Netflix started out as a DVD-by-mail service in 1997. Today, it is the leading streaming platform in the world, with over 200 million subscribers. As Netflix solidifies its place as the top streaming giant, its reach continues to extend to 190 countries.
Canada is among the many countries Netflix has branched out into, with 6.5 million paying customers in 2019. While the streaming platform originated in the US, Netflix Canada has the biggest movie catalog with 4,043 titles. Meanwhile, the US still has the most content overall, with 5,879 films and shows combined. Canada also ranks third when it comes to the biggest content library, while the US ranks second.
One of the defining features of Netflix is its vast pool of original content. The streaming platform is the home of some of the most popular shows of the past years, such as โStranger Things,โ โBlack Mirror,โ โSquid Game,โ โMonster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,โ and โBridgerton.โ
In this review of Netflix Canada, we will take a look at what makes it the best streaming service on the market and why it is worth your money.
Netflix Canada at a Glance
Since its humble beginnings in the streaming business in 2007, Netflix has established itself as an outstanding media platform. So if you want to watch the most binge-worthy and popular shows at the moment, then Netflix is the perfect platform for you.
But like any other service, Netflix still has its own advantages and disadvantages that are worth considering.
Pros
- Offline streaming
- User-friendly interface
- High-quality original content
- Device compatibility
- Simultaneous screens
Cons
- Limited content based on region
- No free trial
- Frequent removal of shows
- Most expensive service
Why Should You Get a Netflix Canada Subscription
From premium content to a sleek interface, Netflix provides every user with an immersive viewing experience that makes our paid subscription plans worth it. Read on to see what Netflix’s 200 million subscribers love about its service.
Multiple Devices
The platform lets you enjoy your favorite shows on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, tablets, game consoles like Xbox and Playstation, and media players such as Chromecast and Roku. You can also stream Netflix on your web browser without the hassle of installing the app.
Offline Streaming
Netflix has a download feature as well, for when you want to stream shows and movies offline on your preferred device. The feature is perfect for users who are always on the go and have limited access to the Internet.
Simultaneous Streaming
Netflix Canadaโs subscription also allows simultaneous viewing, depending on your plan. With this feature, you can share your account with your friends and family and enjoy Netflixโs content on separate devices at the same time.
Video Quality
The platform also provides various streaming qualities, such as High Definition (HD), Standard Definition (SD), and Ultra High Definition (Ultra HD) or 4K. Naturally, the quality you get will still depend on your internet connection and your deviceโs compatibility. But once youโre all set, you will get to experience Netflix at its fullest, with high-quality sounds and premium video resolution.
User Interface
Apart from high-quality shows, Netflix also boasts one of the most sophisticated and user-friendly interfaces. All content is sorted into categories, either by genre, language, or popularity. You can also compile all the shows you want to watch into a watchlist. It also collects your viewing history, which lets you pick up where you left off in a show.
Most Netflix originals release all episodes of a show in one go, making it the perfect platform to binge-watch your favorite shows in one sitting. You can also add subtitles in different languages, like French and English, along with dubbed audio. Netflix also launched the Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH) feature for those with hearing disabilities.
It also has an excellent algorithm that will give you the best recommendations based on the last film or series you watched.
And in case youโre suspicious that other people might be using your account without your knowledge, Netflix lets you track down a list of all the devices that are connected to your account, which you can remove.
Parental Control
Another defining feature of the platform is its โNetflix Kidsโ section, which provides a safe and age-appropriate streaming experience for children. The kids’ section offers educational and entertaining TV shows and movies which cater to children of different age groups. Parents can also set a profile pin protection to restrict children from accessing inappropriate content.
Mobile Games
Lastly, Netflix users can also access its mobile gaming service. Some games are inspired by Netflix shows such as โStranger Things:1984,โ โToo Hot to Handle: Love is a Game,โ and โNarcos: Cartel Wars Unlimited.โ You can download Netflix games for free at the Google Play Store or App Store as long as you have a subscription.
Netflixโs Streaming Library
Netflix Canada houses over 1,500 exclusive content and 5,800 titles overall. Its catalog includes a variety of content, such as award-winning documentaries, foreign films, TV shows, blockbuster movies, and more. Here are some of the most notable titles you can stream on Netflix Canada:
Documentaries
- โAncient Apocalypseโ (2001)
- “Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapesโ (2019)
- โFIFA Uncoveredโ (2022)
- โThe Andy Warhol Diariesโ (2022)
- โKeep Sweet: Pray and Obeyโ (2022)
Anime
- โOne Pieceโ (1999-)
- โDemon Slayerโ (2019-)
- โAttack on Titanโ (2013-2023)
- โDeath Noteโ (2006-2007)
- โVinland Sagaโ (2019-)
Reality shows
- โSingleโs Infernoโ (2021-)
- โLove is Blindโ (2020-)
- โQueer Eyeโ (2018-)
- โBling Empireโ (2021-)
- โSelling Sunsetโ (2019-)
Canadian shows
- โAnne with an Eโ (2017-2019)
- โSchittโs Creekโ (2015-2020)
- โKimโs Convenienceโ (2016-2021)
- โWorkinโ Momsโ (2017-2023)
- โAlias Graceโ (2017)
Here is also a list of Netflixโs most-watched TV shows and movies of all time that are available for you to enjoy in Canada:
TV shows
- โStranger Thingsโ (2016-)
- โWednesdayโ (2022-)
- โDAHMER – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Storyโ (2022)
- “Bridgertonโ (2020-)
- โLuciferโ (2016-2021)
- “The Witcherโ (2019-)
- โInventing Annaโ (2022)
- โGinny and Georgiaโ (2021-)
Films
- โRed Noticeโ
- โDonโt Look Upโ
- โBird Boxโ
- โGlass Onion: A Knives Out Mysteryโ
- โThe Gray Manโ
- โThe Adam Projectโ
- โExtractionโ
- โPurple Heartsโ
- โThe Unforgivableโ
- โThe Irishmanโ
How To Sign Up for a Netflix Account in Canada?
Unfortunately, Netflix stopped offering its 30-day free trial in 2020 due to users creating multiple accounts to avail only of the trial and never paying for a subscription. However, you can still opt to cancel or change your plan at any time. To create a Netflix account, follow the steps below:
- Visit the Netflix website www.netflix.com
- Choose your preferred subscription plan:
- Basic with ads – CAD$5.99
- Basic – CAD$9.99
- Standard – CAD$16.49
- Premium – CAD$20.99
- Click on the โSign Upโ button, then enter your email address and password.
- Choose a valid payment method. Netflix accepts payment through the following methods: credit or debit cards, virtual cards, Paypal, and Netflix gift cards.
- Once your payment is processed, you can start streaming.
What Makes Netflix Different From Other Streaming Services?
Netflix may have the most expensive subscription plans out of all platforms, but it still has the most users. Letโs take a look at what makes Netflix stand out from its competitors.
Hulu
A minor setback for Hulu is that it is not available in Canada, and you will need a VPN service to access the platform. Its basic plan is only a dollar cheaper than Netflix. It also offers Disney Plus and ESPN bundles to its subscribers. Hulu’s catalog includes original shows like โThe Great,โ โAbbott Elementary,โ and โOnly Murders in the Building.โ Meanwhile, Huluโs library is about to get bigger as the platform is set to merge into one app with Disney Plus later this year.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video was already in service before Netflix, offering several other services such as Amazon Music and Ebooks. However, Amazonโs interface is quite all over the place. Its content is dumped in a long list that appears complicated for users to navigate. As for the variety of content, Prime Video has more since it also houses visual treats from other networks. It also offers video-on-demand services for thousands of movies and films.
Disney Plus
All Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content are exclusively on Disney Plus. Its basic plan starts at $11.99 without a free trial. Disney Plus is also not compatible with a lot of devices like TV web browsers, media players, and game consoles.
HBO Max
HBO Max is only available in the United States and select European countries. You will need a VPN service if you want to access its platform. However, Its catalog is one of the most impressive, housing some of the best and top-rated titles of all time like โGame of Thrones,โ โThe Last of Us,โ and โSuccession.โ Unlike Netflix which lets you pick up where you left off in a show, HBO Max sometimes fails to record your viewing history accurately.
What is the best way to get a Netflix discount?
While Netflix does not offer any official discounts, there are ways to get a Netflix subscription at a cheaper price. Here are the best ways to save some dollars on your Netflix plan.
Use a VPN
Netflix Canada is a dollar pricier than the US edition. So if you donโt feel like paying an extra dollar, you can subscribe to Netflix US with a VPN. Pakistan also reportedly has the cheapest Netflix price of only $3.06. Do take note that there’s going to be a drastic change in content since Netflix Pakistan has a lot of local shows. However, popular Netflix originals like โSweet Toothโ and โMoney Heistโ are still available on the Pakistan version.
Promo codes
Netflix occasionally offers promo codes on its website that you can redeem, so visit its website from time to time to check for available deals.
Cancel or Pause Your Subscription
Ultimately, the best way to save on your Netflix subscription is by pausing or canceling your plan when not using it. You can still stream on the platform until the end of your billing date, even after cancellation.
The Best Streaming Service
Despite the abundance of media platforms in recent years, Netflix remains the top streaming service for many reasons: a vast library of premium content, an easy-to-navigate interface, device compatibility, and high-quality videos, among others.
While it still has its limitations, such as geo-restricted titles and content removal, there is no doubt that Netflix always has something for everyone.