Source: Data correct at 1 December 2020 as ​ per JustWatch.com

What matters most is the content, i.e. what you can watch, and what the quality is. We explain this in detail below, but for an up-to-date list of what's available right now in New Zealand, visit this site. 

The Content: Quantity and Highlights
Netflix has around 4,000 movies and 2,000 TV shows to watch on demand. This is a huge amount of content and a lot of it is of the highest quality around. Netflix offers feature films, documentaries, TV shows and anime and their original productions have won many awards.

The Picture and Sound quality

• Netflix's plans are structured around the number of devices that can stream content simultaneously and the image quality.
• The Basic plan (NZ$ 11.99) allows only one user/ screen a the time and a maximum resolution of 480p, suitable for phones and tablets but rather low quality for a smart tv
• The Standard plan (NZ$ 16.99) permits 2 users / screens to be in use at the same time and a resolution of up to 1080p, which is sufficient for most customers
• The Premium plan (NZ$ 21.99) allows 4 users to stream content at the same time and the best picture quality available (4K+HDR), which would satisfy the more discerning videophiles. There is no restriction on the location of the users, so it's suitable for families even if they are spread around different countries.

You can watch anything, anywhere at anytime

• You can watch Netflix on virtually any device, through the Netflix app (avilable for iOS, Android or Windows 10). You can also watch content using your desktop by visiting www.netflix.com and signing into your account. 
• You can also download titles so you can watch them at a later point even if you don't have an internet connection available. Some titles are not available for download and must be streamed online instead. 
• Netflix has very good parental controls (a maturity rating can be specified for each user profile) and also each profile can be protected with a PIN if privacy is a concern

​Content changes per country: If you're on holiday overseas, you may not have access to the TV shows or movies you planned to watch due to licencing restrictions.

Compared to other streaming services, it can be argued that Netflix has better and more varied content than its competitors- better selection of feature films, original series, more documentaries and notable international productions. The content is fresher and of a higher budget overall. The Premium plan is almost twice as expensive as Amazon Prime Video, but if 4K definition is not a requisite and you don't need more than 2 simultaneous users, the Standard Plan is good value and would meet your needs.  

Lightbox is tiny in comparison to both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and unless it's free in a Spark plan, it is hard to justify the $15.99 monthly price as a stand-alone service. But if you already have one of these phone or broadband plans, you may not need another streaming subscription - 600+ movies and 150+ TV shows may be sufficient.

Netflix is offered in 3 different plans, the cost depends on the image quality and the number of simultaneous users as described in the table below:

Netflix accepts debit, credit and prepaid cards with the following logos: Visa, MasterCard, American Express. Netflix can also be paid through third parties like Spark (if your plan include this service), Gift cards and some Virtual cards

This depends on how much you use it - if you subscribe but only watch a movie every week, then probably not. But if you 'binge' watch the TV shows, regularly watch films or TV shows, then the monthly fee can be justified. Quite simply, it comes down to how much you will use it. A free or discount trial can help to evaluate both the content and how it works in with your lifestyle. 

If you subscribe to the Standard or Premium Plans, you can create 2 or 4 individual profiles respectively. Sign into your account on the browser, go to "Manage Profiles" and click "Add Profile", specify a name and maturity rating if needed. You can then share your login and password so they can log in and choose their Profile to start watching content on Netflix. 

It's easy to cancel your Netflix subscription and there are no cancellation fees. All you need to do is go to your Account Page and ​select "Cancel Membership". If you cancel before the end of your current billing period, you will be able to continue streaming content until the end of your billing period. Netflix saves your viewing history, list of favourites, etc for 10 months. If you want to join Netflix again, you can restart your account from the Account page.
Please note that if you are subscribed to Netflix through Spark or another third party, the cancellation and rejoining processes might be different.

Do you have an experience with Netflix, or tips you'd like to share? Contact our research team right now with your comments.

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