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Note that Netflix's Basic plan is no longer available. If you are already subscribed to this option, you can continue to use it until you cancel or switch plans. With Basic, you are limited to watching Netflix on one device at a time.
As noted in the pricing breakdown, the Standard plan limits you to downloading Netflix content on two devices at once. With a Premium plan, you can download Netflix shows and movies on up to six devices at once. If you have the Standard with ads plan, you can't download at all.
While you can be signed into Netflix on multiple devices, you can only actively watch a stream on the number of screens included in your plan. This means that if you have the two-screen plan, you can still have three people signed into your account on various devices, as long as they aren't all watching at the same time.
The message should show you which devices are streaming Netflix with your account, and what they're watching. Ask these people to stop (via texting them or whatever is easiest) and you'll be clear to stream on your own once they stop. If you think someone is using your Netflix account without your knowledge, we've shown how to find out who is using your Netflix account if it's not immediately apparent.
Separate from the number of screens that you can watch Netflix on at a time, you can also create multiple profiles on your Netflix account. This allows each person that uses the account to have their own personalized recommendations, list of titles they want to watch, subtitle appearances, and similar.
Every Netflix account can have up to five profiles. This doesn't mean that you can watch on each of those profiles at the same time, though. Profiles are a handy way to keep each user's preferences distinct, but the amount of people that can watch Netflix at the same time is still bound by your Netflix plan's screen limit.
It was once common practice to share your Netflix password with other people, allowing everyone to save some money on the service. However, in 2023, Netflix started cracking down on password sharing. Now, the company has restrictions on people outside of your home using your account, so sharing your password with friends or faraway family isn't really an option. Your account is only intended for devices in your home to access the service.
Instead, Netflix now allows you to add an extra member for an additional fee. On the Standard and Premium plans, you can pay $7.99/month per person to add one extra person (Standard) or up to two extra people (Premium). While extra members get their own login information, the account owner pays for their cost. Extra members can only have one Netflix profile, and are limited to watching and downloading on one device at a time.
Consider whether you should share your Netflix account in this way carefully. While it might be cheaper to add a friend to your account, there are potential drawbacks compared to them signing up on their own.
Now you know how many devices can watch Netflix at the same time. In addition to watching on more screens at a time, a higher-tier account provides higher-resolution streaming. Consider upgrading if you have many people in your home who want to watch Netflix at once.
The best streaming devices are there for you in your time of need. Whether you have an older display, one that might not be among the best TVs, or you're looking for an upgrade over your current TV interface, a streaming device will gift you access to all of your favorite entertainment.
We test these products across a wide range of use cases, looking not only at general value and features, but ease of use, as well. When searching for a new streaming device, you'll want to consider what type of ecosystem you want to leverage and which speaks to you the most, from the likes of Roku, Google TV, tvOS, and Prime Video.
Our top pick among the best streaming devices is the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, a worthy addition to any TV in need of refreshing. With access to over 24,000 apps, yet costing all but a mere $40, Roku's Streaming Stick 4K is a delight to use and nets users access to its beloved Roku City concept.
But maybe you're not a fan of Roku's interface (or its severe lack in cybersecurity), which means you could always go with either an Apple TV 4K or Chromecast with Google TV for any additional levels of comfort you need in your entertainment needs.
Here's a quick overview of the best streaming devices you can buy right now based on our testing and reviews. And keep up on scrolling if you want to see our in-depth analysis of all the top streaming devices for every user and budget.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K does a lot for just a mere $40 streaming device. Not only does it provide snappy performance and a clean interface on Roku's beloved OS, but its Wi-Fi range extender will be valued and its Dolby Vision upgrade is long overdue.
For just a little less than its Streaming Stick rival, the Roku Express 4K is the same beloved experience for much cheaper, all while still keeping Roku's user-friendly interface. This model also comes with an upgraded remote so you don't need a line of sight to your TV.
Another strong $50 4K streaming device, the Chromecast with Google TV sets itself apart with its interface that leans towards surfacing live TV. Its support for paid cable alternatives is limited to YouTube TV, Sling TV and Philo.
Our testing has shown that the Apple TV 4K opens most apps faster than all of the competition. iPhone users will love the it, as it fits right into the Apple app ecosystem and its Remote app can be opened from the lock screen.
Yes, you can always find a deal on a cheap Fire Stick, but we recommend you wait until you see a deal on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. It's faster than the rest of Amazon's sticks, which makes its ad-heavy interface easier to manage. It's also a solid pick if you use Alexa a lot.
As one of the best streaming devices and our personal favorite, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is the perfect balance of price and performance, costing $50 (often discounted to just $40) while still providing snappy navigation and smooth streaming. It's got all the apps you could need, too. Since Roku's platform is a delight to use and beloved by many, it's an easy win for those looking to snap up a great deal with tons of value.
When we tested the Streaming Stick 4K, we saw content crispness jump to 1080p and then 4K in short amounts of time. We also noticed app loading that's comparable to the Chromecast with Google TV. Roku wins overall though thanks to its streamlined interface, which puts apps above content. But the Roku Streaming Stick 4's dominance isn't by the widest of margins, as evidenced by our tightly contested Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV face-off. We also recommend this Roku streaming stick for travel, as it's a perfect addition to your next hotel or Airbnb room's TV, while taking up minimal space in your bag.
We wish it were a little heavier, though, as you may wind up spending a minute fiddling with its HDMI cable to make it sit flat on a surface. The Roku Streaming Stick Plus doesn't have that issue. And if you love A/V standards such as Dolby Vision or Atmos Audio. you may need to look elsewhere. Want something cheaper? Our Roku Express (2022) review dives deep on its performance gains.
The Chromecast with Google TV 4K makes the company's traditional streaming device a whole lot more complete. It also features excellent live TV integration, with a whole section for free TV and select paid live TV streaming services (YouTube TV, Sling and Philo). It also packs 4K UHD streaming with support for HDR and Dolby Vision, for excellent picture quality, and Dolby Atmos for immersive sound. And with Google TV, you have support for the over 6,500 Android TV apps.
While it's not the minimalist streaming device that the Chromecast 3 was, the new Chromecast remote could even replace your TV's remote. It's got the power and volume controls you need to turn on your TV, plus a TV Input button for switching to other devices, such as gaming consoles. Also, we really like the feel and build quality of the Chromecast remote, as it fits nicely in the palm of the hand and the buttons have a good click. Also, there are minimal branded app buttons, with just Netflix and YouTube. The Roku and Fire TV remotes offer too many, and should take notes. Plus, if you feel like personalizing your streaming sticks, this device comes in multiple fun colors.
We absolutely love the Apple TV 4K (2022) at $129, which is $50 lower than before. Yes, that price is still a incredibly high for the industry, but this price drop makes one of the best streaming devices (especially for Apple users) even more accessible. Apple's super-charged the Apple TV 4K with its A15 Bionic system-on-chip, delivering some of the fastest load times we've seen on any streaming device. For example, it beats the latest Fire TV Cube and Roku Ultra on loading Netflix, YouTube, Disney Plus and Spotify.
On top of that, HDR10+ is finally supported (though this only works if your TV supports it too), and the remote can charge over USB-C, not Lightning. Smart home enthusiasts will be excited for the inclusion of the Thread support for Matter, and some may be annoyed you need to spend $20 more for an Ethernet port. The Roku Ultra, for example, includes one by default at just $99.
That said, one of the best reasons to get the Apple TV 4K is tvOS, which is still the cleanest interface out there. But as much as I love the Apple TV remote, I've recently come into a weird problem where it stops being able to use my TV's volume controls. Check out our guide on how to fix an Apple TV for how I solved it.
The Nvidia Shield TV is a power user's Android TV device. But it doesn't look like any other of the best streaming devices we've ever seen (it's more like a mobile power charger). This tube for your tube is great at speedily spitting out UHD 4K content, and its thousands of apps means you're getting practically everything you could watch. Its small size also ensures it will fit discretely into the ever-crowded space around your TV, or work as a companion piece as your entertainment engine when on any trips away from home.
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