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Netflix India: Price, features and content
Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services on the market, but is it really your best option for on-demand video in India?
The biggest streaming service in the world really needs no introduction, but here’s one anyway. With humble beginnings as a DVD delivery service, Netflix essentially paved the way for streaming video on demand single-handedly. After a huge global launch in January 2016, the world’s entertainment providers and media giants have tried to keep up.
With partnerships with companies like DreamWorks under its belt, Netflix is consistently rolling out high-quality original content for all tastes and ages. This consistent stream of quality originals is one thing but the company can attribute a big part of its success to innovative streaming technologies, like developing its own compression technology and toying with interactive content.
With that said, the company is far from perfect and might not necessarily be the best option for you. Read on for a deep-dive on Netflix plans and pricing and how it compares against the Indian competition.
What is Netflix?
We’re pretty sure you know the answer to this, but just in case you’ve landed from outer space – back in 1997, Netflix changed the way movies were rented in the US. Subscribers could view the company’s selection of movies online, order what they wanted and have the DVD delivered to their mailbox. Fast-forward a decade and, 10 years after its introduction, Netflix delivered its billionth DVD and was looking to introduce video on demand using the Internet.
Online streaming of video through Netflix turned the company from being one of the post office’s biggest customers to being the largest source of Internet traffic in North America by 2010.
By 2011, Netflix began to acquire content that would be exclusive to its service. Major blockbuster shows like House of Cards and Orange is the New Black put it on the map, while partnerships with Marvel for Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist expanded the audience. Netflix is also investing billions in original content to cater to its rapidly growing international audience.
When did Netflix launch in India?
Netflix officially launched in India on 6 January 2016 as part of its plan for international expansion. At the 2016 CES tech show in Las Vegas, Netflix shocked the world by switching on in almost 200 different countries around the world.
As of February 2022, Netflix is available in every country around the globe except China, North Korea and Syria, as well as the disputed territory of Crimea, though the content libraries vary greatly.
How much does Netflix India cost?
Netflix service plans range from ₹149 to ₹649 a month. There are no contracts with Netflix so you can cancel the service at any time, but until then your credit or debit card that was used to sign up will automatically be charged each month.
There are 4 plans offered by Netflix that you can choose from: Mobile, Basic, Standard and Premium. The plan you pick will depend on the types of features you want with your Netflix subscription.
Mobile | Basic | Standard | Premium | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Monthly price | ₹149 | ₹199 | ₹499 | ₹649 |
Simultaneous streams | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
Watch on mobile phone and tablet | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Watch on laptop and TV | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
HD | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Ultra HD | No | No | No | Yes |
Cancel anytime | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Notes: Prices are accurate as of 22 February 2022.
How much data will Netflix use?
This depends on what quality you’re streaming Netflix at. Usage varies depending on whether you’re streaming in SD, HD or 4K. Below is a guide to how much data Netflix will consume at each quality grade:
- Low quality: 300MB/hour
- Standard definition (SD): 700MB/hour
- High definition (HD): 3GB/hour
- 4K/ultra HD (UHD): 7GB/hour
Netflix features
Netflix comes with numerous features that make streaming a seamless and accessible experience. You can set up multiple profiles, so every member of the household can create their own watchlist and get personalised recommendations. There is a special Kids profile and you can set parental controls. Streaming works well on all devices Netflix is compatible with.
Additionally, you can download content from Netflix to watch offline, watch with closed captions or subtitles and even adjust playback speed. Audio descriptions are available for a lot of titles. There’s a Skip Intro button for when you’re in a rush and the service auto-plays episodes so you can binge-watch for as long as you want. If you don’t know what to watch, you can use Play Something and Netflix will automatically choose a title for you.
How can I download content from Netflix?
Netflix lets you download titles to tablets, smartphones and computers running Windows 10. That way, you can enjoy all your favourite Netflix TV shows and movies when you’re on the go without burning through your mobile data.
Netflix provides a step-by-step guide on how to download on its website and mobile app. Not all titles on Netflix are available for download, depending on licensing rights. However, a big part of the library is accessible offline as well.
How does Netflix compare?
Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services in India, but the competition is getting fiercer each year. Services like Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar are worthy competitors, with services like Eros Now and ALTBalaji also available to cater Indian viewers with more specific tastes.
Which devices are compatible with Netflix India?
An appealing aspect that Netflix has over other video streaming providers is the number of devices you can use to access the movies and TV series. These include:
How can I cancel Netflix?
Netflix comes with no strings attached, so you can cancel your subscription anytime. Simply go the Account page and select Cancel Membership. You will still have access to your plan until the end of your billing period and you can restart your membership whenever you want.
Can I access US Netflix in India?
Not really. Depending on where you’re located, you get access to the local Netflix library, which can differ from the US library due to licensing rights. So if you’re in India, you get access to the Indian content library.
Keep in mind that Netflix original productions, which make up a huge chunk of the platform’s library, are available globally. Plus, there’s so much content on Netflix India that it’s doubtful you’ll run out of stuff to watch anytime soon.
When will new content be coming to Netflix?
New content is arriving on Netflix on a regular basis – literally every week. You can check the Coming Soon section in your Netflix app for a quick overview of upcoming titles heading for the platform.
Netflix India FAQs
How much content does Netflix India offer?
We monitor Netflix content additions and removals daily. At any given time, there tends to be at least 2,000+ TV shows and 3,500+ movies. TV highlights include global hits like Stranger Things, Lucifer, The Witcher, Virgin River, The Crown and more.
To browse the complete TV show and movie libraries for Netflix, follow the links below.
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