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Netflix USA: Price, features and content
A pioneer in the streaming market, this media giant has come a long way since its notorious red-envelope mail service.
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Netflix pros and cons
Pros
- Original titles. As the pioneer of original content, Netflix offers high-interest movies and series.
- Parental controls. Easily control content that’s available to younger viewers by creating multiple profiles.
- Huge content library. There’s something for every taste, from comedies to dramas, reality, documentaries and kids’ content.
- Seamless streaming experience. Netflix comes packed with excellent features and great device compatibility.
Cons
- No live streaming options. Users can’t access live TV shows or current seasons.
- Limited global content. Though Netflix offers service to multiple countries, not all its content is available everywhere.
- No free trial. Netflix used to offer a 30-day trial to users, but removed the offer in October 2020.
- Can be expensive. Especially if you’re after the Premium plan.
What's in this guide?
What is Netflix?
The biggest streaming service in the world needs no introduction. Here’s one anyway. With humble beginnings as a DVD delivery service, Netflix essentially paved the way for streaming video on-demand almost single-handedly. After Netflix’s huge global launch in January 2016, the world’s entertainment providers and media giants have battled to keep up.
With partnerships with top content creators and distributors under its belt, Netflix is regularly rolling out high-quality original content for all tastes and ages. This consistent stream of quality originals is one thing, but the company can also attribute a big part of its success to innovative streaming technologies. That includes developing its own compression technology and toying with interactive television shows.
Over the years, Netflix has expanded its reach to more than 190 countries including the UK, countries across Europe, Australia and New Zealand. But content is limited in some regions and you can’t stream primetime TV shows like you can with competitors like Hulu.
How much does Netflix cost?
Netflix currently offers three streaming plans and good old-fashioned DVD plans. Check out the prices below.
Netflix streaming plans and pricing
| Plan | Quality | Streams | Price a month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Standard definition | 1 | $8.99 |
| Standard | Up to high definition | 2 | $13.99 |
| Premium | Up to 4K ultra-high definition | 4 | $17.99 |
Netflix raised the prices on Standard and Premium plans in October 2020.
Netflix DVD delivery plans
| Plan | Disc format | Maximum rentals at a time | Price a month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Standard DVD | 1 DVD | $7.99 |
| HD Blu-ray | 1 DVD | $9.99 | |
| Premier | Standard DVD | 2 DVD | $11.99 |
| HD blue-ray | 2 DVD | $14.99 |
Does Netflix offer a free trial?
Netflix no longer offers a 30-day free trial. Instead you’re required to sign up if you want to start streaming Netflix content. Since the 30-day trial has been discontinued Netflix instead offers a free upgrade for a limited time.
If you sign up for a Basic subscription you’ll move up to the Standard package free for 30 days. The same applies to signing up for Standard — you’ll get 30 days of Premium for free. Premium offers no free upgrades.
A 30-day free trial applies if you sign up for a DVD delivery plan.
Is Netflix Premium worth it?
An upgrade to premium can be worthwhile if you want to stream on up to four devices. Another benefit of upgrading is the quality of your viewing experience. Users with smaller and older TVs report that the basic plan works well — but if you have a high-definition TV, it’s worth the upgrade.
What content does Netflix offer?
Netflix comes with a generous content library featuring both TV shows and movies, with a focus on original productions.
The platform offers acclaimed dramas like The Crown , The Queen’s Gambit, Narcos and The Witcher. It also has comedies like Grace and Frankie, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and BoJack Horseman.
There are multiple choices on the movie front too, from blockbusters like The Irishman to indie darlings like Horse Girl. As a nice bonus, Netflix boasts a great collection of kids’ content, reality TV, documentaries and comedy specials.
Best shows to watch on Netflix
Netflix offers so many options, its name’s become a verb — not to mention suggestive meme-worthy slang. Watch award-winning series like Breaking Bad and The Office, binge Netflix originals like House of Cards and Orange Is the New Black or discover cult favorites like Bojack Horseman and Bob’s Burgers all with this streaming giant.
What features does Netflix offer?
This popular streaming service lets you watch multiple shows simultaneously and offers parental protections to curate a child-friendly experience. Here are the key highlights:
Original content. With hundreds of original titles, Netflix has captured the attention of millions of users. Its content has taken home Emmys, Academy Awards, Grammys and Golden Globes.
Stream on multiple devices at once. With its premium plan, users can stream on up to four devices at a time.
Download content. You can download content to any registered device to save on using up your data. There are limitations on what you download, but most expire after seven days and can only play on the device you downloaded them on.
Multiple profiles. Add as many profiles as you need to keep all your favorite shows in one place. It also curates its recommendations and content according to your history. And it’s an easy way to monitor what kids watch, with multiple levels of parental controls and a watch history.
Great video quality. The Premium plan offers content in 4K quality, ensuring a superior viewing experience.
Accessibility features. Netflix offers subtitles and closed captions, dubbed content, audio descriptions and more.
What devices and platforms are compatible with Netflix?
Netflix is available on a broad range of devices, including set top boxes, smart TVs and streaming players. No matter what device you’re using, the Netflix interface is consistent and easy to use. It allows you to pause and pick up on another device too.
PC/laptop: available on most popular browsers
Game consoles: Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS
Smart TVs: Fire TV, Hisense, LG Smart TV , LG blu-ray , Panasonic, Philips, Roku TV, Samsung Blu-ray , Sanyo, Sony, Sharp, Vizio, WD TV
Streaming media player: Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, NVidia Shield, Roku
Other devices: Selected set-top boxes and Blu-ray players
How much data does Netflix use?
The amount of data Netflix streaming uses depends on your resolutions and how long you stream. Download content to save data and watch shows offline. The service offers four data usage settings:
Low: 0.3 GB an hour
Medium: 0.7 GB an hour
High: Best quality up to 3 GB an hour, and 7 GB an hour for Ultra HD
Auto: Adjusts to give you the highest quality possible based on your Internet connection speed.
Can I watch Netflix offline?
Yes. Netflix lets you download titles to tablets, smartphones and computers running Windows 10. That way, you can enjoy all your favorite Netflix TV shows and movies when you’re on the go without burning through your mobile data.
We have an in-depth step-by-step guide on how to download from Netflix to get you up and running. Not all titles on Netflix are available for download, depending on licensing rights. However, a big part of the library is accessible offline on mobile as well.
Netflix Party
Netflix Party is a Chrome extension that enables you to watch Netflix with loved ones even when you’re apart. All you need is a Chrome browser. Additionally, everyone you plan to invite to your watch party needs to have a Netflix account. We have a step-by-step guide on how to set up Netflix Party and start watching together within minutes.
How can I cancel Netflix?
If you want to end your Netflix subscription or if you decided on a different streaming service, you can cancel at any time. Check out our guide on how to unsubscribe from Netflix, complete with step-by-step and video instructions.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start streaming with Netflix?
Go to Netflix.com and sign up. If it’s DVDs you’re after, visit dvd.netflix.com.
How do I find out about the latest Netflix releases?
As a Netflix customer, you’ll receive consistent content updates via email and can follow the platform’s official social media account.
I don’t have a smart TV, can I still stream Netflix at home?
Netflix streams on many devices — smart TVs are only one possibility. Stream on computers, mobile devices, gaming consoles and more.
Consider a streaming alternative
- Stream Live TV channels
- Hulu Originals
- Full seasons of current and classic shows anytime, anywhere
Our top pick: Hulu + Live TV
Watch hundreds of your favorite shows with a free Hulu + Live TV trial.
- $44.99/month with first week free
- Stream over 60 news, sports and entertainment channels live
- Record 50 hours of live TV with Cloud DVR service
- Unlimited access to Hulu’s full content library
A-Z of International Netflix TV Show and Movie Lists
Case study: Michael's experience
Michael Bowley
Publisher
Netflix was the final factor in my family cutting the cable cord. Its recent surge in quality Netflix-made content as well as its acquisition of old movies and TV shows means there’s always something new and exciting to watch.
My top Netflix feature is the ability to access your account simultaneously on multiple devices, meaning family members can share the same account with their own content suggestions.
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Ask an Expert
Since i moved from the Caribbean to South East Asia wish to cancel Netflix account.
How do I do it?
Have already informed the Credit Card company but wish to inform Netflix?
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out to us. If you want to make sure that you have properly cancelled your account, you’ll want to end your subscription through the following steps:
-Sign in to Netflix.
-Click the down arrow at the top right of the page, next to your profile name.
-Select the Account section.
-Under Membership and billing, click the gray Cancel membership box.
-Click Finish cancellation to confirm you want to cancel.
With this, Netflix will be notified that your account is cancelled.
Hope this helped!
Brian
I want to cancel my account.
Hi Rasha,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. I hope all is well with you.
If you want to cancel your Netflix account, you can watch the video tutorial or simply follow these steps:
1. Sign in to your Netflix account using your username and password.
2. Click ‘Your Account’ in the drop-down box.
3. On the ‘My Account’ screen, click ‘Cancel Membership’ (located near the top of the screen under Membership and Billing
4. On the next screen, you will be given an exact date your account is paid up to and the date your subscription will officially cease.
5. Click ‘Finish Cancellation’ to complete the cancellation process.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
Can I get Stingray music in Netflix?
Hi Amos,
Thank you for reaching out to finder.
Netflix is a streaming service specific to TV shows and Movies available in their library. Music streaming is not included in any Netflix package. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
how come CSI is not on netfix
Hello Sharon,
Thank you for reaching out to us.
Though Netflix has a wide library of content for TV Shows/ Movies, still there are series that are not available due to copyright issues. You may head directly to Netflix website to suggest for CSI to be added to their content in the future.
I hope this helps.
Please do not hesitate to reach out again to us if you have additional questions.
Cheers,
Ash
I need to cancel my subscription, but I can’t go to the website of Netflix and the due date is today, Oct 8. What can I do?
Hello Carlo,
Thank you for your comment.
You may want to check out our guide and video to learn how to cancel your Netflix subscription. If you are unable to load the Netflix website, please have a check on your internet connection and check the URL if it’s correct. I hope this helps.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chatbox on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn