When it comes to the myriad of streaming options available to us, Netflix still reigns supreme with more than 232 million subscribers as of early 2023. One of the original platforms for web-connected viewing, the streamer is home to thousands of movies, shows, and exclusives. While many of us already count Netflix among their roster of services, there are still some users who may be opting in to their first Netflix membership. Maybe you’re checking your options since Netflix implemented its password crackdown or, since the rocketing emergence of Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) services such as Tubi, Pluto, and The Roku Channel, you’re asking yourself what Netflix’s pricing looks like lately, especially since launched its $7 per month Standard with ads tier (formerly called Basic with ads) at the end of 2022, and, as of July 19, 2023, Netflix quietly killed its cheapest ad-free tier in the U.S. and the U.K., the $10 per month Basic plan.
Contents
- Streaming plans
- DVD and Blu-ray
- Which Netflix subscription is best?
- How to save money on a Netflix subscription
And things got another refresh (read: more expensive) in late 2023.
So, how much do Netflix plans cost now? Well, that depends on what exactly you need from it. With only three plan options left to choose from now, Netflix’s streaming plans run from $7 to $23 per month. Here’s a breakdown of Netflix’s plan options.
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Streaming plans
A Netflix account now has three different streaming plans: Standard with Ads, Standard, and Premium. But what do each of those tiers translate to in terms of on-demand content?
As we mentioned above, Netflix has killed Basic plan to new signups or anyone wanting to return to it, but if you’re a current subscriber to it, you can keep it until you switch. But as of October 2023, it’s getting more expensive with an increase to $12 a month. (That’s up from $10.) As far as the catalog goes, Basic subscribers have access to the same material as those on a Premium monthly plan. Differencescome in the form of resolution — the Standard with ads and the Standard plan now stream at Full HD (1080p). The Basic plan (for those who keep it) streams in just HD (720p) resolution. The most expensive option, the Premium plan, can tap into content in 4K Ultra HD. Netflix remains one of the few streaming video services that require a more expensive plan for features like 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos.
Another notable difference between a Standard with ads, Standard, and Premium Netflix subscriptions is the number of people who can use the same account at once — Standard with ads and Standard plans allow streaming at two devices at once, while Premium tops out at four. That means that four friends and family members from the same primary household can all watch a show on the same account, at the same time, from anywhere in the world.
Speaking of the primary household, since we’re talking about how much things cost, if you’re among those who might have users on your account that are outside your set household (for example, a kid away at college or a relative), you may have to add an “extra member” to your account, which will cost you an additional $8 per month per member. The Standard plan allows for one extra member while the Premium allows two.
Lastly, one additional difference to consider with the coming of the Standard with ads tier (outside of having to watch between four and five 15- or 30-second ads per hour) is that some movies and shows will not be available, and users will not be able to download content for offline viewing.
| Plan | Price (U.S.) | Price (Canada) | Number of screens at once | Resolution | Extra member slots ($8/mo.) |
| Standard with Ads | $7 | $6 | 2 | Full HD (1080p) | 0 |
| Standard | $15.50 | $16.50 | 2 | Full HD (1080p) | 1 |
| Premium | $23 | $21 | 4 | HD + Ultra HD | 2 |
DVD and Blu-ray
Netflix in mid-2023 announced that was ending its DVD/Blu-ray rental service. Pour one out for your favorite optical media.
Which Netflix subscription is best?
The Standard or Premium plans are great places to get started. Each of these plans allows viewers to get the Full HD experience and beyond. If you want to dip your toe in, with the upgraded Full HD stream of the Standard with ads tier, this could also be a good place to start. As an added perk, the Standard with ads, Standard, and Premium subscription plans offer sharing, meaning you can view Netflix content on multiple devices.
If you have a 4K TV, a Premium account is an excellent upgrade from all the other tiers. Because a 4K Ultra HD screen has four times the pixels, that means it has four times the resolution of a Full HD screen. Paying a few extra dollars a month to get the most out of your 4K devices is a worthwhile investment, so go with Premium to access Netflix’s 4K Ultra HD content.
How to save money on a Netflix subscription
There are a number of ways to save some dough when it comes to enrolling in Netflix. As previously mentioned, one of the most common options is sharing the cost of a Netflix account with friends and family. In this case, you’ll probably want to opt for the Premium streaming plan ($23), which unlocks 4K streaming and allows Netflix to be viewed on four screens at once. Be aware of the crackdown on password sharing in the U.S. though.
Another way to get the service for a reduced cost (or for free in some cases) is to be on the lookout for Netflix bundles from internet service providers, TV/smart device companies, and cell phone providers. For instance, T-Mobile subscribers can get a number of Netflix perks via the company’s Netflix on Us offer. One note, however, is it’s not yet clear if Netflix will be offering the Standard with ads tier through third-party providers.
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