Netflix is worth it if you watch 8+ hours/month and value its original content. At $6.99-$22.99/month, the value depends on your plan choice and viewing habits. The ad-supported tier offers good value at $6.99/month. If you mainly want licensed content (movies/shows from other studios), competitors may offer better libraries.
Netflix Plans & Pricing (2025)
| Plan | Price/Month | Quality | Screens | Ads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard with Ads | $6.99 | 1080p | 2 | Yes |
| Standard | $15.49 | 1080p | 2 | No |
| Premium | $22.99 | 4K + HDR | 4 | No |
Note: Netflix discontinued its Basic plan in 2024. The cheapest ad-free option is now Standard at $15.49/month.
Netflix Strengths
Original Content Library
Netflix's biggest advantage is its massive original content slate. Popular originals include:
- Series: Stranger Things, Wednesday, Squid Game, The Witcher, Bridgerton, The Crown
- Movies: Glass Onion, All Quiet on the Western Front, Don't Look Up
- Documentaries: Our Planet, Formula 1: Drive to Survive, Chef's Table
- Stand-up comedy: Largest library of comedy specials
User Experience
Netflix has the best streaming interface and recommendation system. Features include:
- Personalized recommendations that actually work
- Download for offline viewing
- Multiple user profiles
- Skip intro/recap buttons
- Works on virtually every device
No Annual Commitment
Cancel anytime, month-to-month. Easy to pause and restart as new content releases.
Netflix Weaknesses
Price Increases
Netflix has raised prices multiple times. The ad-free Standard plan is now $15.49/month - nearly double what it cost a few years ago. For a family wanting 4K, $22.99/month is steep.
Content Churn
Licensed content (movies and shows from other studios) regularly leaves Netflix as studios launch their own services. If you want specific franchises:
- Marvel/Star Wars/Pixar: Disney+
- Harry Potter/DC/HBO shows: Max
- Paramount movies/Star Trek: Paramount+
- Universal movies/NBC shows: Peacock
Quality Inconsistency
Netflix releases a lot of content, but quality varies. Many shows get canceled after 1-2 seasons, and the "quantity over quality" approach frustrates some viewers.
Password Sharing Crackdown
Netflix now restricts account sharing to people in your household. Sharing with friends or family living elsewhere requires the "extra member" add-on ($7.99/month per person).
Netflix vs. Competitors
| Service | Ad-Free Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $15.49+ | Original series and movies |
| Max | $16.99 | HBO shows, DC, Harry Potter, prestige TV |
| Disney+ | $13.99 | Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, family content |
| Prime Video | $8.99 | Included with Prime, solid originals |
| Hulu | $17.99 | Next-day TV, FX shows |
| Apple TV+ | $9.99 | High-quality originals, smaller library |
Who Should Subscribe to Netflix
Netflix Is Worth It If You:
- Love Netflix originals (Stranger Things, etc.)
- Watch 8+ hours of streaming per month
- Value a polished, easy-to-use interface
- Want the largest variety of content in one place
- Are okay with the ad-supported tier ($6.99)
Skip Netflix If You:
- Mainly want specific franchises (Marvel, HBO, etc.)
- Watch less than 4-5 hours/month
- Refuse to pay $15+/month or watch ads
- Already subscribe to 3+ streaming services
- Prefer renting/buying specific movies
Money-Saving Tips
- Try the ad tier: $6.99/month with limited ads is decent value
- Rotate subscriptions: Subscribe for a month, binge what you want, cancel, switch to another service
- Check for bundles: T-Mobile, Verizon, and some credit cards include Netflix
- Split Premium: The $22.99 plan allows 4 screens - split with household members
The Bottom Line
Netflix is worth it if you actively watch its originals and can justify the cost per hour of entertainment. The ad-supported tier at $6.99/month offers the best value.
Consider alternatives if you're drawn to specific content libraries (Disney+, Max) or want to save money with services bundled into other subscriptions (Prime Video with Amazon Prime).
Related Questions
Netflix now restricts sharing to your household. To share with someone outside your home, you need to add them as an "extra member" for $7.99/month.
The ad-supported plan shows an average of 4-5 minutes of ads per hour. Ads appear before and during content. Some titles aren't available on the ad tier due to licensing restrictions.
Only if you have a 4K TV and watch a lot of Netflix. The Premium plan ($22.99) is $7.50 more than Standard for 4K + HDR quality and 2 extra simultaneous streams. Worth it for households with multiple viewers or 4K enthusiasts.
It depends on what you watch. Netflix for originals, Max for prestige TV and HBO, Disney+ for family content and franchises, Prime Video for value (included with Amazon Prime). Most households benefit from 2-3 services rotated throughout the year.