Is Netflix Still Worth It?
Worth it for weekly active viewers — rotate it for occasional watchers
The Full Picture
Netflix has the deepest content library of any streaming service, but the value calculation changed after the 2023 price hikes and password-sharing crackdowns. For households that watch several times a week, it's still strong value. Occasional viewers are better off rotating streaming services — subscribe for 2-3 months, cancel, switch to another, repeat.
✓ Pros
- Deepest content library across streaming platforms
- Original series quality remains among the best in the industry
- Offline downloads for travel
- Multiple simultaneous streams on standard and premium plans
✗ Cons
- Standard plan with ads feels like a regression
- Password sharing between households is now blocked
- Rotating cancellations and re-subscriptions interrupt ongoing series
- Content licensing gaps mean beloved shows disappear
VerdictZio says: DEPENDS — Worth it for weekly active viewers — rotate it for occasional watchers
Related Decisions
Is YouTube Premium Worth It?
DEPENDSWorth it for daily YouTube watchers — free ad blockers make it hard to justify for others
Is Disney+ Worth It?
DEPENDSExcellent value for families — thin content library for adults without kids
Is Spotify Premium Worth It?
YESAd-free music for daily listeners is worth it — especially on the family plan
Is Amazon Prime Worth It?
YESOne of the best-value subscriptions — if you shop on Amazon even occasionally