Netflix has struck an acceptable balance by making its streaming service available on a wide range of devices, but that means sacrificing something in terms of functionality or controls. When it comes to computers, we discover impressive potential, and if we bring web browser extensions into the equation, our experience on a site or service can change radically. Netflix is no exception, and with the help of five Google Chrome-compatible extensions, watching series and movies on PC is a more attractive option than ever.
There’s not much more to add about Netflix’s advantages, so I think it’s a good moment to talk about its limitations. Its interface isn’t very user-friendly, it’s difficult to access advanced categories, and if we want to adjust things like brightness or contrast, our best bet is usually the graphics card driver. Luckily, all these aspects can be optimized or fixed by using the right browser and a couple of extensions. Google Chrome has shown an abundance of Netflix-compatible extensions, and today we’re going to recommend five:
Flix Plus
Flix Plus’s priority is to keep spoilers in check. Something as simple as an image or an overly elaborate description could reveal more than we want to know. It also adds new keyboard shortcuts, external references (IMDb scores and official trailers, for example), and a button to play random episodes, among other things. (Download)
Netflix Categories
Netflix has a huge number of categories, just over 70,000 micro-genres to be precise, and the standard search doesn't reach them all. Netflix Categories easily breaks that limit by integrating a new search box that you access by clicking its icon. To avoid repeating searches every time, the extension provides a favorites system that reduces the process to a couple of clicks. (Download)
Showgoers for Netflix
Showgoers offers a feature that definitely should become part of Netflix across its apps on all platforms. Essentially, it syncs two users so they can watch the same movie at the same time, creating an experience similar to going to the movies. Showgoers for Netflix includes a chat system to exchange opinions in real time, although its developer recommends pairing it with a Skype session. (Download)
Super Netflix
Additional controls, external subtitle support, alternative bitrate parameters, advanced telemetry, contrast presets, volume changes with the mouse wheel… let’s just say Super Netflix has earned its name. Its last update was published in November 2016, but user reports are very positive. (Download)
Video Adjust for Netflix
If the contrast presets in Super Netflix aren't enough for you and you prefer a direct manual adjustment, don't worry. The last extension on our list is Video Adjust for Netflix, and as its title suggests, it enables custom changes to brightness, contrast, and saturation with the help of three sliders. Personally, I think this extension is far better than adjusting those values on the graphics card. (Download)
Am I missing something? Do you use another extension for Netflix in Chrome that shouldn't be left off this list? If the answer to both questions is yes, then you know what to do. Leave a comment with your recommendations. Good luck!
