Netflix Report Card 2026: Is the streaming giant still worth it?

Tom's Guide graded Netflix a B- overall, finding the streaming giant still valuable but no longer an automatic winner due to rising costs and weak original movies. The service remains popular with 72% of U.S. adults watching it. Netflix's ad-supported tier at $8.99 monthly is praised as the best value, while ad-free Standard costs $19.99 and Premium $26.99. Its library earns a B for steady freshness, and original shows like "Stranger Things" season 5 are strong, but original films scored a C-. The interface and live content both received B- and B grades respectively, with WWE, NFL, and MLB events adding value. However, Tom's Guide suggests cheaper alternatives like HBO Max may now be better options for some viewers.