The way we consume content has changed over the past decade, with many switching over to streaming services such as Netflix. In the past, we waited week after week for our favorite shows to premiere another episode. Nowadays, we have the luxury of binge-watching an entire season all in one sitting. Netflix primarily popularized streaming and watching content without the use of a TV.
With the mobile Netflix app, just about anyone with a smartphone and enough storage and data can stream shows in a pinch. However, if you are still unsure whether or not the app is worth it, you have come to the right place. Here is an in-depth Netflix app review, complete with necessary details like price and features.
What Is Netflix
First of all, let us break down what Netflix is. Started way back in 1997, Netflix was founded and is largely owned by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph. Today, the American streaming service and production company is headquartered in Los Gatos, California. It has production hubs in four different parts of the United States and Europe, with one in Albuquerque, New Mexico, one in Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, U.K., one in New York City, and another in Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain.
Netflix Features
Throughout its existence, Netflix has continuously developed features deemed attractive by its users. Naturally, if you want to download the Netflix app but are yet unsure of its benefits, the features are what you first look at. Most people weigh out the features and options before even considering buying something. The same can be said for this streaming service. Here are the features of Netflix:
Library
Netflix has an impressively extensive library of films and TV shows for you to choose from. In the past, Netflix relied on content made by other parties, with people being able to watch videos on demand. However, since its evolution, Netflix has ventured into the world of production as well. Now, Netflix has an equally formidable selection of originals, which it deems “Netflix Originals.”
So, just what can you watch on Netflix? The better question would be, what can’t you watch on Netflix? As stated above, Netflix has a wide library of content. It has a bevy of films, both American and international. The streaming giant also has tons of TV series, including classic sitcoms and shows from other countries.
When it comes to Netflix Originals, some of the best films include The Irishman, Marriage Story, and Roma. It is worth noting that these three films were all nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. Okja, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, First They Killed My Father, and Set It Up are also all good Netflix films.
As for the best original series, Netflix has a ton. It notably broke through the awards season barrier with its first original series, House of Cards. Other award-winning shows include Bojack Horseman, Mindhunter, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Master of None, Stranger Things, Orange Is the New Black, Designated Survivor, and GLOW. Netflix is also known for its selection of documentaries, with ones involving murders and serial killers being the most popular.
Netflix continues to add new content to its platform every day, so you can bet you will not run out of things to watch. Its substantial library is undoubtedly one of its most attractive features.
Profiles
If you are sharing your Netflix account with other people, you do not need to worry about overlapping content. Netflix allows you to create up to five different profiles. You can customize each one to suit your taste and even change your profile photo. It is worth noting, however, that the Profiles feature does not exist on devices produced before 2013. So, if you have an older device, you likely will not have access to this feature.
Offline Watching
In the technological age, virtually nothing else is worse than having no internet. We thrive on connectivity, and being offline for even just a few hours can seem like years. To add insult to injury, you also cannot stream your favorite films or shows when you have no Wi-Fi or data — or can you?
With Netflix’s download feature, you can download as much as 100 titles per device, provided your device storage allows it. As for the number of devices you can have downloads on, it is equal to the number of devices you can watch on at the same time, depending on your plan. Not all titles are available for download, though. However, if you see a download button on the title, then that particular content is available for download.
It is also important to note that your downloads will only appear on the device you downloaded them on. So, if you downloaded a film on your tablet, you can only watch that downloaded film on that tablet. Do not expect to access the same downloaded film on a separate device. Additionally, the beauty of downloads is that it does not count towards the maximum device limit.
Multi-Device Support
Another feature worth mentioning is Netflix’s multi-device support. You can download and use the Netflix app on almost any device that can support it and has the storage for it. When it comes to how many devices you can watch on at the same time, that depends on your Netflix subscription plan.
Audio and Subtitles
Those who love subtitles or need it can rest assured knowing Netflix has the feature available. All of Netflix’s content has the option of subtitles in English and other languages. This is great for those who have trouble understanding certain languages or are hard of hearing. It is also a good way to practice your foreign language skills.
On the other hand, not everyone is used to seeing or reading subtitles on their screens. In that case, some movies and shows also offer audio tracks in the language you’re more comfortable with. This is especially useful for shows in a foreign language other than English.
Skip Intro
It may not seem like a big feature to some, but many people find the “Skip Intro” feature a big help. This, of course, only applies to TV shows with intros and opening themes. Sometimes, you simply can’t be bothered to sit through 10 or so seconds of song and title. It is normal to just want to get straight to the action. With just a tap of a button, you can skip ahead and bypass the intro.
Hidden Netflix Features
While most of the above features are known to all, there are some features that remain hidden. These are sometimes called hidden features or secret features. Not a lot of people know about these, but the few who do love to use them. Let us break down the hidden Netflix features below:
Netflix VR
Although it is a separate app you can just as easily download Netflix VR and watch content in VR mode. This app is compatible with a great many VR platforms powered by Android. So, if you have a Samsung Gear VR or Google’s Daydream, you can fully take advantage of this feature. While some have complained about its practicality, it is undeniably a step into the future. Who knows? VR technology might advance in the near future and let you watch shows as if you were actually there in the action.
Secret Codes
Netflix already has an impressive layout and genre sorting. You can search for titles manually or browse through your options by filtering the genres. However, if you want to be extremely specific about the genre you are looking for, there is a way to search for that. Using the hidden feature of secret codes, you can gain access to genres like Film Noir, Silent Movies, and Art House Movies.
Unfortunately, searching for titles using secret codes is only available on a computer. However, you always have the option to browse titles using secret codes and then listing them down for later viewing on your mobile Netflix app. Alternatively, you can just use your mobile web browser.
To search using secret codes, just log into your Netflix account on your computer browser. Add “/browse/genre/XXXX” at the end of the URL. Fill in the “XXXX” part with the secret code you want to browse.
Netflix Party
This feature, although not exactly integrated into the mobile Netflix app itself, is still worth adding to this list. Netflix Party is a Google Chrome extension, so it is only available on a computer. However, if you have a Netflix account and would like to watch a film or show with friends who are far away, Netflix Party is the way to go. The extension lets you simultaneously watch the same content and even has a chat feature so you and your friends can comment on the show in real-time.
New Netflix Features
Like many services, Netflix introduces new features every now and then. These features are typical to improve on the overall user experience. Recently, there have been two new major features that Netflix unveiled. Let us take a look at them below:
Parental Lock
It is widely known that Netflix has a kids’ profile feature, allowing parents to adjust the maturity rating and choose which shows to remove from their kids’ profiles. However, before the introduction of the parental lock feature, kids could access their parents’ profiles. This lets them gain access to all content, including ones that are not appropriate for their age.
With the parental lock feature, Netflix enables parents to put a PIN on their profiles. This means only those who enter the correct PIN can access the profile. So, children have no way of accessing mature content if they do not know their parents’ PIN codes. This barrier is particularly effective for kids who like to play around the Netflix settings or who just want to watch what mommy or daddy is watching.
Top 10
Another recently introduced feature is the Top 10. In the past, there was no way of knowing which titles were, in order, popular. Now, with the Top 10 feature, Netflix shows you which titles people are loving at the moment in descending order. This works for all titles, movies, or TV shows. If you go to the movies section, you can see the Top 10 movies in your country. The same goes for the shows section. When you are on the home screen, you can see which titles overall are popular.
Netflix Subscription Price
| Plans | Price | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | $8.99 monthly | This doesn’t have HD viewing, and you can only watch on one device at any given time. |
| Standard Plan | $12.99 monthly | This plan lets you view videos in HD. You can also watch content on two screens at the same time |
| Premium Plan | $12.99 monthly | This plan lets you watch on four screens simultaneously. |
There are three Netflix plans price to choose from. The first is the Basic plan, which costs $8.99 a month. It does not have HD viewing, and you can only watch on one device at any given time. The second plan is the Standard, which costs $12.99 a month. This plan lets you view videos in HD. You can also watch content on two screens at the same time.
The third and final plan is Premium. The Netflix price per month for the premium plan is $15.99. This plan lets you watch on four screens simultaneously. Plus, it offers 4K viewing. For these benefits, the Netflix 4K price is certainly a bargain.
These plans, while affordable, have gone through a Netflix price increase since 2018. Back then, the basic plan only cost $7.99, the standard only $10.99, and the premium only $13.99. Since the economy is ever-changing, you can also expect a price increase in several years’ time.
How to Cancel Netflix Subscription
Netflix does not make it difficult for you to terminate your subscription with them. If you have had enough of your Netflix account or simply want to save money, you can cancel your Netflix subscription by following these steps on your mobile Netflix app:
- On the Netflix app, tap on “More”
- Choose “Account” and tap on “Cancel Membership”
- Confirm your cancellation
How to Download Netflix Shows
Watching films and shows on the go has never been simpler. By downloading titles, you can save content for later viewing. You can watch your favorite sitcom while on the subway or a new film you have been dying to check out on a flight. Downloading Netflix shows and films is easy. To do so, follow the steps below:
- Launch the Netflix app
- Open the film or show you wish to download
- For films, just tap the download button
- For shows, you will need to tap the download button beside each episode
- Access your downloads by tapping on the “Downloads” section at the bottom of your homepage
How to Remove Continue Watching on Netflix
Sometimes, you begin a show or film but find it boring halfway through. You end up not finishing it, but it still shows up on your “Continue Watching” section. If you find it annoying, there is an easy way you can remove titles from your “Continue Watching.” All you need to do is delete your viewing history. Here is how to delete Netflix history:
- On the Netflix app, tap on “More”
- Tap “Account”
- Scroll down and tap on your profile to open up a menu
- Tap “Viewing activity”
- Look for the title you wish to delete and tap the circle with a line through it (this should be right next to the title)
Netflix Benefits for Customers
If you are not yet sold on what Netflix has to offer, then consider its many benefits for its customers. Netflix users can enjoy a wide array of titles, from the most popular films to the most obscure movies. It is nearly impossible to run out of things to watch on Netflix.
In addition to that, you can watch these titles anytime and anywhere. As long as you have a mobile device and a stable internet connection, you can stream using the Netflix app. Even if you do not have a stable connection, provided you have stored some downloads, you will not be bored.
Whether you are with friends or far away, a Netflix account offers you the chance to watch titles together. If you are in the same room, you can enjoy a multitude of films and shows. On the other hand, if you are apart, you can always use Netflix Party.
If you love to discover new shows and movies to watch, Netflix’s Suggestions are great for you. The streaming service uses a sophisticated algorithm to gauge your taste. From there, it offers recommendations for you to watch. If you dislike a certain show or film, you can just give it a thumbs down. Conversely, if you like something, you can rate it with a thumbs up. Netflix uses this rating system as a way to ascertain your liking.
Is the Netflix App Worth It?
So, is the Netflix app worth it? Short answer: yes. With over 148 million paid subscribers around the world, it is easy to see that Netflix is a juggernaut in the online streaming scene.
Overall, the Netflix app is certainly a formidable challenger in the world of online streaming. Some would even say it is a pioneer. Netflix boasts a plethora of benefits and features, offers competitive pricing, and provides an intuitive user interface design. It has an extensive library of content and introduces new ones almost every day. If you are looking for a reliable streaming platform, then the Netflix app should definitely be at the top of your list.
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