What is Netflix? You might ask that question if you've somehow managed to avoid the streaming giant all these years. If, by some miracle, you have done that, we're here to help get you up to speed. Even if you just need some extra information, we have your back; the service is quite different from what it once was. These days, Netflix even has its finger in the mobile gaming pie, so let's look at everything you need to know.
Though if you want to discover even more about a Netflix competitor, our what is Paramount Plus guide can dish some dirt. Or, to learn about other services, give our what is TikTok, what is Trello, what is Zoom, and what is Apple Arcade content a read.
What is Netflix?
In a nutshell, Netflix is a pioneer of the entertainment streaming industry, being one of the biggest in the world in the sector. Even though it faces tough competition from the likes of Disney Plus and Amazon Prime, Netflix continues to hold its position with thousands of movies and TV shows on its platform, some of which are Netflix Originals, making it impossible to watch them elsewhere. If you want to watch Squid Game, Arcane, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, or Stranger Things, Netflix is where you need to be.
Another perk to joining the service is that you get access to Netflix games, giving you another form of media to enjoy with some of the best mobile games completely free, including Hades, Monument Valley, and more. Well, you still have to pay the monthly Netflix subscription, but we're all doing that already, aren't we?
How much is Netflix?
Netflix has several tiers for you to choose from, so whether you want it for yourself or an entire household, there are options:
- Standard with ads - $7.99/ £5.99
- Standard on two devices - $17.99/ £12.99
- Premium on four devices - $24.99/ £18.99
- Add extra member with ads - $6.99 / £4.99
- Add extra member - $8.99 / £5.99
Standard with ads allows you to use your account on two devices at a time, though some movies and shows are unavailable. If you choose standard without ads, it's the same number of devices, but you get access to everything on the platform, and now you can also download content - and, clue's in the name, you're no longer interrupted by ads in the middle of your show or movie.
If you go one step further than the standard, you can double devices to four with a premium account. This option also allows download on six devices. Premium is the most expensive option and is the only one that allows you to watch content in Ultra HD, and you also have Netflix spatial audio available to you.
Furthermore, every subscription tier gives you full access to Netflix's mobile games, which are downloadable straight from the mobile app.
How can I add members?
Adding members is a relatively new feature for Netflix since the password-sharing crackdown. Adding a member to your plan gives them their own account, including device limit, username, and password. They are also not required to live with you. Here's a reminder of the costs involved:
- Add extra member with ads - $6.99 / £4.99
- Add extra member - $8.99 / £5.99
On the standard plan, you can add one member, and on the premium you can add two. You cannot add members to the standard with ads plan.
What do I get with Netflix?
You get access to hundreds upon hundreds of TV shows and movies, and depending on which subscription you have, you can also download them on your phone, tablet, laptop, etc. With that in mind, Netflix is great for those of you who travel a lot. This can make the journey a bit more bearable - sure, the end location of a plane ride is fun, but if you don't have anything to watch, it drags.
You also get access to heaps of Netflix games, because the streaming service provides a number of titles that can be downloaded onto your device without the need to pay for them elsewhere.
There you have it, the answer to what Netflix is. If you want to try the service, our Netflix download guide can help you out.