A definitive ranking of the Netflix fireplaces

I first stumbled across Netflix's fireplace collection on New Year's Eve as I desperately attempted to transform my rented home's bland front room into something cosy and characterful before our friends came over.

For those not in the know, the streaming service offers a whole library of digital fireplaces which you can pop on your TV, creating the illusion you're suddenly sitting fireside (sans the warmth). Some are themed around Netflix's hit shows like Squid Game and Bridgerton complete with soundtracks, while others are just your typical fire - though you can opt for one with a bigger crackle if that's your thing.

After that fateful NYE I became hooked on the virtual flames, carefully combing through the many on offer whenever I wanted an elevated experience doing anything from menial tasks through to playing board games with my husband, or simply scrolling on my phone.

• MAFS UK star's furious ex lashes out and claims he 'abandoned her' to go on E4 show
• Strictly Come Dancing announces major shake-up to results show after 7 years

If you're looking to create a bit of ambience in your own home, I've ranked the fireplaces that are currently streaming from best to worst after months of trying them out myself. At time of writing there's 12 different options.

Fireplace for Your Home: Crackling Birchwood Fireplace

Chances are if you're looking for fireplace ambience you want one complete with the hallmarks of any decent fire: lots of crackles. That's what this one delivers.

There are no bells and whistles attached visually, it is very much a zoomed in fireplace that does the job of making you believe your home is warm which is something of a novelty these days.

Rating: 10/10

Squid Game Fireplace

Undoubtedly the best themed fireplace you can plump for, the Squid Game Fireplace has a cool visual, perfect crackle on the fire and also ambient noises that make you feel like you're in control of the game.

You can hear the footsteps of guards, pings and mechanical noises and occasionally bits of the creepy theme tune too and it almost feels like it's almost a bonus episode.

Rating: 10/10

The Witcher Fireplace

A departure from the usual fireplace imagery, The Witcher Fireplace offers a dark and moody stone pit matching the mood of the Netflix series.

It is also accompanied by music, but it's a soundtrack you can enjoy in the background rather than it arresting the senses and you don't need to be a fan of the franchise either to appreciate what it has to offer.

Rating: 8/10

Family Pack Fireplace

A cute campfire awaits you with music that makes you feel like you're exploring the grounds of Hogwarts.

The crackle can't be faulted and the music is used sparingly, but it's definitely more of a fun one to have in the background of a games night or family gathering.

Rating: 7/10

White Christmas Fireplace

Despite looking like it is taken from an influencer's crushed velvet living room, the White Christmas Fireplace is overall a pretty decent option.

You will either love or hate the noises this fireplace makes, but I can tell you it gives a decent crackle.

Rating: 6/10

Bridgerton Fireplace

You have to really, really love Bridgerton to enjoy this one as it has more music from the show than it does fireplace sounds.

I'd put myself as in the casual Bridgerton enjoyer camp, so this was more of struggle for me to appreciate, but it's worth a punt if you want something more than just fire ambience. It would be the perfect backdrop to a Bridgerton party.

Rating: 5/10

Rustic Cabin Fireplace

While the dark and moody visual sets this fireplace apart, the Christmas decor means you probably won't want to enjoy what it has to offer year-round, losing it points in our ranking

Thankfully it has a pleasant crackle and there are some bonus points for the little details around the living room like the glowing lamps.

Rating: 4/10

Fireplace for Your Home: Classic Crackling Fireplace

Not to be confused with this list's chart-topper, the Classic Crackling Fireplace misses the mark when it comes to creating an ambient crackle, despite what its name may lead you to believe.

There's a lot of random and inexplicably loud popping noises with this one which definitely isn't conducive to relaxation. That being said, it still offers a good visual which saves it from a last place position.

Rating: 3/10

Spellbound Fireplace

I fear I'm not the target demographic for the Spellbound Fireplace, but it's definitely one kids will enjoy as it immerses you in the world of the Netflix film Spellbound.

There's music, crackling and animation aplenty, with Netflix's synopsis of the one-hour long fireplace reading: "Cosy up to an enchanting fire at the edge of the Dark Forest to warm your soul while you await the next quest."

Rating: 3/10

Mid-Century Modern Fireplace

This one sounds more like a washing machine cycle than it does fire crackling. It could even pass for rainfall.

Regardless, the noises simply don't relent with the Mid-Century Modern Fireplace making it far from relaxing and more, well, grating.

Rating: 2/10

Fireplace for Your Home

This fireplace is a three-episode affair. You can experience the Crackling Yule Log Fireplace, Crackling Fireplace or Crackling Fireplace with Music depending on your preferences, or even binge-watch all three.

Be warned that the Yule Log episode features tinny Christmas music which is quite off-putting. For me, it's Crackling Fireplace or nothing, meaning this mini collection gets a sour rating from me.

Rating: 2/10

Paw Patrol Holiday Fireplace

I was willing to give this one the benefit of the doubt, but then the snoring noises started and I couldn't abide it any longer.

The animation is cute but I can't see even the most Paw Patrol-obsessed adults or kids wanting this on in the background. The dogs never actually wake up, which would have been a nice touch.

Rating: 0/10

All of the above fireplaces are available to stream now on Netflix