Is Netflix Worth It? 5 Reasons to Sign Up

Netflix has become the byword for binge-watching. With more than 260 million subscribers worldwide as of December 31, 2023, it leads the pack of streaming services. But sheer numbers aren't always a barometer for quality and personal tastes. So, let's ask and answer if a Netflix subscription is worth it for you and your family.

What Is Netflix?

Netflix needs no introduction today. It was founded in 1997 as a DVD rental service and has morphed into a global streaming giant that has changed our entertainment habits.

With a vast library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original content (even Oscar contenders), Netflix introduced us to binge-watching. You can use it on any platform. Its user-friendly interface, personalized recommendations, and adaptive streaming technology that adjusts video quality on the fly set the benchmark for all streaming options that followed. 

Who Should Get a Netflix Subscription?

The decision to buy a Netflix subscription has become critical with rising subscription costs and competing alternatives. The service is worth its price if you:

• Always need something new to watch.
• Want to watch a lot of original content that spans different languages and a broad range of stories.
• Love to binge-watch and don't have the patience for weekly, episodic TV shows.
• Consume a lot of real-life stories, historical events, and documentaries.
• Want family-friendly programming and kid-friendly features.

Who Shouldn't Get a Netflix Subscription?

With so many entertainment choices, Netflix isn't the only option. Here are a few reasons you might not sign up:

• Niche viewing — For instance, a specific interest in wildlife shows and documentaries.
• Services like Hulu + Live TV, ESPN+, or YouTube TV are better alternatives for those interested in live events, especially sports.
• Netflix has tiered subscription plans for different needs and the number of screens, but the cost might not be for everyone.
• Users with limited or unreliable internet access may face challenges with streaming quality.
• You want a platform that doesn't disallow password sharing.

Why You Should Get a Netflix Subscription

Netflix pioneered streaming shows and movies. That lead – and its heavy investments in its huge content library and underlying technology – have made it the one streaming option you will always lean toward. Here are the compelling reasons.

You Want Exclusive Original Shows and Movies

For every Black Mirror, there's also The Mist. Netflix has its shares of hits and flops, but original programming is a big part of its catalog. Some original movies and TV shows have also reached the top at the Oscars and Golden Globes.

WhatsOnNetflix reported that the percentage of original content in the U.S. alone is almost 56% of its total catalog.

You Value Something More Than Movies and TV Shows

Netflix also includes comedy specials like Jack Whitehall's Settle Down and Chris Rock's Tamborine. And though it's a small part of the service now, the 90-odd mobile games are a fun feature on the Netflix app without an added subscription cost. 

Documentaries are a big part of Netflix; you don't need to subscribe to a separate documentary streamer for your fix. 

You Want a High-Definition Experience

The Netflix Premium plan comes with 4K Ultra HD and Spatial Audio. Of course, you need a compatible device and internet bandwidth to make it work. Try watching Life on Our Planet and see the difference.

The lower-tiered plans come with standard HD (1080p), which isn't bad.

You Want the Best in Streaming Technology

Any 4K or HD streaming won't be any good if your bandwidth is choppy. You can set up Netflix from its settings for optimum video quality. Netflix also shows a resolution label on the screen depending on your device. Behind the scenes, the content delivery mechanics are incredibly complex. But it's comforting to know that buffering and lags will be minimal if the network holds up.

You Want a Comfortable User Experience

Many alternative platforms suffer from nagging issues — for instance, Apple TV's lack of landscape mode in its app. The Netflix UI sets the standards with smooth playback, search, and seamless sync with other devices.

When You Shouldn't Sign Up for Netflix

You can also do without Netflix. It all comes down to your viewing preferences and a few other factors.

Personal Lifestyle Choices

For someone with limited time for leisure, a Netflix subscription may not be practical. Instead, a pay-per-view or on-demand rental service might offer more flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Budgets and Price Hikes

A subscription is a recurring cost. Netflix has hiked its subscription prices almost every year since its first price jump in 2014. The cost of its Standard plan (without ads) is $15.49/month, and its Premium plan (streaming in Ultra HD and simultaneous streaming to four devices) is $22.99/month in the U.S. Previously, it was $9.99 and $19.99. Netflix also has different prices for different countries.

While price hikes are understandable because of content production and other factors, increasing prices can push it out of someone's budget. There are more economical alternatives like Peacock for anyone who doesn't watch many shows.

Too-Frequent Content Shifts

Netflix often cuts shows (if they're not Stranger Things or Squid Game) to reduce programming costs. This uncertainty can be annoying if you really started digging a show like The Brothers Sun and others. Several, like Dead End: Paranormal Park and Sex Education, had a near-perfect critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes when they were taken off. 

Limited Regional Content

Even though Netflix is available in 190 countries, its content isn't universal. Its library of TV shows and movies varies by country and changes frequently. Some regions may not have access to the latest and best. If you hanker for more regional content, your choices can be limited depending on where you live.

Netflix Alternatives Offer More Choices

Other streaming services, such as Amazon Prime and Disney+, are gradually building their library of movies and TV shows. Amazon has a more extensive library, for example, and Disney+ carries major franchises like Marvel and Star Wars. Services like Amazon and Hulu also let you add on other "channels," like AMC+ and PBS, among others.

In short, you can compare and choose alternative streaming services that fit your preferences.