Netflix in Switzerland: Questions and Answers

What does Netflix cost in Switzerland? Can you share a Netflix account with friends and acquaintances? Find answers to your questions about Switzerland’s most popular paid video streaming service in this moneyland.ch guide.

1. Do a lot of people in Switzerland use Netflix?

Netflix is the most popular paid streaming service in Switzerland, by a wide margin. A high 58 percent of participants in a representative 2023 survey by moneyland.ch said that they use Netflix. That means more than one out of two people in Switzerland use Netflix. 38 percent of participants said that they pay for Netflix subscriptions.

2. How much does Netflix cost in Switzerland?

Netflix has three different subscriptions. All three of these offer the same movies and series. The only differences are the image quality, the number of devices which can stream at the same time, the number of devices that can download videos, the number of users who can share the subscription, and most importantly, the price tags.

The cheapest subscription is the Basic plan, which cost 12.90 francs per month. Videos are shown in the lowest high-definition resolution (720p). You can only use Netflix on one device at a time, and you can only download videos onto one device. This subscription cannot be shared between multiple users.

The mid-range Standard plan costs 20.90 francs per month, and lets you watch movies and series in full high definition (1080p). You can use Netflix on two different devices at the same time, and you also have the option of saving videos on two devices. You can add one supplemental user to this subscription.

The most expensive subscription is the Premium plan. It costs 27.90 per month, and lets you watch videos in ultra high definition (UHD/4K). You can stream on up to four devices simultaneously, and also download videos onto four different devices. You can add up to two supplemental users.

3. Does Netflix offer a free trial?

No, Netflix does not normally offer free trials. Netflix used to offer a 30-day free trial, but it no longer does this.

4. Which devices can I use Netflix on?

You can watch Netflix directly on many modern TVs, and some television sets even have a special Netflix button on their remote controls.

Netflix also offers apps for many popular devices, including the following:

• iPhones
• Android phones
• iPads
• Android tablets
• Apple TV
• Chromecast

A number of gaming consoles also support Netflix:

• Sony Playstation (from Playstation 3)
• Microsoft Xbox (from Xbox 360)

5. Can I share my account with friends?

Officially, you are only allowed to share your account with the people you live with. But in practice, Netflix has tolerated account sharing, even with people who are not part of your household.

But since May, 2023, Netflix has begun to tighten its rules in Switzerland as well. Netflix is now asking customers who use a subscription from someone in a different household to choose one of the following options:

• Get your own subscription: Netflix is asking viewers who currently log in using an account from a person in a different household to pay the full price for their own subscription. Netflix offers a profile transfer solution so that you can transfer your user profile to your new plan.

• Share a subscription: Subscribers can add one supplementary user (Standard plan) or two supplementary users (Premium plan) to their subscription for 5.90 francs per additional user. The fee is billed to the main subscriber.

Of course, there are also other options:

• Wait: It is not yet clear how Netflix will respond if customers continue to share their subscriptions. In the worst-case scenario, Netflix could terminate plans if subscribers go against its rules.

• Terminate your plan: If you are not satisfied with Netflix, you can terminate your plan at any time.

Netflix may attempt to track account sharing by evaluating Wi-Fi networks, IP addresses, device IDs (MAC addresses), and account data. The exact details are not yet known, but Netflix stresses that users sharing the same household will continue to be able to access their Netflix accounts from any location — including hotels and holiday homes.

6. How many devices can I stream Netflix on at the same time?

That varies between Netflix plans. The Basic subscription only lets you stream on one device at a time. The Standard plan lets you stream on two devices, and the premium plan lets you watch Netflix on four different devices simultaneously.

7. What are Netflix user profiles?

You can create up to five different user profiles for one Netflix subscription. That way, different people who use the same subscription can each log on with their own profile. Profiles are particularly practical if children use a Netflix plan, or if you share an account with friends. One of the advantages of using different profiles is that when you log in, you can pick up exactly where you left off with videos.

8. How many movies and series are there on Netflix?

According to Justwatch.com, Netflix users in Switzerland get 3600 movies and 1800 series. Content is updated on an ongoing basis. On the one hand, new content is added regularly. On the other hand, Netflix also remove movies and series from its library.

9. Is there exclusive content on Netflix?

Netflix puts a strong focus on producing its own movies and series – so-called Netflix originals. As of yet, no other streaming service provider produces as much exclusive content as Netflix does. This content is generally only available on Netflix, with a few Netflix originals finding their way into cinemas as well.

10. That is the difference between Netflix and other streaming services?

With video streaming, it is the movies and series offered by a streaming service which set it apart from other providers. Like other big streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus, Netflix differentiates itself by offering its own original productions.

11. How expensive is Netflix compared to competing offers?

Netflix plans differ from each other in terms of image quality.

Netflix plans with a very high definition cost much more than plans from other streaming platforms. The Netflix plan with a UHD resolution costs 27.90 francs per month, compared to 9.99 francs for Amazon Prime Video, 10.90 francs for Apple TV Plus, and 17.90 francs for Disney Plus.

12. Can I end a Netflix subscription whenever I want to?

Netflix, like most streaming services, lets you terminate your subscription at any time you choose. No notice period is required. You make your first payment when you get your subscription, and even after you request to suspend your account, you can still use Netflix for the remainder of the time you paid for.

13. How can I download Netflix series and movies to my tablet or phone?

Some episodes and movies on Netflix can be downloaded to a tablet or phone. When this option is available, a download symbol appears under the video’s title. Depending on your plan, you can download to either one, two, or four different devices.

You can only watch downloaded videos using Netflix. There is no option for downloading Netflix movies and series as files which can be viewed with other programs.

If you do not have unlimited Internet, or if you are traveling outside of Switzerland, then make a point of using Wi-Fi networks for downloading, instead of mobile networks.

14. How do Netflix parental controls work?

You can set an age limit for each Netflix profile. Under manage profiles, you can set a limit for age-appropriate content for a profile, and this determines which movies and series are available to that user. For example, if you select a 7+ age restriction, the user will only be able to watch movies which are authorized for children aged seven. Movies which are only authorized for children aged 16 or older will not be available in that profile.

Netflix also gives you the option of selecting a child-friendly interface (Netflix Kids) which already includes age limits.

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