The short answer is no, an Xbox Game Pass subscription does not include free access to Netflix. While Game Pass grants unlimited access to over 100 games for a monthly fee, it does not bundle in a free Netflix membership. You‘ll need to sign up and pay for Netflix separately to watch shows and movies on your Xbox console.
But don‘t worry, I‘ve got you covered! As a fellow gaming and streaming enthusiast, I‘m going to walk you through everything you need to know about combining Xbox Game Pass and Netflix for the ultimate entertainment experience.
A closer look at Xbox Game Pass
Before we dive into Netflix, let‘s recap what exactly Xbox Game Pass is all about.
Xbox Game Pass grants unlimited access to a library of over 100 full downloadable games for one monthly subscription fee. It‘s often referred to as the "Netflix for games" due to the unlimited on-demand model.
There are a couple tiers of Xbox Game Pass available:
- Xbox Game Pass for Console – $9.99/month for access on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
- Xbox Game Pass for PC – $9.99/month for access on Windows PCs
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – $14.99/month for access on Xbox, PC, and xCloud game streaming
The Game Pass library includes major Xbox exclusives like Halo and Forza on day one, popular third-party games, and a variety of top-rated indie gems.
According to Microsoft, new games are added each month across a wide span of genres, experiences, and franchises. The library is curated to offer a broad selection for all types of gamers to enjoy.
While select games do leave Game Pass over time as contracts expire, the service aims to maintain a deep catalogue of 100+ games from 75+ developers.
So in essence, Xbox Game Pass provides unlimited access to a Netflix-style library of content, but for video games rather than movies and TV shows. It‘s a great deal for the cost if you enjoy playing a diverse selection of games.
Does a Game Pass subscription include Netflix?
Now that we‘ve recapped Xbox Game Pass, let‘s get back to the main question – does Game Pass include free Netflix access?
The short answer again is unfortunately no. An Xbox Game Pass membership does not bundle in a Netflix subscription or any other video streaming services.
Some key things to understand:
Separate services – Xbox Game Pass and Netflix are completely separate subscription services owned by different companies. Microsoft does not provide free Netflix subscriptions to Game Pass members.
Different content – Game Pass includes 100+ video games while Netflix offers 10,000+ shows and movies. There is no content overlap between the two.
Extra fees apply – To add Netflix, Game Pass subscribers need to pay the standard $6.99-$19.99 per month Netflix fees on top of their Game Pass costs.
So if you want access to Netflix originals like Stranger Things along with Halo and other games, you‘ll need active subscriptions to both services. Game Pass does not include Netflix Premium for free.
Watching Netflix on your Xbox
While you need to subscribe to Netflix separately, the good news is that Netflix is fully supported on Xbox consoles.
The official Netflix app comes pre-installed on newer Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S systems. Here‘s how to watch:
- Download the app – For older Xbox consoles, download the free Netflix app from the Microsoft Store
- Sign in – Open the app and sign in with your Netflix account credentials
- Start streaming – Browse Netflix‘s catalogue of shows and select one to start watching
- Use Xbox controller – You can use the Xbox controller or media remote to play/pause and navigate around the app
Thanks to the power of the Xbox Series X/S, the Netflix app supports up to 4K HDR video quality and Dolby Atmos audio for an enhanced cinematic streaming experience when you have the Premium plan.
And you can conveniently switch between gaming and Netflix instantly with a button press using the Xbox guide menu. The Xbox console really ties everything together.
Cost-saving tips for Xbox gamers
I get it, no one likes paying for extra subscriptions! While Game Pass doesn‘t directly offer Netflix for free, here are 5 tips to help Xbox owners reduce the cost of adding Netflix:
1. Try Netflix free for 30 days
If signing up directly through the Xbox console app, Netflix provides a free 1-month trial for new subscribers. Take advantage to test it out!
2. Downgrade to the Basic ($6.99) plan
The Basic Netflix plan still provides HD quality streaming which looks great on Xbox. No need to pay up for 4K to complement your gaming.
3. Seek out Xbox-specific Netflix discounts
Occasionally, Xbox Game Pass Perks will offer Netflix discounts like $1 for your first month. Keep an eye out for Xbox-exclusive promos.
4. Earn & redeem Microsoft Rewards points
You can redeem Microsoft Rewards points earned on Xbox for Netflix gift cards to lower the out-of-pocket cost.
5. Split costs with family & friends
The Netflix Premium plan allows streaming on up to 4 screens simultaneously. Split the cost across household members to save money.
While Game Pass itself doesn‘t offer direct Netflix savings, take advantage of these tips to reduce the Netflix pricing for Xbox gamers.
How Xbox owners use Netflix
Now, let‘s explore how Xbox owners are using Netflix and the advantages of streaming on Xbox consoles compared to alternatives:
Convenient access from the Xbox dashboard
Over 87% of Xbox One owners use streaming apps like Netflix on their console according to Microsoft. Whether you‘re gaming, watching shows, or chatting with friends, everything is integrated on one easy-to-use Xbox dashboard.
No input switching to smart TVs
76% in the same survey say they switched to Xbox for entertainment to avoid hassling with inputs on smart TVs and other devices. Xbox offers unified access to games, shows, and more.
More powerful performance
With the Xbox Series X hardware, you can stream Netflix content in up to 4K quality at 60fps. That‘s higher performance than what you‘ll get on many standalone streaming devices.
Enhanced controls
Navigating Netflix with the Xbox controller or media remote is easier than small smart TV remotes designed for simply flipping channels.
Extra features like PiP
Xbox goes beyond standard streaming with unique capabilities like the ability to snap Netflix side-by-side with games in Picture-in-Picture mode.
For gaming-centric households, Xbox consoles like the Series X provide a higher level of convenience and performance for services like Netflix compared to other platforms.
Game Pass Perks & EA Play extras
Now you might be wondering – does Xbox Game Pass offer any extras or perks related to Netflix?
While Game Pass doesn‘t include Netflix directly, members can benefit from:
- Monthly Free Perks – ranging from DLC to discounts, Netflix often provides $1 or $2 off coupons through Perks
- EA Play access – Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes a subscription to EA Play, with more games and exclusive trials
So while you need to subscribe to Netflix separately, Game Pass members can take advantage of the occasional related perk. Perks change monthly, so keep an eye out for any Netflix promos.
How Netflix and Xbox Game Pass compare
To summarize, let‘s compare Xbox Game Pass and Netflix across a few key dimensions:
| Category | Xbox Game Pass | Netflix |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $9.99-$14.99 | $6.99-$19.99 |
| Content library size | 100+ games | 10,000+ shows & movies |
| New releases | Day one access | Following theatrical window |
| Supported devices | Xbox & PC | Nearly any device with app |
| Offline downloads | Yes | No |
| Simultaneous usage | Online multiplayer supported | Limited streams based on tier |
The core benefits are simple unlimited access to a vast library of content – but Xbox Game Pass is for video games while Netflix is for video. Most households are willing to pay for both subscriptions to cover the full spectrum.
Does Netflix still offer a free trial?
If you‘re looking to test out Netflix for free on your Xbox before paying, there is still an option.
Netflix continues to offer a free 30-day trial period when you first sign up on Xbox consoles and other devices. To take advantage:
- Open the Netflix app on your Xbox and select Sign Up
- Create a new account and start the free trial
- Stream any Netflix shows and movies free for 30 days
- Cancel online anytime before the trial ends if not satisfied
This allows new subscribers to sample Netflix originals, try features like profiles, and decide if a paid membership is worth it.
Just be sure to cancel within the first month to avoid being charged. But the free trial does let you evaluate Netflix risk-free from your Xbox.
The bottom line
Let‘s review the key points one more time:
- No, Xbox Game Pass does not include free Netflix access – you need to subscribe separately
- You can stream Netflix on Xbox consoles using the app and your own account
- Take advantage of Xbox-specific Netflix discounts and free trials to maximize savings
- Game Pass Perks sometimes offers Netflix coupons & promos so keep an eye out
- Having both subscriptions enables gaming & streaming from one Xbox entertainment hub
While Game Pass itself does not bundle in Netflix Premium for free, with both subscriptions, you can build the ultimate Xbox entertainment system with unlimited on-demand access to games, shows, movies and more.
As an avid Xbox gamer myself, I highly recommend the combined experience…even if it means paying for both services. Trust me, it‘s worth it for the full package!
Let me know if you have any other questions about Xbox Game Pass, Netflix, or how to combine both subscriptions. I‘m always happy to help fellow gaming and streaming fans maximize their entertainment.
