Netflix started as a mail-in order service, but now it’s one of the biggest names in streaming. Here’s everything you need to know about Netflix and how to be sure it’s the right streaming service for you.
What is Netflix?
Netflix is an American-based streaming service that offers mostly original films and television shows. The company started as a mail-to-order DVD service in 1997, then transitioned to streaming in 2007.
In 2013, they began making original content. House of Cards was marketed as the first Netflix Original production, and soon enough, it became the first streaming service original to earn a major Emmy nomination. By 2018, it had racked up a whopping 233 award nominations, including 7 wins at the PrimeTime Emmy Awards.
Since then, Netflix Originals like Stranger Things, Bridgerton, and Squid Game have become cultural staples. So much so that you’ll find the majority of Netflix’s catalogue comprises originals over licensed content.
How much does Netflix cost?
How much does Netflix cost in Singapore? The price varies between three tiers.
- $15.98 for Basic with ads
- $22.98 for Standard
- $29.98 for Premium
In April 2025, Netflix increased the cost of each of its plans, ranging between $2 to $4 per plan. Each plan varies based on video quality and how many devices you can stream on at once.
The great thing about Netflix is that you’re not bound to a lock-in contract, no matter which plan you decide to go with. If no shows seem to be striking your fancy, you can pause or cancel your subscription at any time.
See how Netflix prices compare to other major streaming services in Singapore:
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Hayu
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Prime Video
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Netflix
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Apple TV+
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Max
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Disney+
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What can I watch on Netflix Singapore?
Netflix’s point of difference is its original programming. They have an expansive catalogue of original TV shows, like Squid Game, Stranger Things, Bridgerton, Wednesday and BoJack Horseman, which quickly became cultural juggernauts. Several Netflix productions are critically acclaimed, like The Queen’s Gambit, BEEF, The Crown, Ozark, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
Netflix is also home to some of Singapore’s most popular Korean dramas. It’s home to Crash Landing On You, Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, The Glory, Wok of Love, and When Life Gives You Tangerines. You’ll also find hit Korean reality shows like The Devil’s Plan, Physical: 100, Singles Inferno, and Culinary Class Wars.
If sci-fi is what you’re after, Netflix has plenty of original and acquired TV and movies that fit the bill. Black Mirror, 3-Body Problem, and Alice in Borderland are arguably the most popular. There’s also Rebel Moon and The Adam Project. Netflix also offers several animated sci-fi shows, like Pantheon, Arcane, Love, Death & Robots, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, and Moonrise.
Netflix is adept at securing Western movies like Dune, Hit Man, Woman of the Hour, Where the Crawdads Sing, and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.
Netflix doesn’t just offer what’s popular globally. They’ve sourced movies that feel uniquely Singaporean, like Singapore Dreaming and I Not Stupid (including the sequels). You’ll also find movies depicting a darker side to Singapore, like A Land Imagined, Apprentice, and The Maid.
Netflix’s content catalogue is always changing. While there are some cultural juggernauts that we can’t see ever leaving, Netflix is prone to booting classic shows in favour of new, original productions.
How can I watch Netflix?
The Netflix app is available for all supported web browsers and mobile devices on iOS and Android. You can also watch Netflix on smart TVs and streaming devices like Chromecast or the Fire TV Stick, or via your gaming console (PlayStation and Xbox).
What are the best internet plans for Netflix?
An internet plan with a download speed of at least 100Mbps will ensure you can stream whatever show you like without much of an issue. Speeds of 1Gbps should be more than enough for most households. However, if you've got multiple 4K streams going at once or you've got a heavy gamer in your midst, it's worth upgrading to a 5 or even 10Gbps plan.
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#1
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ViewQwest
3Gbps No Frills
$18.98/mth
Min. cost $719.52
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#2
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WhizComms
FibrePlus 2.5Gbps 24M
$24/mth
Min. cost $691.54
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#3
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M1
HomePac 1Gbps
$29.90/mth
Min. cost $717.60
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#4
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SIMBA
10Gbps Fibre 2 Year Contract
$29.99/mth
Min. cost $719.76
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#5
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MyRepublic
3Gbps Ultra No Frills
$37.99/mth
Min. cost $1,032.70
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For those using their mobile plans or data-only SIMs as their primary internet access, or if you like to stream while out and about, keep in mind that streaming your favourite show, especially in 4K, can cost you. If you want to stretch your data, you can adjust the quality and set it to HD (720p), but even then, you’ll need more than 10GB if you plan to indulge in more than a season. One hour of streaming will cost you up to 2.4GB of data, depending on the video quality. Conversely, three hours a night for a month will consume up to 74.4GB of data. The best way to ensure you have all the data you need, especially when it comes to streaming, is to go for unlimited data. Rejoice, most plans nowadays come with unlimited data. However, if that’s not an option for you, we’d recommend at least 80GB.
Does Netflix have a free trial?
Netflix no longer offers a free trial. They used to provide 30-day free trials to new subscribers, but scrapped that option in early 2020.
If you want to give Netflix a shot, you’ll need to pay $15.98 for one month up front.
Streaming platforms that do offer free trials include:
- Apple TV Plus boasts a 7-day free trial for new sign-ups
- You can get a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime, which includes Amazon Prime Video
- Viu offers a 7-day free trial, or you can get up to 3 months free with Singtel CAST
- If you're with Starhub TV+, you can get a 1-month free trial of IQIYI
What are the alternatives to Netflix?
As you’d expect, Netflix is the only streaming service that stocks Netflix Originals. If you aren’t specifically after the productions Netflix has built its empire on, there are plenty of alternate streaming services.
- Disney Plus: all things Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel
- Viu: the latest Korean and Chinese dramas
- MeWatch: Mediacorp-owned hub for live and on-demand sports, news, dramas, and movies
- Apple TV Plus: high-quality original content, documentaries, dramas, and kids’ entertainment
- Amazon Prime: original content, classic movies, fantasy and action series
What features does Netflix have?
Netflix offers three tiers: basic, standard, and premium. Here’s how they compare.
The basic plan
The basic plan is best for the solo, casual Netflix user. Perhaps you have other streaming services you use more frequently, or you’re not bothered by reduced quality and the occasional ad. The basic plan doesn't allow for concurrent streams, so you might want to look ahead to the standard tier if you’re a couple sharing a Netflix subscription.
- $15.98 per month
- Standard HD (720p) resolution
- Streaming is limited to one device at a time
- Downloads supported on one device
The standard plan
The standard plan is best for couples or small families. You can stream on more than one device at a time, and can add an additional member to your account for $6.98 a month.
- $22.98 per month
- Full HD (1080p) resolution
- 2 concurrent streams
- Downloads supported on two devices
- Add an extra member to your account for $6.98 a month
The premium plan
The premium plan is best for big families or those with cash to splurge. It’s got the most perks and features out of all the plans, including 4K video quality. At $6.98 per member, you can also add an extra two users, who aren’t apart of your household, to your account.
- $29.98 per month
- Ultra HD (4K) resolution
- Spatial audio
- 4 concurrent streams
- Add two extra members to your account
Netflix FAQs
Does Netflix allow password sharing?
No, unfortunately, you’re limited to one household per subscription. However, you can add additional subscribers who don’t live in the same household. With the standard and premium tiers, you can add ‘extra members’ to your account for an additional monthly fee.
Does Netflix have ads?
Netflix’s basic plan includes ads. If you’d like to skip the ads, you’ll need to jump up to the standard tier, which is an extra $7 a month.
Can I use my Netflix account in another country?
Yes, you can, however, there will likely be some differences in the type of content and number of titles available.
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