Netflix has been the go-to source of entertainment for millions of people across the world for over 25 years. It remains one of the biggest streaming platforms around, but the competition has not only been growing in quantity but quality as well. So much so that Netflix recently did something it said it would never do — have ads. Read on to see whether or not Netflix is worth subscribing to in 2023.
How much does Netflix cost in 2023?
Before we go any further, let’s look at the first question on everyone’s mind — what’s it cost?
Basic with ads: $6.99/month
- Shows and movies have ads, unlimited mobile games
- Most of the library, but not necessarily all of it
- Downloads: No
- Simultaneous screens: 1
- Quality: HD
Basic: $9.99/month
- Ad-free movies, shows, and mobile games
- Complete library
- Downloads: 1 device at a time
- Simultaneous screens: 1
- Quality: HD
Standard: $15.49/month
- Ad-free movies, shows, and mobile games
- Complete library
- Downloads: 2 devices at a time
- Simultaneous screens: 2
- Quality: Full HD (1080p)
Premium: $19.99/month
- Ad-free movies, shows, and mobile games
- Complete library
- Downloads: 6 devices at a time
- Simultaneous screens: 4
- Quality: Ultra HD (4K)
- Netflix spatial audio
While the Basic with ads plan may seem competitively priced at first glance, Netflix is still the stingiest streamer around. It’s the only major streamer that allows just a single stream and you need to upgrade to the Standard plan just to get 1080p.
Netflix compared to the alternatives
But how does Netflix’s pricing in 2023 stack up against the competition? Here’s a comparison of what you pay for and what you get with the cheapest plans of 6 major on-demand streaming services.
What kind of content does Netflix have?
While the angry masses like to complain about Netflix’s lack of “good” content, it’s still got all that incredible content that essentially changed the way TV is made. (Of course, HBO gets props for that as well.) Netflix spent $17 billion on content last year, so there are a few things to watch for nearly every taste.
Original content on Netflix
The streamer still has the “classics” that have already finished their run, like Ozark and House of Cards. But here are some of the best current original Netflix shows:
- Stranger Things (since 2016)
- You (since 2018)
- Love, Death, And Robots (since 2019)
- Russian Doll (since 2019)
- Emily in Paris (since 2020)
- Squid Game (since 2021)
- Red Rose (since 2022)
- Wednesday (since 2022)
- The Night Agent (2023)
- Beef (2023)
- The Diplomat (2023)
That seems like enough to keep most people entertained for at least one month of billing.
Movies on Netflix
Netflix is home to a plethora of movies from different genres, including action, adventure, drama, comedy, romance, and more. From classics like The Godfather to modern blockbusters like The Avengers, Netflix has something for everyone. Some of the popular movies heating up Netflix right now are:
- Bullet Train
- Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
- Hunger
- Luther: The Fallen Sun
- The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die
- The Mustang
TV shows on Netflix
Netflix’s collection of TV shows is equally impressive, with popular shows like Narcos, Money Heist, and The Crown. Here are some of the most popular shows on Netflix right now:
- Alice in Borderland
- Beef
- Florida Man
- The Glory
- Love is Blind
- The Recruit
- Space Force
- Welcome to Eden
- Workin’ Moms
Live TV on Netflix
Unlike traditional cable TV and some competitors, Netflix does not offer live TV channels. However, it does have a feature called “Netflix Live” that provides live entertainment events and stand-up comedy shows.
Video games on Netflix
In 2023, Netflix expanded its offerings to include video games. There are only mobile games at the moment, with titles that include:
- Into the Dead 2: Unleashed
- Narcos: Cartel Wars Unlimited
- Solitaire
- SpongeBob: Get Cooking
- Stranger Things: 1984
- Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales
- Tom Raider Reloaded
Netflix interface and usability
Netflix is known for its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to navigate and find content that you want to watch. Its interface remains fairly consistent across all platforms, is among the easiest to navigate, and is the most responsive.
However, we could do without the autoplay “feature” that the CEO refuses to make optional, even though millions of people have complained about it for years.
Navigation
Netflix’s navigation is straightforward, with a homepage that displays recommended content based on your viewing history. It’s easy to search for specific movies or TV shows and filter by genre, release year, or popularity.
Language settings
Netflix offers language options for its content, including audio and subtitles in multiple languages. This makes it easy for international viewers to enjoy content in their preferred language. You can even watch a show dubbed and subbed in 2 languages different from the original dialogue.
Parental controls
Netflix offers parental controls that allow parents to restrict access to specific content based on its rating. This is an essential feature for families with children. Parents can lock kid profiles, requiring a PIN code to exit the profile, as well as review the profile’s viewing activity from the main account settings.
Netflix account sharing and simultaneous screens
Netflix came under fire recently when it announced plans to crack down on account sharing, with many users reacting by canceling — or threatening to cancel — their Netflix subscriptions.
The crackdown was already executed in some markets, such as Canada and Spain, but it seems like it may be on hold in the USA.
How many people can watch Netflix at once?
The number of screens you can watch on Netflix depends on your subscription plan. As noted above, Netflix is one the worst when it comes to sharing. The first 2 plans only let you watch on a single screen, while the Standard plan bumps that up to an oh-so-generous 2 screens. For a ridiculous $20 a month, the Premium plan graciously lets you watch on 4 screens at once.
How many profiles can you make on Netflix?
Netflix allows you to create up to 5 profiles on a single account, making it easy for everyone in your household to have their personalized viewing experience. They don’t need to create an “account” with an email, as some streamers require, which makes things nice and simple.
Netflix device compatibility
Netflix is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV.
- Media players: Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast, NVIDIA Shield, Cable STBs
- Phones & tablets: Android, iOS, Fire Tablet, Windows Phone
- Smart TVs: Android TV, most new smart TVs
- Smart home: Amazon Echo, Facebook Portal
- Game consoles: PlayStation, Xbox
- Desktops & laptops: Windows, All major browsers
Is there a free trial for Netflix?
Unfortunately, Netflix no longer offers a free trial. But you can cancel at any time and keep watching until the end of your billing period. It also remembers your viewing activity for 10 months in case you want to reopen your subscription.
Verdict: Who is Netflix good for in 2023?
Netflix is no longer the great deal for families it once was, especially with much better options out there that cost less and offer more. Disney+ anyone? So, who is the original streamer best for in 2023?
People who enjoy original series — and mostly dramas and thrillers — are likely to get the most mileage out of Netflix. And with its current price plans, it’s geared toward people who watch one screen at a time — or those with plenty of disposable income to spend on streaming services.
And for those waiting for the final season of Stranger Things, keep in mind you can go away for 10 months and return to Netflix with no hard feelings — and your viewing history intact.
