Netflix has quietly gone from being an affordable alternative to cable to one of the most expensive streaming subscriptions around, rising from about $8 in 2014 to $25 a month now for the Premium plan. Added to that, its crackdown on password sharing has made the platform feel even more restrictive, given that I can’t exactly save by splitting the cost of the plan with family and friends living elsewhere in the country.
So, like a lot of other subscribers, I found myself wondering if Netflix is still worth it. I mean, there are so many cheaper alternatives to Netflix available that offer a surprisingly decent selection of content. For instance, I tried Roku’s $3 streaming plan and was pleasantly surprised by the variety it offered, while being completely ad-free.
That said, Netflix does offer a few perks that have made it hard for me to walk away from the service. It’s these reasons that keep me renewing my subscription, despite the recent price hikes.
Almost unbeatable content and catalog
And no paywalls make all the difference
I really enjoy the variety of content on Netflix, and the fact that none of the movies or shows are locked behind additional paywalls is an added benefit. I won’t ever cancel Prime Video because it comes bundled with my Amazon membership, but I’m often annoyed that so much of the content I want to watch on the platform requires an additional rental or purchase.
With Netflix, fortunately, once I’ve paid the monthly fee, I don’t have to worry about any hidden costs. I really appreciate this, especially given that Netflix has a vast amount of content, ranging from documentaries to international films and even Netflix Originals, all worth exploring. While not every show/movie will hit the mark, I’ve found so much good content that I keep coming back to, and it’s nice to know that I won’t ever be surprised by a rental fee when I’m excited about watching something on the platform.
My carrier covers a part of the cost
It’s a small perk that makes a big difference
If you’re a T-Mobile customer, you might be able to access Netflix for free. In my case, my T-Mobile plan included a Netflix Standard with ads plan (which typically costs $8 per month) at no additional cost. However, I’ve upgraded to the Premium plan, which means I pay the difference. Still, given that I’m not paying the entire $25 every month, it makes Netflix feel like less of a splurge.
So, if you really like the content on Netflix and want to keep your subscription, check if your carrier offers it to you for free or at a discounted price. This is also a great way to test out the platform if you’re on the fence about signing up for it.
I can stream effortlessly when traveling
No restrictions mean I can watch my favorite shows abroad
If you often travel, you know how frustrating it is not to be able to access your favorite streaming sites. With Netflix, you don’t have to worry about this since you can continue using it as usual on your phone and computer.
Of course, there might be small differences in the selection of movies and TV shows available to you, but I’ve found that it doesn’t change all that much. It’s one less thing to worry about if you’re vacationing or traveling for work.
The algorithm works for me
Netflix’s recommendations rarely fail me
I’ve watched Netflix for so long now that its algorithm does an excellent job of suggesting content that really matches my preferences. From hidden gems to new releases, I’ve come across some great content that I might have otherwise missed.
This often brings me back to the platform when I can’t find anything else to watch elsewhere because the recommendations have proven to be fairly spot on.
I share it with people in my house
You don’t have to make your password completely private
I live with family, so sharing my Netflix password with them has made the subscription feel more affordable and worthwhile. Everyone has their own profile, and each of us gets personalized recommendations. This means we can each watch what we want without paying separately for the service.
What you could do if you don’t want to shell out as much for Netflix
There are plenty of reasons to avoid subscribing to Netflix, but it’s one of those platforms that has been around for so long and has such a vast library that it’s hard to ignore completely. If the price feels too steep, and you’re unable to score it at a discount (like I did with my carrier), you might want to consider rotating your subscriptions. Sign up for Netflix only when you know there’s content you want to watch, and cancel it when you’re done. Another option is downgrading to a more affordable, ad-supported plan. The cheapest plan costs just $8 per month and still gives you access to Netflix’s vast library.
