With over 220 million subscribers worldwide…
Netflix remains the king of streaming platforms.
But in recent years, many have been coming for the throne.
The question now is…
Should you stay loyal to the king?
Or is it time to switch sides?
Continue reading to find out:
- Streaming services that are cheaper than Netflix.
- The best original series that you can watch on Netflix.
- 9 pros and cons to help you decide whether to subscribe to Netflix or not.
- And much much more…
Is Netflix worth it?
Netflix is worth it. It’s the leading streaming service worldwide. And it boasts an extensive library of movies and TV shows. With over 17,000 titles in total. These include critically-acclaimed originals. Such as House of Cards, Stranger Things, and Money Heist.
Netflix has come a long way since it started as a DVD rental service in the late 1990s.
By the end of 2021, it had reached over 220 million subscribers. And for good reasons.
One, it has an impressive catalog of movies.
On Netflix, you can find award-winning classics like The Godfather and Forrest Gump.
You can also watch blockbuster hits like The Dark Knight and The Hunger Games.
And if you have kids, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Including Shrek and Kung Fu Panda.
But beyond these movies, what makes Netflix really worth it is its originals.
Here are just some of the best Netflix-produced movies:
- Bird Box.
- Red Notice.
- The Irishman.
- Don’t Look Up.
- The Adam Project.
Fun fact: Adam Sandler’s The Ridiculous 6 was the first movie produced by Netflix. Released in late 2015, it was so terrible it currently has an approval score of 0% on Rotten Tomatoes.
As far as original shows go, the following need no introduction:
- Bridgerton.
- The Witcher.
- Squid Game.
- 13 Reasons Why.
- The Queen’s Gambit.
Even documentary-wise. Netflix has only been producing top-notch quality.
Examples include Tiger King and the wildly popular The Last Dance.
And when you consider that you can get Netflix for as low as $9.99 per month…
It’s certainly worth the price.
Is Netflix 4K worth it?
Netflix 4K is worth it. But only if you have a relatively large TV screen. Ideally, around 65 inches or bigger. This is because the difference between 4K and 1080p isn’t noticeable on smaller screens.
The price difference between Netflix’s standard and premium plan is $4.50.
Netflix Standard, where you can stream in UHD, costs $15.49.
Netflix Premium, on the other hand, is at $19.99. Including the ability to stream in 4K.
Now is the difference worth it?
I’d say yes if your smart TV’s at least 65 inches. The bigger, the better. You’ll only really appreciate the difference between UHD and 4K on large screens.
On a big screen, the picture quality really stands out when streaming in 4K.
But bear in mind that not every title on Netflix is available in that resolution.
And there’s also the speed requirement. You’d need at least 15 Mbps to stream in 4K without a hitch.
So overall, I’d say it’s worth it if you have a big TV. And a fast and reliable internet connection.
Otherwise, 1080p should be more than enough.
If you want a more detailed comparison between 4K and UHD, check out this video:
Netflix: 9 pros & cons
#1: Excellent original content
Netflix’s biggest strength today is its original content.
Which is actually crazy to think. Considering that it first started as a mail-order movie rental company over 2 decades ago.
It all began with the success of the political thriller House of Cards in 2013.
Since then, the company has produced many high-quality series. Earning accolades from respectable award-giving bodies. And praises from millions of viewers.
Some of Netflix’s best series include:
- Squid Game.
- Money Heist.
- Peaky Blinders.
- Stranger Things.
- BoJack Horseman.
Aside from original series, Netflix has also succeeded in producing superb documentaries.
The Last Dance, about the final championship season of the Chicago Bulls, was a huge hit.
Even among non-sports fans.
Now, to be honest, Netflix had a slow start when it came to movies.
Its earliest products, mostly Adam Sandler comedies, were widely criticized by critics.
But the streaming service has since bounced back. Producing Academy-award nominees like The Irishman and Roma.
Netflix has actually been spending billions on content. In 2021 alone, they spent over $17 billion.
And they plan to continue to do so in the coming years.
Which is great news for subscribers. As it means you’ll continue to get excellent originals from the company.
#2: Huge selection of high-quality titles
As of early 2022, Netflix has over 17,000 total titles available worldwide.
But let’s focus on the United States for now.
Movie quality
In the US, Netflix has a little over 4,000 movies available.
For comparison, HBO Max has around 2,500. Paramount Plus has about 2,200. Around 2,000 for Peacock Premium. And about 1,100 for Disney Plus.
The only streaming service that has more than Netflix…
Amazon Prime Video. With close to 7,000 movies.
However, let’s compare the quality of movies between the 2.
Out of those movies on Netflix, around 450 of those are high-quality. Defined as something that has a score of over 7.5 on IMDb.
Prime Video, on the other hand, has 400 of those.
So movie quality-wise, Netflix is ahead of the competition.
Series quality
As far as TV shows and series go…
Netflix is also well ahead of everyone. With over 2,000 titles in the US.
Prime Video and Hulu have about 1,500 each. While none of the others even has 1,000.
And out of those 2,000 titles, around 350 are high-quality. Still much more than everyone else.
That’s why if you’re looking for quality and quantity…
Netflix can give you both.
#3: Wide availability
Netflix is available in over 190 countries worldwide.
To compare, HBO Max is available in 60 countries. Around the same for Disney Plus.
And Peacock’s way behind. With only around 30 countries.
Once again, only Prime Video can rival Netflix. As it’s available in about 200 countries and territories.
But the great thing about Netflix…
It continues to expand. So that wherever you travel, you’ll be able to access it.
#4: Minimal internet speed requirement
The key to smooth streaming is a fast internet connection.
And Netflix has done a good job optimizing its content. So it doesn’t require much speed to stream without lag.
Netflix only recommends 1 Mbps to stream in Standard Definition. Or 480p.
If you want to watch in 720p, you’ll only need 3 Mbps. And only 5 Mbps for 1080p.
As for 4K, you’ll need 15 Mbps. Still reasonable compared to others.
HBO Max, for instance, requires at least 25 Mbps for that.
So this is another advantage of streaming from Netflix.
#5: Compatible with many devices
The Netflix app works well with a wide array of devices.
In fact, among streaming services…
It has the most compatibility.
It’s already available in most smart TV brands. Like Samsung, Sony, and LG.
The app also comes preinstalled on streaming players. Such as Roku and Firestick.
And in gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation.
Moreover, Netflix also optimized its app for mobile users. So you can enjoy watching from an iPhone or an Android device.
So whatever gadget you’re using…
Netflix is likely going to work well in it.
You might also like: 3 Sneaky Ways To Get Netflix On A Non-Smart TV
#6: User-friendly interface
Another good thing about Netflix is its clean interface.
It’s simple. No clutters. And easy to use.
You won’t have trouble searching for titles or categories. Even if you’re not a techie.
And the interface is consistent with any device.
Whether you’re using a web browser on your laptop.
Or watching from the app on your phone.
#7: Relatively expensive
Now, I did talk about Netflix’s impressive catalog.
Well, it does come with a price. Literally.
As Netflix is more expensive than its competitors.
To stream in 1080p on Netflix, you need to pay $15.49 per month.
For the same resolution, HBO Max is slightly cheaper at $14.99.
Prime Video charges $8.99. While Disney Plus is at $7.99.
So if you’re short on budget…
You may have to consider other streaming options.
You might also want to know: How Much Is Netflix A Year? Costs Per Country
#8: Geographical restrictions of some contents
While Netflix itself is available in over 190 countries…
You can’t say the same for its 17,000 titles. As Netflix enforces geographical restrictions.
This means that the availability of some movies and series would depend on your location.
Of course, the most popular Netflix titles should be available everywhere.
But it’d be nice if Netflix gets rid of its geo-restrictions completely.
#9: Will likely lose more titles in the future
It’s inevitable.
With the rise of more streaming services, Netflix is bound to lose some titles.
It’s actually already happened in the past.
For instance, when HBO Max launched, Netflix lost the popular 90s sitcom Friends. Mainly because HBO’s parent company, Time Warner, owns the rights to it.
Another beloved series that Netflix lost is The Office. As it has since moved to Peacock.
Moreover, Disney’s no longer streaming the latest Marvel movies on Netflix.
And Netflix might very well lose the rights to older Marvel titles like Iron Man.
So if you’re a Netflix subscriber, enjoy the content while they last. Because some are likely to disappear sooner or later.
Is Netflix worth it in…
… the UK?
Netflix is worth it in the UK. There are over 6,500 titles available for UK viewers. That’s even more than in the US, where there are around 6,100 titles to choose from. Some of the best UK dramas on Netflix include Peaky Blinders, The Last Kingdom, and Downtown Abbey.
In addition, here are some more classics that the UK audience can stream on Netflix:
- Still Game.
- Black Mirror.
- Criminal: UK.
- Sex Education.
- Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
As far as monthly fees go, the Basic subscription is £6.99. The Standard is £10.99. While Premium is £15.99.
… India?
Netflix in India is worth it. The country ranks among the top in available Netflix titles, at over 5,900. This includes some of the biggest Bollywood films. Such as Dangal, Baahubali: The Beginning, and RRR.
Netflix is actually lagging in India with just over 5 million subscribers. Way below Disney + Hotstar, which has over 46 million subscribers. And Prime Video, with about 22 million.
However, Netflix has taken action to fix this. In late 2021, it began lowering the subscription fee.
The Basic plan’s price went down from ₹199 INR a month to only ₹149 INR.
Moreover, the Standard plan’s price is now ₹499 INR instead of ₹649 INR. While the Premium plan went down from ₹799 INR to ₹649 INR.
So with the price decrease plus the many Bollywood classics to choose from…
Netflix is definitely worth it in India.
… Canada?
Netflix is worth it in Canada. Where you can find a little over 6,100 titles. About the same number that you get in the US. Some of the most notable movies on Netflix Canada include the cult classic Pulp Fiction. As well as the top-ranked movie on IMDb, The Shawshank Redemption.
Fees-wise, Netflix is cheaper in Canada compared to the US. Even with a similar number of titles available.
You can get the Basic plan in Canada for $9.99 CAD. Standard for $16.49 CAD. And Premium for $20.99 CAD.
… Australia?
Netflix is worth it in Australia. Like Canada, you’ll also find around 6000 titles on Netflix Australia. Including the award-winning mini-series Stateless. As well as other beloved classics like Kath and Kim and The Secret Life of Us.
Here are some other notable titles that are exclusive to Netflix Australia:
- The Cup.
- Brand New Day.
- Australian Rules.
- Restoration Australia.
- Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.
You can get the Basic plan in Australia for AU$10.99. The Standard plan’s at AU$16.99. While Premium costs AU$22.99.
Conclusion: Is Netflix worth it anymore?
Netflix is still worth it. Even if you consider the price increase. And the fact that there are many other options now. This is because Netflix still has the most to offer. Both in terms of the number of titles available. And the overall quality of movies, series, and documentaries it provides.
As of the end of 2021, Netflix has received over 200 awards. Including the following:
- Emmy Awards.
- Golden Globes.
- Academy Awards.
- Screen Actor’s Guild.
- America Film Institute Awards.
It’s a testament to the kind of entertainment you’ll get from Netflix.
Yes, there are many streaming services available now. But no one has come close to Netflix’s achievements yet.
And as long as Netflix can keep providing high-quality entertainment…
Subscribing will always be worth it.