Netflix offers four subscription tiers in the United States
Netflix has four active subscription plans: Basic, Basic with Ads, Standard, and Premium. Each tier differs in monthly cost, video quality, number of screens you can watch on at once, and whether ads appear during shows and movies. The plan you choose determines what you pay each month and what you actually see when you log in.
Netflix changes its pricing and plan names periodically, so the exact cost and features available to you depend on when you signed up and what region you live in. The information here reflects the current U.S. structure, but you should confirm current pricing on Netflix's website or in your account settings, since these details shift without notice.
Key Takeaways
- Basic with Ads is the cheapest option at around $6.99 per month but includes advertisements and limits you to one screen at a time.
- Standard costs roughly $15.49 per month, removes ads, and lets two people watch simultaneously on different devices.
- Premium is the most expensive at approximately $22.99 per month and allows four simultaneous streams plus the highest video quality available.
- Basic (the original entry-level plan) still exists but is being phased out in some regions and may not be available to new members.
Breakdown of each Netflix plan
Basic with Ads costs around $6.99 per month. You watch on one screen at a time, video plays in standard definition (SD), and ads interrupt your viewing. This plan is designed for people who want Netflix at the lowest price and do not mind commercials. You cannot download shows or movies to watch offline.
Standard costs roughly $15.49 per month. Two people can watch at the same time on different devices, video quality goes up to high definition (HD), and there are no ads. You can download some titles to watch later on a phone or tablet. This is the middle option and the most common choice for households with two regular viewers.
Premium costs approximately $22.99 per month. Four people can watch simultaneously on different devices, video plays in 4K ultra high definition when available, there are no ads, and you can download titles. This plan is built for larger households or people who want the best picture quality.
Basic (the original plan) cost around $11.99 per month before Netflix began phasing it out. It allowed one screen at a time, HD video, and no ads. Netflix stopped offering this plan to new members in most regions and is pushing existing Basic subscribers to upgrade to Standard or switch to Basic with Ads. If you still have a Basic plan, you can keep it, but you will not be able to stay on it if you cancel and rejoin.
How to see which plan you currently have
Log into your Netflix account on any device. Go to your account settings (usually found by clicking your profile icon in the top right corner). Look for a section labeled "Membership" or "Plan Details." This page shows your current plan name, monthly cost, and billing date. It also displays the features included in your plan — number of screens, video quality, and whether ads are included.
From this same page, you can change your plan at any time. Netflix processes the change immediately, and your next billing charge will reflect the new plan cost. If you downgrade to a cheaper plan, the change takes effect right away. If you upgrade, Netflix usually credits the difference back to your account or charges you a prorated amount depending on your billing cycle.
Price differences by region and signup date
Netflix pricing varies outside the United States. Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries have different monthly costs in their local currency, and some regions have different plan structures altogether. If you travel or move, your pricing may change to match your new location.
The date you first signed up also affects what you see. Netflix grandfather existing members into older pricing for a period of time, meaning someone who joined years ago might pay less than a new member signing up today for the same plan. Once you change plans or your promotional period ends, you move to current pricing.
What happens if you do not choose a plan
When you first create a Netflix account, you must select a plan before you can watch anything. Netflix will not let you proceed without choosing one. If you have an active account and do nothing, you stay on whatever plan you selected at signup. Netflix does not automatically downgrade or upgrade you.
If your payment method fails or your subscription lapses, Netflix pauses your account. When you restart it, you return to the plan you had before, at current pricing for that plan. You do not get to keep old pricing just because you had an account years ago — once your subscription ends, the old rate is gone.
Comparing plans side by side
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Screens at Once | Video Quality | Ads | Downloads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads | ~$6.99 | 1 | SD | Yes | No |
| Standard | ~$15.49 | 2 | HD | No | Yes |
| Premium | ~$22.99 | 4 | 4K | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my Netflix account with people outside my household?
Netflix's terms of service say your account is for your household only. The company has added features to detect and charge for out-of-home sharing, though enforcement varies by region. If you share your password with someone who does not live with you, Netflix may ask you to verify the login or charge an extra fee for that person to continue watching.
If I downgrade my plan, do I lose my saved shows and watchlist?
No. Your watchlist, viewing history, and saved preferences stay with your account no matter which plan you choose. Downgrading only changes video quality, number of simultaneous screens, and whether ads appear — it does not erase your data or recommendations.
What does "simultaneous screens" actually mean?
It means how many people can watch Netflix on different devices at the exact same time using the same account. On Standard, two people can watch different shows at once. On Premium, four can. If a third person tries to watch on Standard, Netflix will stop one of the other streams and ask you to choose which one to keep.
Can I switch plans in the middle of my billing cycle?
Yes. Netflix processes plan changes immediately, and your next charge will be for the new plan. If you upgrade mid-cycle, you may see a prorated charge or credit depending on how many days are left in your current billing period.
Is there a student discount or family plan?
Netflix does not currently offer a student discount in the United States. The company previously tested a "paid sharing" feature that would let you add household members for an extra fee, but this is not yet a standard offering across all regions. Check your account settings to see if this option is available in your area.