What is Netflix and how do I sign up?

Article Summary

Netflix offers three different plans for its streaming service, Basic, Standard, and Premium. With over 5,000 titles in its library, there is no shortage of content to watch on this popular streaming entertainment service.

Netflix is compatible with nearly every major device. If you have a good internet connection, you should be able to watch Netflix without a problem.

With a gigantic library of content, Netflix supplies endless hours of viewing pleasure. These days a common answer to “what are you going to do this weekend?” seems to be, “I’m just going to stay home and watch some Netflix.” 

What is Netflix?

Founded in 1997, Netflix first crashed into our world as a DVD-rental mailing service. Now, Netflix is mostly known as a subscription-based and ad-free entertainment streaming service. The Netflix library includes TV shows and movies from many of the biggest studios and production companies, as well as their own shows and films. 

How to Sign Up for Netflix

You can sign up for Netflix via the website, or the Netflix app on iOS or Android. 

Each Netflix plan comes with an initial 30-day free trial. However, you will need to provide a form of payment (credit card, PayPal, or gift card) that will be charged once the free trial is complete. Be prepared to provide personal information like name, billing address, and email address.

Netflix does not have contracts and you can cancel your membership at any time.

Netflix Plans and Pricing

Netflix offers three different plans for their streaming service: Basic, Standard, and Premium. Each plan allows you to watch an unlimited amount of Netflix’s ad-free content. The following table includes pricing and comparisons between the three Netflix plans:

Get FREE Netflix with a T-Mobile phone plan

If you’re canceling Netflix to save money, you can get Netflix with ads for free with an eligible T-Mobile phone plan. You just have to sign up for any of the following plans: Experience More, Experience Beyond, and existing users on Go5G Next, Go5G Plus, Magenta MAX plan (including Military, 55, and First Responder plans) can enjoy a free streaming subscription. 

T-Mobile	T-Mobile Go5G Unlimited Unlimited 5G & 4G LTE with 100GB of Premium Data T-Mobile 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices Unlimited mobile hotspot data Deal: Get up to $800 via virtual prepaid MasterCard when you bring an eligible phone, activate a new line on select plans and port-in your number and switch from select carriers $75.00/mo with Auto-Pay - Taxes & Fees included View Plan	$75.00/mo with Auto-Pay - Taxes & Fees included	View Plan
T-Mobile	T-Mobile Experience More Unlimited Unlimited 5G & 4G LTE with Unlimited Premium Data T-Mobile 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices Unlimited mobile hotspot data $85.00/mo with Auto-Pay + Taxes and fees View Plan	$85.00/mo with Auto-Pay + Taxes and fees	View Plan
T-Mobile	T-Mobile Go5G Plus Unlimited Unlimited 5G & 4G LTE with Unlimited Premium Data T-Mobile 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices Unlimited mobile hotspot data Deal: Get up to $800 via virtual prepaid MasterCard when you bring an eligible phone, activate a new line on select plans and port-in your number and switch from select carriers $90.00/mo with Auto-Pay - Taxes & Fees included View Plan	$90.00/mo with Auto-Pay - Taxes & Fees included	View Plan
T-Mobile	T-Mobile Experience Beyond Unlimited Unlimited 5G & 4G LTE with Unlimited Premium Data T-Mobile 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices Unlimited mobile hotspot data $100.00/mo with Auto-Pay + Taxes and fees View Plan	$100.00/mo with Auto-Pay + Taxes and fees	View Plan
T-Mobile	T-Mobile Go5G Next Unlimited Unlimited 5G & 4G LTE with Unlimited Premium Data T-Mobile 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices Unlimited mobile hotspot data Deal: Get up to $800 via virtual prepaid MasterCard when you bring an eligible phone, activate a new line on select plans and port-in your number and switch from select carriers $100.00/mo with Auto-Pay - Taxes & Fees included View Plan	$100.00/mo with Auto-Pay - Taxes & Fees included	View Plan

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See More Plans ~ Last Updated 6/3/2026

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What Shows Are on Netflix?

From interest-piquing documentaries to riotously funny stand-up comedy specials, Netflix has content to fit any mood. In the United States alone, Netflix’s library contains over 5,000 titles. Licensing agreements have term limits on them which means there can be a revolving door of content coming in and out. What remains constant, however, are the Netflix originals.

Netflix Original Shows

You can’t talk about Netflix original shows without mentioning Stranger Things. This fan-favorite show from the Duffer Brothers packs in quirky nerdy kids, 80s nostalgia, monsters, and a badass pre-teen/teenage girl with out-of-this-world superpowers, to give us a rivetingly suspenseful show. Season 4 of Strangers Thing is expected in late 2020. 

Other fan-favorite and critically-acclaimed Netflix originals include:

• BoJack Horseman
• The Witcher
• Orange Is the New Black
• The Crown
• Russian Doll
• Grace and Frankie
• Glow
• Master of None
• Mindhunter
• Sex Education
• And many more

Netflix Original Movies

Netflix has established itself as force when it comes to original series. In recent years, they have also proved to be a hitmaker when it comes to movies.

Netflix’s continuously growing stable of movies includes 2018’s Roma which won director Alfonso Cuarón the Oscar for Best Director. Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-nominated The Irishman starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci is also a Netflix original. Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver star in Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story which earned a Best Picture Oscar nomination. Accidentally watch an embarrassing movie or show? Here's how to delete your Netflix history and act like it never happened.

What Devices Are Compatible with Netflix

Netflix is compatible with a seemingly endless list of devices. Take a look at the table below which shows the compatibility between several of the most popular streaming devices and some of the major on-demand streaming services.

Netflix is also compatible and pre-installed in many smart TVs, including those made by major TV manufacturers such as LG, Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sanyo, and Vizio. 

Best Internet for Netflix

If you are an avid TV and movie streamer, your internet data usage can add up fast. Indeed, Netflix in HD can burn through about 3GB of data per hour. As such, you should consider data caps and data speed when choosing an internet plan.

Several broadband internet providers offer data cap-free plans. As far as speed is concerned, a connection of at least .5Mbps is required to stream Netflix. This minimum will not give you the best viewing experience. Netflix recommends at least the following internet speeds: 

• 3Mpbs to watch in Standard Definition
• 5Mbps to watch in HD
• 25Mpbs to watch in UHD 

Our internet plans search tool can help you find the right internet for your needs. Just enter in your address to find the top internet providers near you. 

Angelo Ilumba

Senior Writer

Angelo is a highly experienced writer for WhistleOut, specializing in unraveling the complexities of the mobile and tech world so that readers can easily understand what is relevant to them. Angelo has been featured on several publications such as MoneyTalksNews, Yahoo Finance, NPR and more.

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