Netflix Review — Cost, Content Availability & More

Now that you are reading this Netflix review, you are just a few minutes away from getting your answer to whether paying for that subscription is worth it.

Our team at Evoca looked at Netflix’s plans, rummaged through its catalog, tested its features and interface across devices, and analyzed loads of other things to understand if they add up to satisfy viewers’ needs for the cost. 

And with this in-depth Netflix review, I will spill all the beans for you. So, hang tight and keep reading to learn if Netflix is the right choice for you.

Netflix At A Glance:

Before I tell you about all the different aspects of Netflix, here is a brief technical summary of our experience with Netflix. 

Starting Price	$6.99/month
Free Trial	❌
Live TV	❌
Simultaneous Streams	2-4 devices
Downloads	✅
4K HDR	✅ (only with the Premium plan)
Parental Controls	✅
Ratings	4/5

Like every streaming platform (and everything in general), Netflix has its share of benefits and blemishes. It has some really cool benefits in its favor, though the cons can break the deal for many.

Reasons to Choose Netflix

• Affordable entry-level plan
• Unparalleled catalog of original content
• Wide range of accessibility features
• Great interface and streaming experience

Reasons to Avoid Netflix

• Ad-free plans are very expensive.
• Many shows and movies are not available with the entry-level plan
• Shows get canceled or removed 

With that covered, keep reading to know about all the benefits and blemishes of Netflix in detail. 

1. Netflix Cost

Until two years ago, Netflix only had ad-free tiers in its plan lineup, which made it a bit pricier than its competitors. 

However, since the launch of the ad-supported plan in November 2022, the platform has become much more affordable for many more customers, even without a Netflix free trial.

Netflix’s subscription plans currently come in three tiers: Standard (with ads), Standard (ad-free), and Premium. 

Here’s a brief overview of these plans.

Subscription Plans	Monthly Price
Standard (with ads)	$6.99
Standard	$15.49
Premium	$22.99

The cheapest plan on Netflix costs just $6.99/month and is called the Standard with ads plan. Even though it comes with ads, the plan is much more affordable than the entry-level plans of many other platforms.

Netflix’s low monthly price makes it one of the most affordable streaming platforms. However, ads are not the only caveat of low pricing. The Standard plan with ads also misses many shows and movies (more about these shows and movies in the next section).

The ad-free Standard plan costs $15.49/month—a whopping $8.50/month increase over the ad-free plan. The Premium plan, which offers 4K streaming and other extra features, is even higher at $22.99/month.

Unlike many platforms such as Hulu, Max, and Amazon Prime, Netflix doesn’t offer annual plans.

Comparison with competition:

• Max: $9.99/month (with ads)
• Hulu: $7.99/month (with ads)
• Prime Video: $8.99/month (with ads)
• Apple TV+: $9.99/month (no ads)

Are Netflix Discounts Available?

Netflix does not offer any additional discounts or offers on its plans. However, it does offer a way to get ad-free plans at a cheaper price via its Extra Member Slots.

If you get any of the ad-free plans, Netflix lets you add additional members from outside your household to your subscription plan. Each extra member pays $7.99/month and gets access to all the content and other features of the core plan, along with their own profile, account, and password.

As expected, there are limits. A Standard plan can only have one extra member, while the Premium plan can have 2 additional members at most. 

2. Netflix Content Catalog

Content is the most critical factor for any streaming platform. And in Netflix’s case, there is no dearth of high-quality content. From pre-loved TV shows to mass-loved originals, Netflix has it all.

What I like	What I don’t like
Expansive lineup of originals	A lot of great shows are only available in the ad-free plan
Vast variety of foreign content like animes, Korean shows, etc.	Many shows are incomplete as subsequent seasons were cancelled
Increasing focus on high-quality documentaries

Netflix offers a vast array of high-quality content, from beloved classics to popular originals. 

The platform’s expansive lineup includes hit shows like Breaking Bad and Grey’s Anatomy, alongside critically acclaimed originals such as Stranger Things, Ozark, and Squid Game. 

However, some premium content is only available on ad-free plans, and the platform has faced criticism for unexpected show cancellations.

Documentaries On Netflix 

Netflix has significantly expanded its documentary offerings, producing engaging and critically acclaimed works like 13th and The Vietnam War. 

These documentaries have become a unique selling point for the platform, setting it apart from competitors.

Anime And K-Dramas On Netflix

Catering to the growing demand for international content, Netflix has invested heavily in anime and Korean dramas. 

Popular titles like Onimusha and Crash Landing on You have quickly gained favor with audiences worldwide.

Netflix For Kids

The platform provides a rich selection of children’s content, including classics like Pokemon and original series such as CoComelon. Netflix’s user-friendly interface makes it easy for children to access age-appropriate content through dedicated kids’ profiles.

Original content for kids has also seen a rise on Netflix. Titles like CoComelon, Gabby’s Dollhouse, and Maya and the Three have gone on to become quite popular among kids and adults alike. 

Besides offering a wide variety of kids’ content, Netflix also makes it easy to find it. If you have set up a Kids Profile on Netflix (more about it in a while), Netflix displays only kids-friendly content in the profile. 

And if you are an adult who loves kids’ content, you can find it curated in the Just for Kids section.

Netflix Games

In 2021, Netflix introduced a Games section, offering a variety of light, entertaining games based on popular Netflix shows. This addition aims to keep users engaged within the app ecosystem, providing an alternative form of entertainment to complement their viewing experience.

Therefore, you can now find a plethora of fun, entertaining games like The Queen’s Gambit Chess, Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales, Twelve Minutes, and Oxenfree. Many of them are based on hit Netflix shows. 

You can view or open your favorite show category using secret Netflix codes. 

3. Netflix Technical Specifications

Its vast content catalog gives Netflix a superior edge over many streaming platforms. 

However, Netflix also offers complementary features that make it more convenient to stream, download, and even listen to your favorite content. The features vary across subscription tiers, as summed up below.

Subscription Plans	Best Streaming Quality	Simultaneous Streaming	Downloads	Spatial Audio
Standard with ads	1080p	2 devices	15/device/month	❌
Standard	1080p	2 devices	100/device	❌
Premium	4K UHD	4 devices	100/device	✅

Streaming Quality 

Netflix offers full HD streaming on all plans. The Premium plan includes 4K streaming for most modern shows, provided you have a compatible device.

Simultaneous Streaming 

Ad-supported and Standard plans allow streaming on two devices simultaneously. The Premium plan increases this to four devices.

Downloading Options 

The ad-supported plan allows 15 downloads per device monthly, while ad-free plans offer 100 downloads. This feature is available on mobile devices and tablets, though not all titles can be downloaded.

Spatial Audio 

Available only with the Premium plan, Spatial Audio enhances sound effects without external equipment. It works on all devices and supports head tracking on compatible earphones and Apple devices.

4. Netflix Interface And Streaming Experience

After all these years of being in the market, Netflix knows how the user interface can make or break a streaming platform.

Its interface fares well in most aspects, barring a few.

What I like	What I don’t like
User-friendly interface	The “Continue Watching” list is placed much lower
Easy to navigate across categories	The new update may feel a bit cluttered
Seamless playback experience

The Netflix Mobile App Interface

The Netflix mobile app has four main tabs:

1. Home: Displays popular content, previews, and categorized titles. Includes genre filters and a search function.
2. Games: Netflix games are featured in various categories.
3. New & Hot: Shows recently released content in chronological order.
4. My Netflix: Contains “My List” and “Continue Watching” sections for easy access to personal content.

The interface allows for easy navigation and content discovery across different genres and user preferences.

The Netflix Web Interface

Netflix’s desktop interface is clean and user-friendly. The home page displays categorized content, such as Popular on Netflix and Trending Now. 

Navigation options, including search, My List, TV Shows, Movies, and New and Popular, are easily accessible at the top, facilitating content discovery.

Netflix On TV

Until July 2024, Netflix had a pretty neat and intuitive interface. It had an expansive thumbnail of a popular TV show or movie at the top and a sidebar on the left, with various navigation icons leading you to TV Shows, Movies, Trending, and so on. 

However, Netflix then came up with this “biggest update in a decade” for its home page, and TV users have a mixed feeling about it.

Netflix TV interface update (July 2024):

Old:

• Large thumbnail at the top
• Left sidebar with navigation icons

New:

• Top menu: Search, Home, Shows, Movies, My Netflix
• Three thumbnails at the top instead of one
• Profile icon in upper-left corner
• No sidebar

Features:

• Search bar
• Content categories
• My Netflix for the watchlist and Continue Watching

User reception is mixed, but the interface remains functional for content discovery and navigation.

Playback And Streaming Experience

Netflix offers a simple playback interface with standard controls (play/pause, rewind, fast-forward) and features like Skip Intro. Subtitle, audio, and playback speed options are readily available. 

Ad-supported plans show ads at the beginning and during the content, with visible progress indicators. The platform maintains a consistent, user-friendly experience across different subscription tiers.

Overall, Netflix maintains its user-friendly viewing experience while incorporating necessary features for different subscription tiers.

5. Netflix Accessibility And Usage Controls

Netflix has a stream of accessibility features and additional controls that can enhance how you use and watch Netflix.  

These features can help normal users and those with physical impairments, such as listening or watching issues. 

Most shows are available with subtitles in multiple languages. While the exact number of languages differs depending on various factors (availability, popularity, and so on), you can usually find them in English. 

Netflix offers a range of accessibility features:

1. Multilingual subtitles (primarily English)
2. Audio language options for select content
3. Audio descriptions for many shows
4. In-app brightness control
5. Adjustable font size
6. Voice search commands
7. Keyboard shortcuts for playback control

These features enhance the viewing experience and make Netflix more accessible to a diverse audience, though availability may vary depending on the content.

Parental Controls On Netflix

Netflix boasts a comprehensive parental control setup that makes sure the kids in your household don’t watch anything they should not. And you get complete control over their watching experience.

The platform offers several options to control the viewing experience for kids with features like: 

1. Kids profile: Curated content for children under 12
2. Title-specific blocking: Option to restrict individual shows or movies
3. Maturity rating filters: Block content based on age-appropriate ratings (e.g., TV-Y, PG-13)
4. PIN protection: Secure adult profiles to prevent unauthorized access

These features allow parents to customize and control their children’s viewing experience, ensuring they only access age-appropriate content while using the platform.

6. Netflix Device Compatibility

Netflix is available on almost every device that can stream videos over the internet. So, whether you wish to use it on your phone, tablet, PC, laptop, TV, or gaming console, Netflix covers you.

Nevertheless, here is a list of all the supported devices Netflix can run on:

• Mobile Phones and Tablets: Android, iOS devices, Amazon Fire tablets, Windows tablets
• Desktop devices: Windows PCs, all laptops/PCs via netflix.com
• TV and TV devices: Major TApple TV, Amazon Fire TV/Stick, Smart TVs (LG, Samsung, Hisense, Panasonic, Sony, TCL, Vestel, Vizio, Philips, Sharp), Roku TV/Stick, Chromecast
• Video Game Consoles and other devices: PlayStation, Xbox, Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest Headsets
• Cable Boxes: Available on select Altice USA, Optimum, Spectrum, DirecTV/AT&T, and other cable boxes

Netflix provides support articles for device setup and troubleshooting. Users can also check the Netflix Help Center for specific cable box availability.

7. Netflix Customer Support

You get a Help Center with detailed articles for all common problems or queries you might encounter, such as resetting passwords, updating your email, payment history, freezing issues, buffering issues, and so on. 

More often than not, you can find a solution to your problem or query in one of these articles.

Obviously, there are other, quicker ways to get help, too. 

• Help Center: Detailed articles covering common issues and queries.
• Live Support:
  • 24/7 phone support: Call 000-800-919-1694 to speak with an agent.
  • Chat support: Available through the Contact Us page. Typically connects to an agent in under 5 minutes.

The system is designed for easy access to self-help resources and direct assistance, catering to user preferences and issue complexities.

Is Netflix Worth It?

After exploring Netflix from all these angles, our team at Evoca has found Netflix to be more or less worth it. It gives you several reasons to go for it, such as:

• Affordable Pricing: 

At $6.99/month, Netflix has become cheaper than most of its rivals, though the limited content availability is a real catch.

• Content Catalog: 

Even with the occasional cancellations and removals, Netflix has the most extensive and impressive catalog of great content from around the world.

• Accessibility, Interface, and other controls: 

Netflix shines with its stream of accessibility options, a user-friendly interface across devices, and the range of customizations that come with parental controls.

Sure, Netflix has some drawbacks, but fortunately, those are still not so bad that they can ruin your overall experience. After all, more than 277 million subscribers use it daily to watch their favorite content and movies. 

Netflix Alternatives 

Despite all the things we have discussed about Netflix, it can still be confusing to decide if it is worth going for and, equally importantly, how it compares with similar platforms. 

So, here is a comparison of Netflix with some of its top alternatives.

Feature	Netflix	Disney Plus	Paramount Plus	Max	Amazon Prime Video
Starting Price	$6.99/mo	$7.99/mo	$7.99/mo	$9.99/mo	$8.99/mo
Free Trial	❌	❌	✅	❌	✅
Simultaneous Streams	2-4	4	3	2-4	2
4K Streaming	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Offline Viewing	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Original Content	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Live TV	❌	❌	✅	✅ (add-on)	❌

1. Disney Plus

With over 153 million subscribers worldwide, Disney Plus stands out as a leading Netflix alternative because of its vast range of high-quality content. The platform houses content from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixel, among others. 

The Disney Plus experience comes a dollar pricier than Netflix, though, at $7.99/month for the ad-supported plan. Unlike Netflix, Disney Plus offers access to the entire content library on all plans, simultaneous streaming on 4 devices, and 4K streaming options with higher pricing tiers.

2. Paramount Plus

Despite its comparatively lower selection of original content, Paramount Plus can be a great alternative to Netflix if you are interested in original CBS content or classics like Star Trek and The Twilight Zone. 

Paramount+ starts at $7.99/month. However, this plan does not give access to live CBS content. There is another $12.99/month plan, Paramount + Showtime, which gives access to a massive list of channels and live streaming. 

3. Max

Max (HBO Max) is one of the best Netflix alternatives. Much of its grace comes from the vast variety of HBO content. 

Max plans are considerably pricier than Netflix, though. The cheapest (ad-supported) tier costs $9.99/month. You can upgrade to a pricier tier to eliminate ads and gain more benefits like downloads and 4K streaming.

Compare HBO Max and Netflix side by side to pick the best streaming platform for daily entertainment. 

4. Amazon Prime Video

Amazon’s Prime Video is one of the most popular streaming platforms and a good competitor to Netflix. Like Netflix, Prime Video draws much of its strength from a decent mix of original content and pre-loved TV shows and movies. 

Prime Video is available as a standalone service for $8.99/month or as part of the Amazon Prime subscription for $14.99/month. Both plans include ads, which can be removed for an additional $2.99/month. New users can start with a 30-day free trial. 

Conclusion: Is Netflix For You?

With its affordable plans, vast content lineup, glitch-free interface, and many other benefits, Netflix fits the bill for a well-rounded streaming platform. On the flip side, its content limitations and higher Premium plans are some major drawbacks.

Nevertheless, even with these drawbacks, I find that Netflix is a great streaming platform with much more to offer than hide, its content being one of its biggest highlights. If you are okay with ads or can shed a few more bucks to purchase one of its ad-free plans, the platform quite fairly compensates for the cost.