Netflix Review 2026: Does One of the Most Notorious Streaming Services Still Hold Up?

I’m always a complainer when it comes to paying for subscriptions. I want a perfectly curated catalog with no ads and an insanely low price. Lucky for me, Netflix offers plans that fit that bill. Depending on my mood (and my patience for ads), I swap between the Standard and Standard with ads plans every few months, and, thankfully, Netflix makes it easy to switch.

For an average viewer, the differences in ads and picture quality aren’t too noticeable, making the Standard with ads plan an absolute steal. But, of course, there are some of us who want just a bit more from our watch sessions. The Premium plan allows for 4K viewing and Netflix Spatial Audio, which can be an easy “yes” for viewers who are truly passionate about the quality of their streaming. The Premium plan feels just a bit too pricey for what it offers, though, and I’m more than happy to stick to my Standard plan, even with slightly lower quality.

Gone are the days of panicking after getting kicked off your dad’s ex-girlfriend’s roommate’s account. Now, you can add an 'Extra Member' to Standard or Premium plans for a flat monthly fee. While this only saves you $1 compared to a standalone 'Standard with ads' plan, it cuts the cost of a separate ad-free subscription nearly in half — making it the smartest way to share the bill without sacrificing the experience.

Netflix offers other account customizations like parental controls, playback settings, and profile transfers, and they are surprisingly easy to navigate. Most account modifications can be done from your app, but any changes that affect your billing must be made on an internet browser, which can add an annoying step to the process when you want to adjust your monthly subscription.

Netflix’s parental controls are widely considered some of the best in the industry, with robust features:

• Profile PINs: Secure individual profiles with a four-digit code.
• Maturity Ratings: Customize content allowances for each user.
• Title Blocking: Filter out specific shows or movies entirely.
• Kids Profiles: One-tap setups that remove all adult content instantly.

Overall, users found Netflix easy to use, with one Reddit user even claiming: “I use Netflix less than HBO Max, Apple TV, and Hulu. Netflix has the best [user interface] without question.”

Netflix’s content library is constantly in rotation with new movies and TV shows

appearing almost daily, including popular Netflix originals like "Stranger Things" and "Bridgerton." While the catalog is more than enough for some users, it can be a polarizing topic for others who feel that the options fall a bit short compared to other streaming services, especially when it comes to fresh material.

While several Netflix originals are unimpressive to say the least (I’m looking at you, live-action "Avatar: The Last Airbender"), we have to admit that Netflix has some of the best in-house content from "K-Pop Demon Hunters" to "The Crown." I know I’ll be waiting on the edge of my couch for "The Witcher" Season 5.

Netflix has a bit of a leg up when it comes to content because movies and TV shows aren’t all it provides. Up until recently, I had no idea about the gaming, live event, and (recent) podcast collection available to all subscribers. I was skeptical at first about the quality of these options coming from a streaming service, but I was pleasantly surprised. I’m not ashamed to say it — Oxenfree had me playing on my laptop for hours.