confusion - While the UI is great, finding content that isn't placed in front of you is more confusing. There's a satisfactory search function, but options for finding new content are disappointing.
  • Outdated library - Except for Netflix originals, there’s not a lot of new content for you to watch on the streaming platform. So, if you want to watch the latest blockbusters, Netflix might not be the best choice.
  • Ads - If you subscribe to the cheapest Netflix plan available, you’ll have to put up with ads. While ads have become a common norm across modern streaming platforms, nobody wants to have their movie night interrupted by irrelevant ads.
  • Sudden disappearances - Netflix is constantly doing deals with copyright owners over the content it offers. This means some shows will disappear from the service, which is annoying if you had planned to watch them.
  • Temporary access - As with all media streaming services, Netflix only offers temporary access to content. If you stop subscribing, then you lose access to the library of films and television shows you may have come to rely upon.
  • Paying up regardless - Your Netflix subscription fee will disappear from your account whether you watch any content or not. The flat fee for everybody means you'll get better value for money some months more than others.

Is Netflix Good Enough?

We’ve taken a closer look at the streaming platform’s plans and pricing, pros, and cons to help you figure out if Netflix is worth the money. If you still haven’t made a decision, there’s an option you could try. Subscribe for one month and keep track of how much you watch and enjoy Netflix.

While it might not make sense to keep paying for several months, you can re-subscribe every time there’s a new movie or TV series that you really want to watch.