Being able to watch a movie or a favorite TV series on-demand has a significant benefit over having to rely on pre-programmed shows or renting movies. So much so, in fact, that the Netflix we know now was essentially a product of its evolution from being a DVD rental company into the subscription-based streaming giant it is today.
It has been almost a decade now since Netflix ventured into the video streaming business and, subsequently, as an exclusive distributor and even a producer of its own films — giving even more security to its dominant position in the market.
However, being able to provide what its customers want in terms of entertainment is only one aspect that made Netflix a household name. Another important reason, which is oftentimes overlooked, is its reasonable pricing.
For a long while, since Netflix introduced its service offering in Nigeria, avid consumers have had three options for a subscription to get a quick fix to their entertainment itch—Mobile, Basic, Standard, and Premium. But with the recent addition of the mobile-only plan, these selections have become 4-tiered, instead of three.
| Subscription plan | Monthly price in Nigeria | Streaming quality | Simultaneous streams | Access to content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads | 1,200 Naira | Video quality up to 720p/HD | One | Due to licensing restrictions, some titles are inaccessible |
| Basic | 2,900 Naira | Video quality up to 720p/HD | One | Every Netflix title |
| Standard | 3,600 Naira | High Definition (HD) | Two | Every Netflix title |
| Premium | 4,400 Naira | HD and 4K Ultra HD | Four | Every Netflix title |
Comparison of Netflix Plans in Nigeria
Netflix has a valid reason why it had to separate its offered subscription plans into multiple choices and is best explained under the idea that the more you pay, the better quality and more inclusions are included in the service.
Netflix Basic with Ads Plan
After plenty of rumors, Netflix finally confirmed the “Basic with Ads” plan. It will be launched in select countries first before it becomes available globally. It’s going to cost around 1,200 Naira per month, but the Philippines will probably get better pricing than its other plans.
The Netflix Basic with Ads plan will be limited to HD (720p) streaming only for one (1) device and will include around 4 to 5 minutes of advertisement per hour. Ads are expected to be 15 to 30 seconds long, similar to television executions. Take note that, unlike YouTube, viewers will not be able to skip ads.
Another limitation is subscribers will not be permitted to download content for offline viewing. In addition, not all Netflix content will be available for streaming, as there are licensing issues with some studios and networks.
Netflix Mobile-only Plan
This Netflix mobile-only plan—true to its name—offers a streaming service to all of Netflix’s large and dynamic library, exclusively on a single mobile device per user.
Some may think that this option poses a serious loophole in that mobile users can actually employ a “hack” which will enable them to view whatever they are watching on Netflix on a larger screen by merely casting the device to a bigger screen.
But Netflix employed a fool-proof approach to offset this by making the technique ineffective. In short, you can only watch Netflix on your mobile device and screencasting is not allowed.
Netflix Basic Plan
Moving forward, let us look at what the Netflix Basic Plan has to offer. At some point, the basic plan was Netflix’s cheapest subscription plan, costing 2,900 Naira per month. Like the mobile-only plan, this option grants users access to Netflix’s wide selection of movies and TV series that are subject to change from time to time.
Furthermore, the basic plan is also just good for a single active user only at any given time. However, what made this subscription choice differ from its mobile-only counterpart is that streaming works on all available platforms, namely mobile, computer, and TV.
Netflix Standard Plan
At 3,600 Naira per month, the Netflix Standard Subscription Plan is a little too stiff for individual consumption. However, given how this choice allows for an additional person to stream simultaneously with another person—meaning, two can use the same account at the same time—this option is, obviously, aimed at a pair of customers who essentially share an account and split the cost.
Similar to the basic plan, the standard subscription works on all platforms, but with the added perk of being able to stream shows in high definition, a feature that was significantly absent in both mobile-only and basic plans. What this unique feature meant is that standard users are able to view their shows with greater visual fidelity than those in cheaper subscription plans.
Netflix Premium Plan
Then, there is the most expensive of all available plans, which is the Netflix Premium Plan. At 4,400 Naira per month, the premium plan is also relatively heavy on the pocket for an individual user. However, granted that this particular plan allows for up to four simultaneous users of the same account at the same time, this is a plan that is, conspicuously, targeted at people in small groups.
This could be any group of people, whether comprised of family members, relatives, friends, or even co-workers. For a person of four who pays for the premium plan collectively, that is equivalent to each and everyone in the group pay.
Being at the highest tier of all choices of plans, the premium plan is made to be the perkiest of them all. Not only does this specific plan has all the benefits that come with the standard plan—and, therefore, of everything the cheaper plans have to offer as well—it also offers an exclusive feature that cannot be found in the cheaper options: it offers Ultra High Definition (4K) quality streaming.
Which Netflix plan is the right choice for you?
It is without a doubt that the premium plan is the best among the available options out there. But if you are the loner type who could not get some people to tag along to share an account and split the expense among yourselves, the premium plan could be a hard choice for you. Otherwise, it truly offers the best bang for the buck, as not only it would be the least expensive, but also because it offers the maximum benefits.
However, if you are with a partner who shares a similar interest, the standard plan could make an ideal choice. While it may lack the Ultra HD streaming feature of the premium plan, it is, however, exclusively made for two users to use simultaneously, which is kind of a sweet thing for couples or even friends.
Yet, if you are keen on going solo with your streaming habit, your choice between going for either the basic or mobile-only plan boils down simply to the preference of which gadget to use as well as the subscription cost. You either can opt for the cheapest and be stuck with streaming using only your mobile device or choose to pay some more with the leeway of being able to stream on either desktop, laptop, and TV as well.
Netflix Nigeria 2023 FAQs
A Netflix monthly subscription costs $9.99 for the Basic plan, $15.99 for the Standard, and $19.99 for the Premium. The Standard DVD and Blu-ray plan starts at $9.99 monthly, and the Premier plan starts at $14.99. Depending on the Netflix plan you choose, you can gain access to streaming on multiple screens at once.
Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Etc., are not free with Amazon prime If you have an account already with those you can sign into that account but you will still be billed separately for them, from your Amazon Prime account. The only thing that’s free with Prime is Pluto Tv, stuff like that any pay-per-apps are not.
If you’re looking for a streaming service that will give you lots of entertainment hours, Netflix will be your pick. Netflix is also perfect for families since you can stream on up to four devices compared to Hulu’s two. But Hulu can also be great for families if you decide to do the Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+ bundle.
Netflix has launched its Free Plan in Vietnam that will let anyone with an Android phone in the country watch Netflix for free, without any ads. Vietnam is the only country in Asia where the streaming service is trying this at the moment, and the second one to experience the Free Plan, after Kenya.