Netflix's current pricing tiers and what each one costs

Netflix offers four subscription tiers in the United States, each with a different monthly cost and set of features. As of 2024, the Standard with ads plan costs $6.99 per month, Standard costs $15.49 per month, Premium costs $22.99 per month, and the Basic plan has been discontinued for new subscribers. Prices vary by country and Netflix adjusts them periodically, so the amounts you see when you visit Netflix.com may differ from these figures.

The main differences between tiers are video quality, number of screens you can watch simultaneously, and whether ads appear during shows and movies. The cheapest option includes advertisements; the others do not. Netflix does not offer a free trial period anymore, so you pay from your first month of service.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix has four active subscription tiers ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 per month, with prices varying by location.
  • The Standard with ads plan ($6.99) shows commercials but costs the least; Premium ($22.99) offers the highest video quality and most simultaneous screens.
  • You can change your plan at any time, and Netflix prorates charges if you upgrade or downgrade mid-month.
  • Netflix does not offer refunds for unused portions of your subscription, and cancellation takes effect at the end of your billing cycle.

What each tier includes: video quality and simultaneous screens

Standard with ads plays video in 1080p resolution (Full HD) and lets you watch on one screen at a time. You will see ads before and during content. Standard plays video in 1080p on one screen at a time with no ads. Premium plays video in 4K Ultra HD on up to four screens simultaneously and includes the ability to download titles to watch offline.

The number of screens matters if multiple people in your household watch at the same time. Standard with ads and Standard both lock you to one screen, so if two people try to watch different shows simultaneously, one will be blocked. Premium removes that restriction. Downloading for offline viewing is only available on Premium.

How to change your plan or cancel

You can change your subscription tier anytime through your account settings on Netflix.com or in the Netflix app. Go to Account, then Membership, then select Change Plan. Netflix will show you the new price and when the change takes effect. If you upgrade mid-month, you pay a prorated amount for the remainder of that billing cycle. If you downgrade, the new price applies at your next billing date.

To cancel, go to Account, then Membership, then select Cancel Membership. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period. Netflix does not refund the unused portion of your subscription. If you cancel and later want to rejoin, you can reactivate your account using the same email address, and your profile and watch history remain saved for a limited time.

Shared accounts and extra member fees

Netflix allows password sharing within a household, but the company has added restrictions. If you share your account with people outside your home, Netflix may ask you to verify that you are the account owner or charge an extra fee for additional members. The extra member fee varies by country and plan tier but typically ranges from $7.99 to $8.99 per month per additional person.

To add an extra member, go to Account, then Membership, then Add Extra Member. You will need to provide an email address for that person, and they can set up their own profile and preferences. Extra members do not get their own login; they use a profile within your account.

Payment methods and billing cycles

Netflix accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and gift cards. Billing happens on the same day each month. If your payment method fails, Netflix will retry it several times over a few days before suspending your account. You can update your payment information anytime in your Account settings.

If you pay with a gift card, the balance is applied to your account and used first before any payment method on file. Gift cards do not renew automatically; once the balance runs out, you must add a new payment method to keep your subscription active.

Regional pricing and currency differences

Netflix prices differ by country based on local market conditions, taxes, and currency exchange rates. A subscription that costs $15.49 in the United States may cost a different amount in euros, pounds, or other currencies. Some countries have lower prices than the United States; others have higher prices. If you travel internationally, your subscription remains active, but Netflix may show you content available in that region.

If you move to a different country, you can keep your account, but Netflix will eventually update your billing address and may adjust your price to match the new region. Contact Netflix support if you have questions about pricing in a specific country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a discount on Netflix if I pay for a year upfront?

Netflix does not offer annual payment plans or discounts for paying multiple months at once. You pay month to month only. Some mobile carriers and internet providers offer Netflix subscriptions as part of a bundle, which may reduce the effective cost.

What happens if I don't pay my Netflix bill?

Netflix will attempt to charge your payment method multiple times over several days. If all attempts fail, your account is suspended and you lose access to your shows and movies. Your profile and watch history are saved for a limited time. Once you add a working payment method, your account reactivates immediately.

Can I share my Netflix password with friends who don't live with me?

Netflix's terms of service say accounts are for household use only. The company has added verification checks and extra member fees to discourage sharing outside your home. If Netflix detects out-of-home sharing, it may ask you to verify your identity or charge an extra fee for each additional member.

Do I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?

No. Netflix does not refund unused portions of your subscription. If you cancel on the 15th of a month and your billing date is the 1st, you keep access until the 1st of the next month, but you do not receive a refund for those remaining days.

Is Netflix cheaper if I use the ad-supported plan?

Yes. Standard with ads costs $6.99 per month compared to $15.49 for Standard without ads. The trade-off is that you see advertisements during content. The video quality and number of simultaneous screens are the same between these two tiers.