Netflix for iPhone
FreeEditors' Review
by
Joshua Rotter
/ April 12, 2018
Netflix's iPhone app is your gateway to the streaming service's vast collection of original programs, such as Black Mirror, Stranger Things, and Daredevil; network and cable TV shows; blockbuster and indie movies; and informative documentaries.
Pros
Easy access: If you can't binge watch the hot new Netflix originals or entire seasons of your favorite '90s shows on your big screen TV at home (because you're on your commute or a flight, for example) then you can always watch on your iPhone or iPad, using the Netflix app.
A wide breadth of programming: Netflix offers something for everyone, from classic sitcoms and kid-friendly animated movies to horror films and documentaries that deal with adult topics, like war, drugs, and sex work. There are also plenty of Netflix Originals that are sure to please, such as Orange Is The New Black, The Crown, Jessica Jones, House of Cards, and Narcos.
Excellent search: There are plenty of ways to search on Netflix. You can search by genre, Netflix Originals, Available for Download, or titles with Audio Description in English. Of course, you can also search by title, actor, or topic.
Helpful notifications: Netflix sends notifications when new programming is released that the service believes you'll enjoy.
My List: Want to save something to view later? Open up the title, then tap the plus sign, and it'll be added to your list. You can access My List later by tapping the More button on the bottom rail.
Offline viewing: Netflix offers tons of TV shows, movies, and documentaries to download onto your device, so you can watch them when you're out of Wi-Fi range. Tap Downloads on the bottom rail to find something to download or view programming you've already downloaded.
User profiles: If you have multiple people using the same account, it can be difficult to find what you want to watch when it's mixed in with what everyone else is watching. That's why it's so nice to be able to set up different profiles for each user on an account. That way, you can choose your own profile and pick up watching your shows or movies right where you left off.
Kid safe: Tap the Kids button when you sign in to access kid-friendly content -- and nothing else. This is helpful if you want to hand your device over to a child for a while.
SEE: The Best Mobile Apps for Watching Video
Cons
Recommendations are still off: Sometimes Netflix serves us suitable programming recommendations, based on programming we've already watched, but other times, we're left scratching our heads, thinking, "Why me?"
One list per user profile: It would be great if Netflix gave users the option to create multiple watchlists, so we could create one for Action films and one for Sci-Fi TV, for example.
Bottom Line
The Netflix app makes it easy to watch all your favorite programming on-the-go.
