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If you're streaming the Super Bowl, expect to lag behind Twitter and cable
If you're streaming the Super Bowl, expect to lag behind Twitter and cable
The 2022 Super Bowl is taking place in the state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, but that doesn't mean the broadcasts or streams will be any more advanced than in recent years. NBC, the broadcaster for Super Bowl 56, has already said it won't be airing the big game in 4K resolution. And people who are watching the Super Bowl live through a streaming service are likely to experience a lag, just like in 2020 and 2021.
If you're planning to stream the big game through Peacock, YouTube TV, Sling TV or any of the other live TV platforms, expect your feed to be a bit behind. The length of the delay could vary, but based on last year's game, streaming services lag around 40 seconds behind what's on the field. Compare that to cable, satellite or antenna TV, where the time gap from on-the-field action is significantly less. It's usually a transmission delay of about 5 seconds, which allows for broadcasters to prevent unsavory content from appearing on TV.
In an era with Twitter, group chats and phone push notifications, a 40-second streaming delay can lead to spoilers of big plays. And with the increase in legalized sports gambling, it could also ruin the experience of trying to bet on the action.
This chart from last year's Super Bowl shows the delay behind the real-time play streaming services.
Phenix
Phenix, a technology company that provides the infrastructure for real-time video feeds, compared the streaming lags on apps from the NFL, Yahoo Sports, FuboTV, Hulu Plus Live TV, CBS Sports and YouTube TV. It found that last year's game (which aired on CBS) streamed fastest on YouTube TV with a delay of 42.2 seconds -- but that was only slightly quicker than the roughly 43-second delay from the NFL and Yahoo Sports apps. FuboTV came in at 44.8 seconds, while Hulu Plus Live TV finished last at 46.2 seconds. (Verizon offered an in-arena feed which was closest to real-time, but for 2022 that experience is limited to those in SoFi Stadium.)
The issue isn't internet speed but latency, that is, the time it takes to transfer what's happening in the real world back to your screen over the internet. Some streamers also tack on a few seconds to ensure a clear picture and smooth experience rather than generate pauses and buffering on your end.
NBC is the broadcaster for 2022's Super Bowl, but don't expect its own streams to be closer to real-time. Based on the company's feeds from the 2021 Stanley Cup, Phenix found that YouTube TV and AT&T TV (now DirecTV Stream) were still around 40 seconds behind the on-ice action, while Peacock lagged by 42.1 seconds.
The 2021 Stanley Cup, which was broadcast by NBC, wasn't much better than last year's Super Bowl.
Phenix
NBC did not respond to CNET's request for comment. We can't say whether the company is planning to make any improvements to latency in the feeds offered on Peacock or other streaming TV services for the 2022 Super Bowl.
In short, even in 2022, the best and fastest way to watch the Super Bowl is through cable, satellite or antenna TV. If you're planning to stream the game, be prepared for a delay, though there are still some steps you can take to bolster your network to avoid buffering and dropouts on game day.
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Going Overseas This Summer? Make Sure You Bring the Right Travel Gadgets
Going Overseas This Summer? Make Sure You Bring the Right Travel Gadgets
Traveling abroad is much easier when you have your trusty laptop, tablet or phone in tow. Your devices allow you to be your own travel agent: scoping out activities, curating restaurants, making bookings and reservations and navigating unfamiliar areas. Plus, with some companies maintaining remote-work flexibility into 2022, you can work a bit while traveling so you don't have to use up all your allotted time off for one trip.
But packing your tech isn't as simple as stuffing it into your suitcase. You also need to find a way to keep it charged, connected to the internet, safe and easily accessible. On top of that, different regions use different types of electrical plugs and voltages; if you haven't brought along the right adapter or converter, your tech is rendered useless.
I encountered these challenges in May when I traveled from the US to the UK, tagging along with my partner on a business trip. We incorporated both work and leisure into our travels -- a practice becoming increasingly common in the form of the digital nomad lifestyle. To keep our devices functional and secure, we relied on a number of tech accessories.
Here are the gadgets that enabled us to stay plugged in during our international trip. For even more tips, check out this list of travel tech recommendations from CNET contributor Geoffrey Morrison, an expert traveler.
Mary King
Before I purchased this handy little case, I would store my small electronics and wires by simply cramming them into my backpack. I'd have to dig around and pray I'd pluck the one I needed from the heaps of tangled chargers without having to dump everything out.
No more of that. Outfitted with pockets and zip-up compartments, the Thule Subterra PowerShuttle is perfectly suited for organizing small tech-adjacent doodads: AirPods, adapters, a webcam, small charging cables, spare earbuds and dongles.
One particularly helpful feature is a hidden cutout in the exterior pocket that allows a cord to pass through: You can stick a phone in that pocket for easy access while you charge it up using a powerbank you've placed inside the case.
If you have a larger assortment of chargers and long cables, upsize to the Subterra PowerShutte Plus or this double-layer option from Amazon.
Mary King
This portable charger saved my iPhone's arse on numerous occasions, adding hours and hours to its battery life. Though the chunky 5.9-inch unit (which weighs just under a pound) bogged down my backpack a bit, it certainly pulled its weight, refueling my phone's weary battery while eliminating the need to duck into a cafe in search of an outlet.
While traveling, I needed to recharge my phone much more often than I'd expected to. I put a real strain on my iPhone's battery, mapping out public transit routes, cueing up boarding passes, snapping photos, researching nearby attractions and food, scanning QR codes and religiously refreshing the West End's virtual ticket booth for dirt-cheap last-minute seats. I'd gulp each time the battery icon turned red, only to recall the surplus of juice tucked right in my backpack. Then I'd plug my phone into the power bank, zip it away, and pull it out later to find its battery revived.
The power bank takes about two hours to charge my iPhone from empty to 100%. It has two USB-A ports, allowing two devices to charge simultaneously.
Mary King
Depending on where you're traveling, you'll likely encounter a few of the various electrical plugs and voltages used in different regions of the world. For that reason, Protégé's budget-friendly set caught my eye. Not only does it contain adapters to fit different-shaped plugs, but it also includes a voltage converter.
Voltage converters are key because small appliances in North America are generally built to handle a 120-volt supply. Most other regions power their outlets with a much more powerful 220V or 240V supply: Plug an American curling iron into a British outlet and it will fry. A converter tames that intense voltage to 110-120V, a manageable current for North American appliances. (Some devices, like chargers for phones and laptops, are typically dual-voltage and support both standards out of the box.)
Offering adapters of four different varieties, Protégé promises compatibility with outlets in many countries throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and North and South America. Just plug your regular charger into your current location's corresponding adapter, and you'll be all set to use it like normal. Though the adapters feel cheap and plasticky, they seem to get the job done: The Type G plug helped power our three laptops over a 10-day trip to the UK without issue.
Here's where I ran into trouble. When I read on the box that the converter could work with travel appliances between 50 to 1,875W, I thrust my beloved 1,400-watt Rowenta clothing steamer into my suitcase with hopes of easy dewrinkling in the hotel room. However, I failed to note a key word on the box's instructions: travel appliances. When I tried to plug the steamer into the converter, the converter became searing hot, developed a strange smell and only powered the steamer for a few minutes at a time. Baffled, I checked the instruction manual, and there I read the converter was only built for steamers under 1,000 watts. Whoops — I'd overloaded it. Thankfully, the steamer survived, but it still felt like a close call.
Despite that, this is a useful, affordable pick, especially if you're headed to multiple countries on one trip. Just make sure you're prepared to use the voltage converter only for appliances with a low-enough wattage.
Mary King
While a multipart adapter set like the Protege is ideal for plugging in one device at a time across multiple regions, this seven-in-one adapter's strength is the opposite: It's excellent for plugging in multiple devices simultaneously within one region. This particular model is designed specifically to use in areas with Type G outlets, like the UK. (There's another version for Type C outlets.)
The seven ports and outlets are efficiently placed, allowing the adapter to accommodate several plugs while remaining relatively compact. Three USB-A ports and one USB-C port are neatly lined up along the front panel, along with three AC outlets (one on each exposed side). While the adapter itself isn't too big, the prongs stick out and don't fold up -- a minor annoyance while packing. Stuffing two of these into our carry-on was difficult.
I used it for my phone and to recharge a power bank. Other reviewers have said they used it for their headphones, CPAP machines and laptops. Remember, it's not a voltage converter, so if you're going to use it with appliances, make sure they're dual-voltage or otherwise built to handle 220V to 240V. Also, note that the USB-C output (17W) isn't strong enough to charge a MacBook, which needs more wattage. I learned that the hard way.
Mary King
As one who habitually misplaces important items, I try to keep an eagle eye on my personal tech. So, when I bought a Tile tracker to test, I affixed it to the device I'd shed the most tears over losing: My 2020 M1 MacBook Pro. But I discovered I was duplicating an existing Mac feature. Apple's robust Find My app would have let me track down the Mac from my iPhone, doing effectively the same thing as the Tile, but for free. This also would have been the case for a PC or an Android phone, thanks to similar tools from Microsoft and Google.
I'd still recommend getting some variety of Tile gadget for your tech valuables, though: Maybe you have a pair of headphones you treasure, or maybe you want to keep tabs on pricey accessories like chargers. And having a Tile on your phone or computer isn't altogether useless. Since it's hardware that's separate from your device (unlike the Find My apps), the tracker works even if the device is shut off or out of battery.
I was especially impressed with the ease of Tile's setup process. The app walked me through syncing with Bluetooth and turning on my phone's necessary permissions. I could easily locate the tracker on the app's map and trigger its loud beeping. The sticker stuck firmly onto my laptop case, and although the tracker weathered some scratches, it survived plenty of jostling around in my backpack.
If I were to go back and redo my initial purchase, I would have bought a variety pack: A Tile Slim for my wallet, a Sticker for my laptop charger, and a Mate for my keys. Another option for Apple devices is the Apple AirTag. It's smaller and more advanced than Tile's lineup, but while Tile lets you both track your phone using the tracker and track the tracker using your phone, the AirTag only allows for the latter. And it doesn't work on Android. Tile, meanwhile, works with both iOS and Android.
Mary King/CNET
There's no clear consensus on whether it's truly a good idea to stick a case on a MacBook, as some speculate it weakens the display hinge. But I've advocated in favor of casing, provided you're using a good-quality case that's durable without adding too much bulk.
This hard shell from Incase checks all of the boxes. It's sturdy, it's light enough not to put pressure on the display, and, unlike a cheaper case I tested, it fits the laptop snugly with no awkward gaps.
Even as I shuttled my MacBook around airports and streets, I felt confident knowing it had a little extra buffering. The case brought me peace of mind when a thunderstorm caught us by surprise: The backpack was soaked through, but the computer itself was dry as can be.
I'm not saying the case would have protected the laptop if I'd, say, hurled it into the English Channel. But any protection from the elements will certainly do a computer some good.
Mary King
Mee 1080P High Resolution USB Camera with Auto Focus
Get a webcam, but not this one
So far, I've been able to recommend each of the devices I bought for this trip. I can't say the same for this last one. In fact, I specifically un-recommend it.
Here's the situation. For all their technological prowess, many high-end computers these days are burdened with shockingly low-quality built-in webcams. (Looking at you, MacBooks.) An external webcam can polish your onscreen appearance -- helpful if you're on a trip where you'll be appearing on a lot of Zoom calls or recording yourself with your laptop.
But if you're going to invest in a webcam, pick a different model than the one I tried out. This supposedly 1080p webcam degraded my Zoom image and audio quality from bad to worse.
The webcam makes the colors a little more flattering (or perhaps just more saturated), but it seems to replace the former image's graininess with... blur. Not exactly an improvement. The autofocus was the worst offender here, despite being this model's selling point: Even my slightest movements would trigger a dizzying refocusing process that often left me blurry in the end. The mic brought a tinny, crackly quality to my voice. I'll probably throw this out -- I'd prefer my Mac's built-in hardware any day, subpar camera and all.
Here's what Zoom looked like with my MacBook's 720p built-in camera.
Screenshot/Mary King
And here it is with the external webcam treatment.
Screenshot/Mary King
If you're looking for a webcam that actually works, I'll direct you to our list of the best webcams for 2022 and our guide for choosing between them.
For more travel advice, here's the essential gear you'll need to take better photos on vacation. Plus, check out our tips for making your travels more affordable in 2022.
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Don't buy an Apple Watch 7 until you learn how the trade-in program works
Don't buy an Apple Watch 7 until you learn how the trade-in program works
The Apple Watch Series 7 ($399) is pretty impressive: The device runs WatchOS 8 and has a larger, more durable screen, as well as new workout and fall detection options. If you're planning to upgrade, you might be wondering what to do with your old Apple Watch.
Don't just abandon your old watch in a junk drawer. You can save money on a new watch by trading in the old one. There are deals through Apple and all three major mobile carriers. Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are offering deals to persuade people to upgrade to 5G iPhones. For example, AT&T is offering up to $1,000 off the iPhone Pro or Pro Max and $700 off the iPhone 13 and Mini.
We'll break down everything you need to know about trading in your Apple Watch, when you'll get your new one and how much you could save.
How to trade in your Apple Watch for a Series 7
To trade in your watch, you can visit apple.com/shop/trade-in. Scroll down and select Apple Watch out of the product lineup. You can also visit the nearest Apple Store to get the process started at a retail storefront.
You'll need to provide your watch's serial number (Apple has this guide to finding your serial number), model and condition to get a more accurate estimate. From there, you can start shopping for a new watch and apply the credit toward your purchase. You can also opt for an Apple gift card instead of replacing your old product with a different one right away.
The new Apple Watch Series 7 runs on WatchOS 8.
Apple
If you accept the trade-in estimate, Apple will provide a prepaid trade-in kit by mail or at the Apple Store. You don't have to include device accessories like the charger.
When to expect your Apple Watch Series 7 arrive and how to track the delivery
The online trade-in process takes about two to three weeks, according to Apple, and the company must receive your device within two weeks of starting the trade-in process. You can track the trade-in process from your Apple Store account.
If you decide you no longer want to trade in your device, simply keeping it will void the process. If you've already dropped off or shipped your watch, the trade-in can't be canceled.
What to do before trading in your Apple Watch
Before trading in your Apple Watch, make sure to unpair it from your iPhone.
1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. 2. Tap the My Watch tab. 3. Choose your watch's name. 4. Tap the Information button. 5. Tap Unpair Apple Watch. If you own a cellular model, tap Remove [Carrier] Plan. 6. Enter your Apple ID password to turn off the activation lock. 7. Tap Confirm.
If you already returned your Apple Watch, you can erase or turn off the activation lock via iCloud.com. Just log in with your Apple ID and select your Apple Watch under All Devices. Click Erase Apple Watch and follow the prompts to complete the process.
The new Apple Watch features a new design and more health features.
Oliver Padilla/CNET
How much money you could get for trading in an old Apple Watch
These are the devices and corresponding estimated trade-in values listed on Apple's website:
Apple Watch SE: Up to $155
Apple Watch Series 5: Up to $145
Apple Watch Series 4: Up to $100
Apple Watch Series 3: Up to $70
Apple Watch Series 2: Up to $25
Keep in mind that these figures come with a few caveats. The credit amount is based on the information you provided about your watch, including condition. If something doesn't match up once Apple receives the trade-in, the amount will be adjusted. In addition, the estimates given online might not be what you get in the store.
The type of credit also depends on what you buy and how you pay for it, according to Apple. If you buy an Apple Watch and pay in full, Apple will credit your original payment method up to the total purchase price. Any remaining amount will go on an Apple Gift Card via email.
Other ways to trade in your Apple Watch
Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T and Sprint all offer trade-in programs for Apple Watches and other devices. There are also sites like Swappa, eBay, Trademore and BuyBackWorld; since these are third-party sites, we recommend having a read through their Trustpilot ratings before making any decisions.
For more, check out everything announced at the Apple Event and the Apple Watch Series 7's new design.
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DIY Peloton bike: How to build your own smart cycle on the cheap
DIY Peloton bike: How to build your own smart cycle on the cheap
Indoor exercise bikes have been around forever, but it feels like Peloton turned what used to be a dull, monotonous fitness activity into something exciting. Unfortunately, Peloton also turned it into something expensive: With prices ranging from $1,895 to $2,495, these "smart bikes" cost considerably more than most "dumb" ones. And that's not even factoring in the required subscription for exercise classes, which runs $40 a month.
Let's forgo the debate over whether the bike and service are worth the money. Instead, let's look at ways to get a Peloton-like cycling experience at home for less -- quite possibly a lot less.
Read more:Best workout subscription apps for 2020: Peloton, Daily Burn and more
For starters, I've already tested a number of affordable Peloton alternatives -- "connected" bikes that have similar designs and, in some cases, similar spin-class offerings. But even then you're looking at around $900 at a minimum. Surely there must be cheaper DIY options for budget-strapped cyclists?
There are:
You can buy an inexpensive exercise bike and use it with any number of "experiential" iPad or iPhone apps -- including Peloton's (see below).
You can buy a "trainer" and use the outdoor bike you already own -- again with apps to enhance the experience.
The hardware is actually the easier part of the equation, so let's start by looking at the software.
Read more: The best smart home-gym tech
It's all about the app(s)
The Peloton app gives you full access to all Peloton fitness content, but for a much lower price ($13 a month) than bike owners pay.
Rick Broida/CNET
As you know, the Peloton bike slings all manner of live and recorded classes to its big built-in screen. But what you may not know is that Peloton also offers these classes to the masses -- those who don't own the company's equipment -- courtesy of the Peloton app.
Available for Android, iOS, Fire TV, Roku and Chromecast, it allows you to "BYO bike" (or treadmill, just FYI), though with one key omission: You won't get all the same live stats and metrics (distance, resistance, calories burned and so on) as you would from a Peloton bike. Likewise, it may be difficult to mirror the exact resistance called out by instructors during classes; a "20" on the Peloton bike has no real correlation to a bike that uses an analog dial for resistance. You also don't get the Peloton's large screen to watch classes or keep track of your stats, but I'll cover how to replicate the experience below.
However, you can feed heart-rate data to the app -- all you need is an inexpensive third-party heart-rate monitor. Similarly, the app can capture cadence (i.e., pedal-rate) data, which, again, can come from an inexpensive sensor. More on those options later.
Here's the real surprise: The Peloton app costs just $13 per month, not $40 like for owners of the Peloton bike. Whatever bike you end up using, your overall costs will end up much lower.
Since you're going the BYO route anyway, you don't necessarily have to use the Peloton app. Or, you can switch between that and any number of others. Maybe you're not interested in spin-type classes; maybe you'd prefer virtual rides through famous city streets or on beautiful mountain trails. Maybe you'd like to compete in virtual races. There are lots of cycling apps designed to let you do all that and more. A few examples:
There are two newcomers worth mentioning as well: Fitscope Studio ($10 a month or $80 annually) and Motosumo ($13 a month). The latter promises to "turn any bike into a smart bike," offering live indoor cycling classes with various stats (collected from a Bluetooth HR monitor and power meter) displayed on your phone. Fitscope Studio offers a wider array of classes (including elliptical, treadmill and "scenery runs"), but without the live option or stat-monitoring.
There's no law that says you have to use a cycling app at all. Maybe you'd prefer to read a book in the Kindle app or stream The Queen's Gambit on Netflix. That's about as far away from the "Peloton experience" as you can get, but it's also a very low-cost option. (Here are 10 free Netflix alternatives to keep costs even lower.)
Inexpensive indoor exercise bikes
This Pyhigh bike sells for around $300. It's no Peloton, but if you're using the Peloton app to take classes, will you even notice?
Pyhigh
As noted, there are exercise bikes that cost a fraction of what you'll pay for the Peloton. You won't get all the same features, and build quality might not be as good. But if your goal is simply to ride inside while enjoying instructor-led classes, that's easily accomplished.
What should you look for in an indoor bike? A few key specs: The weight of the flywheel (conventional wisdom holds that heavier is better), the type of resistance (friction or magnetic, the latter typically quieter) and the inclusion of a phone or tablet holder. This last is pretty important, as you'll need a device for whatever app(s) you plan to use. You can buy a third-party holder if the bike you like doesn't include one -- more on that below.
However, any bike in the $200-$400 range won't be "connected," meaning it won't have any way to pair with that device. If you want heart-rate and/or cadence data from your rides, you'll have to add that equipment on your own.
Search Amazon for indoor exercise bikes and you'll find a dizzying array of choices, many of them from brands you're not likely to recognize: L Now, Pooboo, Pyhigh and so on. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it can make your decision that much more difficult.
Having perused a lot of these brands and models, I found a few that appear to tick most of the important boxes. The Pyhigh S2 Indoor Cycling Bike features a 35-pound flywheel, an LCD monitor that displays basic cycling stats and a tablet holder. It currently sells for $307, though in the past it's been as low as $220.
The S2 is also notable because it has over 1,700 user reviews, and those average out to a solid 4.4 stars. With that kind of review volume, it's less likely you're seeing a preponderance of fakes, something to consider when looking at a product that has only a couple dozen ratings. (Find out more about this in my story on how to spot fake Amazon reviews.)
If you want a bike that uses magnetic resistance, which will definitely get you a little closer to a Peloton-like ride, check out the Joroto X2 for $400. It has a 4.5-star rating from over 1,900 buyers.
Again, these are just two options out of many. You could also head to your local sporting-goods store in search of bikes you can actually try before buying.
Indoor trainers for your outdoor bike
BYO bike and mount it on something like the Saris CycleOps M2 ($550) for a more realistic (but still app-connected) indoor-cycling experience.
Saris
Avid outdoor cyclists will tell you to skip these fancy (and even less fancy) exercise bikes in favor of the one you already own. You'll spend considerably less money and get a much more familiar (and realistic) riding experience.
The key piece of hardware you'll need: An indoor trainer, which typically combines a simple stationary stand for your front wheel and a roller for the back one. The trainer holds your bike upright; all you do is hop on and pedal.
These things range in price from under $100 on up to $1,000 and more, depending on design and features. One standout is the Saris CycleOps M2, a "smart" trainer that connects directly to apps like Rouvy and Zwift. Its electromagnetic roller will automatically adjust the tension to correspond with your virtual ride. (Pedaling up a hill, for example? The tension will increase.) The M2 is currently selling for $550, but has been as low as $430 in the past.
Your bike plus $150 gets you an indoor-cycling setup.
Sportneer
Looking for a less expensive option? For $150 (previously as low as $90), the Sportneer Bike Trainer offers a simple rear-wheel roller along with a handlebar-mounted remote that provides six resistance settings. It has a 4.4-star rating from nearly 4,000 buyers.
Just one wrinkle in this plan: Your bike probably doesn't have a place to put a tablet. You could always prop it up on a nearby table or shelf, but that'll make it harder to see and impossible to reach while riding. Thankfully, there are super-cheap tablet mounts designed for indoor bikes (ironic!) that should also work with your road bike. Here's one that costs all of $16.
Other gear you'll need
There are a couple key stats that go hand-in-hand with the Peloton experience: heart rate and cadence. Fortunately, you can track both without spending a lot, and feed that data directly to whatever app(s) you're using.
The Wahoo Cadence Sensor can install on nearly any bike. It feeds speed data to cycling apps.
Wahoo
The Wahoo Cadence Sensor is a popular choice; it can mount on your shoe or, more permanently, one of your bike's crank arms. It sells for $40.
Wahoo also makes a chest-strap heart-rate monitor, the Tickr, that runs $50. However, if you don't mind going a little off-brand, you can get something like the CooSpo heart-rate monitor for $39.
Finally, although you can use your phone, a tablet with a larger screen is really the ideal option -- the better to see your instructor or virtual bike trail. One of the cheapest options: The Amazon Fire HD 10, which sells for $150 but routinely goes on sale for $30-$50 less. There's a version of the Peloton app available for Fire tablets, same as for Android and iOS tablets.
Now for the bad news: Peloton is just about the only popular cycling app that's available for Fire. No FulGaz, no iFit, no Rouvy, no Zwift. If you want to run those, you'll need an Android tablet or an iPad. Check out CNET's roundup of the best tablets of 2020 if you need some recommendations.
My advice: Be on the lookout for an iPad deal. The current-gen iPad 10.2, for example, lists for $329 but often goes on sale for $279. There aren't many Android tablets available these days, and anything with a 10-inch screen is likely to cost you more than that iPad.
Let's do the math
When all is said and done, how much will it really cost you to recreate the Peloton experience without the Peloton bike? That depends on how much equipment you might already own and how much you need to buy. But the Peloton app itself feels like the real bargain at just $13 per month. In addition to live and on-demand cycling classes, it serves up a wealth of other fitness content: cardio, HIIT, yoga, meditation, stretching and more.
At the top end, you might spend $400 on a bike, $250 on a tablet and $100 on miscellaneous extras, for a total of around $750. That's still less than half the price of a Peloton bike, and you're not locked into a $39-a-month subscription.
Now let's hear from you: What kind of home-brew Peloton setup are you planning to put together? And if you've already got one, what kind of gear does it have, and how's it working out?
Read more: All the latest Amazon coupons
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When you think of streaming TV shows and movies, there's a good chance that Netflix is comes to mind first. Though competition from rivals like HBO Max and Disney Plus is fierce, it's still the best choice for streaming entertainment, period.
Netflix includes a wide variety of familiar network shows and more original series, films, documentaries and specials than any of its myriad competitors. Despite challenges with retaining subscribers and a price bump, the world's first major streaming service remains our favorite choice thanks to its huge library of constantly refreshed content and its easy accessibility across different devices. In 2021, Netflix won 44 Emmys, making history and racking up more than the next two media companies combined. If you're looking for something new to watch, Netflix should be your top choice.
Like
Strong recommendation engine
Easy to use across different devices
Offline downloads available
Extensive list of movies and shows
Massive selection of original programs
No commercials
Don't Like
Cost for premium plans is on the higher end
Can't watch shows as they air on other networks
Depending on the plan you choose, Netflix costs between $10 and $20 per month, which is at the higher end for a streaming service, as you can see in the chart below. Its recent price increase shook up the streaming world and moved Netflix closer to HBO Max in terms of cost. However, the pricier package lets you watch up to four screens at once, and create different user profiles, so in theory, you could split it among friends to lower the price. Thanks to its sheer variety and number of new things to watch, Netflix also gives you the most bang for your buck.
Streaming Services Compared
Netflix
Peacock
HBO Max
Disney Plus
Apple TV Plus
Amazon Prime Video
Hulu
Monthly price
Starts at $9.99
Basic free with ads, ad-free for $5
$9.99 for basic with ads, $14.99 for ad-free
$7.99
$4.99
$8.99 (or included with $140/year Prime membership)
Basic $6.99 with ads, ad-free Premium for $12.99, Live TV for $70
The Office, 30 Rock, Bel-Air, early access to Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
Game of Thrones, Dune, Euphoria, DC titles
The Mandalorian, Loki, Encanto, Obi-Wan Kenobi
Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, CODA, Severance
Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Boys, Reacher, The Wheel of Time
Handmaid's Tale, Pen15, The Great, Bob's Burgers
Mobile downloads
Yes
Yes (Premium Plus plan)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
4K HDR available
Yes (on Premium plan)
No
Yes (limited titles)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Number of streams:
1 (2 for Standard, 4 on Premium)
3
3
4
6
2
2 (Unlimited with Live TV $9.99 add-on)
How Netflix started vs. how it's going
Between 2012-2013, Netflix premiered its first original TV shows, including Lilyhammer, House of Cards and Orange Is the New Black. Today, it has a catalog of more than 1,500 original TV shows and movies, including global hits like Stranger Things, Emmy winners such as Bridgerton, The Queen's Gambit and The Crown, as well as Oscar-nominated movies such as The Power of the Dog, Tick, Tick… Boom! and The Trial of the Chicago 7.
Though the company's been known for its commercial-free streaming experience since its inception, there are plans to introduce an ad-supported tier before 2022 ends. Additionally, Netflix aims to crackdown on password sharing by charging a fee for extra users on an account. The program is still in the pilot phase, but the days of crowdfunding your Netflix subscription may soon be over.
As of 2022, Netflix has more than 220 million paid subscribers across 190 countries, after seeing a major spike in users during the pandemic. A dent in its subscriber base caused numbers to drop by 200,000, but there are still reasons to keep the service, with the main draw being its content.
What shows and movies does Netflix have?
Netflix may have had the first-to-market advantage in the world of streaming services, but it's kept its momentum with its increasing number of original shows and movies -- many of which have won critical acclaim and major awards and nominations.
Compared to other streaming platforms, you can't beat Netflix's slate of original TV shows that are now considered among the best of the modern era of television, including those mentioned above plus many more, such as Squid Game, Ozark, Never Have I Ever, Money Heist and Cobra Kai.
Read more: Netflix: The 49 Absolute Best TV Shows to Watch
Outside of TV shows, Netflix's original programs include a wide range of comedies, dramas, foreign films and shows, documentary series, anime, stand-up comedy specials and reality dating and competition shows. Not all of them are runaway hits, but many of them are, and there's enough to explore interesting shows that may not have found a home on traditional network TV. And at a time when going to the movies is more fraught than it once was, Netflix offers a place to find new films: In 2022 alone, Netflix is set to release over 100 new movies, at least one per week. The selection spans across genres and geography, and includes K-dramas, animated features, and fantasy book adaptations.
Stranger Things is one of Netflix's powerhouse originals.
Netflix
Netflix typically adds shows a full season at a time, though not while a show is airing on network TV -- so if you don't have cable or another platform like Hulu, you'll have to wait to watch for a few months to watch seasons in full.
One complaint: Netflix content sometimes can come and go without warning. The only way to tell if something is leaving the service in the next 30 days is if you happen to tap on the details page for the given show or movie -- or search online for everything coming and going in a given month.
Another potential content issue to flag: In recent years Netflix has lost some of its most popular content (such as The Office, which moved to NBC's Peacock, Daredevil, which moved to Disney Plus and Friends, which moved to HBO Max) as other networks created their own streaming services. While it started as an online video store that was trying to offer every movie and TV series online, it may be slowly becoming more akin to the old HBO -- mostly featuring its own original programming, complemented with some things it licenses from other companies.
What's it like to use Netflix?
I first subscribed to Netflix back in the first streaming days of 2007, so using the platform feels like second nature at this point. Even if you're new to it, it's pretty user-friendly: Open the app and tap on your profile (if you have one set up), and you'll see a homepage. You'll see Popular on Netflix, Continue Watching, Trending Now, Top Picks for you and a number of (sometimes oddly specific) other categories based on shows you've watched before. Mine include Critically-acclaimed Witty TV Comedies and Suburban-dysfunction TV Comedies, for example.
Netflix's design encourages scrolling -- there are so many different categories to look through, and then shows and movies within those categories to continue scrolling into. You can create a watch list to help you cut down on this, but the vast, colorful library makes it easy to spend more time looking through options than actually watching a show, so be careful.
The Netflix app operates similarly across various devices. My home page on the web browser is nearly identical to that on my Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire TV Stick, both in content and layout. It's more condensed on the smaller iPhone and Android phone screens, but still follows the same format, and has a clear "Downloads" tab to find content to save to watch offline on your device.
Rows and rows of content on Netflix can keep you busy.
James Martin/CNET
One difference between devices is voice commands: You might find it more or less difficult to fire up a Netflix show from your device's home screen depending on which voice-capable device you're using.
For example, when you say, "Watch Stranger Things" on the Apple TV and the iOS app on iPhone, it will first have you click which specific show (Stranger Things or Beyond Stranger Things), and then will take you to an Apple TV page for the show, and there it will give you the option to open Netflix and start episode 1. On Amazon Fire TV Stick, you can say, "Watch Stranger Things," and it will open Netflix automatically if you're logged into the app. On the Roku 4K stick, if you say, "Watch Stranger Things," it will take you right to the first episode in the app. Those are more hardware-side concerns, but interesting to note.
Once you're in the Netflix app, though, voice commands work the same across devices: Go to the Search tab, hold the microphone button to dictate, and say the name of the show you're looking for.
When you select a show or movie to watch, you have the option to fast-forward, rewind, add subtitles and change your audio settings. If you have a Premium account and a big enough 4K TV, watching in Ultra HD makes for a very cinematic experience. The show or movie you choose will also show up in your "Continue watching" section at the top of your homepage for easier access.
How much does Netflix cost?
Netflix offers three pricing plans: Basic, Standard and Premium. Here is how the costs and features break down:
Netflix plans
Basic
Standard
Premium
Monthly price
$10
$15.50
$20
Number of screens you can watch on at the same time
1
2
4
Number of phones or tablets you can have downloads on
1
2
4
HD available
No
Yes
Yes
Ultra HD available
No
No
Yes
All plans include the ability to watch on any device, and the full, unlimited collection of movies and TV shows. All allow cancellation at any time. Netflix also offers a one-month free trial.
Netflix's Basic plan costs more than Prime Video ($9 per month), more than Hulu's ad-based plan ($7 per month) but less than its more comparable no-ads plan ($13 per month). If you're on a shared Netflix account with family, chances are it's a Premium one ($20 per month) -- if you're actually splitting it between four people, that's only $5 per month each, and a strong value for all of the original content available, including some in 4K Ultra HD. Plus: No commercials on any plan.
What features do you get on Netflix?
Outside of general streaming, if you have the Standard or Premium plan, you can create different profiles for different users, and find your own list of personalized recommendations.
Netflix's recommendation game is strong, from "Because you watched" carousels that have been improved by the new "two thumbs up" feature, to the option to remove content from your home page, to its "Play Something" shuffle feature for when you're unsure what to stream.
The platform also has a particularly appealing kid's section, with a solid catalog of content including CoComelon, Pokemon: Master Journeys and Trolls: The Beat Goes On! and a much more kid-friendly user interface – including the mystery box feature added earlier this year.
If you subscribe to the Premium plan, you can watch certain shows and movies in 4K Ultra HD on 4K TVs. You'll need a steady internet connection speed of at least 25 megabits per second, and streaming quality set to Auto or High.
Netflix has more 4K content than just about any other streaming service, and a lot of its 4K shows and movies are also available in HDR. High dynamic range provides an even bigger improvement in image quality than 4K according to CNET's tests, with better contrast and color, and the difference is especially apparent on large, higher-end televisions. Netflix supports the two major HDR formats, generic HDR (aka HDR-10) as well as Dolby Vision. If you have a device that handles Dolby Vision, Netflix will play content (if available) in that format by default.
You can search for a selection of 4K TV shows and movies on the service with the Premium plan.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Data usage varies by format, ranging from about 1GB per hour for the standard-definition video to up to 7GB per hour for the highest-quality 4K streams. Downloading and streaming take up a similar amount of data, according to Netflix. If you want to avoid having Netflix eat up all of your data, you can take certain steps laid out on Netflix's website to adjust your data usage settings.
All subscribers can download TV shows and movies on the Netflix app on mobile devices for offline viewing, though certain titles aren't available to download.
Read more: 9 Handy Netflix Tricks That Can Help Make Streaming Better
Should you get it?
Netflix remains my favorite streaming platform of the increasingly large bunch. It has a huge selection of movies and TV shows old and new, tons of high-quality original programs, and an easy-to-navigate interface.
Even though it no longer offers a free trial, it's worth trying Netflix for a month if you want something new to watch.
